Stride Physio and Performance

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Stride Physio and Performance Physiotherapy, massage therapy and coaching in Swift Current. No referral needed for physiotherapy. Serving Southwest Saskatchewan.

We take time to understand your pain and your goals, then build a plan around you so you can get back to what you love.

10/29/2026

What are the signs of a stroke?
Remember FAST: Face drooping, Arms that can’t both be raised, Speech that’s slurred or jumbled. Time to call 9-1-1 right away.

Today is World Stroke Day, and knowing these signs is one of the most useful things you can learn. Stroke treatment works best when it starts quickly, so every minute counts.

If you think someone is having a stroke:

Call 9-1-1. Don’t drive them to the hospital yourself
Note the time the symptoms started
Stay with them until help arrives

There’s also a lot of hope after a stroke. Recovery often continues for months, and rehab, including physiotherapy, plays a big part in helping people get back to walking, daily tasks, and the things they love.

Staying active, managing blood pressure, and not smoking are some of the best ways to lower your risk in the first place.

Should I use ice or heat?Honestly, whichever feels better. Both can ease pain for a little while, but neither has good e...
10/26/2026

Should I use ice or heat?

Honestly, whichever feels better. Both can ease pain for a little while, but neither has good evidence that it speeds up healing.

This is one of the questions we get asked most. The old rule, ice for new injuries and heat for old ones, is more tradition than science.

What the research tells us:

Ice can help numb pain in the short term, especially after a fresh bump or sprain
There’s little good evidence that ice reduces swelling or helps tissue heal faster
Heat can ease stiffness, and it has some evidence for easing new low back pain
Neither one fixes the problem. Gradually getting back to movement is what helps most injuries recover

The real value of ice or heat is making it easier to move. If a heat pack helps you get out for a walk, or ice takes the edge off after a long day on your feet, that’s a win.

A few safety tips: stick to 15–20 minutes at a time, keep a cloth between your skin and the pack, and skip both on areas where you have reduced feeling.

10/24/2026

Lunges for knee pain: how to modify them

Knee pain doesn’t always mean you have to stop lunging. Small changes to depth, load and knee position can often make lunges comfortable enough to keep doing.

“Lunges hurt my knee” is something we hear a lot. Usually the answer isn’t to cut them out completely. It’s to find a version your knee is happy with right now and build from there.

Here’s how we often progress them:

1️⃣ Isometric hold: hold the bottom position instead of moving. Many people find this the easiest place to start.
2️⃣ Shallow lunge: move through a small range that feels okay.
3️⃣ Deeper lunge: go lower as it gets more comfortable.
4️⃣ Add load: once bodyweight feels easy, hold dumbbells or a kettlebell.

You can also change where the work goes:

🦵 Front knee sore? Try keeping the front knee back so it doesn’t drive past your toes. That tends to take some load off the front of the knee.
🦵 Back knee sore? Try shifting your weight forward onto the front leg. That can take pressure off the back knee.

There’s nothing wrong with your knee going past your toes, by the way. Knees do that every time we climb stairs or squat. It just puts more demand on the front of the knee, which matters when that’s where it’s sore. Some people go back to it once things settle.

A good rule of thumb: some discomfort during exercise is okay if it’s mild and settles by the next day. If it’s getting worse, lasting longer, or your knee is swelling or giving way, it’s worth getting it assessed.

If your knee has been holding you back and you’re not sure which version to start with, we’re happy to help.

10/23/2026

Is it bad to lift with a rounded back?

For most everyday lifting, no. Your spine is built to bend, and research hasn’t found that “bend your knees, keep your back straight” training prevents back pain.

That rule gets repeated so often it feels like fact. But your back is strong and adaptable, and bending is one of the things it’s designed to do. Rounding a bit to pick up a laundry basket or a bag of groceries isn’t something to fear.

What seems to matter more is how prepared your body is for the job. Lifting a lot more than usual, or for much longer than you’re used to, is where people tend to run into trouble.

The good news is that preparation is something you can build:

Get stronger. Regular exercise is one of the best-supported ways to lower your risk of back pain
Lift a variety of things in a variety of ways, so your back is used to it
Build up gradually when a big job is coming, like moving day or harvest
Take breaks and grab a hand with anything that’s genuinely heavy

Your back isn’t fragile. It gets stronger when you use it.

If you’ve been avoiding lifting because you’re worried about your back, that’s worth a conversation. We’d be glad to help you build confidence and strength.

Many people carry tension in the same few areas, day after day.Desk work, long drives, or staying in one position too lo...
08/06/2026

Many people carry tension in the same few areas, day after day.

Desk work, long drives, or staying in one position too long can leave your neck, shoulders, or low back feeling tight or tired — even if nothing's actually wrong.

These spots tend to show up again and again because they're where we hold position the longest, not because something's broken down.

If that sounds familiar, it's a normal response to how we move (or don't) through the day — and there are things that can help.

We are happy to help if you want to figure out what might work for you.

Happy August long weekend! 🌾We're closed today so our team can rest and recharge too — we'll be back to our regular hour...
08/03/2026

Happy August long weekend! 🌾

We're closed today so our team can rest and recharge too — we'll be back to our regular hours tomorrow.

Enjoy the extra day, however you're spending it. See you soon!

Muscle tightness isn't always about weakness or needing to stretch more. Sometimes it's less about the muscle itself and...
07/31/2026

Muscle tightness isn't always about weakness or needing to stretch more. Sometimes it's less about the muscle itself and more about how sensitive or "on guard" that area feels — which can be influenced by habits, stress, or how we've been moving lately.

Massage therapy can help by calming that guarding, easing perceived tension, and making movement feel more comfortable in the short term. It's not about "fixing" tightness — it's one tool that can help you feel and move better.

If tightness is sticking around or getting in the way, Massage Therapy could help.

07/14/2026

Massage therapy can play a supportive role in your overall wellness. It can help promote relaxation, ease everyday muscle tension, and provide an opportunity to slow down in a busy routine.

Whether you're active, on your feet all day, or simply looking to carve out some time for yourself, massage can be a helpful part of your self-care routine.

Kelsey offers therapeutic massage tailored to your individual needs, helping you feel and move your best.

After a massage, it's common to feel a little more relaxed and loose than usual. Taking it easy for the rest of the day ...
07/10/2026

After a massage, it's common to feel a little more relaxed and loose than usual. Taking it easy for the rest of the day can help you stay comfortable and get the most out of your session.

A short walk, staying hydrated, and paying attention to how your body feels are simple ways to ease back into your normal routine.

Small habits like these can help support your recovery and overall well-being after your appointment.

Massage appointments don't require much preparation, but a few small steps can help you feel more comfortable when you a...
07/08/2026

Massage appointments don't require much preparation, but a few small steps can help you feel more comfortable when you arrive.

Arriving a little early, wearing comfortable clothing, and letting your RMT know about any preferences can help your session start smoothly.

Whether you're booking for muscle tension, recovery, or simply taking some time for yourself, Kelsey is here to help you get the most out of your visit!

Address

220 Ist Avenue NW
Swift Current, SK
S9H0M9

Opening Hours

Monday 7:30am - 12:30pm
1pm - 5pm
Tuesday 7:30am - 12:30pm
1pm - 5pm
Wednesday 7:30am - 12:30pm
1pm - 5pm
Thursday 7:30am - 12:30pm
1pm - 5pm
Friday 7:30am - 12:30pm
1pm - 5pm
Saturday 7:30am - 12:30pm
1pm - 5pm
Sunday 7:30am - 12:30pm
1pm - 5pm

Telephone

+13067787770

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