Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is a primary, drug-free health care profession.   Often working within health care teams or independently, physiotherapists assist people to restore, maintain, and maximize their strength, function, movement, and overall well-being.  Physiotherapists have in-depth knowledge of how the body works, and how the body moves.  They are considered experts in the field of non-surgical treatment of a wide range of musculoskeletal problems and injuries, as well as their prevention.   They use specialized hands-on clinical skills to assess, diagnose, and treat various conditions, injuries, and disabilities.  Treatment includes but is not limited to specialized manual therapy techniques, mobilization, joint manipulation, soft tissue therapy, exercise therapy and home exercise prescription, postural therapy, gait, balance and coordination re-training, muscle tension release, and so much more.  Physiotherapists may also employ electrotherapy, ultrasound, acupuncture, and other modalities.  Physiotherapy is broad enough to include rehabilitation from injury, pain reduction, prevention of injury, postural improvement, as well as promotion of health.

A small example of conditions treated include back pain, neck pain, muscle tension, headaches, sciatica, sports injuries, joint pain/injury such as knees, ankles, shoulders, elbows, and wrists, whiplash, arthritis, diabetes, spinal cord injury, nerve conditions, post-surgical, etc.  Come in and speak to your physiotherapist to see if they can help.  You don’t need to be in pain to see a physiotherapist!

Chiropractic

Chiropractic is a health care profession that focuses on the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, movement and general health.  Chiropractors utilize a hands-on, manual therapy approach that includes examination, diagnosis, treatment, and preventative care.  In many cases the treatment is similar to physiotherapy and can overlap with massage as well.  Chiropractors are also trained to recommend therapeutic exercises and utilize modalities, and can provide nutritional, dietary and lifestyle counselling.  Chiropractic care is often the primary method of treatment for back, neck, and shoulder pain or stiffness.

There are many reasons to seek chiropractic care, including:

• back pain
• neck pain
• posture
• joint and muscle pain
• sprains and strains
• headaches
• whiplash
• repetitive strain injuries
• work and sports injuries
• arthritis
• limited range of motion and stiffness
• chronic pain conditions
• general health and well-being

Like physiotherapists, chiropractors function within a health care team to provide a complete health care plan that fits your individual needs.

A chiropractor does NOT have to “adjust” you!!

The most commonly misunderstood therapeutic procedure performed by chiropractors is a “manipulation” or an “adjustment.” The adjustment is applied in a very specific direction, and in a very controlled manner, to joints that are locked, or hypomobile – restricted in their movement.  This can occur after injury, with poor posture, repetitive strain, or other conditions.  Joint manipulation serves to restore joint mobility and function, and to alleviate pain.  Despite the benefits, adjustments are not always required or possible, and chiropractors can always provide a complete therapy program without it, especially if you are uncomfortable with the technique.  Your chiropractor will always discuss the treatment options with you and create a care plan that meets your needs and comfort level.

 

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is a therapeutic hands-on technique that involves manipulation of the superficial and deeper layers of muscles and soft tissue in order to enhance function, aid in healing, promote relaxation, health, and well-being.   Massage therapists use calming, therapeutic processes of stroking, kneading, and pressing the various body areas to ease pain, reduce stress and tension, or relax, stimulate and tone the body.  Massage is used to treat musculoskeletal, lymphatic, circulatory, and nervous system issues.

There are various types of massage therapy, each utilizing different techniques.  Some popular techniques include Swedish, Shiatsu, Sports Massage, and Lymphatic Massage.  Massage therapists are trained professionals and are registered with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario.

Sport Massage Therapy

What is Sport Massage?

It is the application of basic and treatment oriented massage techniques to an athlete with the purpose of enhancing the athlete’s preparation for, or recovery from the physical demands of training and or competition.

There are several stages of the application of sport massage and this depends on the stage of training and competition the athlete is in;

–       Pre-event (off-site)

–       Pre-event Warm-up

–       Pre-event Performance (on-site)

–       Inter-event

–       Post-event Cool-down (on-site)

–       Post-event (off-site)

–       Restoration (recovery/recuperation)

–       Conditioning (training/maintenance)

–       Rehabilitation

The techniques of sport massage are applied with purpose. Their intent is to create physiological effects that result in therapeutic outcomes, which translate into performance enhancement.

Overall Sport Massage is an integral part of the athletes training and competition program. It complements all other health care approaches as well as many physiological and performance related benefits.

For more information on Sport Massage Therapy please visit the Canadian Sport Massage Therapists Association. (http://www.csmta.ca/index.html )

Benefits of Sports Massage

Massage, applied skillfully, is the most effective therapy for releasing muscle tension and restoring balance to the musculoskeletal system. Received regularly this may help athletes prevent injuries, which might otherwise be caused by overuse. A constant build up of tension in the muscles from regular activity may lead to stresses on joints, ligaments, tendons, as well as the muscles themselves.

These muscle imbalances may develop and often go undiagnosed until they are serious enough to cause the athlete discomfort or impede performance. The skilled massage therapist will be able to detect variations in the soft tissues and by using the correct techniques, help the athlete maintain a much healthier physical state.

It may therefore be reasonably claimed that one of the greatest benefits of sports massage is in helping prevent injury.

Acupuncture

The World Health Organization and the National Institute of Health have endorsed acupuncture, declaring it to be effective in the treatment of:

• headaches
• fibromyalgia
• pain managment
• acute and chronic injuries
• sports injuries
• tennis elbow/golfers elbow
• muscle and joint pain
• low back and neck pain
• arthritis
• pelvic pain, urinary problems
• menstrual problems, hot flashes
• digestive problems
• mood problems
• addictions
• various other health care problems.

PhysioHealth Studios offers both Contemporary Medical Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture.

CONTEMPORARY MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE

Contemporary Medical Acupuncture is a safe, natural, and clinically effective option for the treatment of a variety of common orthopedic and functional health conditions.  It involves the insertion of very thin needles over carefully selected areas of the body where nerves and their receptors are found.  This stimulates numerous responses in the central nervous system (scientifically documented), that are of potential benefit for many conditions.

Contemporary Acupuncture works by activation the natural pain control and healing mechanisms of the body.  It improves local circulation and muscle nutrition, restoring muscle strength and decreasing pain.  it normalizes nerve communication at many levels of the central nervous system, resulting in better hoormonal, visceral and muscular activity, and a higher sense of well being and relaxation.

Contemporary Medical Acupuncture aims to bridge the gap between classical acupuncture therapy and contemporary medicine to achieve their ultimate integration. Medical Acupuncture is the biomedical adaptation of Chinese acupuncture methods, and is an effective and simple treatment approach based on current concepts of neurophysiology, neuroanatomy, and pathophysiology.

As in traditional acupuncture, Medical Acupuncture involves insertion of solid needles at relevant points on the body in combination with manual needle stimulation or electrical stimulation. Medical Acupuncture does not involve tongue or pulse diagnosis. Rather, a diagnosis is attained through thorough history taking and physical examination. Based on this process, anatomical points that are relevant to the condition are selected for needling.

In general, contemporary Acupuncture is always integrated with other therapeutic interventions and used either as a first line treatment or as a modality for other treatments. This is dependent on the nature of your problem and on the physiological mechanisms available to your individual case.

IS THE TREATMENT UNCOMFORTABLE?

Contemporary Acupuncture practitioners use a painless insertion technique, with a two hand contact, providing comfort and control at all times.  Modern acupuncture needles are very thin, sterile, and single use.  They are solid with a round tip that gently parts tissues without damaging them.  Discomfort during this process is minimal.  At times, a special electrical device is used to improve the effects of the treatment.  This electrical stimulation is quite comfortable.

ARE THERE ANY ADVERSE EFFECTS?

Adverse effects of acupuncture are rare, the most common being minor bruising or minimal bleeding (about 0.3% in 1000 treatments).  Mild drowsiness and/or a sense of euphoria may occur after treatments, so you should keep this in mind before driving.  Truly rare adverse effects can be explained to you by your practitioner.

HOW SOON DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?

In most cases, a positive response is seen quite early, sometimes in the first session.  Your practitioner will design the best plan for you, based on your condition, from 2-3 times a week to once per week.  positive responses for simple pain problems require 6-8 treatments, while chronic conditions may require 10-12.

WHAT MAKES CONTEMPORARY ACUPUNCTURE SO DIFFERENT?

Contemporary Acupuncture practitioners are conventional health professionals with a special skill.  They design your acupuncture treatments based on a thorough evaluation of your neurofunction.  They select specific goals based on the most important physiological functions in need of regulation, using precise peripheral nerve stimulation sites to best promote these therapeutic responses.

All acupuncture interventions are potentially beneficial because of their expected effects on human physiology.  Contemporary Acupuncture practitioners have studies these effects and know hot to best achieve the desired therapeutic goals in a clean, logical, reproducible, and scientific manner.

TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE ACUPUNCTURE (TCM)