Dr. Emily Laudi, DC, CATC

Health is wealth.

Prioritizing your strength, stability, and mobility adds years to your life.

This quote holds true to what we want our future to look like. It’s never too late to start your journey, and we’re here to help you make a change!

So, if you don’t know how or where to add strength training, send us a DM to get the conversation going.

- Dr. Laudi

How do you design a rehab program?

Here are a few categories I consider when building a program.

Exercise Selection: The movements are based on the weaker muscle groups, movement patterns that are difficult or painful, and what the patient wants to achieve.

Range of Motion: The options are full/partial, concentric/eccentric/isometric. How functional is the patient, and where do we need to start? Are they in the acute, subacute or persistent phase of their injury?

Volume: The total amount of reps/sets for each exercise. Do we need to build up strength or redevelop movement tolerance? Is this an early, mid, or late-phase program?

Load: Are we starting with body weight or weights, bands, or machines? What does the patient have access to at home or in a gym? The amount of load will vary on their experience and acuteness of their injury. Deload is an option as well. Sometimes, the patient must reduce the load for the aggravated tissues to heal.

There are multiple variables to consider, but they are all patient-dependent. That’s why we create individualized rehab programs.

Avoid falling into the pattern of generic exercises. Find what the person needs and design the program. Start simple, then add complexity.

- Dr. Laudi 🤘

At some point, you were likely told to sit up straight, not to hunch your back, if you sit like that, you’ll hurt yourself, etc.

For years, the suggestion has been to fix our posture, but, at some point, our back fatigues, and we fall into other comfortable positions.

Sitting upright all day is like clenching your fist all day. Eventually, your forearm muscles will get tired from holding that position. This exact situation also occurs in our back muscles.

My advice to patients who worry about their posture: the best posture is the one you’re most comfortable in. I recommend changing positions frequently and not to stay in one for too long.

Find what’s comfortable for you!

- Dr. Laudi 🤘

Supplements:

As a patient, I valued the attention to detail from all the practitioners I’ve worked with.

As a clinician, I want all patients to have the same positive experiences I had.

We have a human instinct to feel important and be heard. When these two boxes are checked, our engagement and expectations improve.

Your injury, pain, and discomfort are top of your priority list. Whether they impact your day-to-day or remove you from your favourite activity, having someone to address those concerns effectively is relieving.

There’s nothing fancy, just open and honest communication to reach your desired goal.

Reach out and find out how we can work together!

- Dr. Laudi 🤘

A small spotlight on who I am and what I do!

I’m a licensed chiropractor and certified athletic therapist who promotes the importance of developing strength and improving mobility.

As a former varsity rugby athlete, I understand the need to be physically capable to withstand the demands of work, sports, and activities.

My experience through strength and conditioning programs has developed my ability to implement a care program designed for your needs.

The goals are simple: help you recover, adapt, and defy the odds.

Reach out and find out how we can work together!

- Dr. Laudi 🤘

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Female health is under-emphasized and not encouraged enough.

Change the game for you, your daughter, mother, grandmother. Be the role model that influences their future.

Continue to move.
Lift heavy weights.
Jump, hop, skip.

Strength is longevity.

- Dr. Laudi 🤘

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Supplements:
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Just a reminder that you’re human and sometimes things don’t make sense clinically.

Treat the person, not their symptoms.

You’ll figure it out!

- Dr. Laudi 🤘

What are your goals for 2024?

My patient’s range in age and ability. But their goals are all similar: wanting to return to a sport, activity, or hobby they enjoy. And doing so with minimal pain/discomfort.

Good programming, reassurance, and education have been the key points to their current and future success.

Watching them progress week to week is motivating. And the possibilities are endless.

- Dr. Laudi 🤘

A simple task was executed with the utmost focus.

You’ve graduated, passed your licensing exams, found your first job, and now you’re treating patients.

It all happens so quickly. You’re excited but scared and stressed.

The first six months are the hardest. Refining your craft, improving your language, making mistakes and learning from them.

Having a mentor is valuable. Take in their experience and ask questions. Observe the approach and make it your own.

Always be skeptical. If something doesn’t sound right, it likely isn’t. Don’t do it because they say, ask why. The same goes for your environment. If it doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to leave. Do what’s best for you.

Be consistently good rather than occasionally great. This will make a difference.

Take your time and have fun!

- Dr. Laudi 🤘

“I never weigh myself.”

How often have you heard this from someone?

The body weight scale is a device that has created fear in so many. But as a tool, it provides information about trends.

Since weight fluctuates throughout the day and even day-to-day, following trends is better than weighing yourself once every three months.

For 25 days, I have weighed myself daily. For five of those days, I was at the same weight. Honestly, I was annoyed. But I’m also strength training 2-3x/week. Overall, my body fat has decreased, and my muscle mass has increased.

Trends matter.
Your intent matters.
Stick with a plan, and the results will follow.

Practitioners offering rehab need to be held accountable for challenging their patients.

Modalities and low-level activity cannot be your go-to's when someone wants to return to sport. They may be part of their early phase, but it has to progress!

- Dr. Laudi 🤘

Standing on the bench at The Aud is one of the coolest experiences I’ve had.

It’s an arena for some or just another game for others. But I think about the venues I’ve been to covering high school sports at university gyms/fields/rinks and how awesome it is to play THERE!

For me, it’s always about the experience. It may happen once, weekly, or for years.

Remember, have fun and enjoy the moment!

- Dr. Laudi 🤘

📸

“Hello Miss, can I get my thumb taped?”

📸

I’m two months into a new role.
The most challenging aspect is learning about the players and their personalities.

Identifying facial expressions to know if they are hurt, upset, or that’s just their look.

Who’s calm, and who’s stressed? What are their routines and habits? How can you make a short water break easier? Do you have tissues in your pocket?

Learn quick. Improve and adapt. And don’t forget the gum!

- Dr. Laudi 🤘

⏳THE IDEAL HEALTH & FITNESS GOALS⌛️

Seven years separate the left and right photos.

In 2013, I was at the peak of my athletic performance, playing rugby and strength training five days a week. I was a forward/prop, and being larger had its advantages.

Fast forward to 2020. I’m still in school, not playing competitive sports, but figuring out what my new health and fitness looks like.

You could argue the right photos are ideal. But the person on the left never sustained a major injury in a seven-year rugby career.

Your ideal should focus on your end goal. What is it? Strength, hypertrophy, weight loss, speed? Whatever it may be, focus on that.

Make yourself proud. Prove yourself right.

- Dr. Laudi 🤘

A PSA to the general population.

❌STOP AVOIDING YOUR NAGGING INJURY❌

The average person will wait a few weeks post-injury to have it assessed, but waiting up to 12 months stirs the question of why.

Some injuries will resolve on their own. For many, this is an undetermined amount of time.

The simple approach you can follow is to get it assessed and complete the recommended rehab plan. There will be good and bad days, and this should not discourage the progress you've already made. Consistency is important.

Treatment, however, is more than manual therapies or structured rehab. There is education on modified activities, reassurance throughout the process, and support for your concerns.

Stop accepting the fact you have to live through the pain. Find a local practitioner to help you!

- Dr. Laudi 🤘

⛑️Clinical Event Outreach⛑️

Have you attended a sporting event with a medical tent offering assessments and medical coverage? It’s an opportunity to learn about your local clinics and practitioners (not just get a free massage!).

Conversations typically start with, “I heard I can get some work done on [blank].” Followed up with a discussion about the injury, assessment, and receiving consent to provide care. It presents a moment to learn more about the individual and offer management advice.

The big thing here is to let the person be heard and validate their concerns. Offer in-person clinical services and wish them luck in their game/event.

Some will be interested in more information, while others will not. And that’s okay.

Do your thing. Be kind. Have fun!

- Dr. Laudi 🤘

‼️STRENGTH TRAINING PSA:‼️

There is still this idea that lifting weights will make someone bulky.
The same people making these comments don't understand how much effort it takes to become bulky.

Increasing weight requires more calories in than out. There needs to be intentional meal planning, measuring macro quantities, and buying a lot of food. The average person does not do this.

A lean person who strength-trains will get more toned as they build muscle with a low body fat percentage. A person with more body fat will lose the fat as they build muscle and show more definition.

If the thought process switches from looks to functionality, that could convince more people to put their health and longevity first. Simple tasks such as walking, going up and down stairs, and carrying grocery bags or kids shouldn't be challenging. Wouldn't you want to do these for a long time without difficulty?

Switch the intention.
Gradually lean in.
See the difference.

- Dr. Laudi 🤘

No blood, injury, or protective ear covering.

Just an athlete looking for help making a prewrap headband!

Sometimes it’s the simple things.

🌲Reset with nature 🪨

Spending time outdoors, whether for a walk, hike, or camping trip, is something I do to reset when life gets overwhelming.

Separate your mind from the city and noise pollution into a trail listening for birds and wildlife, and climbing over various obstacles.

Touch the trees, leaves, and rocks. Pick wild blueberries (make sure they’re blueberries). Dip your feet into a lake and cool off.

It’s the little things that make an impact.

Clear your mind. Take time for yourself. And get outdoors.

- Dr. Laudi 🤘

It’s all fun and games until blisters want to get involved!
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hosted a great event this weekend at the Sleeman Centre.

I had the opportunity to learn about and assist a few athletes with new/old injuries.

Good luck to all the teams on the remainder of the season!

My new website is live!

www.dremilylaudi.ca

I will include short articles about rehab and injury self-management and provide advice to new students/grads in and school.

Stay tuned for the first article!

- Dr. Laudi 🤘

dremilylaudi.ca FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL:

The Prove Yourself Right campaign began earlier this year by .

It encouraged you to commit to something. Select a challenge, do the work, push your limits, and prove yourself right.

Rather than a race or an event, I've decided to commit to myself. Prove myself right with my work ethic and expectations. Go all in and put me first.

I've developed a long habit of providing others the benefit of the doubt. Ultimately, this has limited my growth, and lost hours just waiting. Guilt creeps in that says to stay but also to move on. Mentally, it's fatiguing and taxes any self-confidence remaining.

Take care of yourself.
Put yourself first.
Prove yourself right.

- Dr. Laudi 🤘

🙌THE 4-STAGE PROTOCOL FOR TENDON PAIN!🙌

Have you been diagnosed with tendinitis/tendinopathy but were given no solutions for recovery? 😢Have you received care, but the only treatment was massage or exercises with no progression?

Dr. Jill Cook is a tendon clinician-scientist and researches extensively the best management protocols for tendon injuries.💡The 4-stage protocol guides practitioners in developing an appropriate rehab program for their patients.💡The most common tendon injuries are at the Achilles and patellar tendons.🏃‍♀️⛹️‍♀️🚴‍♀️

Is your healthcare provider using this protocol to help manage your injury? Don't let a tendon injury get in the way of your activity!🗣️

- Dr. Laudi 🤘

🤔The truth about injury rehab…

It isn't all fun and simple like the videos show.
Patients are in pain. Frustration develops. Some questions are unanswered. Previous care failed. The list goes on.

As practitioners, we guide the patient, educate, and LISTEN. Their priorities are before our own. Know when to push the limits AND when to pull back. Adapting on the spot is a skill not taught but learned through experience. Showing empathy and being kind go further than the design of your program.

Textbooks won't tell you how to do this. Just be a good human.

- Dr. Laudi 🤘