No, you do not need a prescription to see a physiotherapist in Alberta unless specified by your extended health benefits plan. However, most extended health care plans will require a referral from your family physician or specialist to access coverage for physiotherapy services. If you are unsure whether you need a prescription or not, it is best to contact your insurance provider directly and ask.
Physiotherapists in Alberta are highly skilled professionals who have the necessary education and experience to assess, diagnose, treat and prevent a variety of physical conditions. They are also trained to advise on lifestyle changes that can help improve your overall health and well-being. Your physiotherapist will work with you to design an individualized treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs. Physiotherapists are an important part of the healthcare team in Alberta and can help you meet your physical goals. Whether you require physiotherapy for a specific injury or condition or want to improve your overall health, physiotherapy can help you on your journey toward better movement.
Some insurance providers in Alberta require a doctor’s note. Alberta Health Services (AHS) provides some coverage for physiotherapy and other services if approved. Human Integrated Services can provide physiotherapy services under AHS coverage.
Please get in touch with your insurance provider directly to determine whether you need a doctor’s note or other forms of documentation. The bottom line is that physiotherapy can help you reach your physical goals, no matter what they are. You can improve your overall health and quality of life with the right professional guidance and support. So, don’t wait any longer and contact a physiotherapist today! Your body will thank you for it.
The role of physiotherapy in stroke recovery is to help individuals regain physical function and independence. Physiotherapy focuses on improving mobility, balance, coordination, strength, and overall physical ability, such as arm and leg movement, dexterity, walking, gait, balance and coordination, muscle strength, and endurance. A physiotherapist will create a personalized rehabilitation plan and regularly review it as needed based on the individual’s specific needs and goals.
Shoulder impingement is a chronic compression injury to the soft-tissue structures of the shoulder joint. When you move your arm overhead, the space between your humerus (arm bone) and the acromion (pointy end) of your shoulder blade shrinks, and the tendons running through that area from your rotator cuff can get irritated. Normally, this temporary compression does not lead to any injury, but consistently repeating overhead motions can lead to irritation and pain. If left untreated, the constant compression of the structures in the shoulder joint can lead to more debilitating effects and chronic shoulder pain.
A physiotherapy session in Alberta usually lasts between 30 minutes to one hour, depending on the individual’s needs and the treatment being provided. The duration may vary based on the complexity of the condition and the specific goals of the session.
The timing and degree of improvement from IMS treatment can vary depending on the individual and the specific condition being treated. Some patients may experience immediate pain relief or improvement in range of motion after their first session, while others may require several sessions to see significant improvement.
It’s also important to note that IMS therapy is often used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include other physiotherapy treatments, exercise, and lifestyle modifications. The effectiveness of IMS therapy may be influenced by factors such as adherence to the treatment plan, overall health and fitness, and severity of the condition being treated.
Your healthcare practitioner can provide guidance on what to expect from IMS therapy and help you set realistic goals for your treatment. They may also recommend specific lifestyle modifications or exercises to help support the healing process and optimize your results.
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.
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.
To ensure optimal results after an IMS treatment, it’s important to take care of your body and follow any instructions provided by your healthcare practitioner. This may include resting and avoiding strenuous activity for at least 24 hours after the session, as well as applying heat or ice to the treatment area and staying hydrated. Your practitioner may also provide specific exercises or instructions to follow after the session to promote healing and ensure the best possible outcome.
A pelvic floor physiotherapy assessment typically begins with the physiotherapist asking about the individual’s symptoms and medical history. The physiotherapist will then perform a physical examination, which may include testing the strength of pelvic floor muscles and measuring pelvic floor movement.
Pelvic physiotherapy can potentially improve sexual function for individuals experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction or related issues. By addressing underlying factors such as pelvic pain, muscle tightness or weakness, and coordination problems, pelvic physiotherapy may help alleviate discomfort, increase muscle control, and enhance overall pelvic health. However, the effectiveness of pelvic physiotherapy in improving sexual function can vary depending on the individual and the specific factors contributing to their sexual concerns. It is best to consult with a pelvic physiotherapist who can assess your situation and provide personalized recommendations.
Physiotherapy and rehabilitation are related but different healthcare fields. Physiotherapy is a specific aspect of rehabilitation focused on diagnosing, managing, and preventing physical impairments, disabilities, and pain through exercise, manual therapy, and modalities. Rehabilitation, on the other hand, is a broader term that encompasses restoring function and independence to a person affected by injury, illness, or disability and may involve multiple healthcare professionals.
