Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy’s unique contribution to health care stems from its advanced understanding of how the body moves, what keeps it from moving well and how to restore mobility and enhance performance. A physiotherapist assesses the patients level of mobility, strength, endurance and other physical abilities to determine the impact of their illness, injury, or dysfunction on their physical function, whether at work, rest or play. They diagnose the condition(s) and develop individual treatment plans to restore movement and reduce pain or limitations to mobility. They treat the condition and help the patient understand its effect on their function and overall physical health state. A physiotherapist measures the patient’s progress regularly and adjusts the treatment accordingly, and advises the patient on how to manage their condition independently. Their goal is to help the patient prevent avoidable recurrences or complications through specified home stretches, exercises and physical modifications. Physiotherapists can also advise you on ways to prevent potential health problems from occurring, before they arise. Physiotherapists treat a wide range of the population, from the very young to the very old and for all physical conditions and ailments. They are trained in several different areas including orthopedics, neurology, and cardiopulmonary. The main focus at Alevia Health and Wellness Centre is outpatient orthopedics and we treat many of the following common conditions:

Neck pain
Low back pain
Rotator Cuff injuries
Elbow, wrist, knee, ankle, foot conditions
Sprains and Strains
Sports injuries
Repetitive strain injuries (i.e.: carpal tunnel, tennis elbow)
Motor vehicle accident injuries
Industrial or work related injuries
Post surgical rehabilitation (i.e.: hip or knee replacement)
Physiotherapists also work in areas that span all three practice areas such as women’s health (including pre and post natal care, and other women’s health issues), pediatric and seniors care. They also help manage the physical complications that arise from many other conditions such as cancer and its treatment, and care for physical symptoms associated with arthritic conditions, post surgical edema, post fracture conditioning, etc.

Physiotherapy – How it Works?

Physiotherapy involves using a variety of techniques and modalities to help your muscles, joints, heart and lungs work to their potential. Physiotherapists work in partnership with patients of all ages to break down barriers impeding physical function and performance. They work with other health care professionals to enhance your recovery and help you retain your optimal health for longer periods.
Physiotherapy can help individuals living with congenital or chronic diseases or other debilitating conditions and can assist those recovering from: surgery; illness; neurological conditions such as stroke; injury; industrial or motor vehicle accidents; or age related conditions. The practice of physiotherapy is drug free and utilizes many other supportive therapies such as ultrasound, therapeutic laser, inferential current, TENS, cryotherapy, acupuncture, therapeutic stretches and physical rehabilitation, to meet your healthcare needs.

Fundamental to a physiotherapists approach is an appreciation of your role in your own care. Physiotherapists work with you to integrate your care into your lifestyle. They are skilled in providing treatment, preventative advice, rehabilitation and care for people with long term or terminal illness and will develop a full, individualized treatment plan to suit your unique needs.

Physiotherapists are university educated, regulated health professionals that play an important role within your health care team.

Physiotherapy – What to Expect?

When you see a physiotherapist, he or she will complete a thorough assessment that may include your health history, evaluation of pain and movement patterns, strength, joint range of motion, reflexes, sensation and current cardio-respiratory status.
They will also examine relevant x-rays, laboratory tests, medical records and surgical notes. Based on this assessment, the physiotherapist develops a diagnosis and works in partnership with you and any other health professionals, to plan individualized goals and treatment programs.
Physiotherapists promote independence, including emphasis on how you can help yourself. For example, you may be shown exercises that you can do between treatment sessions and how to set goals to achieve optimal results.

Physiotherapy – What Can The Treatment Involve?

Some treatment options:

Strengthening and therapeutic exercise programs
Mobility and flexibility improvement
Improvements in muscle imbalances and alignment
Balance retraining and movement coordination
Manual therapy intervention to reduce pain and stiffness
Electrical modalities such as TENS (electrical nerve stimulation) or ultrasound
Gait retraining and general conditioning regimes