Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is commonly seen in sports such as soccer, rugby, and skiing. Although many individuals initially recover well, the ongoing instability often prevents return to sports and leads to further knee injury, and the risk of developing future osteoarthritis becomes increased. Bracing is rarely sufficient. Surgical reconstruction performed early, within 3-6 weeks, helps to minimize the risk of further injury. ACL surgery should be treated as an urgent matter: assessment, diagnosis, and surgery can usually be completed within a few weeks. The athlete, elite, or weekend-warrior can then start early rehabilitation to maximize the benefits of the knee reconstruction.

This is exactly what we do at The Counselling Group. In our cooperative practice, we support one another to be healthy so that you, the client, receive the benefits. “Every good therapist should have a good therapist, or you have no business being a therapist!” is our motto. We all go through transitions and losses — family issues, car accidents, deaths of loved ones, job changes, house moves, growing children — the list goes on. These changes are worthy of examination, for you and for us.

When students with non-verbal learning difficulties move into their teenage years, social dynamics amongst their peers can sometimes become more challenging. It can be harder for these students to be able to read body language, understand the relationships between others, and pick up on subtleties in the language other students use, and this often leads to frustration. Getting to the root of a student’s non-verbal learning difficulties and creating a plan to help grow their brain’s capacity to understand the world around them can help close the gap between the student and their peers, and ultimately reduce anxiety and frustration.

Q: I sprained my ankle. Now what?
A: Ankle sprains result in pain and swelling due to stretching or tearing of some of the ligaments surrounding the ankle. As these tears heal, they form scar tissue, which sticks to normal tissue and causes inflammation and continued pain. To treat a sprained ankle, follow the R.I.C.E. protocol (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) and avoid weight-bearing activities. Then see your family doctor or podiatrist. To help prevent sprains in the future, avoid rocky or uneven terrains, wear a firmer or more supportive shoe for better stability, and do ankle-strengthening exercises often.

Q: I take daily medication for my diabetes. However, the medication does not decrease my blood sugar levels. Can acupuncture treat this? A: Yes, acupuncture can supplement diabetes medication. In Chinese medical views, diabetes is a result of a weakened digestive system. Upon proper diagnosis, practitioners can use acupuncture to balance out the meridians, and the blood sugar levels will naturally drop, sometimes from one treatment alone. Acupuncturists use thin, short needles of ~1.3 cm that are painless, yet effective. Regular follow-up appointments can result in a better maintained morning fasting blood glucose.

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their life and will undergo treatment and surgery that can affect their mobility and strength. Physiotherapy is a useful intervention after any stage of diagnosis. If physiotherapy can be done before surgery or other treatments, this can help prepare the body for healing later on. When recovering from surgery, physiotherapy can assist with pain management, mobility, and strength, and can include exercises done at home. Physiotherapists can also recommend exercises that increase energy levels when going through treatments like chemotherapy. Think of physiotherapy as another way to heal and move on from cancer.

Flea and tick season is here. Lyme disease is rare in our area, but we still want to protect against tick bites anytime the temperature is over 4°C for outside pets. Fleas can be a year-round problem here. We have raccoons and outside cats that keep the cycle going, and pests in crawlspaces and attics potentially bring fleas. There are many options for flea control, from topical products that are absorbed into the body, to oral products that kill the fleas and ticks for 90 days. Some of the options also give heartworm protection, which is important if your dog travels to the Eastern US or Canada.

For scholastic performance, social skills, attention deficit, or hyperactivity, neurofeedback can help your child become their best by addressing the foundations of learning “Is Brain Functions”. A balanced and organized brain can process and remember information more easily. Improved mental performance and ability to pay attention equals better learning; reducing stress develops better test results; and calming emotional and behavioural issues improves social interactions and self-esteem. Remarkable benefits can be seen when working with young and flexible brains, before habits mature and become traits in adulthood. Starting life on a clear footing makes the whole journey much easier and a lot more fun.