Physiotherapy

A physiotherapist is a university educated professional who specializes in the assessment and treatment of physical injury and dysfunction. They are trained to provide treatment for a variety of physical conditions including acute joint and muscle injuries, repetitive strain injuries, chronic pain disorders, post-surgical rehabilitation and sports injuries.

Your physiotherapy treatment begins with a comprehensive assessment to determine an action plan including short term and long term goals, prognosis for recovery, and type of treatment intervention.

Treatment sessions with a physiotherapist may include manual therapy, exercise, electrotherapy (TENS, IFC, NMES (muscle stimulation), therapeutic ultrasound, hydrotherapy, Thermal treatment (ice, heat), taping/bracing, education and acupuncture.

Manual Therapy

Manual therapy includes any hands on technique that involves joint range of motion, joint manipulation or mobilization, and soft tissue massage, frictioning or myofascial release. Our physiotherapists have a strong manual therapy focus and will typically include some type of manual therapy in your treatment plan.

Exercises

Every physiotherapy treatment plan will include some type of exercise therapy which may include a combination of range of motion, stretching, strengthening, proprioception, and general conditioning. We will develop a Customized Exercise Report that you can use for reference when performing your exercises. Our gym has the latest rehabilitation equipment to provide the most effective treatment including stationary cycles, treadmill, pulley system, free weights, balance boards and swiss balls.

Spinal Decompression Therapy

Spinal decompression therapy is a non-surgical, comfortable traction therapy for the relief of back and leg pain or neck and arm pain. During this procedure, by cycling through distraction and relaxation phases and by proper positioning, a spinal disc can be isolated and placed under negative pressure, causing a vacuum effect within it. We use the Triton DTS Traction System (DTS) which is considered the gold standard in regards to Decompression Therapy. Lumbar, Cervical and Wrist Decompression Therapy can be delivered utilizing the Triton DTS in a controlled and proven method. The Triton DTS represents 25 years of experience in design combined with a revolutionary belting system designed for quick setup, comfort and effectiveness. The Triton DTS delivers exact force, continuously monitors progress and makes adjustments to poundage due to muscle guarding or patient relaxation. With each decompression pull the friction free table overcomes gravitational forces, and returns to a neutral position through a recoil device. Flexibility is a priority, so the Triton DTS includes Cervical and Wrist Decompression attachments. A High Volt Stimulator is included to improve local circulation to the target tissue and relax muscles. DTS includes an EMG Biofeedback device to monitor the muscles around the joints being decompressed. If the muscles are in spasm the unit will automatically change the force of pull to help relax the muscles. This is all covered under physiotherapy. There are NO special charges for spinal decompression therapy. For specific rates, please look under Fees.

Electrotherapy

Electrotherapy is the application of an electric current to the body which can have a number of benefits including pain relief, improved circulation, reduced swelling, and improved muscle function. Our facility has 3 Interferential Stimulation (IFC) machines, a Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) unit, and a Neuromuscular electric stimulator(NMES).

Therapeutic Ultrasound

Ultrasound is the application of ultrasonic sound waves to the body which has been shown to improve healing of various soft tissue injuries, including tendonitis, muscle strains and ligament injuries. Ultrasound can also be used to achieve phonophoresis. This is a non-invasive way of administering medications to tissues below the skin; perfect for patients who are uncomfortable with injections. At our facility we have an Rich-Mar Ultrasound Unit that can penetrate deep into the tissue (1 MHz) or superficially (3 MHz). Our units have a large (5 cm) and small (2 cm) head that gives us full contact on the surface area we need to work on.

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy helps improve circulation and lymphatic drainage and aids in mobility and stretching exercises. Our facility has a hydrotherapy tub onsite that allows some limited hydrotherapy treatment.

Thermal Treatment

Thermal Treatment involves the use of ice and/or heat for a variety of applications that can be used in conjunction with other types of treatment. Heat is applied using hot packs, hot water (see hydrotherapy), thermal ultrasound (see ultrasound), or paraffin wax. Cold is applied using ice packs, ice massage, or ice water.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture may be used in conjunction with traditional physiotherapy if your therapist decides it will be a beneficial treatment alternative.