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First visit preparedness
- Arrive fifteen minutes early to fill out forms .
- Bring a pair of shorts for lower extremity injury and back injuries.
- Bring a sleeveless t-shirt or tank top for an upper extremity injury.
- Be prepared for your appointment to last 45 minutes.
- Download and fill-in the forms
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 Sclerosis
- Womens health / Incontinence issues
Physiotherapy is available through private clinics, and is included under most extended health benefit plans.
What does a physiotherapy 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
- biomechanical restrictions
- gait assessment, if applicable
- pain and movement patterns
- muscle strength
- joint range of motion
- relevant X-ray and imaging reports will be examined, if applicable
At Sunshine Physiotherapy 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 and/or education on the “do’s and don’t’s” for symptom management.
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 and anti-inflamatory 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
- education
- IMS
- taping and/or bracing
- mechanical traction for lumbar and cervical spine
At Sunshine Physiotherapy 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.
Pelvic Therapy/Women's Health
Do you leak urine when coughing or sneezing? Do you have control issues while participating in step classes or high impact activities such as running? Is your life severely affected by inability to control your bladder? You are not alone.
One in four healthy women and one in two elderly women will experience urinary incontinence. It can be a very debilitating issue that can affect all aspects of one's life.
Physiotherapy has been shown to be a very effective natural treatment option for many female pelvic concerns. Sunshine Physiotheray and rehabilitation is meeting the growing demand for pelvic floor physical therapy. It is a specialized therapy that can assist women who experience urinary incontinence and prolapses of the bladder, cervix or uterus. Using a variety of techniques such as manual therapy, biofeedback, strengthening and/or relaxation exercises, pelvic floor physical therapy can help women achieve a higher quality of life by helping women gain control of their bladder and experience less pelvic pain. The physical therapist must have post graduate training in this field. A detailed history with the physical therapist is done, as well with consent an internal exam. Denise Brochu has been treating the above issues for 5 years and finds it extremely rewarding because it can be life changing. So far every single women either in her class or one on one has improved!
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.
What is IMS?
Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) is an effective treatment for chronic pain of neuropathic origin. Based on scientific and neuro-physiological principals, it is a technique that uses acupuncture needles to reduce adverse muscle tone and muscle shortening that cause pain and dysfunction. Practitioners that administer this technique must obtain proper certification.
What is Manual Therapy?
Manual Therapy is a specific technique that uses hands-on treatment. It involves moving specific joints and spinal segments to restore any bio-mechanical restrictions. It is a very safe yet effective technique that requires advanced and specialized training. It promotes good quality of movement and it helps improve muscle tone and flexibility.
What is Mechanical Traction?
Mechanical Traction has been shown to be highly effective in reducing the size of disc herniation, decrease pain intensity and faster return to full activity. In many cases surgical intervention may be avoided.
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 or send a report with their clinical findings to your doctor and/or other members on your health care team.
I was referred to another physiotherapy clinic by my doctor. Can I come to your clinic instead?
Yes, you can receive physiotherapy at any clinic of your choosing. You should ensure that the person delivering your care is a physiotherapist registered with the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta.
Fees:
Fees vary with service required. Please contact us for details.
All of the services we provide are covered by extended medical plans that include physiotherapy. Payment is required at the time of service, but we provide official receipts that may be submitted to your insurance carrier for reimbursement.
For information on billing motor vehicle insurance companies, please contact our office. Having information from your insurance company regarding whether you are covered within the "Diagnostics and Treatment Protocols" or not, would be beneficial.
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