Elbow Pain

What Exactly is a “Minor” Injury?

~ Dr. Robert Speirs DC ~ Leave a comment

Minor Injury Care In Winnipeg

Whether you are stepping awkwardly off a curb, tweaking your lower back on the golf course, or rolling an ankle during a weekend hockey game, sudden physical setbacks happen. When they do, you are often left wondering: Is this an emergency, or is it something I can just walk off?

At River East Minor Injury Clinic, we aim to bridge the gap between standard home care and the hospital emergency room. To help you make the best decision for your health, let us break down exactly what constitutes a “minor” injury and explore the key differences between two of the most common issues we treat: sprains and strains.

Defining a “Minor” Injury

In the medical field, a minor injury refers to a non-life-threatening physical trauma that involves the musculoskeletal system—meaning your bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. These are the acute injuries that cause immediate pain and limit your mobility, but do not require complex emergency interventions like surgery or advanced trauma care.

Examples of minor injuries include:

  • Sprains and strains
  • Minor fractures (possibly broken bones that have not pierced the skin)
  • Sports-related joint injuries
  • Workplace or Motor Vehicle Accidents

What is NOT a minor injury? It is equally important to understand what a minor injury clinic does not handle. We are exclusively dedicated to physical injuries. We do not treat illnesses. If you are experiencing symptoms like a fever, cough, cold, flu, or an infection, you should seek care from your primary care provider, an urgent care centre, or a minor illness clinic.

Sprains vs. Strains: What is the Difference?

People often use the words “sprain” and “strain” interchangeably, but they actually refer to damage to two entirely different types of soft tissue in the body.

The Sprain (Ligament Damage)

A sprain occurs when you stretch or tear a ligament. Ligaments are the tough, fibrous bands of tissue that connect bone to bone, acting as the stabilizing anchors for your joints.

  • How it happens: Sprains typically occur from sudden twisting motions, pivoting, or landing awkwardly. The classic example is a rolled ankle, but wrist and knee sprains are also incredibly common.
  • Symptoms: You will generally experience immediate pain, localized swelling, bruising, and a noticeable restricted range of motion. You might even hear a “pop” at the moment of injury.

The Strain (Muscle or Tendon Damage)

A strain, on the other hand, involves the stretching or tearing of a muscle or a tendon. Tendons are the thick cords of tissue that connect your muscles to your bones.

  • How it happens: Strains are often the result of sudden, heavy lifting, overstretching, or explosive movements. Pulling a hamstring while sprinting or throwing out your lower back while doing yard work are classic strains.
  • Symptoms: Strains are characterized by muscle spasms, cramping, weakness in the affected area, swelling, and sharp pain when attempting to move the muscle.

Why You Shouldn’t “Just Walk It Off”

When a sprain or strain happens, the standard advice is often to apply ice and rest. While the R.I.C.E. method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) is a great first step, trying to tough out a musculoskeletal injury without professional assessment can lead to long-term issues.

Without a proper diagnosis, you might be walking on a minor fracture disguised as a sprain, or you might develop compensatory movement habits that lead to chronic joint instability. Getting a prompt, professional assessment allows you to understand the exact nature of the damage and begin a targeted recovery plan immediately.

Same Day or Next Day Care

River East Minor Injury Clinic was designed to provide you with rapid, professional care on your schedule.

Our Nurse Practitioner is here to assess, diagnose, and treat your sprains and strains efficiently. We offer scheduled same-day and next-day appointments, meaning you get the focused care you need exactly when you need it, with zero walk-in waiting.

Ready to start your recovery? 📍 Find us at: 1191 Rothesay Street, Winnipeg

⏰ Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

💻 Book online: Secure your appointment today at http://www.rivereastminorinjury.ca

River East Minor Injury Is Now Open!

~ Dr. Robert Speirs DC ~ Leave a comment

River East Minor Injury Clinic is officially open!

We provide dedicated, multidisciplinary assessment and treatment for minor physical injuries. If you have experienced a recent sprain, strain, minor fracture, or sports-related injury, our team of healthcare professionals is here to help you begin your recovery.

What we treat:

  • Sprains and strains
  • Minor fractures
  • Sports and activity injuries
  • Workplace and Motor Vehicle Injuries

What we do not treat: (Please visit your primary care provider, an emergency room, or a minor illness clinic for the following)

  • Coughs, colds, or flu
  • Fevers or infections
  • Chronic health conditions or illnesses

To ensure you receive timely care without the uncertainty of walk-in wait times, we offer scheduled same-day and next-day appointments.

📍 Location: 1187 Rothesay Street, Winnipeg

💻 Booking: Secure your appointment online at www.rivereastminorinjury.ca

⏰ Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

#Winnipeg #WinnipegHealth #RiverEastMinorInjuryClinic #NorthKildonan #WinnipegSports #ManitobaHealth #WinnipegLocal

Olecranon Bursitis

~ Dr. Robert Speirs DC ~ Leave a comment

Olecranon bursitis is irritation of the bursa in the elbow. This bursa is located directly between the skin and the bony tip of the elbow and its function is to protect the elbow mainly during acute direct or repeated trauma.

Activities and sports that require repetitive contraction or tensioning of the triceps muscle of the arm, or prolonged pressure on the elbow can cause bursa irritation and sometimes inflammation. Bursitis can also occur in the presence of an inflammatory condition such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Treatment of Olecranon #Bursitis consists of Class IV Laser Therapy, management of any biomechanics stresses in the area and exercise rehabilitation to address any weaknesses that can be putting undue stress on the area.

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Golfer’s Elbow

~ Dr. Robert Speirs DC ~ Leave a comment

Golf Elbow.png

Most of the muscles that flex your wrist are attached to a bony bump on the inside of your elbow called the “medial epicondyle.” Sometimes, through injury or overuse, the site where these muscles originate can become irritated or inflamed. This condition is called “medial epicondylitis”, or “golfer’s elbow.”

Although the condition is named “golfer’s elbow,” over 90% of those affected are not even athletes, much less golfers. Nonetheless, the condition is more common in certain sports, especially golf, throwing, bowling, football, archery, and weight lifting. Occupations that require heavy gripping or repeated hand movements, like carpentry or typing, can predispose you to this condition. Smokers and people who are obese are more likely to experience this condition.

Medial epicondylitis is the most frequent cause of pain on the “inside” of your elbow but is 3-10 times less likely that its “outside” counterpart- lateral epicondylitis (i.e. “tennis elbow”). Medial epicondylitis is most common between the ages of 40 and 60. The condition strikes the dominant arm in over 3⁄4 of cases. Your symptoms will likely include a dull aching pain over the bump on the inside of your elbow that becomes more intense with use. As the condition progresses, you may notice grip weakness or limitations when shaking hands, grasping objects, and opening jars. Be sure to tell your doctor if you notice numbness or tingling traveling toward your hand.

 

If left untreated, medial epicondylitis can last indefinitely. Studies show that up to 40% of untreated patients suffer prolonged discomfort, some as long as three years. Fortunately, conservative treatment like the type provided in our office is effective for relieving this condition. Our office may prescribe an elbow “counterforce brace” to help dampen stress to the irritated area. This type of brace should not be used in patients who have numbness or tingling radiating into their fingers. Some patients may benefit from a “wrist splint” that is used at night to allow your tendon to heal in a lengthened position. Using ice or ice massage over your elbow can help limit pain. Your home exercises will play an important role in your recovery.

Initially, you may need to avoid activities that cause an increase in pain, like gripping, lifting, golfing, throwing balls, or swinging a racquet. Be sure to warm up properly and stretch prior to any heavy physical activity. Smokers would benefit from quitting. Overweight patients should consider increasing their aerobic activity to shed excess pounds.

If you or someone you know suffers from this condition, call our office today. Our doctors are experts at relieving many types of pain including elbow injuries.

Contact us for treatment in Winnipeg

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Acupuncture and Tennis Elbow

~ Dr. Robert Speirs DC ~ Leave a comment
Acupuncture for tennis elbow

#Acupuncture treatment has been shown to help provide significant pain relief for tennis elbow.

Acupuncture treatment can help to reduce inflammation and improve blood flow to injured areas to aid and speed healing of various types of tendonitis. Pain in the outer elbow or forearm pain are signs of tennis elbow.

Dr. Natalie Carriere is now offering Acupuncture treatment at #AberdeenChiropractic. Call 204-586-8424 today for your initial consultation and treatment!

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Pain from trigger points in the supraspinatus muscle.

~ bryancobb ~ Leave a comment

The supraspinatus muscle makes up part of the rotator cuff. It is responsible for assisting in shoulder abduction as well lateral rotation and stabilizing the shoulder joint. This muscle is often overloaded in labourers and tradesman who have to do a lot of overhead work. Athletes who do a lot of throwing movements will also frequently have Tigger point in this muscle. These trigger points will cause pain to be felt into the shoulder and down the arm, as well as stiffness and weakness.

Supraspinatus trigger points

~ bryancobb ~ Leave a comment

The supraspinatus muscle is one of the muscles that makes up your rotator cuff. It attaches from the scapula to the humerus. It functions mainly to laterally rotate the arm as well as stabilize the shoulder joint. It also assists in abduction of the arm. This muscle can often harbour stubborn trigger points. These points refer pain into the shoulder, down the arm, into the elbow, and even into the forearm if irritated enough. These points can be effectively treated with trigger point massage therapy.

Trigger points in the pectoralis major muscle.

~ bryancobb ~ Leave a comment

A very common muscle to become overloaded and damaged, and thus develop trigger points, is the pectoralis major muscle. This is the muscle that makes up the chest. It’s main functions are adduction and internal rotation at the shoulder. Poor rounded shoulder posture is a common cause of pec tightness and trigger points. trigger points in this muscle will produce pain felt into the front of the shoulder, the chest, and down the medial arm. If these symptoms occur in the left pec it can mimick heart pain. In women, these points can be a cause of breast pain and nipple hypersensitivity.

Tricep trigger points and elbow pain.

~ bryancobb ~ Leave a comment

The triceps muscle is the main extensor of the elbow. It is the muscle in the back part of the arm and travels from the shoulder to the elbow. Trigger points in this muscle will cause pain when trying to straighten the elbow. Tricep trigger points refer pain into both the inside and outside of the elbow and are thus a common cause of both tennis and golfers elbow.

Brachioradialis trigger points and forearm and hand pain.

~ bryancobb ~ Leave a comment

The Brachioradialis muscle is located in the forearm. It is responsible for flexing the elbow in semipronation such as when lifting a coffee mug up to your mouth. Trigger points in this muscle are an often overlooked source of elbow pain. These points will also refer pain down the forearm and into the web of the thumb.