In Alberta, physiotherapists are considered primary care providers, so you can see a private one without requiring your doctor’s referral.
However, your physician will likely refer you to a physiotherapist for post-surgery recovery or an extended medical issue needing specialized attention. It is common for physiotherapists to collaborate with other healthcare professionals such as a doctor, occupational therapists and massage therapists to develop an individualized treatment plan for you.
In addition, if your private health insurance covers physiotherapy, you may need to provide a doctor’s referral for the insurer to cover the cost of your treatment.
In Alberta, physiotherapy may be eligible for coverage if a physician determines it to be medically necessary, particularly for patients recovering from post-operative surgery. Consult your doctor regarding physiotherapy covered by Alberta Health Services.
Physiotherapy services covered by Alberta Health Services are available only at designated clinics approved by the province. Human Integrated Performance now provides physiotherapy covered by Alberta Health Services under particular circumstances. Contact us to find learn more.
IMS treatment can cause some mild discomfort or pain during the insertion of the needles, but this usually subsides quickly. Patients may feel a sensation of deep pressure or a slight ache as the needles are inserted into the trigger points within the muscle tissue. However, the discomfort is typically short-lived and is often outweighed by the potential benefits of IMS treatment.
After the needles are removed, some patients may experience temporary soreness or muscle stiffness in the treated area. This is a normal response to the treatment and typically subsides within a few hours to a day. Overall, while IMS treatment may cause some mild discomfort or pain during the procedure, it is generally well-tolerated and is considered a safe and effective treatment option for many people with chronic pain and muscle tension.
Hypotonicity is a condition in which pelvic floor muscles are too weak to support the pelvic organs. This can lead to pelvic floor prolapse, urinary incontinence, and other pelvic floor disorders. Pelvic floor physiotherapy is often recommended for women with hypotonicity to help strengthen pelvic floor muscles and improve pelvic health.
First, you should make an appointment with one of our physiotherapists. They will assess your current situation and give you a personalized treatment plan that includes pelvic floor exercises tailored just for you. They will also show you how to do the exercises properly so that you can get the most out of them. With their help, you can start making progress toward achieving your goals!
There is some evidence that a weak pelvic floor can lead to problems controlling bowel movements. If you have difficulty controlling your bowels, pelvic floor physiotherapy may help. A physiotherapist can teach you exercises to improve the strength and function of your pelvic floor muscles.
If you are preparing for pelvic floor physiotherapy, you should go to the bathroom before your appointment. You may also want to wear loose-fitting clothing for better mobility. Please let your physiotherapist know about any health conditions or pelvic floor problems you have.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy can be conducted in various settings and does not necessarily have to be done on the floor. It involves a combination of assessments, education, and hands-on techniques tailored to the individual’s needs. The specific exercises and techniques may be performed while standing, sitting, or lying down, depending on the treatment plan and goals.
IMS treatment may help reduce inflammation in the treated areas by promoting circulation and stimulating the body’s natural healing processes. When the needle is inserted into the affected muscle, it creates a tiny lesion or micro-trauma, which triggers an immune response that helps to clear away damaged tissue and promote the production of new, healthy tissue.
This immune response can also help to reduce inflammation in the affected area. Inflammation is a natural response of the body’s immune system to injury or infection, and it can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected area. By promoting circulation and stimulating tissue healing, IMS treatment may help reduce inflammation and relieve pain and stiffness.
In addition, IMS treatment may also help reduce inflammation by releasing trigger points or knots in the muscles. These trigger points can cause pain and tension, and they may also contribute to inflammation in the affected area. By releasing these trigger points, IMS treatment can help reduce tension and inflammation, promoting overall healing and recovery.
The timeline for seeing results from physiotherapy varies depending on several factors, including the nature and severity of the condition, individual healing rates, adherence to the treatment plan, and lifestyle factors. Improvement may be experienced within a few sessions, but significant progress may take several weeks or months.
A physiotherapist can help individuals with nerve pain by providing exercises and stretches that are tailored to their specific needs. These exercises can help to improve flexibility and strength in the muscles surrounding the affected nerve and also to reduce inflammation and pain. A physiotherapist may also use manual therapy techniques such as mobilization and manipulation to help reduce pain, muscle tension and inflammation, and improve overall function.
In addition, a physiotherapist can also educate the individual about proper posture, body mechanics, and ergonomics, which can help to minimize the strain on the affected nerve and prevent worsening of the symptoms. They may also teach individuals how to perform specific exercises and stretches at home to help manage the pain between visits.
Physical therapy can also include modalities such as ultrasound, TENS, IFC, and electro-stimulation which can help to manage pain, reduce inflammation and promote healing.
It’s important to note that nerve pain can be caused by a variety of underlying conditions, and it’s always recommended to see a healthcare professional to determine the cause of the nerve pain and develop an appropriate treatment plan. A physiotherapist can work with other healthcare professionals such as a neurologist, to develop an individualized treatment plan that addresses the specific needs of the individual.
Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) is a type of manual therapy that involves the insertion of thin, solid needles into the muscle tissue to release tension and relieve pain. It is a form of acupuncture, but it focuses more specifically on the muscles rather than the traditional Chinese acupuncture points.
IMS is based on the theory that chronic pain is often caused by muscle shortening, which puts pressure on nerves and causes pain signals to be sent to the brain. By inserting needles into the shortened muscle fibers, IMS can stimulate a healing response and help to release the tension in the muscle tissue, thereby reducing pain and restoring normal movement.
IMS is typically performed by a trained practitioner, such as a physiotherapist or chiropractor, who will assess the patient’s muscle tension and pain levels before inserting the needles. The needles are usually left in place for a few minutes, and the treatment may be repeated several times over the course of several weeks to achieve optimal results.
