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 machines such as interferential current, TENS and ultrasound to reduce inflammation and pain
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) for muscle tightness and to stimulate healing of slow healing injuries
Acupuncture for pain, swelling
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. We communicate with you, your doctors, therapists and trainers to get you back on track as soon as possible.
Located in Markham, we are conveniently located near Thornhill, Richmond Hill and North York.
Click on the map to find out where we're located
Family Physiotherapy
4.9 Stars - From 94 Reviews On Google
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I had a knee injury, my leg was so rigid that I thought I could not walk properly again. Hamed...read moreI had a knee injury, my leg was so rigid that I thought I could not walk properly again. Hamed help me with professionalism and dedication that after a few weeks I had recover to the point that the knee is better than my not injured one. Thank you so much!!read less
Evelyn G.
Over the past several years I've been to Family Physiotherapy to take care of various joint and muscle problems. ...read moreOver the past several years I've been to Family Physiotherapy to take care of various joint and muscle problems. They were very professional, taking the time to assess my problem and then treat it with a plan that was specific to my needs. Highly recommended.read less
Paul S.
Great staff, they're very knowledgeable and their approach to recovery is genuine.
Diego O.
Five star scale is too small because I would gladly give 10. Fixing my shoulder was expected. However...read moreFive star scale is too small because I would gladly give 10. Fixing my shoulder was expected. However Peter and Shefali, by taking the time to explain joint mechanics and asking key questions, figured out behaviors that I can easily change to avoid unnecessary strain to the area I know I am susceptible to injure. Moreover, the communication between them was excellent (they covered each other during vacation). It was truly like having the same physiotherapist for the duration of the therapy.read less
Pierre
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 Philip
Really friendly and honest staff, and there aren’t hidden fees or other charges that other clinics charge you.Alex is an...read moreReally friendly and honest staff, and there aren’t hidden fees or other charges that other clinics charge you.Alex is an awesome massage therapist and he makes suggestions on areas that should be focused on for the next session. He really knows his stuff.I love this place.read less
Mark Z.
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
Great place the physiotherapist here are professional and very willing to help