Far from running straight from head to hips, the spine has three natural bends: the lumbar curve of the lower back, the thoracic curve of the middle back, and the cervical curve of the upper back and neck. Keeping these as neutral as possible will help you keep perfect posture! To attain good posture and rehabilitate back injuries, you must …
Occupational Therapy Assessments – Getting You Back to Work!
Getting back to work after an accident or an injury can be very challenging. Occupational Therapists (OTs) are healthcare specialists trained in the structure and function of the human body and the effects of illness and injury. Our Occupational Therapists are here to help you return to work in a safe and gradual manner by incorporating your work into your …
Autism, Cerebral Palsy, and Aquatic Therapy
Aquatic therapy: what is it and why does it work? Aquatic therapy consists of exercises that take place in the water with the goal of relaxation, fitness, physical rehabilitation, and more. Furthermore, aquatic therapy is used in active rehabilitation as part of the exercise program. Water is known for its therapeutic benefits. In fact, that is the reason why so …
Gross Motor Skills – Let’s Play!
Gross motor skills require coordination Gross motor skills consist of large movements driven by large muscles groups like those in the arms or legs. Practice and repetition of these types of movement are required for gross motor skill development. The brain, spine, nerves and muscles must all work together in a coordinated fashion. Birth trauma, illness, and accidents can result …
An Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)? Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are general terms for the same thing. Autism was not formally recognized until about 60 years ago. Classic Autism was first recognized in 1942 by Dr. Leo Kanner at John’s Hopkins Hospital. Previously, distinct subgroups existed, including Asperger Syndrome. Asperger Syndome was often considered “high functioning” autism, usually …
Good Exercise Technique Is Essential for Rehab
If you are headed to the gym for a workout or a physical therapy session, be sure to warm up before you get started and pay close attention to proper exercise form. Bad exercise technique and not warming up properly can lead to injuries. Your warm up should consist of 5-10 minutes on the stationary bike, treadmill, or any other …
Living with Back Pain? Karp can Help!
Strengthening your lower back might not be on your priority list right now—it’s easy to obsess over toned arms, abs, and glutes—but don’t forget that a strong lower back can prevent or relieve many common types of back pain. According to HealthLink BC, “10 minutes of stretching and strengthening exercises each day can condition the muscles of the back… and …
We’re Rolling Now – Intro to Rehab Rollers
Massage Rollers Have Many Benefits Athletes have used massage rollers for years to stay limber and reduce recovery times. But rolling is now a full-fledged rehab phenomenon for treating everyday aches and more serious chronic pain alike. Rehab Rollers – The Basics: Rehab rollers are also used to train core strength, flexibility, and balance, but their primary function is to …
The Ins and Outs of Active Rehab
What is active rehab? Active rehab is a customized recovery exercise program that specifically addresses injuries. Whether you are recovering from chronic injury due to a motor vehicle accident (MVA), or you need minor postural corrections causing you aches and pains, Karp Rehabilitation can help! When beginning active rehab, a full assessment is taken to locate and identify functional limitations/abilities. …
Walk With Nordic Poles To Increase Core Strength
Exerstriding is a relatively new activity in Canada that entails walking with Nordic poles, which resemble cross-country ski poles. Exerstriding, also known as Nordic walking, is widely popular in Europe and people of all ages and fitness levels can be seen walking around the city with these lightweight poles in tow. You may be slightly hesitant to use these poles while …