August 20, 2015

Physical Therapy

“Before Physical Therapy, I was a pain in the neck.” – Pinched Nerve

Did you know?

  • Physical Therapy is a movement science that works to restore and improve function and mobility.
  • Physical Therapists are university educated health care professionals.
  • The program Physical Therapists study is a division of the College of Medicine and is currently a six-year Master’s program.
  • The terms “Physical Therapy” and “Physiotherapy” can be used interchangeably.
  • The STRIDE Physical Therapists are all licensed in good standing through the Saskatchewan College of Physical Therapists.
  • The STRIDE Physical Therapists are trained to provide services and techniques such as joint mobilization/manipulation, muscle/myofascial release, neurological treatments, acupuncture, concussion testing and rehab, exercise prescription, ergonomic assessments, therapeutic modalities/machines (ultrasound, TENS, etc.), pelvic health therapy, among many other things.
  • All Physical Therapy treatment options at STRIDE are founded in evidence based research.
  • The STRIDE Physical Therapists are dedicated to improving your quality of life, functional independence, and physical performance.

Should you see a Physical Therapist at STRIDE ?

  • Do you have pain that has either started recently or has been present for a long time?
  • Do you have pain that stems from an injury or pain that just started with no real reason at all?
  • Do you struggle with any of your activities of daily living (ADLs) such as getting out of bed or going from sitting to standing?
  • Do you have trouble working due to your pain?
  • Are you an amateur athlete, a high end athlete, or a “weekend warrior” limited in some aspect of your sport?
  • Do you have a condition such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, or any other diagnosis?
  • Did you just have surgery or recently have a cast removed?
  • Did you suffer a workplace injury or a motor vehicle accident?
  • Do you have a concussion or suspect you may have had one?
  • Do you value your health and know the importance of prevention when it comes to safeguarding it?
  • Do you struggle with urinary incontinence, a prolapse, or any other pelvic health issue?
  • Do you breathe air, eat food, and think baby llamas are pretty cute?

If you’ve answered YES to any of the above, then what are you waiting for? Book an appointment with a Physical Therapist at STRIDE today!

Physical Therapy Assessment:

(a.k.a. your first session for a particular area or problem; and includes some treatment)

During this first session, you will be asked to provide a complete medical history as well as explain in detail your present complaint. Your physical therapist will take you through a comprehensive physical examination that will include a safety scan in addition to the detailed biomechanical examination of the affected region. Your therapist will then discuss your diagnosis and treatment plan thoroughly with you. This is to ensure you are always informed as to the cause of your pain, what things may help or hurt your recovery, ways to help yourself, and what we plan to do during your subsequent visits with us.

You can expect to be at the clinic for an assessment for approximately 60 minutes with the majority of that time being face to face with your therapist. Investment: $110

Please note: Wear something comfortable that allows access to the area of complaint. STRIDE will provide shorts or a gown for you to change into if needed.

Physical Therapy Treatment:

(a.k.a. any appointment for a particular area or problem that has already been assessed or actively treated within the last 6 months)

Your treatment plan will be designed specifically for your needs and will be discussed in detail with you. Every client is different, but most can expect to have some component of “manual therapy” performed.  This is the “hands on” portion of your treatment. Education of some sort will always be a portion of your treatment as well. We want you to understand your diagnosis, what you can do to help assist in your recovery, and how you can prevent a recurrence to name just a few. Most often, a few specific therapeutic exercises will also be prescribed. These will help re-educate muscle, strengthen, stretch, and improve the environment of the injured area for healing. Your treatment may or may not include acupuncture, a modality/machine or ice/heat. Your therapist will always get your consent prior to applying any treatment method.

You can expect to be at the clinic for a treatment for approximately 30 minutes with the majority of that time being face to face with your therapist. Investment: $70.00

At STRIDE, we encourage our clients to assume responsibility for their health and to participate fully as an active member in the team approach to their health care. 

What Physical Therapy is NOT:

You should NEVER come out of Physical Therapy saying “he/she just put a machine on me and left.”  While a modality/machine may be a PART of your specific treatment plan, it is only in very rare circumstances that it would be the ONLY component. If in fact, a modality/machine is the only thing that may benefit you in your current situation, this should be thoroughly explained and discussed with you.

You are worth the best.

If you are not receiving proper services from your current Physical Therapist, you should discuss this with them. They should be able to explain the reasoning behind and benefits they expect to see for any treatments they are providing. If you are not satisfied with his or her explanation, or still not satisfied with the treatment they are providing, then consider trying a new physical therapist…we would recommend someone from the STRIDE team!

And lastly, as with any of the services provided at STRIDE, if you don’t understand something, just ASK!  We love educating people about the reason behind their pain and why we do things the way we do.

Here are some helpful links to some of the organizations we’ve received our advanced training from, associations we’re proud members of, and who we’re licensed with: 

Saskatchewan College of Physical Therapists

Canadian Physiotherapy Association

Saskatchewan Physiotherapy Association

Complete Concussion Management Inc.

Pelvic Health Solutions

Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy

Acupuncture Canada

UBC Gunn IMS

Call/email STRIDE or use our online scheduler here to book your Physical Therapy appointment today!