What is Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapists are regulated healthcare professionals that specialize in assessing, diagnosing, and treating musculoskeletal injuries. Whether you are suffering from a chronic condition or recovering from an acute injury or surgery, physiotherapy is beneficial in decreasing pain, improving range of motion, increasing strength, and maintaining overall quality of life.

Types of Conditions Treated

• Musculoskeletal conditions: headaches, sprains and strains, arthritis, joint stiffness, bursitis, tendinitis, fractures, overuse and repetitive strain injuries, workplace injuries, sports injuries, motor vehicle accidents, pre-/post-op repairs, postural imbalances

• Neurological conditions: stroke, spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, cerebral palsy, nerve injuries

• Cardiopulmonary conditions: pneumonia, asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, cystic fibrosis

• Other conditions: concussions, vestibular disorders, fibromyalgia, pelvic floor disorders, TMJ dysfunction

Treatment Techniques

Manual Therapy

Manual therapy is a specialized, hands-on approach in which physiotherapists use their hands to mobilize or manipulate soft tissues and joints for the purpose of modulating pain, increasing range of motion, inducing relaxation, facilitating movement, decreasing stiffness, and/or improving tissue repair. Manual therapy techniques may include joint and nerve mobilizations, myofascial and trigger point release, and muscle energy techniques.

Acupuncture and Dry Needling

Acupuncture is a method based on Traditional Chinese Medicine whereby thin needles are inserted in precise points located on the body. Disruptions of energy flow (qi) throughout the body are believed to be responsible for disease. The insertion of needles help to correct imbalances of qi throughout the body. Acupuncture also promotes natural healing by increasing blood flow and stimulating the body to produce chemicals and hormones that alter the perception of pain.

Dry needling is an effective Western approach that involves inserting a needle into an area that contains a trigger point. When an injury occurs, damaged tissue will tense and contract in a protective state, limiting its ability to heal. Insertion of a needle into a shortened muscle or active trigger point will cause it to twitch. The twitch response helps to deactivate the trigger point, reduce pain, and restore normal length and function of the involved muscle.

Modalities

Modalities are used to decrease pain and swelling, increase circulation, restore normal tissue function, and promote healing. Examples include ultrasound, laser, interferential current (IFC), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), shockwave therapy, and hot/cold therapy. 

Taping and Bracing