Keystone Health

What is the actual cause of my pain?

When dealing with persistent knee, shoulder, or back discomfort, treating the symptoms is only a temporary fix. A lasting solution requires understanding the underlying cause.

At Keystone Health, we use structured clinical assessments to look beyond where it hurts. We evaluate movement patterns, joint mechanics, and daily habits to identify the root source of stress on your body.

Understanding the "why" behind your discomfort allows us to build a precise, targeted recovery plan.

Does your knee crunch, click, or creak when you squat or walk downstairs?
That sound is officially called crepitus. While it can sound alarming, it’s actually very common—and in most cases, it isn’t a sign that your joint is wearing out.
Why do knees make noise?
Knee crepitus usually happens for simple, non-threatening reasons:
Gas bubbles: Tiny bubbles releasing pressure inside the joint fluid.
Tendon movement: A tendon or ligament sliding smoothly over a bony landmark as the joint moves.
Cartilage contact: Minor roughness along the joint surface under load.
Should you be concerned?
The noise itself rarely correlates to structural damage. However, if the clicking or crunching is accompanied by pain, swelling, catching, or a feeling of instability, that is your cue to have it properly evaluated.
What can you do about it?
You don’t need to stop moving. In fact, keeping the joint active and supported is key:
1️⃣ Build the surrounding tissue: Strengthening the quads, hamstrings, and glutes helps manage how forces are distributed through the knee joint.
2️⃣ Focus on movement quality: Working on hip stability and ankle mobility helps the knee track smoothly without taking unnecessary load.
3️⃣ Keep moving: Controlled loading through a full range of motion keeps joints lubricated and healthy.
If your knees are noisy and painful, or if you want to ensure your training is supporting joint health long-term, our team can help assess your movement and build a structured plan.

When is the right time to consider couples' counselling?
Long-term relationships can alternate between phases of connection, disconnection, and reconnection. Rather than viewing therapy as a last resort, proactive couples’ counselling acts as essential relationship maintenance. It helps partners safely navigate moments of disconnection and build healthier communication patterns before negative habits become permanent.
Curious about the key indicators and why earlier is better? Read the full article by Cynthia Routhier, RCC, on the Keystone Health Blog: keystonerevelstoke.ca/couples-counselling/

British Columbia Day Holiday Hours

We are operating on modified hours for the upcoming August long weekend. On Monday, August 3rd, our facility schedule will be adjusted as follows: Staff Support & Minors (18 and under): 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Adult Members (19+): 24-hour access remains available using your key fob or the member app.

Regular clinic and staff schedules will resume on Tuesday, August 4th.

Have a safe and active long weekend!

🎾 Think Tennis Elbow is only for tennis players? Think again.

Despite the name, fewer than 5% of people diagnosed with "Tennis Elbow" (Lateral Epicondylitis) ever step onto a tennis court. Most people who seek treatment for this condition develop it at work, on the job site, or during daily seasonal activities.

What Is Tennis Elbow?
It is micro-tearing and chronic inflammation in the tendon connecting your forearm muscles to the outside of your elbow. Every time you extend your wrist, grip tightly, or twist a handle, that tendon absorbs the force.

Common Local Triggers & Repetitive Strain
It comes down to repetitive loading—often without adequate preparation for the physical demand:
Property & Outdoor Work: Seasonal gardening, pruning, heavy cooking prep, or home renovations.
Forestry & Millwork: High-volume flipping of heavy lumber.
Trades & Power Tools: Prolonged vibration and firm gripping from running tools like random orbital sanders, framing, or plumbing.
Desk & Office Work: Hours of continuous typing and using a mouse without proper wrist support.
Winter Operations: Cold hands lead to over-gripping while loading and unloading helicopter baskets. Continually lifting heavy fat skis and avalanche packs during winter adds significant strain.

Why Standard Rest Often Isn't Enough
Tendons naturally have poor blood flow, making chronic strain difficult for the body to resolve on its own.

Shockwave Therapy offers an evidence-informed treatment approach:
Resets the Healing Process: Targeted acoustic waves signal the body’s natural repair response back into gear.
Increases Local Circulation: Stimulates new micro-vessel growth to supply nutrients to damaged tendon tissue.
Breaks Down Scar Tissue: Helps restore tendon flexibility and relieve chronic pain without invasive procedures.

If repetitive strain at work or on the mountain is keeping you from moving comfortably, structured care and targeted therapy can help restore your strength and capacity.