Cayman Islands Marathon 2011

Details

Created on Thursday, 22 December 2011 15:40

Written by Kristen Arenas

Cayman Physiotherapy attended the Cayman Islands Marathon on December 4, 2011. Some ran in the marathon while others volunteered their time massaging the athletes after the race was over. Check out the photos below.

FINA World Championships- Shanghai, China

Details

Created on Friday, 02 December 2011 14:39

Written by Bethany Cook

Bethany Cook at Cayman Physiotherapy supports the Fraser boys en-route to the London Olympics 2012

The Summer and Fall of 2011 will be one long remembered by the Cayman Islands for the many accomplishments of Brett and Shaune Fraser, two of the Cayman Islands' elite athletes and certainly the most accomplished swimmers in the islands' history.  The dream of becoming elite swimmers on the international scene has gradually become a reality as the brothers have transitioned from the demands of being student-athletes at the University of Florida, to full-time athletes seeking to become more than mere participants at the 2012 Olympic games to be held in London.  

The epic journey has seen the brothers participate at numerous events within the United States of America but it has also afforded them the opportunity to represent the Cayman Islands at the 14th FINA World Championships in Shanghai, China in July and the 16th Pan-American games in Guadalajara, Mexico in October. Whilst performing their international duties, the brothers have been supported by Cayman Physiotherapy's own Bethany Cook. Bethany's contributions have included pre and post-race soft tissue massages, assisted stretching routines and "kinesio" taping, which benefited the brothers as they met the demands of the international circuit.  
A summary of the Fraser brothers accomplishments for the Summer/Fall of 2011 are listed below:

14th FINA World Championships- Shanghai, China
Shaune - 200m freestyle, 1:47.73s (FINA "A"  Olympic qualifying time)- 10th; 100m butterfly, 54.19s- 38th

Brett -100m freestyle, 48.98s- 17th; 50m freestyle, 22.65s- 25th

ConocoPhillips USA Swimming National Championships- Stanford, California

Brett attained his FINA "A" Olympic qualifying time for the 200m freestyle 

Minneapolis Grand Prix- Minneapolis, Minnesota

Brett attained the FINA "A" Olympic qualifying time for the 100m freestyle

16th Pan-American Games- Guadalajara, Mexico
Shaune - 100m freestyle, 48.63s (FINA "A" Olympic Qualifying standard) – Bronze; 200m freestyle, 1:48.29s – Silver; 100m butterfly, 52.96s (National Record - FINA "B" Olympic qualifying time) - 4th

Brett- 100m freestyle, 49.07s - 5th; 200m freestyle, 1:47.18s (Pan American Games Record) – Gold; 50m freestyle, 22.60 (National Record - FINA "B" Olympic qualifying time) - 5th

Despite a busy schedule and the mental preparation required to succeed, it should be noted that the brothers continue to be a source of motivation and encouragement for not only their teammates (notably Lara Butler and Tori Flowers who joined them at the Pan-American Games) but also for the entire Cayman Islands. Cayman Physiotherapy clinic wish the Fraser brothers the best of luck during their preparation and ultimately their participation in the 2012 Olympic games!

New Article in CayCompas

Details

Created on Monday, 21 November 2011 21:01

Written by Kristen Arenas

Check out the article in CayCompass about Kinesio Tapping and Cayman Physiotherapy:

http://www.compasscayman.com/caycompass/2011/10/20/Athletes-caught-on-new--tex--tape/

Kinesio Tex Taping Course

Details

Created on Wednesday, 31 August 2011 18:53

Written by Angela Deeney

The girls from Cayman Physiotherapy got a chance to practice their taping skills recently when they participated in a Kinesio Tex Taping Course.The three day seminar presented by Rob Brandon a certified kinesio taping instructor from New York was held at the Cayman Islands Health Services Authority and showcased the many varied uses of this versatile therapy adjunct.

The uniquely designed tape first developed in Japan has been around for many years. It saw a growth in its use and popularity around the world, after being utilised at the 1988 Seoul Olympics.These days you cannot watch a premiership football match or tennis championship without noticing athletes with distinctive brightly coloured tape applied to various body parts.

So what does it do? And how does it differ from classic sports taping products?The tape has been uniquely designed with elastic properties and is said to mimic the qualities of human skin.It is breathable, latex free, water resistant and can be worn 24 hours per day for up to 5days. (Even for swimmers)Kinesio Tex Tape can be used for many conditions during any stage of injury; from resting and supporting an acute muscle strain to facilitating and enhancing movement of a chronic shoulder injury.In addition it can be effective on the sports field for injury prevention, can enhance your performance and protect you from injury and fatigue.  

The application of kinesio tape can improve circulation, reduce swelling, improve postural alignment, awareness and provide pain relief in muscles and joints.Of course with this many benefits; you can see how it would be beneficial not just for athletes but also those with sedentary jobs suffering from long hours of computer work, or the older population who may require assistance with the pain of arthritis.

The patients attending Cayman Physiotherapy have certainly given very positive feedback. Patient Hannah Cook, who suffered a recent sports injury, commented “The tape felt very supportive as soon as it was applied and was comfortable to wear until my next physiotherapy session. I was able to exercise with less pain.”

Sara Windsor one of the physiotherapists who benefited from the course is finding it a very useful adjunct to her other therapy techniques. “The tape is easy and quick to apply; it allows treatment carry over from one session to the next. Patients really notice less pain and improved movement. It is also great feedback for patients through the day to improve their posture.”

In Service Training

Details

Created on Friday, 19 August 2011 18:40

Written by Lindsay Bridgeman

At Cayman Physiotherapy Ltd. the importance of in-servicetraining is paramount. We have a monthly in-service meetingwhich vary from case studies to presentations from staffsharing information from physiotherapy courses attended.Our visiting specialist Dr. Caroline Quartly also presents toour staff on various rehab-related topics each time she visits.

We are also fortunate to have Dr. Russ O’Connor on stafffull time who is also very happy to share his expertise inensuring our staff is kept up to date in current trends inrehabilitation.We recently had a visit from Debbie Strang an advancedBobath tutor from the UK who kindly gave up time on hervacation to present an in-service session on stability of theshoulder girdle.

Rugby Under 19 Carribean Championships

Details

Created on Monday, 25 July 2011 17:42

Written by Lindsay Bridgeman

The Rugby Under 19 Caribbean Championships were held in Grand Cayman from July 9th to 16th 2011. Cayman Physiotherapy Ltd. provided treatment for many players in the clinic as well as pitch side coverage for matches. We also provided pre match care and taping of various injuries as well as post match assessment and first aid.  

Cayman Islands made the most of home advantage to retain their Caribbean Under 19 Championship crown with a 18-8 victory over Mexico in the final on Saturday. 

Zimbabwe to Grand Cayman

Details

Created on Monday, 20 June 2011 20:01

Written by Kristen Arenas

My name is Jenny. I’m a Zimbabwean-born Australian currently travelling around the world, volunteering and working within my profession, physiotherapy.

I graduated in Perth in 2008, worked in the ‘Aussie Outback’ for 2 years and made my way back to Zimbabwe at the beginning of this year (2011) to volunteer in an HIV clinic in Harare. I spent 5 months at Newlands Clinic working with adults with HIV related neurological conditions and HIV positive children with chronic respiratory disorders.

I arrived in Zimbabwe with a very limited understanding of HIV, particularly in regard to rehabilitation and HIV. But a fantastic two week course run by the clinic brought me up to speed and gave me the knowledge and insight I needed to work with people living with the sinister virus.

It was an enriching time and a joy to be part of. Working with such willing and grateful people was humbling and the progress and outcomes from individual patients was inspiring. A gentleman who was wheelchair bound in December 2010 with no use of his arms is now carrying 5 litre buckets of water and kicking a soccer ball which he loves. A lady, blind and wheelchair bound, not wanting to continue with life discovered that she was able to do more than she realized. She is now walking around her home using the walls for support and has a renewed purpose and desire to live happy and optimistic while continuing with her antiretroviral therapy vigilantly.

During my time there, various programs were established including the national Zimbabwe Sustainable Clubfoot Program (non HIV related) aimed at implementing effective clubfoot management throughout the country, and the Newlands Clinic Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program, a 6 week comprehensive exercise and education program for HIV positive children living with chronic respiratory disorders. The aim of this program is to improve the quality of life of these children by improving their exercise tolerance – essential as they all have to walk to school – and reducing their anxiety and fears associated with chronic shortness of breath and chronic cough. It also aims to reduce hospital admissions for these children who experience chest infections on a regular basis. The program has had positive results so far and the children continue to attend with smiles on their faces, eager to win the balloon race and musical statues.

I completed my voluntary time in May and from Harare, travelled to Cayman for some rest and relaxation and to visit a good friend from Cayman Physiotherapy. Cayman has been all that it promised to be and more! I have had a brilliant time snorkeling, kissing stingrays, drinking rum punch, swimming and soaking in the sunshine and enjoying the salad bar at the Brasserie Markets as well as fabulous fish, seafood and wine. Filling in at touch rugby and enjoying the fantastic squash court facilities were also a highlight and a great opportunity to witness the hospitable Cayman community spirit.

It is indeed a contrast to the barely recognizable streets of Harare and I am grateful to be able to enjoy both. I think that’s what I love most about this profession, the opportunity to improve the quality of life of people experiencing pain and disability whether it be a sporting injury or a lifetime disability, while being able to travel and experience all that this world has to offer.

Thank you Cayman Physiotherapy for inviting me to share my experiences with you. You are a fantastic clinic with a true Cayman atmosphere – friendly and welcoming. I have enjoyed getting to know you during the short time I have been here and will hopefully see you again sometime in the future, whatever that may hold!

All the best for the rest of 2011.

Jenny Nash.

P.S. If you are interested in learning more or reading about HIV in Zimbabwe and Newlands Clinic, go onto their website: www.swissaidscare or visit the website of an exceptionally well run orphanage in rural Zimbabwe: www.edenchildrensvillage.org They are always grateful for assistance and welcome volunteers from around the world.

Carifta 2011

Details

Created on Thursday, 12 May 2011 03:27

Written by Bethany Cook

I am the Physiotherapist for the Cayman Islands swimming team.  In April I travelled to the CARFITA swim meet in Barbados. The group of 18 youngsters returned home with 7 medals!

During the meet the Cayman Islands swim team battled it out against the other 15 participating countries for 5 days. These were long days and often we were spending 9 hours around the poolside. But their training stood them in good stead, allowing them to keep both their standard of swimming & team spirit to a high level. If they weren’t swimming they were cheering on their other teammates, which was a great sight to see.

Between swims I was responsible for easing tired sore muscles, using soft tissue massage and stretching techniques, to prepare them for their next race.

It was a fantastic experience all round. The dedication of the team coaches Dom & Paula was clear to see. And the months of hard training these swimmers have been putting in was rewarded.  Congratulations to the 18 young Cayman Swimmers who gained 4 gold medals, a silver medal & two bronze medals at the 2011 CARIFTA Games.



Core Training and the Athlete

Details

Created on Monday, 04 April 2011 15:00

Written by Lindsey MacFee

Much has been written recently about Core strength and training in relation to low back dysfunction but less attention is paid to the role the Core plays in upper and lower limb function, injury and treatment.

Read more...

Physiotherapy and Acupuncture

Details

Created on Monday, 04 April 2011 14:59

Written by Zoë Rogers

Acupuncture is one of the many skills used within physiotherapy as an integrated approach to the management of pain, inflammation and as a means of enhancing the body’s own healing chemicals in order to aid recovery and rehabilitation.

Read more...