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.
The timeline for improvement in physiotherapy varies and can depend on several factors such as the condition, severity, frequency, consistency of therapy, and overall health. Typically, some improvement can be seen in a few weeks to a few months, with more significant improvements potentially taking several months to a year or more. Gradual improvement is common, and temporary worsening or plateauing of symptoms can occur. A personalized timeline can be discussed with a physiotherapist.
The need for future physiotherapy depends on various factors, such as the nature of your condition, the extent of your recovery, and any ongoing or new issues that may arise. While some individuals may require ongoing or intermittent physiotherapy for chronic conditions or to manage recurring symptoms, others may not need further treatment after completing a successful course of physiotherapy. It is best to discuss your specific situation with a healthcare professional who can provide personalized advice based on your needs and circumstances.
A physiotherapist can play an important role in helping individuals with fibromyalgia manage their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life. Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that is characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and tenderness in the muscles and soft tissues. Physiotherapy can help to alleviate these symptoms by addressing the underlying physical causes of the condition.
A physiotherapist can work with individuals with fibromyalgia to develop an exercise program that is tailored to their specific needs. This may include exercises to improve flexibility and strength, as well as activities such as swimming, cycling or walking to increase physical endurance and improve cardiovascular health. The main aims of physiotherapy in the treatment of fibromyalgia are to reduce your pain and stiffness using a combination of strategies.
We recommend wearing comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. You may also need to wear shorts or a skirt depending on the type of assessment our physiotherapist will be conducting. Rest assured that all Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy sessions are conducted in a professional and respectful manner, so please don’t hesitate to ask any questions you may have.
Physiotherapists and chiropractors both work in the field of physical healthcare, but their approaches and areas of focus differ. Physiotherapists, or physical therapists, are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, using techniques such as exercises, stretches, and various physical therapies to improve mobility, reduce pain, and prevent or recover from injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions. On the other hand, chiropractors primarily focus on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders related to the spine and the nervous system, often employing spinal manipulations or adjustments to relieve pain and improve function. Chiropractic care tends to focus more on structural alignment, while physiotherapy often encompasses a broader range of treatment methods aimed at rehabilitating and improving physical function.
IMS treatment can potentially help improve athletic performance and prevent injuries by addressing underlying muscle imbalances, tension, and dysfunction that can limit range of motion, strength, and flexibility. By releasing tight muscles and trigger points, IMS therapy can help restore proper muscle function and alignment, which can help athletes move more efficiently and effectively.
Furthermore, IMS therapy can help improve circulation and promote tissue healing, which can reduce the risk of injury and promote recovery after physical activity. By addressing underlying muscle imbalances and tension, IMS therapy can also help athletes prevent overuse injuries and reduce the risk of chronic pain.
However, it’s important to note that IMS therapy should not be used as a substitute for proper warm-up, stretching, and conditioning exercises, or other aspects of injury prevention and performance enhancement. Athletes should work with their healthcare practitioners to develop a comprehensive treatment and training plan that addresses all aspects of their physical health and performance.
Physiotherapy can play a significant role in improving sports ability and performance. Physiotherapists are skilled in assessing and addressing musculoskeletal imbalances, strength and flexibility issues, biomechanical problems, and injury prevention strategies. By providing tailored exercise programs, rehabilitation techniques, and sport-specific conditioning, physiotherapy can help enhance athletic performance, optimize movement patterns, prevent injuries, and support overall sports ability. It is important to work closely with a physiotherapist who understands your specific sport and goals to develop an individualized treatment plan.
Yes, Alberta Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) provides coverage for physiotherapy services for workers who have been injured on the job. The coverage includes assessments, treatment, and other related expenses.
At Human Integrated Performance (HIP), we have physiotherapists who can create a comprehensive Pelvic Floor treatment plan for you. This will help you to improve your performance and prevent injury. The pelvic floor is an important part of the body, and our providers will assess your pelvic floor strength to identify any issues. Then we will create a treatment plan just for you. These plans may include exercises to improve the stability of your core, specific manual therapy techniques, and breathing strategies to address any pain or dysfunction.
At Human Integrated Performance, our Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy sessions typically last between 30 and 60 minutes. During your session, our physiotherapists will assess your pelvic floor strength and evaluate any issues that may be causing pain or dysfunction. Then they will create a customized treatment plan designed specifically for you. This plan may include exercises, manual therapy techniques, and breathing strategies to help you improve your performance and prevent injury.
