Resources

What is osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It describes a process where the cartilage in the joints is wearing away causing the bones to be closer, otherwise known as narrowing of the joint spaces.  The joint spaces are maintained not only by the cartilage, which is softer than bone, but also by the synovial fluid in the joint.  The synovial fluid is a thick fluid which is present to help with smooth movement of the joint as well as to serve as a shock absorber for the joint. As we age, we have less lubrication in the joint, again causing a narrowing of the joint space. Although the knee is not the only joint affected by arthritis, it is one that affects mobility and general function.

What is Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation? The specialty of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, physiatry (fiz-i-a-tree) began in the 1930's to address musculosketal and neurological problems. It has since broadened to include areas of special interests and sub specialties such as Sports medicine; Pediatrics; Spinal cord injuries; Geriatric medicine; Stroke rehabilitation, Pain management and Electrodiagnostic testing. Common Treatments Offered By Physiatrists(Non-surgical approach): Prescriptions for: medications; physical therapy; occupational therapy ; sports training. We also provide preseason screening for sports participation and fitness evaluation. Goals of Physiatric Interventions: »  Restore patient to optimal functional activities. »  Significantly improve quality of life. »  Enable safe return to sporting or work activity.

What is Acupuncture? Acupuncture, although administered in Asia for thousands of years, has recently gained acceptance in the United States. Acupuncture is not only used to treat chronic (long-standing) pain, it is also used to treat acute (recent) pain and injuries. Athletes on the Edmonton Oilers Hockey Team and other professional athletes have utilized Acupuncture in the treatment of sports-related injuries. The basis of Acupuncture is the utilization of the body's energy store Qi (pronounced Chi) to enhance pain relief and repair injured tissue. Acupuncture can be used for general well-being addictions and weight loss in addition to many other purposes. Sterile disposable needles are used to simulate (tonify) or block (reduce) the amount of Qi flowing through specific anatomical structures known as channels and meridians. These anatomical structures are not synonymous with the nerve systems well known in Western medicine, however, there is some overlap. The awareness of parallels between Eastern and Western medicine has contributed to the widespread acceptance of this method by both physicians and patients alike.