Physiotherapy in Canada is a regulated health profession. The terms Physical Therapist and Physiotherapist are used interchangeably in Canada and recognizes that the therapist is a registered member of their provincial regulatory body, this means in Ontario they are members of the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario. You can recognize a physiotherapist by the use of the title “PT” after their name. Physiotherapists have completed extensive post graduate university level education on anatomy, biomechanics, pathology and exercise therapy. This can be used not just to diagnose current injuries, but also preventatively before starting a new exercise routine (prehab). One way to think of physiotherapy is that we are movement specialists helping you to achieve your goals.
How can a physiotherapist help?
Physiotherapy education does not end when a physiotherapist completes their degree. Physiotherapists continue to upgrade their skills through advanced post graduate courses, lectures and staying up to date on the current research and most evidence based practices. The physiotherapists at Family Physiotherapy have all upgraded their knowledge through many post graduate courses including the use of advanced manual therapy assessment and treatment techniques, spinal and peripheral manipulation, acupuncture, dry needling, intramuscular stimulation (IMS) and advanced exercise prescription to name a few.
The Family Physiotherapy approach
Detailed Assessment
At Family Physiotherapy you will be seen by a registered physiotherapist that will take a detailed history of not just the current pain or problem that you are having but also previous injuries, pains or changes in your routine that may have contributed to your current symptoms. Additionally, the initial assessment will also include a thorough and detailed biomechanical and musculoskeletal examination to determine the source of pain as well as the contributing factor. This may include tests of flexibility and range of motion (ROM) and movement of your limbs and spine to determine local or global movement restrictions. Evidence based techniques will also localize your symptoms so that the most appropriate treatment techniques can be utilized.
Evidence Based Client Centred Treatment
After your physiotherapist has explained the diagnosis and treatment options that are available and their associated risks and benefits, they may use:
Manual therapy techniques (hands on treatment) to restore movement to stiff joints
Electrical agents such as interferential current, TENS and ultrasound to reduce inflammation and pain
Dry Needling and IMS to relieve painful trigger points
Therapeutic taping to reduce pain and improve movement
Soft tissue or massage techniques to improve flexibility and reduce pain
Advice on ways of modifying your current daily tasks to assist healing. This may include advice on your work station setup or exercise routine
Therapeutic exercises to improve muscle imbalances that may be contributing to your current symptoms
In all but rare cases your treatment will include a specific home program that will be prescribed to you by your physiotherapist and will change as your symptoms improve. In early stages of injury and pain these are typically aimed at reducing your pain and preventing stiffness and weakness. In later stages this will change to exercises to restore muscle imbalances and strengthening and flexibility exercises to prevent further injuries. Your physiotherapist will also discuss with you specific ways that you may be able to modify your current exercises and activities to prevent de-conditioning during your rehabilitation.
The Family Physiotherapy Difference
The physiotherapists and massage therapists at Family Physiotherapy have all been trained in the use of acupuncture to help you achieve your health and fitness goals.
I've been treated by Chris for a back issue and Susan for pelvic floor physiotherapy and both are fantastic! The...read moreI've been treated by Chris for a back issue and Susan for pelvic floor physiotherapy and both are fantastic! The staff are all super friendly, professional and helpful with everything! I highly recommend them!read less
Sarah Kramer
I had a positive and overall great experience at this clinic. Darryl is awesome! He was really knowledgeable and very...read moreI had a positive and overall great experience at this clinic. Darryl is awesome! He was really knowledgeable and very helpful. I can’t believe how much his physical therapy helped with my recovery. Highly recommend!read less
Privia
Susan is a highly trained physiotherapist who helped me quickly improve from an injury. Family Physiotherapy is an excellent choice...read moreSusan is a highly trained physiotherapist who helped me quickly improve from an injury. Family Physiotherapy is an excellent choice for anyone needing physio and I cannot recommend Susan enough!read less
Audrey P.
I've had about a half-dozen appointments with Avie for my lower back injured doing yoga and aggravated while playing golf....read moreI've had about a half-dozen appointments with Avie for my lower back injured doing yoga and aggravated while playing golf. She treated my injury with a combination of massage and acupuncture. Having done the prescribed exercises she sent by e-mail which included videos, I was able to play five rounds of golf on four consecutive days without any problems. Avie is an excellent listener and skilled at assessing the injury and providing a plan to help you rehabilitate. I'm grateful.read less
P K.
Friendly, professional staff who have helped my recovery from a variety of sports injuries.
Mike L.
Susan was very thorough in assessing my knee pain and identified the weaknesses in my alignment and posture. She gave...read moreSusan was very thorough in assessing my knee pain and identified the weaknesses in my alignment and posture. She gave me exercises to strengthen and correct the problem areas, which provided relief to my knee pain. Susan is an excellent physiotherapist. She was thorough and spend time explaining things to me, helped me identified personal goals in restoring full mobility of my knee. I can now run and practice yoga with no pain. Thanks Susan!read less
Laurence L.
I've been going to Family Physiotherapy for years now and they've always effectively treated my pain and given me strategies...read moreI've been going to Family Physiotherapy for years now and they've always effectively treated my pain and given me strategies (exercises, stretches) to keep myself healthy long-term. from a sprained ankle, to a car accident, to chronic pain, both Marven and Peter were professional, caring, and smart about what to do! highly recommend coming here :)read less
steph t.
I had a positive and overall great experience at this clinic. Darryl is awesome! He was really knowledgeable and very...read moreI had a positive and overall great experience at this clinic. Darryl is awesome! He was really knowledgeable and very helpful. I can’t believe how much his physical therapy helped with my recovery. Highly recommend!read less