PHYSIOTHERAPY
With your independence in mind, the physiotherapist's goal is to restore, maintain and maximize your strength, function, movement and overall well-being. Physiotherapists combine knowledge of how the body works with specialized hands-on clinical skills to assess, diagnose and treat symptoms of injury and disability.
What is physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is a regulated health profession that fills a unique and vital role in our health care system. Physiotherapists work with individuals of all ages to break down barriers to physical function. As experts in their field, physiotherapists specialize in eliminating pain and physical limitations that arise from a wide variety of common injuries and conditions. These include:
- acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries
- repetitive strain injuries
- spinal conditions
- nerve impingements
- chronic pain
- postural dysfunction
- neurological injury or condition such as stroke or Multiple Sclerosi
- lymphedema or other associated conditions in individuals with cancer
Physiotherapy is available through private clinics, and is included under most extended health benefit plans.
What does a physiotherapy initial assessment involve?
At your first visit a full assessment of your physical ailment will be undertaken. This will generally include:
a detailed history of your health and injury
- functional limitations
- gait assessment, if applicable
- pain and movement patterns
- muscle strength
- joint range of motion
- nerve conduction tests
- relevant X-ray and imaging reports will be examined, if applicable
At Vitae Wellness Centre we always make sure to save time in the initial assessment visit to provide you with some form of treatment, be it hands-on techniques, exercise instruction, education on the “do’s and don’t’s” for symptom management, etc.
What does a physiotherapy treatment involve?
A typical physiotherapy treatment program ranges from days to weeks in length, or could be longer (often with less frequent visits), depending on the chronicity of the issue and the nature of treatment program. Your physiotherapist will determine how often you should be seen for treatment, and will not have you come in for physiotherapy any longer than is necessary for your recovery. Treatment techniques which may be used include:
- manual therapy
- ultrasound and other electrical modalities
- exercise demonstration and home program development
- acupuncture
- return to work/sport/activity planning
- gait analysis and facilitation for optimal patterning
- balance and co-ordination re-training
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage
- education
At Vitae Wellness Centre we make it a priority to ensure our clients understand the root cause of their symptoms or disability, and we are happy to answer whatever questions you may have. Education is critical to ensure our clients have the tools to avoid future injury, prevent re-occurrence, and promote self-management over the long-term.
How does acupuncture fit in?
Studies support a growing role for the use of acupuncture in Western medical practices, with next to no side-effects from its use. Certified physiotherapists can incorporate acupuncture into their treatment sessions, with the following therapeutic goals:
- decrease pain
- decrease inflammation
- promote tissue healing and regeneration
- restore optimal nerve and muscle function
Acupuncture can be incorporated into your physiotherapy treatment sessions, at no additional cost.
Do I need a doctor’s referral?
You do not need a referral from your doctor prior to attending physiotherapy, as physiotherapists are considered primary health care providers. However, some insurance companies do require a referral from your doctor in order for you to be reimbursed for expenses.
Will you contact my doctor to discuss your findings?
With your permission, your physiotherapist will discuss their clinical findings with your doctor and/or other members on your health care team.
I was involved in a workplace injury or motor vehichle accident. Do you treat people with Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB) or Auto Insurance claims?
Yes, we would be happy to be your physiotherapy provider. We are able to bill WSIB or your auto insurance provider directly for your treatment.
