Physiotherapy
Active, goal oriented Physiotherapy Assessment and Treatment is provided in a modern state of the art facility. Individualized treatment may involve manual mobilizations, and appropriate pain modalities (laser, interferential current, ultrasound, parafin wax, T.E.N.S., heat and cold). Exercise programs are designed utilizing medically adapted strengthening equipment consisting of pulleys and a universal weight machine, and conditioning equipment of treadmill, stationary bicycle, rower, and stepper. Balance and proprioception retraining is facilitated through use of the profitter, BOSU ball, balance board, balance stones, and mini-tramp. Self-maintenance is promoted through education in home programs and instruction in prevention.
Treatment is provided for a variety of orthopaedic and neurological conditions. Injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents, at work, and in day-to-day activities are managed through a comprehensive assessment to establish a clinical diagnosis and implementation of an appropriate treatment program. Neck and back strains, headaches, joint sprains and strains, fractures, sports injuries, soft tissue injuries are treated. Treatment is also available for prolonged pain, neurological injuries such as acquired brain injuries and strokes, and individuals who have sustained multiple trauma.
Sports medicine is a branch of physiotherapy specializing in the prevention, management, and rehabilitation of injuries related to participation in sports and/or exercise. At New Horizons Rehabilitation Services Inc. a thorough assessment of the sports related injury will be performed by a qualified physiotherapist. The assessment and management will be sport specific and the rehabilitation program will be individually designed to allow the participant to return to their sport/activity as quickly and safely as possible. Specific taping techniques, bracing options, and protective equipment suggestions can be discussed to provide a quicker return to sport.
Consultation is available for education in self-management and prevention.
Assessment and treatment is provided for acquired brain injury and spinal cord injury. The client may be seen in his/her home initially with treatment progressed to the clinic or community facility as tolerance improves.
The assistance of Ms. Morrell, Kinesiologist, may be employed to follow through with exercise programming. Community exercise facilities and pools may be incorporated. Programming may be completed at a youth’s school, limiting the amount of time lost from school and incorporating a normal environment.
Treatment is coordinated with other members of the care team, including the Case Manager, Occupational Therapist, Speech-Language Pathologist and Rehab Therapist.
What is Physiotherapy? reprinted with permission from Healthy Way Magazine
With more moving parts than any other machine, it is not surprising that your body occasionally cries out in pain or refuses to do what you tell it. There are hundreds of different muscles and joints that can go wrong. Fortunately, there is an effective way to treat many of the problems you may experience – physiotherapy.
- Physiotherapy uses a variety of techniques to help your muscles and joints work to their full potential, helping to repair damage by speeding up the healing process and reducing pain and stiffness.
- Physiotherapists also have an important role in rehabilitation, such as helping people who have had strokes to relearn basic movements.
- Physiotherapists do not simply offer treatment - their advice can help you prevent problems returning or even happening in the first place.
- Physiotherapy may be of benefit to everyone from infancy to extreme old age.
After Surgery
Many people first encounter a physiotherapist post-operatively, particularly following orthopaedic surgery. An exercise regime and other treatments can greatly assist following a fracture or joint replacement and valuable help with walking or mobilising a damaged upper limb can also be offered.
People suffering with other musculoskeletal disorders, sports injuries, spinal problems, joint or muscle pain, arthritis, etc. are treated in a variety of ways including exercises, mobilizations, manipulation, hydrotherapy, acupuncture and electrotherapy. Many receive treatment at out patient clinics, while outreach physiotherapists visit people at home if they are unable to travel.
Many other post-operative patients are also greatly aided by physiotherapy. Specialist areas of work include intensive care, high dependency and urology but any surgery requiring a general anaesthetic may adversely affect the respiratory system, so an early visit from a physiotherapist can help prevent chest problems after surgery.
Physiotherapists also work with those with vascular conditions and, when amputation is involved, regular physiotherapy sessions can help all ages to learn to lead normal, active lives with their prosthetic limbs.
Women’s Health
Women can benefit from both advice and treatment during pregnancy and in the early post natal period. Many physiotherapists also participate in parent craft classes in partnership with midwives. In addition, pre- and post-operative advice and exercises can aid recovery following gynaecological surgery while specialist advice and treatment can help greatly with incontinence, an embarrassing problem which can affect women of all ages.
Another condition which can benefit from regular physiotherapy is lymphoedema, particularly after breast surgery with treatments such as manual lymphatic drainage, helping with swelling and discomfort.
Other Conditions
Many medical conditions can also benefit from physiotherapy, such as chronic chest problems. Others requiring support include stroke victims, or those experiencing difficulties in walking following an enforced period of bed rest. Many parts of the country have stroke support groups as well as cardiac rehabilitation and pulmonary rehabilitation classes where a physiotherapist will provide a variety of treatment methods, exercise regimes and walking aids plus again much needed advice and encouragement.
Other disabling conditions which can benefit are Multiple Sclerosis, head and spinal injuries, osteoporosis and even neurological disease. In aiming to achieve maximum physical potential for these patients, the physios advise on the management of problems such as pain and muscle spasms.
For some people, physiotherapy is something that happens once in a lifetime; for others it is an ongoing process covering weeks, months and even years. Whether as a pain reliever, a mobiliser or simply an advisor, the physiotherapist has much to offer.
