Kim's Sports Klinic

Hot Summer Workouts

2007-05-25T15:01:00Z

Along with the beautiful summer weather comes the heat, which can be close to unbearable during everyday activities, not to mention during a workout. It is important to remember that physically exerting yourself under extreme heat and humidity for a prolonged period of time can be very hard on your body and can lead to illness. Proper precautions should be taken to prevent heat cramps , heat exhaustion or heat stroke . When working out on a hot day try to control the following factors: 1) Time of...(read more)

Heat Cramps

2007-05-25T15:00:00Z

Heat cramps most often occur in an individual who has been physically exerting his/herself for an extended period of time, causing them to sweat excessively. Excessive sweating results in a significant loss of body fluids and electrolytes, leading to cramping in the muscles. What are the signs of heat cramps? - excessive sweating* - pain in the muscles, usually in the legs or abdomen *In a hot environment, the individual might not appear to be sweating profusely because the dry air evaporates sweat...(read more)

Heat Exhaustion

2007-05-25T14:59:00Z

Heat exhaustion is a more serious condition than heat cramps and occurs because of prolonged exposure to heat, which is often accompanied with physical exertion. This combination leads to excessive sweating and could eventually lead to heat exhaustion. What is the physiological explanation of heat exhaustion? Basically, there is a good deal of fluid lost, due to sweating. In addition, in an attempt to cool the body down, blood pools in the blood vessels near the skin. This changes circulation and...(read more)

Heat Stroke

2007-05-25T14:58:00Z

This condition is also referred to as sunstroke and is a life-threatening condition. It is the result of prolonged exposure to heat and humidity, possibly in a poorly ventilated area. There are two classifications of heat stroke: Classic heatstroke and Exertional heatstroke. While anybody can develop heatstroke, it is the elderly population that is most likely to be affected. Physiological explanation of heatstroke: In classic heatstroke, the body’s cooling mechanism shuts down and sweating ceases....(read more)

Physiotherapy = Injury Prevention

2007-05-23T11:49:00Z

I just received an excellent question from one of our readers…. Tron said: Can physio be used as a preventative measure, or is massage better suited for that? Kim said: You don’t have to wait until you’re injured to see a physiotherapist. In fact, meeting with a physiotherapist is a great way to determine if there are any muscle imbalances or misalignments present in your body. Determining this prior to starting a rigorous exercise regime will help to prevent the development of pesky injuries. It...(read more)

ACL Injury

2007-05-09T12:07:00Z

What is the ACL? What does it do? ACL refers to the anterior cruciate ligament , which is one of the four ligaments found in the knee. The primary function of this ligament is to prevent excessive forward movement of the tibia (shin bone), which is the bone that sits directly beneath the femur. The ACL also provides stability in the knee and allows for angulation and rotation in the joint. The ACL extends from its attachment at the posterior of the femur to the anterior of the tibia. Ligaments are...(read more)

How do I know if my ACL is torn?

2007-05-09T12:05:00Z

What happens in an ACL injury? An ACL injury involves a tear or rupture of the tendon, and is usually a result of pivoting while simultaneously exerting high rotational forces on the knee. How do I know if I have torn my ACL? - if you hear a “popping” noise at the time of the injury - if you experience instability of the knee joint, and the feeling that the knee will “give way” - if there is swelling of the knee joint - if there is pain in the knee joint when walking Why is an ACL tear considered...(read more)

Injury Risk Factors and Tests for Detecting an ACL Tear

2007-05-09T12:04:00Z

Am I likely to experience an ACL tear? As I said earlier, these injuries most often occur in high impact or high speed sports where participants are required to pivot and change direction suddenly. Less frequently, ACL injuries are seen in the workplace and in car accidents and other traumas. Thus, if you are not involved in high impact or fast-moving sports you are less likely to suffer from such an injury. Interestingly enough, women are significantly more susceptible to ACL injuries than men....(read more)

So, I have torn my ACL. What next?

2007-05-09T12:03:00Z

Surgery? Well, an important decision must be made about proceeding with surgery or not. To make this decision, the following factors must be considered: - activity level of the patient - age and overall health of patient - knee stability - likelihood that patient will comply with post-operative rehabilitation Some individuals can continue with their everyday lives as they used to without having to undergo surgery, but participation in sports and certain activities will likely be limited. Any sports...(read more)

ACL Injury Recovery

2007-05-09T12:01:00Z

How long will it take for me to recover from the surgery and what activities will I be able to do? The most important factor that will affect a patient’s recovery is his/her compliance to rest and perform the required physiotherapy exercises regularly. It is not a surprise that the patient’s diligence is often reflected in the recovery time. Following rehab, 90% of patients will return to their normal everyday life and their athletic activities (including professional athletes), while there are some...(read more)

Women are more susceptible to ACL injury

2007-05-09T11:37:00Z

Apparently, results consistently show that in competitive, high impact sports the occurrence of ACL injury is 10 times as high in women compared to men. Why is that? Well, let me begin by stating the obvious - men and women are built differently. There’s no denying that. While no true reason has been determined for the higher susceptibility of women to experience an ACL tear, there have been many speculations. Here are a few of them: Hormone cycles in women Hormone cycles influence ligaments, like...(read more)

Don’t underestimate the power of physiotherapy

2007-04-30T02:14:00Z

I see it all too often – a client at the gym is experiencing some aches and pains and comes to me to diagnose their problem. As a trainer and athlete, I have seen many types of injury and I am aware of human anatomy, so when a client presents an injury to me, I usually have an inkling as to what it might be. I usually give them some information about the possible injury, maybe some advice for immediate treatment, and then tell them to see a physiotherapist, massage therapist,etc as soon as they can....(read more)

Row Row Row your Boat!

2007-04-26T20:43:00Z

Want a great workout for your butt and thighs, as well as your core and upper body? Give rowing a try! This activity can be performed in a sleek scull in which you glide across the water or in the air conditioned comfort of your home or gym. A major misconception of rowing is the idea that it only works the upper body. Nothing could be further from the truth. Once you step off of the rowing erg or climb out of the scull, your thighs and butt will definitely be screaming more than your arms. Your...(read more)

The Repetitiveness of Rowing

2007-04-26T20:40:00Z

Although rowing is a low impact sport, the potential for developing an injury is still there because rowing is so repetitive. In addition, rowing is performed with an unsupported posture. Repetitive activity in an unsupported posture over a prolonged period of time puts a good deal of stress on the body (ie. joints and muscles). The abnormal body positioning required for rowing strains the muscles and tendons, could lead to muscle imbalances and eventually cause pain in the joints. What are the most...(read more)

What makes someone more susceptible to developing a rowing injury?

2007-04-26T20:37:00Z

1) Low fitness level – poor flexibility of the muscles and joints as well as overall weakness of the muscles will likely lead to improper technique and/or posture and definitely makes someone more susceptible to injury. 2) Weak abdominals and core – this can lead to poor posture and make one more likely to suffer from lower back pain as well as other injuries caused by improper positioning. 3) Poor technique – this is more likely to occur in someone who is new to the sport or has a low fitness level....(read more)