Warmer weather is finally here! However, that means ticks are here too! In 2013 KFL&A Public Health reported that 23% of the ticks brought in for testing were positive for Lyme disease! The percentage of ticks carrying Lyme is rising and so are the number of patient cases.

Physiotherapy can be helpful throughout the various stages of Lyme disease, however, physiotherapy may be the most benefit once the disease has reached a chronic state. Post-treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS), also called Chronic Lyme Disease, results in musculoskeletal impairments, which is a primary area of treatment for physiotherapists. In this later phase, signs and symptoms may include headaches, stiff neck, Bell’s palsy, nerve pain, joint pain, intermitted pain of muscles and tendons, and arthritis. Physiotherapists can help one cope or lessen the symptoms of Lyme disease. The goal of physiotherapy interventions for patients with Lyme disease are to decrease pain and increase strength, balance, endurance, range of motion, function and overall quality of life. Physiotherapy treatment for

Lyme disease includes:

• Manual/hands on therapy, which includes massage, joint mobilizations and stretching. This helps to increase blood flow and circulation, as well as increase range of motion and mobility; all of these elements help to decrease pain.
• Acupuncture can help to increase blood flow and help to alleviate pain and stiffness.
• An individualize program of stretching and strengthening exercises to help increase range of motion and decrease stiffness, and well as increasing strength around the affected joints.
• Education and coaching regarding how much, when, what types of activities are best.
• Education on gait and balance, which help improve movement mechanics and ultimately decreasing the stress on the joints.

If you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact me.