How the Core to Floor Program Helps You Eliminate Back Pain and Move with Confidence - Pain Free.

Written by: Dr. David Westmacott and AST

Lower back pain has a way of creeping into everyday life, whether you’re sitting at a desk, hitting the gym, or simply trying to enjoy your favourite activities. For many people in South Calgary, it becomes a frustrating cycle: temporary relief, followed by recurring discomfort.

But what if the solution isn’t just treating the pain—but rebuilding the foundation of how your body moves. That’s exactly where the BTL Core to Floor Program at Active Sports Therapy comes in.

Why Your Core Matters More Than You Think

When people hear “core,” they often think of abs. But your core is much more than that, the core is a complex system of muscles that includes your:

-Deep abdominal muscles
-Pelvic floor
-Lower back stabilizers
-Gluteal muscles
-Diaphragm

Together, these muscles act as your body’s central support system, controlling movement, stability, and posture. When your core isn’t functioning properly, your body compensates.

This often leads to:

-Chronic lower back pain
-Poor posture
-Decreased strength and performance
-Reduced balance and coordination

In short, a weak or poorly coordinated core doesn’t just affect your workouts a weak core impacts your everyday life.

What Makes the BTL Core to Floor Program Different?

The BTL Core to Floor Program stands apart because it combines two advanced technologies:
-Emsculpt Neo
-Emsella

Together, these devices create a powerful, non-invasive system that targets both your abdominal core and pelvic floor muscles simultaneously something traditional exercise alone cannot effectively achieve. This integrated approach ensures your entire core system is activated, retrained, and strengthened in a way that translates directly into real-life movement.

The Science: HFEM, RF, and Supra-Maximal Contractions


At the heart of the Core to Floor program is cutting-edge technology that goes far beyond voluntary exercise. High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic Energy (HFEM) Both Emsculpt Neo and Emsella use HFEM technology to stimulate your muscles in a way your brain cannot replicate on its own. HFEM triggers supra-maximal muscle contractions, extremely powerful contractions that exceed what you can achieve during a typical workout.

To put it into perspective:

-A single session can produce thousands of contractions
-These contractions are deeper, more intense, and more targeted than voluntary movement
-They activate hard-to-reach stabilizing muscles critical for spinal support

These supra-maximal contractions retrain your neuromuscular system, improving motor control,
coordination, and strength at a foundational level.

Radiofrequency (RF) Technology Emsculpt Neo also incorporates radiofrequency (RF) energy, which gently heats the muscle tissue.

This has several key benefits:

-Improves blood flow and tissue elasticity
-Prepares muscles for stronger contractions
-Enhances muscle response and recovery
-Supports fat reduction in the abdominal region

The combination of HFEM + RF creates a synergistic effect—allowing muscles to contract more effectively while improving the overall health of the tissue.

Why This Matters for Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is often caused by poor core activation and lack of support for the spine. Traditional exercises rely on your ability to properly engage these muscles, but if your brain isn’t activating them correctly, progress can be slow or ineffective. That’s where this technology changes everything.

By delivering supra-maximal contractions, the BTL Core to Floor Program:

-Activates weak or dormant muscles
-Restores proper firing patterns between your core and pelvic floor
-Reduces compensations that strain your lower back
-Builds strength in the deep stabilizers that protect your spine

This allows your body to relearn how to move safely and efficiently, leading to long-term pain relief, not just temporary fixes.

-Build Strength, Stability, and Motor Control
-One of the biggest advantages of this program is its focus on motor control—your body’s ability to coordinate movement efficiently.

With improved neuromuscular function, you’ll experience:

-Strength – deeper, more functional muscle activation
-Stability – better spinal support during movement
-Control – improved coordination and reduced injury risk

This translates into real-world benefits like:

-Lifting with confidence

-Exercising without pain
-Moving freely in daily life
-Returning to the activities you love

Who Is This Program For?
The BTL Core to Floor Program is ideal for individuals who:


-Struggle with persistent or recurring lower back pain
-Feel weak or unstable during movement
-Have tried traditional core exercises without success
-Are recovering from injury or postpartum changes
-Want to improve performance and prevent future issues


Whether you’re an athlete, a busy professional, or simply someone who wants to feel better in your body, this program is designed to meet you where you are—and take you further.

Get Back to Doing What You Love—Pain Free

Imagine moving through your day without constantly thinking about your back. Imagine exercising, working, or playing with your kids without discomfort holding you back. With the combined power of Emsculpt Neo, Emsella, HFEM, RF, and supra-maximal contractions, the BTL Core to Floor Program helps you rebuild your foundation from the inside out.

Start Your Core Transformation Today


If you’re tired of temporary fixes and ready for a long-term solution, it’s time to focus on what truly matters—your core. By kick-starting your core, you’re not just addressing pain—you’re creating a stronger, more stable, and more confident version of yourself.


Book your free consultation at Active Sports Therapy in Calgary today and take the first step toward a pain-free, confident life.

Emculpt Neo

Understanding Shoulder Impingement


By: Dr. Evan Steinke, D.C., B.Sc — Active Sports Therapy Westman Village

Shoulder pain is very common, and most people experience it at some point whether from working out, playing sports, or simply reaching overhead for something on a shelf. One frequent cause is shoulder impingement, which often couples shoulder pain with a decreased or painful range of motion.

This limited mobility can make everyday tasks difficult and frustrating. The good news is shoulder impingement is very treatable, especially when addressed early.

What Is Shoulder Impingement?

Shoulder impingement occurs when the muscles and tendons in your shoulder become compressed or irritated within the narrow space between your upper arm bone and the top of your shoulder blade.

When you lift your arm overhead, this space naturally narrows. In a healthy shoulder, there’s still enough room for tendons to move freely. However, in the case of an injury, such as a fall or muscle strain, this already narrow space can be reduced even further. This leads to the tendon being “pinched” during movement.

That pinching triggers inflammation and swelling, which further decreases the available space. Over time, this creates a cycle of increasing pain and decreasing mobility, making early treatment important.

Common Causes

● Repetitive overhead movements (e.g., throwing, swimming, weightlifting)
● Poor posture or improper exercise form
● Muscle imbalances or weakness in the rotator cuff and shoulder stabilizers
● Trauma, such as falls or sports-related impacts

Common Symptoms

● Pain when reaching overhead or behind your back
● Discomfort when lying on the affected shoulder
● Limited range of motion or stiffness
● Weakness or fatigue in the arm
● Reduced pain when the arm is at rest

Treatment Options

At Active Sports Therapy Westman Village, a movement-based approach is used to treat shoulder impingement and restore function.

Treatment plans are tailored to each individual and may include:

● Chiropractic care to address joint and soft tissue restrictions
● Postural correction to avoid exacerbation and inflammation
● Rehabilitation exercises and stretching to improve strength and stability
● Active Release Techniques (ART) to support muscle and tendon recovery
● Therapeutic modalities such as laser therapy or IFC to aid healing

Together, these methods help reduce inflammation, restore mobility, and improve long-term shoulder function.

Take the Next Step

If shoulder pain is limiting your daily activities or workouts, early treatment can make a big difference.

Book an appointment with Dr. Evan Steinke, at Active Sports Therapy Westman Village, Mahogany, Calgary to start your recovery and get back to moving comfortably.

Frozen Shoulder

Tennis Injuries and How Active Release Techniques (ART) Can Help

Written by: Dr. David Westmacott, DC

Tennis is an exciting and physically demanding sport that requires powerful strokes, quick changes in direction, and repetitive overhead movements. While these motions are essential for performance, they can also place significant stress on muscles, tendons, and joints. Over time, this repetitive strain often leads to pain, stiffness, and injury.

For tennis players dealing with nagging discomfort or recovering from injury, Active Release Techniques (ART) has become one of the most effective soft tissue treatments available. This specialized manual therapy is widely used by sports medicine practitioners to help athletes recover faster, move better, and prevent recurring injuries. At Active Sports Therapy in Calgary, many tennis players rely on ART to stay healthy and competitive on the court.

What Are Active Release Techniques?

Active Release Techniques is a hands-on soft tissue treatment designed to identify and treat problems in muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves.

Over time, repetitive movements—like serving, backhands, and sprinting across the court, can cause tiny tears in soft tissues. As these tissues heal, scar tissue can form.

This scar tissue can:

ART works by breaking down scar tissue and restoring normal tissue movement, allowing the body to function properly again. During treatment, a practitioner applies precise pressure to a muscle while guiding the patient through specific movements. This combination helps release adhesions and restore healthy mobility.

Why Tennis Players Are Prone to Soft Tissue Injuries

Tennis involves thousands of repetitive motions during training and matches. These movements commonly lead to overuse injuries.

Common causes include:

Without proper treatment, these stresses can lead to chronic pain and reduced performance.

Common Tennis Injuries Treated with ART

Active Release Techniques is extremely effective at treating many injuries commonly seen in tennis players.

Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow occurs when the forearm muscles become overloaded from repetitive racquet swings. This leads to irritation and micro-tears in the tendons around the elbow.

Symptoms often include:

ART helps release tight forearm muscles and improve blood flow to the injured area, allowing the tendon to heal more effectively.

Rotator Cuff Injuries

The shoulder takes a significant amount of stress during serves and overhead shots. Over time, this can lead to rotator cuff strains.

Common symptoms include:

ART treatments help release tight shoulder muscles, restore mobility, and reduce inflammation.

Wrist Tendonitis

The wrist absorbs a great deal of impact during topspin strokes and volleys. Repetitive motion can cause irritation in the wrist tendons.

Symptoms may include:

ART helps restore proper movement between the forearm muscles and wrist tendons, improving both comfort and performance.

Achilles Tendonitis

Tennis requires quick acceleration, deceleration, and directional changes. These movements place significant stress on the Achilles tendon.

Players may experience:

ART can release tight calf muscles and improve tendon mobility, reducing strain on the Achilles.

Lower Back Pain

The powerful rotational movements used in serving and groundstrokes can overload the muscles of the lower back.

Common symptoms include:

ART treatments focus on the lumbar muscles, hip flexors, and glutes, helping restore normal movement and reduce tension.

Performance Benefits of Active Release Techniques

ART is not only for injury recovery, it also helps improve athletic performance.

Many tennis players experience:

✔ Increased flexibility
✔ Improved range of motion
✔ Faster muscle recovery
✔ Reduced injury risk
✔ Better movement mechanics

When muscles move freely without restriction, athletes can generate more power and move more efficiently around the court.

Preventing Future Tennis Injuries

One of the biggest advantages of Active Release Techniques is its role in injury prevention.

Regular treatment can help:

For athletes who play frequently, proactive treatment can make a major difference in long-term performance and durability.

Get Back on the Court Pain-Free

Tennis injuries often begin as minor discomfort but can quickly become chronic problems if left untreated. Early care with targeted soft tissue therapy can help prevent long recovery periods.

Many of our Chiroprators and Physiotherapist are trained in Active Release Technique the powerful treatment option for tennis players dealing with repetitive strain injuries or acute muscle problems.

With the right care, most players can recover quickly and safely return to the sport they love.

If you are experiencing any of the conditions listed above book an appointment at either locations requesting Active Release Techniques and you will be guided to one of our many expert practitioiners.

Tennis Injuries and Active Release Techniques

Knee Injuries & Skiing

Written By: Rachel Grant, MScPT, B.Kin,

It’s that time of year again and whether it's your first time clipping into your bindings or you are a seasoned skier, prevention of knee injuries should be at the top of your mind.

The knee joint is composed of bones, cartilage, ligaments and tendons. The most common knee injuries related to skiing include damage to the ligaments; a ligament is a short band of tough fibrous tissue that connects bone to bone. Meniscus or cartilage injuries within the knee itself are the second most most common injuries. The four primary ligaments in your knee hold the bones together to help stabilize your knee. The knee can become easily injured because it relies heavily on the ligaments, meniscus, cartilage and the surrounding musculature for stability.

Skiing is a sport that tests the ligaments and supporting structures in the knee through quick changes of direction and constant muscle contraction to maneuver down snow or ice. Strength training and targeting every muscle group of the lower limb is one way to set yourself up for a successful ski season!

Below are some examples of each lower limb area to focus on, along with an exercise example:

Hamstrings:

-Bridges, single leg bridges, Nordic curls

Quads:

-a combo of closed chain exercises where both legs are on the ground such as squats, along with open chain exercises like controlled step downs and lunges.

Hip Strengthening for Gluteus Medius and Maximus:

-Clamshells, side lying hip abduction, single leg squats

Other Important Knee Injury Prevention Tips:

-Learn proper technique with a professional if you are new to the sport

-Choose suitable runs (green, blue, black) comparable to your ability level.

-Ensure you have properly fitted equipment. Including ski's bindings, and poles. Most importantly, check your bindings are fitted to the boot you will be wearing. Non-release of bindings has been reported to be a contributor of skiing injuries in youths and adults. Release bindings which can be adjusted to a skiers ability and weight can help to prevent knee injuries.

-Lastly, add dynamic stretching to your ski routine. Warm up and general movement with short hold stretching (10-15 seconds) pre-skiing, such as when you are gearing up in the parking lot gets your muscles ready for the day. Finishing the day are-ski with static stretching will prevent possible injuries the following day.

Sadly, despite our best efforts, injuries may still happen. If you have experienced knee pain after skiing, the team at Active Sports Therapy can help assess and treat your injury. Book an appointment today and get back to enjoying the slopes safely.

*This blog is not intended to officially establish a physician-patient relationship, to replace the services of a trained physician, naturopathic doctor, physical therapist or chiropractor or otherwise to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

physiotherapy exercises for skiing knee injury prevention

Laser Therapy: Relief for Midlife Women's Musculoskeletal Pain

Written by: Dr. Fiona Lovely, DC


Midlife brings significant changes for women, and often, increased musculoskeletal pain. The hormonal shifts of perimenopause and menopause don't just affect hot flashes; they impact joint health, muscle recovery, and inflammation levels. Laser therapy (photobiomodulation) offers evidence-informed relief for this often-overlooked population.

The Classic Midlife Presentations

Women in their 40s and 50s commonly present with three specific conditions: gluteal tendinopathy (hip and buttock pain), frozen shoulder, and plantar fasciitis (heel pain). While some women experience all three, many present with one or two of these issues. Declining estrogen affects collagen synthesis, joint lubrication, and inflammatory response, making these tissues particularly vulnerable. New-onset pain without prior injury is a direct result of hormonal transition.

How Laser Therapy Helps

Laser therapy stimulates cellular energy production at the mitochondrial level, accelerating tissue repair and reducing inflammation. For midlife women struggling with gluteal tendinopathy, frozen shoulder, or plantar fasciitis, this means faster recovery from everyday activities, improved joint function, and decreased pain.

Why Laser Therapy is Ideal for This Population

-Targets specific conditions: Particularly effective for the presentations women commonly experience

-Complements chiropractic care: Enhances adjustment effectiveness and extends relief

-Natural approach: Aligns with women seeking non-invasive options

-Quick sessions: Fits busy midlife schedules

-No contraindications: Safe alongside other health management strategies

Real-World Results

Women report improved shoulder mobility, reduced hip and heel pain during exercise, and better sleep quality—often within weeks. Many notice that combined chiropractic adjustments and laser therapy create sustainable relief they haven't experienced elsewhere.

Reclaim Your Vitality

Midlife doesn't mean accepting chronic pain. Laser therapy offers a science-backed path to the
mobility and comfort you deserve during this transition. Your best years are ahead—let's keep you moving pain-free.

You can find Dr. Fiona Lovely at AST Willow Park in Calgary.

Laser therapy

Chinook Migraines in Calgary: How Barometric Pressure Changes Cause Headaches (and How We Treat Them)

Written By: Active Sports Therapy & Dr. David Westmacott

Living in Calgary means experiencing dramatic weather shifts—sometimes multiple times in a single week. While Chinook winds bring warmer temperatures, they also create rapid barometric pressure changes, which are a well-known trigger for migraines and chronic headaches. If you notice your migraines flare up during Chinooks or sudden weather changes, you’re not imagining it. Calgary’s climate is one of the most migraine-triggering in Canada.

What Are Chinook Headaches and Migraines?

Chinook headaches occur when sudden pressure changes irritate the nervous system. For many people, this presents as a migraine headache, which may include:

-Moderate to severe throbbing head pain
-Pain on one side of the head
-Sensitivity to light, sound, or smells
-Neck pain and stiffness
-Nausea or dizziness

How Barometric Pressure Triggers Migraines

Barometric pressure changes affect the body by altering pressure within the skull, blood vessels, and sinuses.

These changes can:

-Cause blood vessels in the brain to dilate
-Increase pressure on cranial and cervical nerves
-Intensify sinus congestion and facial pressure
-Increase muscle tension in the neck and shoulders

If your neck joints or soft tissues are already restricted, these pressure shifts can amplify nerve sensitivity, leading to migraines.

Why Neck Dysfunction Plays a Key Role in Migraines

Many migraines—especially weather-related migraines—have a cervicogenic (neck-related) component. Dysfunction in the cervical spine can refer pain directly into the head.

Contributing factors include:

-Prolonged computer or phone use
-Poor posture
-Previous concussions or whiplash injuries
-Jaw clenching or TMJ dysfunction

During Chinook events, these areas become more reactive, increasing migraine frequency and severity.

Migraine Treatment at Active Sports Therapy in Calgary

At Active Sports Therapy, migraine treatment focuses on correcting the underlying mechanical and neurological contributors rather than masking symptoms. Chiropractic Care for Migraines Chiropractic care helps restore normal motion and alignment to the cervical spine, reducing nerve irritation and improving nervous system function.

Benefits include:

-Improved neck mobility
-Reduced muscle guarding
-Decreased headache intensity
-Fewer migraine episodes

Chiropractic care is particularly effective for neck-related and weather-triggered migraines. Active Release Techniques® (ART) Active Release Techniques® is an advanced soft-tissue therapy that targets muscles, fascia, and nerves contributing to migraines.

ART helps by:

-Releasing tight neck, shoulder, and jaw muscles

-Reducing headache trigger points

-Improving blood flow and tissue movement

-Decompressing irritated nerves

ART is highly effective for barometric pressure-related migraines, where muscle and nerve tension worsens with weather changes.

Benefits of Conservative Migraine Care

Many Calgary migraine sufferers rely on medication for temporary relief. While helpful in the short term, medication does not address the root cause of Chinook-related migraines.

Chiropractic care and Active Release Techniques offer:

-Drug-free migraine management
-Reduced frequency and severity of migraines
-Improved tolerance to Chinook winds
-Long-term headache prevention

Book Migraine Treatment in Calgary

If Chinook winds and barometric pressure changes trigger your migraines, help is available. Chiropractic care and Active Release Techniques® can significantly reduce headache frequency and intensity—so you can get back to living comfortably, even during Chinook season.

Book your migraine assessment at Active Sports Therapy in Calgary today and take control of weather-related headaches.

Migraine Treatment

Four Most Common Causes of Lower Back Pain And How Chiropractic Care Can Help

With Dr. Kurt Whitney at Active Sports Therapy – Westman Village Mahogany

Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek healthcare -- it can affect individuals of all ages

and activity levels. Whether your pain started suddenly after lifting something heavy, or has gradually developed

over time, understanding the root cause is essential for long-term relief.

At Active Sports Therapy in Westman Village Mahogany, Dr. Kurt Whitney provides evidence-based

chiropractic care focused on identifying the true source of your lower back pain and creating a personalized

treatment plan to restore movement, reduce pain, and prevent recurrence.

Below are the four most common causes of lower back pain, how they each present, and how chiropractic care can help.

1. Lumbar Muscle Strain and Ligament Sprain

What It Is:

Muscle strains and ligament sprains occur when the soft tissues of the lower back are overstretched or overloaded. This is one of the most frequent causes of acute lower back pain.

Common Causes

● Lifting or twisting improperly

● Sudden movements

● Overuse or repetitive bending

● Prolonged sitting

Typical Symptoms

● Achy or sharp localized pain

● Muscle tightness or spasms

● Pain worsened with movement

● Stiffness, especially in the morning

How It’s Differentiated:

Dr. Kurt Whitney performs a thorough physical exam, assessing movement patterns, muscle tone, and joint mobility. Muscle strains typically produce pain with contraction or stretching of the affected tissue but do not usually cause nerve symptoms such as numbness or tingling.

Chiropractic Management:  Restore movement, reduce muscle tension, and allow tissues to heal properly.

● Gentle spinal and joint mobilization

● Soft tissue manipulation

● Guided stretching and mobility exercises

● Postural education and activity modification

2. Facet Joint Dysfunction

What It Is:

Facet joints are small joints in the spine that guide motion between vertebrae. When these joints become irritated or restricted, they can generate significant lower back pain.

Common Causes

● Repetitive bending or extension

● Poor posture

● Previous injury

● Degenerative changes

Typical Symptoms

● Localized pain on one or both sides of the spine● Pain with arching backward or twisting

● Stiffness and limited range of motion

● Pain that does NOT usually travel down the leg

How It’s Differentiated:

Facet joint pain is often reproduced with specific movements such as spinal extension or rotation. Palpation over the joints may reveal tenderness and restricted motion.

Chiropractic Management: Restore proper joint mechanics, decrease irritation, and improve spinal function.

● Targeted spinal adjustments

● Joint mobilization techniques

● Soft tissue manipulation

● Corrective exercises

3. Disc-Related Issues (Bulge or Herniation)

What It Is:

Spinal discs act as cushions between vertebrae. When a disc bulges or herniates, it may irritate nearby nerves.

Common Causes

● Repetitive loading

● Improper lifting

● Prolonged sitting

● Age-related degeneration

Typical Symptoms

● Usually midline lower back pain with or without leg pain

● Pain that may travel into the buttock or thigh

● Numbness, tingling, or weakness

● Pain worsened with sitting or bending

How It’s Differentiated:

Disc-related pain often presents with nerve symptoms and specific directional movement limitations. Orthopedic and neurological testing helps determine nerve involvement.

Chiropractic Management: Reducing pressure on the disc, calming irritated nerves, and improving spinal support.

● Spinal adjustments (as appropriate)

● Mechanical decompression or traction

● Stabilization exercises

● Movement pattern correction

4. Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction

What It Is:

The SI joint connects the spine to the pelvis and transfers forces between the upper and lower body. Dysfunction here can mimic disc or low back pain.

Common Causes

● Pregnancy or postpartum changes

● Falls or trauma

● Asymmetrical loading

● Gait or hip issues

Typical Symptoms

● Pain on one side of the lower back

● Pain near the dimples of the pelvis● Pain with standing, walking, or climbing stairs

● May refer into the buttock or upper thigh

How It’s Differentiated:

Specific SI joint provocation tests and motion assessments help distinguish SI joint pain from lumbar spine conditions.

Chiropractic Management: Restoring proper SI joint motion reduces stress on surrounding tissues and improves load transfer.

● SI joint adjustments

● Pelvic stabilization exercises

● Soft tissue manipulation

● Corrective exercises

Why Accurate Diagnosis Matters

Not all lower back pain is the same. Treating the wrong structure can lead to slow or incomplete recovery. Dr. Kurt Whitney takes a comprehensive approach that includes:

● Detailed history

● Movement and posture analysis

● Orthopedic and neurological testing

● Functional assessment

Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Lower Back Pain

● Pain reduction

● Improved mobility

● Faster recovery

● Reduced reliance on medication

● Prevention of recurrence

Chiropractic care focuses on correcting the underlying mechanical issues that contribute to pain.

Get Help for Your Lower Back Pain Today

If you’re struggling with lower back pain, early assessment and treatment can prevent chronic issues and long-term limitations.

Book an appointment with Dr. Kurt Whitney at Active Sports Therapy in Westman Village Mahogany today.

Our team is here to help you move better, feel better and return to the activities you love.

Lower back in pain

Common Pickleball Injuries in Calgary and How Active Sports Therapy Treats Them

Written by: Dr. David Westmacott, BKin, DC

Pickleball continues to surge in popularity across Calgary, attracting players of all ages and skill levels. While the sport offers excellent cardiovascular and social benefits, its fast pace, repetitive movements, and quick directional changes can place significant stress on the body, often leading to injury.

At Active Sports Therapy in Calgary, our Unified Team of Chiropractors and Physiotherapists work closely together to assess, treat, and rehabilitate pickleball injuries. 

By combining manual therapy, movement analysis, rehabilitation exercises, and progressive loading strategies, we help pickleball players recover efficiently and return to the court with confidence.

Whether you are dealing with a new injury or lingering pain, our clinics in Willow Park and Westman Village Mahogany provide comprehensive, evidence-based care designed to restore movement, reduce pain, and improve performance.

Why Pickleball Injuries Are So Common

Pickleball involves:

These movements place high demand on joints, muscles, tendons, and connective tissue. Without proper mobility, strength, and recovery strategies, overuse injuries and strains can develop over time. Our team-based approach focuses on identifying the underlying causes of injury, not just treating symptoms.

Common Pickleball Injuries Active Sports Therapy Treats

Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

One of the most frequent pickleball injuries, tennis elbow causes pain on the outside of the elbow and forearm. 

Treatment may include:

Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)

Pain along the inside of the elbow often related to repetitive gripping and wrist motion, 

Treatment focuses on:

Shoulder Pain and Rotator Cuff Injuries

Overhead shots and repetitive swinging can overload the shoulder complex.

Treatment may involve:

Achilles Tendinopathy

Common in players who perform frequent starts, stops, and quick direction changes. 

Treatment may include:

Plantar Fasciitis

Heel and arch pain often feels worse first thing in the morning or after activity. Calgary’s diverse pickleball court surfaces — indoor, outdoor, concrete, and gym flooring, this can all contribute to increased foot strain.

Treatment may involve:

Knee Pain

Includes patellofemoral pain, tendon irritation, or meniscal symptoms.

Treatment focuses on:

Low Back Strain

Twisting, bending, and rotational forces during pickleball can strain spinal structures.

Treatment may include:

Calf Strains

Often occur with explosive push-offs and quick acceleration.

Treatment includes:

Pickleball injury assessment at Active Sports Therapy includes:

Our Unified Team of Chiropractors and Physiotherapists communicate closely to ensure your care is coordinated and focused on long-term results.

Why Choose Active Sports Therapy in Calgary?

We help you move better, feel stronger, and get back to doing what you love.

If pain is limiting your pickleball performance, let our team help! 

Book your appointment with Active Sports Therapy in Willow Park or Westman Village Mahogany today. 

This is the first step towards pain-free movement and a stronger return to the court.

Perimenopause is the Cause

Written by: Dr. Fiona Lovely, Chiropractor, Functional Medicine Practitioner and Menopause Doula at AST


Many times, I am asked by women feeling the impending menopause experience, “What can I do now to help myself” for those years?  It’s a great question and there is much you can do.  

First, let’s talk terms.  Menopause is the time when you have been 12 months without a menstrual period.  The 10-ish years before that are what is now referred to as perimenopause.  As the typical age for menopause is 52, it is likely you have entered perimenopause by the time you are in your early 40s.  For some women, it’s at 35. Let the math be fluid on this, as every woman is different.  

How do you know you are in perimenopause?  The early signs are the change in quality and length of sleep and a change in moods.  You may not be easily able to elevate your mood to match the environment.  Anxiety can show up or worsen.  Same with depression.   Perimenopause is a neuroendocrine transition which means the brain is signalling the hormones to create a new normal.  This transition can be long, so its helpful to know you can expect change. 

For many women in their late thirties and early forties, you may be in your child-birthing years and brush these early symptoms off as a lack of sleep, or the baby-blues or stress.  These things may in fact be caused by the hormonal shifts of perimenopause. Your levels of testosterone and progesterone do a slow decline towards menopause.  Estrogen levels can be quite high or low and can swing wildly.  You can feel moody, sleepy, less strong, less sharp mentally and your cycle can get shorter, meaning you can bleed every 25 or 26 days instead of 28-30 days.  

In the forties, women can experience the more classic signs of menopause like hot flashes, dryness, lack of libido, deepening insomnia, feelings of low self worth, low confidence, anxiety and/depression.  This is a delicate time for a woman as she can easily be misdiagnosed with a mental health disorder instead of being treated for perimenopause.   You may not have even had a hot flash or a skipped period at this point.  

On a list of the top ten most common symptoms of perimenopause, hot flashes are number 10.  Many women never have a hot flash, so please don’t wait to assume you are in perimenopause only when your periods change or you experience a hot flash! 

Reducing stress, recognizing your symptoms are a result of changing hormone levels, getting enough rest, nutritious food, outside light and daily enjoyable movement are important for preparing yourself for a gentle perimenopause.  Eating enough daily protein and strength training for maintaining muscle health is important too. 

In short, if you are a woman between 35-55 years of age and something recently has changed with your health, it’s likely related to perimenopause!   It begins long before you miss a period.  Look for great practitioners who can coach you through this transition.  Perimenopause can be a chaotic time where the help is thin on the ground. 

Have you considered speaking with a Menopause Doula?  We can help guide the way forward to better sleep, a peaceful mind and a calm and cool physical self.  

Contact AST Willow Park to schedule an appointment with Dr. Fiona Lovely today.

Not ready to make an appointment but want to learn more, head to Not Your Mothers Menopause Podcast. Hosted by Dr. Fiona Lovely.

Healthy Immunity

Written by: Dr Gayle Maguire, BSc, ND

This time of year has many people feeling the effects of various colds and wondering what more they could be doing.  Here are some key things I discuss with my patients:

1.      Do you know what things decrease your immune system?

Caffeine might feel needed for the overtired parent who is fighting a cold while staying up half the night with sick kiddos, but studies are not consistent in their consensus with respect to caffeine and immunity[i].  Look for less caffeinated options, or talk to your healthcare provider about vitamins and herbal remedies that can build your stamina or energy levels.  Be cautious in overusing natural remedies, as as they are not without side effects or interactions, and may not be right for you.  Refined sugars[ii] are believed to significantly reduce your white blood cell counts for many hours after consumption.  Keep your dietary sugars low, and reach for the rainbow when eating – a variety of colours on your plate (think vegetables) often covers many different vitamins and minerals to support overall health.

2.      Do you understand what your immune system needs to work best?

Vitamin C and Echinacea have been popular natural supports for the immune system for a long time.  My lesser-known favourite, zinc, has finally come to the spotlight more since the pandemic, however this can be overused and compete for other metals in our bodies, so breaks are recommended.

One key area I still find myself educating patients on is the need for adequate protein in our diets.  Protein is needed in order to build our immune cells, so ensure your diet contains enough.  I find many North American breakfast, and even lunch, options can be low in protein.  It can be great inspiration to look at traditional breakfasts in other countries, or to find creative ways to sneak nuts and seeds into meals and snacks.  A personal favourite is pumpkin seeds, which happen to contain a good amount of zinc, in addition to the protein, and fiber for your gut.

Research[iii] is building in the area of probiotics, or gut bacteria/microflora, and their role in immunity.  Some estimates suggest that up to 70% of our immune system is connected to our gut bacteria.  I find I work a lot with this area in my very little patients, as well as my senior patients.  Often, those concerned of weak immunity also have digestive symptoms like constipation or heartburn, and once we improve these areas, they find they don’t succumb to every illness as they once did.

3.      Do you give your body the best chance of fighting

Our bodies are designed to protect us, and I believe we can better their odds by a few key lifestyle adjustments, especially when we find ourselves run-down and frequently ill.  Ensure adequate sleep, movement, and stress management.  This may look different for different people, such as walking, acupuncture, hydrotherapy, or meditation.  There is a growing body of evidence that traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture can help anxiety and depression, and many of my patients experience that.

Essential oils can be a pleasant addition to your wellness plan, but worth noting that I never recommend consuming them by mouth, and diffusion into the air can be very irritating to lung.  This is especially more likely in small children[iv], so care should be taken for occasional use.  Instead of a strong oil, I generally reach for the herb, such as thyme for my cooking, for its ability to loosen mucous.

I always recommend regular check-ups and bloodwork with your family doctor or naturopathic doctor to ensure we have the full picture.  Every individual body ultimately seems to have things that help or hinder its immune system.  In that way, it’s no surprise to see what works well for you, may not work well for your loved one, a child, a pregnant woman, or a chemotherapy patient, so let's work together to figure out what your body needs!

If you are looking for support for you immune system book in with Dr. Gayle Maguire, B.Sc, ND at AST Willow Park.

*For this blog is for educational purposes only, please consult your healthcare provider for information and assessment that is best for you.

[i] Acikalin B, Sanlier N.  Coffee and its effects on the immune system.  Trends in Food Science & Technology 114, 625-632, 2021.
[ii] Fang H, Anhe FF, Schertzer JD.  Dietary sugar lowers immunity and microbiota that protect against metabolic disease.  Cell Metab. 2022.
[iii] Galdeano CM, Cazorla SI, Dumit JML, Velez E, Perdigon G.  Beneficial effects of probiotic consumption on the immune system.  Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism 74 (2), 115-124, 2019.
[iv] Aromatherapy for Children: What’s Safe and What’s Not.  Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, www.chop.edu, March 7,2022

Healthy Immunity