2.) Why see a physiotherapist?
3.) Why go to Hands
on Physio?
6.) What does orthopaedic physiotherapy do?
7.) What conditions does orthopaedic physiotherapy address?
8.) What is deep tissue mobilisation?
9.) What does deep tissue mobilisation do?
10.) What conditions does deep tissue mobilisation address?
11.) What is soft tissue?
12.) What is fascia?
13.) What is holistic massage?
14.) What does holistic massage do?
15.) What is manual lymphatic drainage?
16.) What does manual lymphatic drainage do?
17.) What conditions does manual lymphatic drainage address?
18.) What is a physiotherapy home visit?
19.) What conditions does a home visit address?
21.) What does Healing Touch do?
23.)
1.) What is physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is a professional health care discipline that works closely with physicians and other health care professionals. One of the many different areas of physiotherapy is treatment of varying conditions by means such as stretching, strengthening, re-learning movement patterns, joint mobilisation (applied movements to reduce stiffness and relieve pain) and deep tissue mobilisation.
2.)
Physiotherapists have an advanced understanding of anatomy and pathology and enrich their skills through ongoing post graduate education. Physiotherapists are licensed by the College of Physical Therapists of British Columbia which maintains a high standard of ethics and professionalism.
Physiotherapy is very beneficial for many conditions such as:
-
post
surgical rehabilitation (e.g. joint replacement or arthroscopic repairs)
- ligament
sprains (e.g. sprained ankle)
- strains
or muscle tears, (e.g. pulled or torn muscles)
- overuse/repetitive
strain injuries
- tendonitis
(e.g. tennis/golfer’s elbow)
- low
back pain
- neck and shoulder injuries (e.g. rotator cuff pain or frozen shoulder)
- knee
pain (e.g. torn cartilage, patellofemoral pain, osteoarthritis);
ankle, foot injuries/pain
- fracture
rehabilitation including compression fractures
- all
types of arthritis
- osteoporosis
- headaches
- jaw
pain
- falls
- decreased
safety, independence and mobility in the home
- palliative
care
Physiotherapy can help restore strength, function, comfort and activity. Hands on Physio will help determine the most appropriate approach for effective recovery.
3.)
Hands on Physio offers clients a highly professional physiotherapy practice that is heart and client-centered. Hands on Physio believes that for true healing to be met clients must be supported physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. To this end, each one hour appointment is an uninterrupted, one-on-one session with a registered physiotherapist.
4.) Is a doctor’s referral needed to see a physiotherapist?
No, a doctor’s referral is not necessary to see a physiotherapist in BC. However, Hands on Physio recommends that clients make an appointment with their doctor in order to keep him/her apprised of their health concerns.
We
also advise clients to contact their medical insurance company as
it may require a referral from their doctor to authorize reimbursement
of our fee.
5.)
Orthopaedic physiotherapy is physiotherapy in which the physiotherapist manually mobilises the joints in order to reduce stiffness, relieve pain and increase range of movement. It also includes deep tissue mobilisation, postural assessment and specific exercise and stretching programs.
6.)
In addition to reducing stiffness, relieving pain and increasing range of movement, orthopaedic physiotherapy can assist in the restoration of strength, proprioception, balance, coordination and function.
7.)
- post
surgical rehabilitation (e.g. joint replacement or arthroscopic repairs)
- ligament
sprains (e.g. sprained ankle)
- strains
or muscle tears, (e.g. pulled or torn muscles)
- overuse/repetitive
strain injuries
- tendonitis
(e.g. tennis/golfer’s elbow)
- low
back pain
- neck and shoulder injuries (e.g. rotator cuff pain or frozen shoulder)
- knee
pain (e.g. torn cartilage, patellofemoral pain, osteoarthritis); ankle,
foot injuries/pain
- fracture
rehabilitation including compression fractures
- all
types of arthritis
- osteoporosis
- headaches
- jaw
pain
For more information, please click here.
8.)
Deep tissue mobilisation involves the application of manual techniques such as pressure, compression, bending, longitudinal gliding, cross fibre work, kneading, stretching and rolling the tissue.
The aim of deep tissue mobilisation is to stretch and release the soft tissue of the body.
9.)
The intention of deep tissue mobilisation is to:
- restore
balance in the musculoskeletal system
- restore
balance in the nervous system
- restore
range of motion to stiff joints
- relieve
muscular tightness, spasms or restrictions
- improve
muscle tone and balance
- correct
problems due to poor postural alignment
- reduce
the physical stress placed on bones and joints
- reduce
muscle fatigue and soreness by promoting rapid removal of toxins and
waste products from the muscle
- increase
flexibility in the muscles
- bring
more oxygen and nutrients into the muscle by increasing blood circulation
- provide
pain relief
10.)
Deep tissue mobilisation is effective for any conditions involving lack of mobility and/or pain in the soft tissue.
For more information, please click here.
11.)
The soft tissue includes muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves and fascia (connective tissue).
12.) What is fascia?
Fascia is a loose to dense fibroelastic connective tissue that is found throughout the body from the head, face, neck and trunk to the arms and legs. Superficial fascia is loose, fibroelastic and fatty. Deep fascia is tough, compacted and irregularly woven fibroelastic tissue. Two important properties of fascia are contractility and elasticity with the latter diminishing with age. The function of the fascia is to act as a restraining mechanism by enclosing muscles, improving joint stability and holding tendons in position.
As a result of injury or chemical disruption, fascia may thicken, shorten, calcify or erode which will result in pain and stiffness.
13.) What is holistic massage?
At Hands on Physio, Holistic massage is a heart-centered, whole body approach to wellness. It is a gentle, flowing massage technique that is relaxing and soothing for the mind and body.
14.) What does holistic massage do?
Many of us experience stressful situations in our everyday lives. Chronically holding emotional, physical and mental stress unbalances the chemistry of the body which in turn compromises the tissues. Relaxing the body and mind decreases the level of stress in the body so that deep healing can occur. Holistic massage both relaxes and gently stimulates the soft tissue in order to rebalance and restore the body. This in turn brings healing to the mind, emotions and spirit.
For more information, please click here.
15.) What is manual lymphatic drainage?
Manual lymphatic drainage is a form of gentle massage therapy in which the physiotherapist stimulates the lymph fluid to improve its flow and efficiency. This rhythmical and precise massage technique directs the lymph towards the lymph nodes so that the body can dispose of excess fluid and waste more easily.
16.) What does manual lymphatic drainage do?
Manual lymphatic drainage assists with treating lymphoedema as well as other conditions and injuries that involve swelling of the tissues. This technique is also highly beneficial for those seeking an increased sense of well being, stress relief, deep relaxation as well as detoxification of the tissues.
17.)
- Surgical:
post mastectomy/lumpectomy oedema, post hysterectomy oedema, post surgical
swelling and recovery, post varicose vein stripping,
post cosmetic surgery
- Musculoskeletal:
sprains/strains, muscle/ligament tears, tendonitis, neck pain, fractures/dislocations,
rheumatoid arthritis, chronic pain, fluid congestion e.g. swollen ankles,
tired puffy eyes and swollen legs
- Ear Nose
and Throat: allergies, sinusitis, tinnitus, Meniere’s
disease
- Dermatological:
acne, eczema, leg ulcers, burns/scars
- Neurological:
tension headaches, migraines, stress reduction
For more information, please click here.
18.) What is a physiotherapy home visit?
Hands on Physio has extensive community-based rehabilitation experience and offers rehabilitative services to clients who need or prefer to receive physiotherapy at home.
19.) What conditions does a home visit address?
- post
surgical rehabilitation (e.g. joint replacement or arthroscopic repairs)
- ligament
sprains (e.g. sprained ankle)
- strains
or muscle tears, (e.g. pulled or torn muscles)
- overuse/repetitive
strain injuries
- tendonitis
(e.g. tennis/golfer’s elbow)
- low back
pain
- neck
and shoulder injuries (e.g. rotator cuff pain or frozen shoulder)
- knee
pain (e.g. torn cartilage, patellofemoral pain, osteoarthritis); ankle,
foot injuries/pain
- fracture
rehabilitation including compression fractures
- all types
of arthritis
- osteoporosis
- headaches
- jaw pain
- falls
- decreased
safety, independence and mobility in the home
- palliative
care
For more information, please click here.
20.) What is Healing Touch?
Healing Touch is therapy that is an energy based approach to health
and healing. It works with the human energy system to promote wellness.
Specifically, it works with the energy field that surrounds the body
and the chakras or energy centers that control the flow of energy
from the energy field to the physical body. Healing Touch can be done
with the physiotherapist’s hands either
on or off the body. Healing Touch can be used to support other healing modalities.
21.) What does Healing Touch do?
Healing Touch is helpful in promoting relaxation, reducing pain and
managing stress. It can also be effective in speeding tissue and bone
healing and strengthening the immune system. Many people describe
an increased sense of well-being after treatment. Healing Touch can
restore harmony and balance in the energy system and complements conventional
health care.
For more information, please click here.
22.) What is palliative care?
Palliative care is an active, holistic therapy that supports people in
the advanced stages of terminal illness. The focus of care is to provide
the best quality of life for the client during their dying process and
at the same time providing care and support for their family members.
For more information, please click here.
23.) What is the role of Hands on Physio
in palliative care?
Hands on Physio offers a holistic approach with dignity and respect
to those near the end of life.
In caring for the client, Hands on Physio may also work in combination
with other health professionals including physicians and specialists,
nurses, occupational therapists, caregivers, dieticians, pharmacists
and social workers as well as family members and friends.
In its care and support of the client during the palliative process, Hands
on Physio may include some or all of the following:
- assessment
and ongoing review and management
of physical symptoms
- pain
relief
- guidance
on how to live the rest of life as actively and comfortably as possible
- guidance
and assessment for practical issues such as safe bath/shower/bed transfers
- teaching
positioning, skin care and transfer techniques to caregivers and family
members
- coordinating
the acquisition of appropriate medical equipment including mobility
aids (e.g. canes, walkers, wheelchairs, bed assist rails, raised toilet
seats, grab bars, bed blocks, hospital beds etc)
- gentle
massage involving passive movement and stretches
- information
and instruction on energy conservation and relaxation techniques
- complementary
therapies such as Healing Touch and craniosacral therapy
- community
and health related resources for the client and his/her family, friends
and caregivers
- close
liaison with other primary health care professionals
- integration
of physical, emotional and spiritual issues
24.) What is craniosacral therapy?
Craniosacral therapy is a subtle yet profound form of healing which assists
the body in healing itself.
The craniosacral system extends primarily from the skull to the sacrum.
It consists of the cerebrospinal fluid and the membranes that surround
and protect the brain and spinal cord. The craniosacral system has a unique
rhythm that can be felt throughout the body. The craniosacral rhythm can
become blocked or disrupted due to injury as well as cumulative physical
and emotional stresses. Using a very light touch, the practitioner identifies
the source of the blockage, restoring the normal craniosacral rhythm.
25.) What does craniosacral therapy
do?
Many people are drawn to craniosacral therapy as an on-going part of their
pursuit for health because of the sense of increased vitality and well-being
it offers. As a healing modality, craniosacral therapy focuses on the
essential interconnection between the body, mind and spirit. In addition,
craniosacral therapy facilitates the release of held energy that can be
at the root of physical and/or emotional issues.
26.) What conditions does craniosacral
therapy address?
Craniosacral therapy supports and improves the body's natural healing
processes. It has been proven effective for a wide range of conditions
including:
- chronic neck,
back and head pain
- orthopaedic
problems
- jaw
problems (TMJ)
- emotional
issues
- stress
and tension related problems
- chronic
fatigue
- post-traumatic
stress
- fibromyalgia
and other connective tissue conditions.
For more information, please click here.
27.) What happens at a physiotherapy appointment with Hands
on Physio?
During the first appointment clients will be asked a number of questions
including how their problem began, the nature of their symptoms,
their general well-being, previous injuries and medical conditions.
This information will help the physiotherapist determine if there
are physical conditions that would prohibit or limit a treatment as
well as draw up a treatment plan.
An assessment will include:
- the
body area involved
- posture
in standing, sitting and lying
- body
symmetry
- joint
and nerve movement
- muscle
length, muscle strength
- quality
of certain movements (e.g. how a person moves rather than how far)
- what
relieves or worsens the pain
Subsequent appointments will build on the diagnosis and progress of the
first appointment. The physiotherapist will discuss with the client ways
in which s/he can be an active participant in his/her own rehabilitation.
Wherever possible the client will be shown how to prevent recurrence of
the problem.
28.) Is it important to bring x-rays results to the physiotherapy appointment?
Yes and if possible any other results (e.g. MRI, CT scan, bone scan, blood analysis if applicable).
29.) How long does a physiotherapy appointment last?
Hands on Physio treatment times are a minimum of one hour.
For more information, please click here.
30.) How many physiotherapy treatments are needed?
The number of treatments required depends on the nature of the problem being addressed.
31.) How does a client know if the treatment is helpful?
Hands on Physio expects improved mobility and/or some immediate pain relief by the end of the first treatment and ongoing incremental improvement after subsequent appointments.
32.) Is the cost of physiotherapy covered by extended medical benefits?
Extended medical benefits usually cover a portion of physiotherapy fees. We suggest that clients check their individual plan for specific details and annual maximums.
33.) What is the policy for cancellation and missed appointments with Hands on Physio?
A charge for missed appointments and cancellations with less than 24 hours notice will be made at the same rate of the booked appointment.