We have experienced Physical Therapists who have specific skills to help maximize your recovery. By offering a range of diversified treatment options and hands on individual care, we ensure that our clients get moving faster. Our team uses a blend of Manual Therapy in conjunction with a strengthening exercise regimen, and balance training that delivers better results than typical conventional physiotherapy programs. Our staff prides themselves in developing validated/proven treatment protocols that will provide the best value for each and every visit. We put the puzzle together for solving your chronic lower back pain. We can manage your lower back pain by addressing all the modifiable risk factors and restoring your function, so you can enjoy your active lifestyle pain-free.

7:00am to 7:00pm Monday to Friday, and Saturday 8am to 2pm.

Beddington: Suite 153, 8220 Centre Street NE Calgary, AB. T3K-1J7

a.) Coming from the South: driving north on Deerfoot, turn on the Beddington Trail exit ramp, which takes you over Deerfoot. Turn left off Beddington Boulevard. Then, go down to Centre Street and turn right, then right again into the Beddington Co-op Shopping Centre Mall parking lot. Access the mall through the Calgary First Bank entry. We are straight ahead at Suite #153. You will see our logo on the window.

b.) Coming from the North: drive south on Harvest Hills Boulevard into the trench by the golf course and under Beddington Trail. Then, merge onto Beddington Trail South. Turn right at Beddington Boulevard, then right at Centre Street, and right again into the Co-op Shopping Centre mall parking lot. Access the mall through the Calgary First Bank entry. We are straight ahead at Suite # 153. You will see our logo on the window.

Thorncliffe: Suite 20, 5440 4th Street NW Calgary, AB. T2K-1A8

a.) Exit off Deerfoot on McKnight Boulevard going West. Turn right at 4th Street NW and go 2 blocks north until you see the Thorncliffe Professional Centre (2 storey brick building) on your right. Turn into the parking lot. If the parking lot is full you can park on Simons Road behind the building on the street. The stairs and elevator are located on the north side of the building. We are on the second floor suite 20. First office on the left.

During your first visit you can expect the following:

• Arrive at your appointment with your paperwork completed (you can download it from our website - see the paperwork or forms link).
• You will provide us with your prescription for physical therapy.
• You will be seen for the initial evaluation by the therapist.
• The therapist will discuss the following:
  
  
  1. Your medical history.
  2. Your current problems/complaints.
  3. Pain intensity, what aggravates and eases the problem.
  4. How this is impacting your daily activities or your functional limitations.
  5. Your goals with physical therapy.
  6. Medications, tests, and procedures related to your health.
• The therapist will then perform the objective evaluation which may include some of the following:
  
  
  1. Palpation - touching around the area of the pain/problem. This is done to check for the presence of tenderness, swelling, soft tissue integrity, tissue temperature, inflammation, etc.
  2. Range of Motion (ROM) - the therapist will move the joint(s) to check for the quality of movement and any restrictions.
  3. Muscle Testing - the therapist may check for strength and the quality of the muscle contraction. Pain and weakness may be noted. Often the muscle strength is graded. This is also part of a neurological screening.
  4. Neurological Screening - the therapist may check to see how the nerves are communicating with the muscles, sensing touch, pain, vibration, or temperature. Reflexes may be assessed as well.
  5. Special Tests - the therapist may perform special tests to confirm/rule out the presence of additional problems.
  6. Posture Assessment - the positions of joints relative to ideal and each other may be assessed.

The therapist will then formulate a list of problems you are having, and how to treat those problems. A plan is subsequently developed with the patient's input. This includes how many times you should see the therapist per week, how many weeks you will need therapy, home programs, patient education, short-term/long-term goals, and what is expected after discharge from therapy. This plan is created from input from you, your therapist, and your doctor.

a.) Make sure to bring your Physical Therapy referral, if you have already seen your doctor. Private patients can attend without a referral to get your rehabilitation started. Your Extended Health Care Benefit Plan may require a referral or may not. This is why we recommend you contact your employment Human resources representative to check on your own individual or group plan benefit regulations.

b.) Motor Vehicle Collision (MVC) patient, click on our "Insurance" header on the home page for more information on this process.

c.) Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) patients, you must bring your doctor's referral to start your rehabilitation. If a claim number has been assigned to you, then bring that along with your adjuster's contact information as well. Claim numbers are usually assigned within a week of all the assessment reports being received from your doctor, physical therapist, and your employer. The most common reason for delay is usually the employers are slow sending in their paperwork, so make sure to confirm with your employer that they have submitted on your behalf.

d.) Calgary Health Region patients (i.e., fractures, post-surgical, low-income) are encouraged to bring a referral, but it is not mandatory anymore. Low-income patients are asked to attend the clinic to pick up the paperwork that needs to be filled out before the first assessment.

You should wear loose fitting clothing so you can expose the area that we will be evaluating and treating. For example, if you have a knee problem, it is best to wear shorts. For a shoulder problem, a tank top is a good choice, and for low back problems, wear a loose fitting shirt and pants, again so we can perform a thorough examination.

Treatment sessions typically last 30 to 60 minutes per visit.

This is highly variable. You may need one visit or you may need months of care. It depends on your diagnosis, the severity of your impairments, your past medical history, etc. You will be re-evaluated on a monthly basis and when you see your doctor, we will provide you with a progress report with our recommendations.

More than half of all Canadians are suffering from pain. Whether it is a recent episode or chronic, an ABC News/Stanford study revealed that pain in North America is a serious problem. However, many do not even know that physical therapists are well equipped to not only treat pain but also its source.

Physical therapists are experts at treating movement and neuro-musculoskeletal disorders. Pain often accompanies a movement disorder, and physical therapists can help correct the disorder and relieve the pain.

Reference: Canada Physiotherapy Association

You have probably heard of the profession of physical therapy. Maybe you have had a conversation with a friend about how physical therapy helped get rid of his or her back pain, or you might know someone who needed physical therapy after an injury. You might even have been treated by a physical therapist yourself. But have you ever wondered about physical therapists--who they are and what they do? Many people are familiar with physical therapists' work helping patients with orthopedic problems, such as low back pain or knee surgeries, to reduce pain and regain function. Others may be aware of the treatment that physical therapists provide to assist patients recovering from a stroke (e.g., assisting them with recovering use of their limbs and walking again).

The ability to maintain an upright posture and to move your arms and legs to perform all sorts of tasks and activities is an important component of your health. Most of us can learn to live with the various medical conditions that we may develop, but only if we are able to continue at our jobs, take care of our families, and enjoy important occasions with family and friends. All of these activities require the ability to move without difficulty or pain.

Because physical therapists are experts in movement and function, they do not confine their talents to treating people who are ill. A large part of a physical therapist's program is directed at preventing injury, loss of movement, and even surgery. Physical therapists work as consultants in industrial settings to improve the design of the workplace and reduce the risk of workers overusing certain muscles or developing low back pain. They also provide services to athletes at all levels to screen for potential problems and institute preventive exercise programs. With the boom in the golf and fitness industries, a number of physical therapists are engaged in consulting with recreational golfers and fitness clubs to develop workouts that are safe and effective, especially for people who already know that they have a problem with their joints or their backs.

The cornerstones of physical therapy treatment are therapeutic exercise and functional training. In addition to "hands-on" care, physical therapists also educate patients to take care of themselves and to perform certain exercises on their own. Depending on the particular needs of a patient, physical therapists may also "mobilize" a joint (that is, perform certain types of movements at the end of your range of motion) or massage a muscle to promote proper movement and function. Physical therapists also use methods such as ultrasound (which uses high frequency waves to produce heat), hot packs, and ice. Although other kinds of practitioners will offer some of these treatments as "physical therapy," it's important for you to know that physical therapy can only be provided by qualified physical therapists or by physical therapist assistants, who must complete a 2-year education program and who work only under the direction and supervision of physical therapists.

Most forms of physical therapy treatment are covered by your insurance, but the coverage will vary with each plan. Most states do not legally require patients to see their physicians before seeing a physical therapist. Most of the time all you have to do is ask your doctor if physical therapy is right for you.

Reference: APTA

You will be evaluated by one of our licensed and highly trained physical therapists and he/she will also treat you during subsequent visits. Unlike some clinics, where you see someone different each visit, we feel it is very important to develop a one-on-one relationship with you to maintain continuity of care. Since only one physical therapist knows your problems best, he/she is the one that will be working closely with you to speed your recovery.

For many patients, one of the primary objectives is pain relief. This is frequently accomplished with hands-on techniques, modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and/or heat or cold therapy. Movement often provides pain relief as well. Your physical therapist will provide you with the appropriate exercises not only for pain relief but to recover range of motion, strength, and endurance.

In some cases, physical therapy techniques can be painful. For example, recovering knee range of motion after total knee replacement or shoulder range of motion after shoulder surgery may be painful. Your physical therapist will utilize a variety of techniques to help maximize your treatment goals. It is important that you communicate the intensity, frequency, and duration of pain to your therapist. Without this information, it is difficult for the therapist to adjust your treatment plan.

There are dozens of different types of treatment interventions. Here is a list of treatment interventions:

Active Range of Motion (AROM) - the patient lifts or moves a body part through range of motion against gravity. AROM is usually one of the first modalities prescribed for arthritis.

Active Assistive Range of Motion (AAROM) - therapist-assisted active range of motion. This is usually prescribed for gentle stretching or strengthening for a very weak body part.

Stationary Bicycle - with or without resistance. This is usually prescribed for improving the strength and/or range of motion of the back or lower extremities as well as cardio-vascular endurance.

Gait or Walking Training - the analysis of walking problems by visually examining the interaction of the low back and the joints of the thighs, legs, and feet during the various stages of walking, including initial contact, loading response, mid stance, terminal stance, pre swing, mid swing, and terminal swing. Many back, thigh, leg, ankle, and foot problems may be caused by or manifest themselves in subtle gait abnormalities.

Isometrics - muscle contraction without joint movement. This is usually prescribed for strengthening without stressing or damaging the joint (e.g., arthritis, or exercises to be performed in a cast, or right after surgery if recommended by the therapist/doctor).

Isotonics- muscle(s) contracting through the ROM with resistance. This is usually prescribed for strengthening.

Soft Tissue Mobilization - therapeutic massage of body tissue, performed with the hands. Soft tissue mobilization may be used for muscle relaxation, to decrease swelling, to decrease scar tissue adhesions, and for pain relief.

Mobilization - hands-on therapeutic procedures intended to increase soft tissue or joint mobility. Mobilization is usually prescribed to increase mobility, delaying progressive stiffness, and to relieve pain. There are many types of mobilization techniques including Maitland, Kaltenborn, Isometric Mobilizations, etc.

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) - a system of manually resisted exercises performed in diagonal patterns that mimic functional movements. PNF was initially used in developmentally and neurologically impaired patients but now is used in almost every aspect of neuromuscular retraining from athletes in sports facilities to the very weak in hospitals and nursing homes.

Posture Training - instruction in the correct biomechanical alignment of the body to reduce undue strain on muscles, joints, ligaments, discs, and other soft tissues. There is an ideal posture but most do not have ideal posture. Therapists educate patients about the importance of improving posture with daily activities. Stretching and strengthening exercises may be prescribed to facilitate postural improvement and to prevent further disability and future recurrences of problems.

Progressive Resistive Exercises (PRE) - exercises that gradually increase in resistance (weights) and in repetitions. PRE is usually prescribed for reeducation of muscles and strengthening. Weights, rubber bands, and body weight can be used as resistance.

Passive Range of Motion (PROM) - the patient or therapist moves the body part through a range of motion without the use of the muscles that "actively" move the joint(s).

Stretching/Flexibility Exercise - exercise designed to lengthen muscle(s) or soft tissue. Stretching exercises are usually prescribed to improve the flexibility of muscles that have tightened due to disuse or in compensation to pain, spasm or immobilization.

Cryotherapy or Cold Therapy - used to cause vasoconstriction (the blood vessels constrict or decrease their diameter) to reduce the amount of fluid that leaks out of the capillaries into the tissue spaces (swelling) in response to injury of tissue. Ice or cold is used most frequently in acute injuries, but also an effective pain reliever for even the most chronic pain.

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) - the application of electrical stimulation to aid in improving strength (e.g., the quadriceps muscle after knee surgery or injury). NMES is also used to decrease pain and swelling and to relieve muscle spasm.

Neck Traction - a gentle longitudinal/axial pull on the neck, either manual or mechanical, intermittent or continuous for relief of neck pain, to decrease muscle spasm, and facilitate unloading of the spine.

Heat - heat is recommended to decrease chronic pain, relax muscles, and for pain relief. It should not be used with an acute or "new" injury.

Iontophoresis - medications are propelled through the skin by an electrical charge. This modality works on the physical concept that like charges repel each other, therefore, a positively charged medication will be repelled through the skin to the underlying tissues by the positively charged pad of an iontophoresis machine. Iontophoresis is usually prescribed for injuries such as shoulder or elbow bursitis.

Pelvic Traction - the longitudinal/axial pull on the lumbar spine, either manual or mechanical, intermittent or continuous. Pelvic traction may be helpful for the relief of low back pain and muscle spasm.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) - a relatively low voltage applied over painful areas through small self-adhesive electrodes. The electrical stimulation "disguises" or "overrides" the sensation of pain. It is a small, portable unit, used in intervals, to control pain and reduce dependence on drugs. It is usually prescribed for relief of pain.

Ultrasound - ultrasound uses a high frequency sound wave emitted from the sound head when electricity is passed through a quartz crystal. The sound waves cause the vibration of water molecules deep within tissue causing a heating effect. When the sound waves are pulsed, they cause a vibration of the tissue rather than heating. The stream of sound waves helps with nutrition exchange at the cellular level and healing. Studies have shown that ultrasound is helpful for ligament healing and clinically, for carpal tunnel syndrome, and muscle spasm.

Massage may be part of your treatment. Rehabilitation specialists are trained in a variety of techniques that may help with your recovery. Deep tissue techniques may be part of the rehabilitative process. Massage is used for three reasons typically - to facilitate venous return from a swollen area, to relax a tight muscle, or to relieve pain. Contrary to common thought, massage does not increase circulation.

Flare ups are not uncommon. If you have a flare up (exacerbation), give us a call. We may suggest you come back to see us, return to your doctor, or simply modify your daily activities or exercise routine.

Some patients will need to continue with home exercises. Some may choose to continue with a gym exercise program. Others will complete their rehabilitation and return to normal daily activities. It is important that you communicate your goals to your therapist, so he/she can develop a custom program for you.

We suggest that new patients (CHR-fractures, post-op, low-income, WCB, Private) arrive 20 minutes prior, MVC patients arrive 30 minutes early to their scheduled assessment time in order to fill out a health questionnaire and to become acquainted with the clinic's policies. The therapist will perform a detailed initial assessment including a thorough physical examination. This initial assessment can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 60 minutes. At the end of the assessment the Physical Therapist will explain your injury/condition and discuss your treatment options with you, and set up a treatment plan. If time is available Manual Therapy treatment and self management education will begin that day. In most cases you will receive treatment that first day.

What treatment you receive depends a lot on your injury/condition and its stage of healing. In general, treatment will consist of manual mobilization, manipulation to restore movement and reduce pain, as well as rehabilitative exercises in the clinic and at home to regain movement, strength and function and/or the use of modalities. We will provide tips for management of your condition in the short term to help you recover faster and recommendations and exercises in the long term so the condition does not come back. Your physiotherapist may also use other modalities such as traction, acupuncture, intramuscular stimulation (IMS)/dry needling.

Direct access to physical therapy has been available in Alberta since 1995, which means that a doctor's referral is not necessary to receive physical therapy treatment. However, the physical therapist may suggest that you consult a doctor for their opinion or to get further tests done. Note that some extended health benefit plan insurance companies still require a doctor's referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy treatments. It is the responsibility of the patient to check their coverage. WCB claims do require a doctor's referral. Motor Vehicle Collision patients do not require a referral. Calgary Health Region (CHR) requires a referral for fractures and surgery patients and the rehab has to take place within 3 months of the surgery date.

No. The only public funding that is available is the Calgary Health Region for patients who have had a fracture, surgery, or are low income patients. There is some paperwork involved for the low income patients before you can book your first appointment. We recommend you come down to the clinic to get the paperwork first. Fracture (broken bones) and Surgery patients can start right away.

Physiotherapy treatment can take up from 30 minutes to 60 minutes on average. Massage therapy can either be for 30, 60, or 90 minutes, depending on the condition.

Your therapist will be able to give you an approximate number of treatments needed but this is easier to determine once the patient has been seen a few times. Some long-standing conditions will probably take more time to treat than recent, acute conditions.

No, you are given a receipt for each treatment that you must submit to your EHB plan for reimbursement. The amount of reimbursement depends on your company's plan. The receipt will include the Therapist's registration # with the College of PT of Alberta.

When a disc problem is diagnosed through imagery, one of the roles of the initial physiotherapy assessment is to decide if these findings correlate with the clinical picture. In an average pain free population, some people present with disc pathology on MRI. This is why it is so important to treat the clinical signs and symptoms of the patient and not the radiology finding. Disc problems present in many different ways. Some patients will have back pain only, others will have leg pain from nerve irritation and others will have both. No recipe exists for treatment and everyone's condition must be treated individually. Physiotherapy is often very helpful for patients presenting with disc problems. Only those with severe, unrelenting symptoms and with positive neurological findings that are not responding to conservative treatment, may need to have surgery. There should always be a trial of conservative treatment prior to any surgical decision and physiotherapy is a very good and safe option.

Cervicogenic or neck headaches can mimic migraines or can trigger migraines in migraine sufferers, this can become a condition called chronic daily headache. Treating the neck, upper back and shoulders can relieve the neck headaches that may be mimicking or triggering the migraines thus reducing their frequency. Many headaches have a mechanical component to them that is often related to the neck. These type of headaches are called cervicogenic headaches. Often Cervicogenic headaches present with a mechanical dysfunction of the top 2 joints in the neck. Manual therapists, have the tools to assess and treat the various factors that can contribute to headaches. These treatments often help decrease the intensity and frequency of headaches.

Manual therapy is a specialization in orthopedic physiotherapy. It is mostly taught at the post-graduate level and consists of various level courses that are taken over a number of years. A Manual Therapist acquires advanced knowledge and skills in clinical biomechanics, pathology, assessment and feel of joint movement, soft tissue flexibility, nerve mobility and muscle recruitment. To become recognized in the field of Manual Therapy, the physiotherapist must successfully go through an examination process set up by the Orthopedic Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. The successful completion of the examination process leads to a residency and then a fellowship diploma in the field.

The philosophy behind the two forms of treatments are quite different. Although some tools, such as spinal manipulation, may be similar, they are not used for the same purposes. Manipulations are only one of many tools that a Manual Therapist can use. Mobilizations and soft tissue techniques may often be more indicated than manipulations, especially with recurring problems. Physiotherapy emphasizes the active component of the treatment. This is achieved by teaching the patient specific exercises and proper movement patterns in order to give the patient tools to self-treat. This will help minimize dependency and recurrence of problems.

Bachelor's Degree, which has now been changed to a Master's Degree in the last few years. After graduating our Physical Therapists pursue the post-professional Diploma in Advanced Manual Therapy in Orthopaedics, certification in IMS Dry Needling or Acupuncture, and Pelvic Floor.

Yes, due to our comprehensive assessment and treatment with our experienced Physical Therapists and a combination of advanced manual therapy and pathology specific rehabilitation exercises, and IMS Dry needling or Acupuncture can provide improved results when conventional physiotherapy has failed.