Physical Health

Physiotherapy for orthopedic conditions is a form of physical assessment and treatment that focuses on the musculoskeletal system. This system consists of bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Injury to any of these structures can produce pain, reduce mobility and impact your function.

Physiotherapists use a variety of techniques such as exercise, manual therapy, soft tissue techniques and modalities, to manage pain, improve range of motion, and promote healing in people with musculoskeletal injuries. These conditions may include arthritis, fractures, sprains, strains, shoulder injuries and back and neck pain, among others. Physiotherapy can also be used to help prevent injury and improve overall fitness.

Physiotherapy can help musculoskeletal conditions by using techniques to help you manage your pain by reducing inflammation, improving range of motion, improving strength, improving posture, preventing injuries, and helping you manage your chronic condition. Our team will create an individual treatment plan based on your condition and needs to achieve the best outcome.

Chiropractic assessment and treatment is a form of physical assessment and treatment that focuses on the musculoskeletal system, which includes the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments to determine the root cause of your concerns.

Chiropractors use a variety of techniques such as exercise, manual therapy, manipulation, soft tissue techniques and modalities, to manage pain, improve range of motion, and promote healing in people with orthopedic conditions. These conditions may include arthritis, fractures, sprains, strains, and back and neck pain, among others. Chiropractic care can also be used to help prevent injury and improve overall fitness.

Treatment sessions can vary depending on the individual needs and the specific condition being treated.  Open communication between you and your chiropractor is encouraged and we are happy to answer questions or concerns that you may have about your treatment or your condition.

Massage therapy is a form of manual therapy in which the registered massage therapist manipulates the soft tissues of the body, such as the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue, to promote healing and relaxation.

The therapist uses a variety of techniques to manipulate the tissue and help relieve pain, reduce tension, and improve circulation. There are several types of massage therapy. Each type of massage uses different techniques and is geared towards different goals such as relaxation, pain relief, or injury recovery. Massage therapy can be used to treat a wide range of conditions including chronic pain, muscle tension, stress, and injury recovery period. It is also commonly used as a complimentary therapy for musculoskeletal injuries.

It is important to note that massage therapy can vary depending on individual needs and the specific condition being treated. It is important to communicate with your massage therapist and ask any questions you may have about your treatment or condition.

Occupational therapy is a type of health care that focuses on helping individuals perform activities that are important to them but are challenging due to injury. Occupational therapists work with individuals of all ages to develop skills needed for day-to-day activities when these abilities are lessened or lost because of an injury, illness, chronic disease, mental health issues, developmental delays, or other health factors.

Occupational therapy uses a holistic approach, and the therapist will consider your overall health, occupation, and lifestyle goals to design the best plan of action. During an occupational therapy treatment session, a therapist will typically assess your abilities and limitations, set goals for therapy, and then work with you to develop and carry out a treatment plan. Treatment may include education on strategies to help compensate for any deficits or to recover function. The therapist may also provide education and training to you and your caregivers so that you are able to manage any condition or limitation in activity that is impacting your ability to function in daily life. The goal of occupational therapy is to help you achieve your maximum level of independence and participation in your daily activities, whether it is in your home, work, school, or community.

Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine that originated in China more than 2,000 years ago. It involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body, known as acupuncture points, along the body’s meridians, or pathways of energy flow, to balance the flow of energy, (also known as Qi or Chi), in the body.

Acupuncture is used to treat a variety of conditions to reduce inflammation, manage pain and promote tissue healing. It is performed by physical therapists, chiropractors, and other healthcare professionals certified to perform acupuncture.

Acupuncture can be used to help musculoskeletal injuries by relieving pain, reducing inflammation, and promoting healing. Acupuncture can reduce pain by stimulating the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, which can help to relieve pain associated with musculoskeletal injuries. It can reduce inflammation by promoting blood flow to the injured area and by regulating the immune system’s response to injury. By regulating the flow of qi in the body, acupuncture can improve circulation and promote the healing of injured tissues, which can speed up the recovery process for musculoskeletal injuries.

 Dry needling is a modern medical treatment that involves inserting thin needles into the skin and underlying tissues to treat pain, muscle tension, and other medical conditions. The procedure is called “dry” needling because no substance, such as an injection, is delivered through the needle. Instead, the needle is used to stimulate the target tissue to produce a therapeutic effect. The needles are typically inserted into trigger points, which are tight knots of muscle fibers that can cause pain and discomfort.

Dry needling is often used to treat musculoskeletal conditions such as chronic pain, headaches, and muscle spasms. It is performed by physical therapists, chiropractors, and other healthcare professionals certified to perform dry needling.

Dry needling can help with musculoskeletal injuries by targeting trigger points, which are tight knots of muscle fibers that can cause pain and discomfort. When a needle is inserted into a trigger point, it can stimulate the muscle to relax and release tension, which can reduce pain and improve range of motion. In addition to relieving pain, dry needling can also help to improve the function of the affected muscle, increase blood flow to the area, and reduce inflammation, all of which can aid in the healing of musculoskeletal injuries.

Your therapist will assess your condition and develop a personalized treatment plan that can incorporate acupuncture or dry needling. Your therapy session can include manual therapy and other techniques to help improve your mobility and promote healing. Acupuncture or dry needling can be added to further support your recovery. The combination of physiotherapy and acupuncture or dry needling can be a powerful tool for treating a variety of musculoskeletal conditions to complement the work of the therapist to help you achieve better results and faster recovery times.

Hand therapy is a type of rehabilitation focused on treating conditions affecting the hand, wrist, and forearm. Hand therapists are specialized occupational or physical therapists who have advanced training and experience in the treatment of hand and upper extremity conditions.

Hand therapy involves the use of various techniques, including:

1. Exercises: Hand therapy often includes a customized exercise program to help improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the hand, wrist, and forearm.
2. Splinting: Hand therapists may use splints to immobilize and protect injured or affected joints, or to maintain proper positioning and improve the healing process.
3. Manual therapy: Hand therapists may use manual therapy techniques, such as massage and joint mobilization, to relieve pain and improve range of motion.
4. Wound care: Hand therapists may be involved in the treatment and management of wounds, including the management of wound dressings and the use of specialized wound care products.

Hand therapy can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, including carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, tendonitis, fractures, sprains, and post-operative conditions. By working with a hand therapist, patients can regain function, reduce pain, and improve their overall quality of life. Your hand therapist will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs and will monitor your progress to ensure that you are making the best possible progress.

Pelvic health physiotherapy or pelvic floor physiotherapy is a safe and highly effective form of rehabilitation for individuals experiencing conditions that affect the pelvic region.  The conditions treated include urinary incontinence, female pelvic organ prolapse, chronic pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction, as well as conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause.

The pelvic health physiotherapist works with the muscles, bones, and connective tissues of the pelvic region to reduce pain and discomfort in the pelvic area or improve symptoms of incontinence and promote better bladder control. Treatment may include a combination of manual therapy, exercises, and lifestyle modifications. The therapist may also use various modalities such as heat, ice to help with pain. Electrical stimulation may also be used in specific cases to help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.

A pelvic health physiotherapist is qualified to perform internal techniques as part of their assessment and treatment of certain conditions. These techniques typically involve a gentle examination of the muscles and tissues inside the pelvic area, such as the pelvic floor muscles. An internal examination, allows the therapist to assess muscle tone, strength, and function, and to provide specific treatments, such as manual therapy or pelvic floor muscle retraining exercises, directly to the affected muscles.

It is important to note that all techniques are performed with your comfort and privacy in mind, and the therapist will always explain all aspects of the therapy before proceeding and will always respect your wishes and boundaries. If you are uncomfortable with any aspect of the examination or treatment, it is important to discuss this with the therapist, who can provide alternative techniques or approaches. Overall, the goal of pelvic health physiotherapy is to help you achieve better pelvic health and comfort, and improve your quality of life.

Pre-surgical rehabilitation refers to physical therapy or rehabilitation services provided prior to a surgical procedure to optimize your physical health before surgery. The goal of pre-surgical rehabilitation is to prepare you for the surgical procedure, improve your overall health and physical function, and optimize your outcome following surgery. This may involve exercises to strengthen the affected area, improve range of motion, and reduce pain, as well as education on how to manage post-operative pain and care for the surgical site.

Post-surgical rehabilitation refers to physical therapy or rehabilitation services that are provided after a surgical procedure to help you recover your strength, mobility, and function. The specific pre-surgical and post-surgical rehabilitation program will depend on the type of surgery, your individual needs and goals, and the surgeon’s recommendations. A physical therapist can work with you and your healthcare team to develop an individualized rehabilitation plan to help you achieve your goals and recover as quickly and effectively as possible. The goal of post-surgical rehabilitation is to help you regain your independence, reduce pain and swelling, and prevent complications such as scarring or contractures. This may involve a combination of passive and active treatments, such as range of motion exercises, therapeutic massage, and manual therapy, to help with recovery of your strength and mobility as quickly and safely as possible.

Bracing for musculoskeletal conditions refers to the use of an external device, such as a brace or splint, to support, protect, and stabilize a specific body part or joint. Bracing is commonly used to treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, such as joint sprains, fractures, ligament injuries, and degenerative joint diseases, among others.

The specific type of brace used will depend on the type and severity of the injury or condition, as well as the location and type of joint involved. For example, a knee brace may be used to support and stabilize the knee following a ligament injury, while a wrist brace may be used to immobilize the wrist and reduce pain and swelling following a wrist sprain.

Bracing can be a key component of the management of musculoskeletal conditions, as it helps to reduce pain and swelling, provide stability to the affected joint, and promote healing. It can also be used to prevent re-injury or further damage during the recovery process.

Bracing should be used with other treatments, such as physical therapy, medication, and rehabilitation exercises, to achieve optimal results and promote long-term healing and recovery. A healthcare professional, such as a physical therapist or physician, can determine if bracing is appropriate for a specific condition and can provide guidance on the type and use of the brace.

Splinting refers to the use of a device to immobilize and support a part of the body to aid in the healing of injuries or to manage certain medical conditions. Splints can be made of a variety of materials, but usually of a special thermal plastic that can be molded to fit a specific part of the body, such as a finger, wrist, or elbow.

Splinting is commonly used to protect fractures, or repaired tendons and for sprains, and strains, as well as to immobilize or limit movement of joints following surgery. It can also be used to manage conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, and tenosynovitis. The goal of splinting is to reduce pain, protect the injured area, and promote healing. The occupational therapist will fit the splint based on your medical condition to ensure maximum benefit. A splint can help to immobilize or support a specific area and protect tissues while it is healing.

Vestibular rehabilitation focuses on improving balance and reducing dizziness and motion sensitivity. It is typically used for individuals who have vestibular disorders, such as dizziness, vertigo, and unsteadiness. Vestibular rehabilitation can be an effective way to improve balance, reduce dizziness, and enhance overall function in individuals who have experienced a concussion or a vestibular disorder. This therapy is provided by a physical therapist who has specialized training in vestibular rehabilitation and can guide you safely through the recovery process.

The goal of vestibular rehabilitation is to retrain the brain to process information from the vestibular system, which controls balance. This can be done by performing a series of exercises and activities that are meant to challenge the vestibular system and help it to recover from injury.