Active Therapy +

01/26/2026

Get to know Sophie Beaudry, she’s amazing!

01/26/2026

Great explanation

🦴 Thoracic Scoliosis Biomechanics – Convex vs Concave Side Explained

Thoracic scoliosis is a three-dimensional spinal deformity involving lateral curvature, vertebral rotation, and rib cage distortion. Biomechanically, the spine does not simply bend sideways; it twists and adapts under gravitational and muscular forces, leading to asymmetric loading of the vertebrae, ribs, muscles, and soft tissues.

🔄 Convex Side Biomechanics

On the convex side of the curve, the ribs are pushed outward and separated, causing the associated muscles to become lengthened and mechanically disadvantaged. Muscles such as the erector spinae, intercostals, and stabilizing scapular muscles are placed in a stretched position. Although they appear longer, these muscles often become weak and inefficient, reducing their ability to stabilize the spine against gravity.

The rib cage on the convex side rotates posteriorly, contributing to the characteristic rib hump seen during forward bending. This altered rib position changes thoracic mobility and affects breathing mechanics by limiting effective expansion of the lungs.

🔒 Concave Side Biomechanics

On the concave side, the ribs are drawn closer together, and muscles become shortened and overactive. Intercostals, paraspinal muscles, and accessory respiratory muscles on this side remain in a chronically contracted state. This increases compressive forces on the vertebral bodies and facet joints, often leading to stiffness, discomfort, and reduced spinal mobility.

The rib cage on the concave side rotates anteriorly, reducing thoracic volume and restricting lung expansion. Over time, this asymmetry can impair respiratory efficiency, especially in more pronounced curves.

⚙️ Vertebral & Disc Loading

Biomechanically, uneven muscle forces and gravity cause asymmetrical loading of the intervertebral discs. The concave side experiences greater compression, while the convex side undergoes tensile stress. This imbalance influences vertebral growth and disc health, potentially allowing the curve to progress if left uncorrected, especially during growth phases.

🚶 Posture & Kinetic Chain Effects

Thoracic scoliosis does not affect the spine in isolation. Pelvic alignment, shoulder positioning, and head posture all adapt to maintain balance. These compensations alter the mechanics of the cervical spine, lumbar spine, hips, and even gait, increasing energy expenditure and muscular fatigue during daily activities.

💨 Breathing & Rib Cage Mechanics

The rib cage plays a major role in respiration. In scoliosis, asymmetric rib motion leads to uneven lung expansion, with reduced ventilation on the concave side. This places increased demand on accessory breathing muscles and can contribute to early fatigue and reduced exercise tolerance.

🩺 Clinical & Rehabilitation Perspective

From a biomechanical standpoint, treatment should aim to decompress the concave side and activate the lengthened muscles on the convex side. Corrective exercises focus on improving thoracic mobility, restoring muscle balance, enhancing postural awareness, and optimizing breathing mechanics rather than simply strengthening indiscriminately.

📌 Key Biomechanical Insight

Scoliosis is a dynamic, three-dimensional problem driven by asymmetric forces. Understanding the difference between convex lengthened weakness and concave shortened stiffness is essential for effective rehabilitation and long-term spinal health.

01/24/2026

Dr Bodunde can be found at our Move Medicine location on Lasalle:)

01/23/2026

I remember this game with the Wolves 🤣

01/21/2026

01/20/2026

This is a tragic story, but a reminder of the importance to bring your EpiPen. As trainers we carry your EpiPen for you, it’s critical that it’s easily and quickly accessible.

ICYMI: A 14-year-old hockey goalie unknowingly ate a snack with cashews while on the road for a tournament. He was deathly allergic to cashews. His epinephrine forgotten at home, he did not survive. His heartbroken mom, Jerika McArter, says, "You never think you're going to go to hockey and not go home with your kid."

Read this sober reminder to never leave home without your epi. Remind your kids. Relentlessly. Learn what his mom is doing to turn heartbreak into life saving legislation. https://www.allergicliving.com/2025/10/17/after-sons-swift-nut-allergy-tragedy-mom-urges-wide-epi-access/

01/19/2026

Any one with appointments at our LU site we will be open, please plan on the possibility of being held up by picketers so give yourself a bit more time. Sorry for any inconvenience.

The Laurentian University Faculty Association (LUFA) has informed the University that its members plan to withhold their services and begin a strike on January 19 at 12:01 AM. Unfortunately, an agreement has not yet been reached and we anticipate the strike will begin on Monday morning.

https://laurentian.ca/about/labour-relations/collective-bargaining
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L’Association des professeures et professeurs de l’Université Laurentienne (APPUL) a informé l’Université que ses membres envisagent de cesser de travailler et d’entamer une grève le 19 janvier, à 0 h 01. Aucune entente n’a encore été conclue et nous prévoyons que la grève débutera lundi matin.

https://laurentienne.ca/a-propos/relations-travail/negociation-collective

01/15/2026

The Roles Alliance for Mental Health and Wellness is offering a 4-part Zoom series on Menopause & Perimenopause this January 2026!

📅 Please note: this series was delayed and will now begin on January 15, 2026 (not January 8).
1️⃣ January 15, 2026 | 6:00–7:30 PM EST
Topic: What happens during perimenopause and menopause, and how these changes impact mental health
2️⃣ January 22, 2026 | 6:00–7:30 PM EST
Topic: Sleep changes during perimenopause and menopause, and their connection to mental health
3️⃣ January 29, 2026 | 6:00–7:30 PM EST
Topic: A “grab bag” of changes — autoimmune shifts, skin changes, libido, and mental health
4️⃣ February 4, 2026 | 6:00–7:30 PM EST
Topic: Restoring vitality in perimenopause and menopause: going beyond hormones

💙 Financial assistance is available for those who qualify. Others may attend with a minimum $160 donation for the full series.

Eligibility for fully funded participation:
• No insurance or insurance coverage has been exhausted
• Income of $60,000 or less (individual) or $80,000 or less (household of 2+)
• Ability to provide proof of income and/or insurance status

📩 Register: intake@rolespsychotherapy.com
📞 Call: 705-929-1612 ext. 6

01/15/2026

Ever wonder how your peripheral vision or hand/eye speed compares to professional athletes? Have you suffered a concussion and still feel a deficit, come try the Dynavision where we see the data and can train for improvements.

01/15/2026

POTS is often minimized… but it’s complex.
More than dizziness. More than fatigue. More than what meets the eye.

Understanding is SO important 🩵

01/15/2026

💥 Important update:

The Zoom series about menopause and menopause is now "pay-what-you-can".

There is no fixed donation amount; you’re welcome to contribute whatever feels accessible to you because finances shouldn’t limit education and support.

This series will cover:
• Mental health changes during perimenopause & menopause
• Sleep and its impact on emotional well-being
• Autoimmune shifts, libido, skin changes, and more
• Restoring vitality beyond hormones

If you’ve felt dismissed, confused, or unsupported, this space is for you. 💙

Come learn, connect, and feel less alone.

📩 Register or learn more: intake@rolespsychotherapy.com
📞 705-929-1612 ext. 6

01/14/2026