How do you know if you a have a bad physiotherapist?

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.

The ideal frequency of physical therapy sessions varies based on individual needs, conditions, and recovery goals. Typically, therapists may recommend starting with two to three sessions per week for acute injuries or post-surgical recovery, adjusting as improvement is noted. For chronic conditions or less severe injuries, one to two sessions per week might suffice. Ultimately, the specific plan should be tailored to the patient’s unique situation, including their physical condition, progress rate, and personal goals. Regular assessment by the physical therapist ensures that the treatment plan remains aligned with the patient’s evolving needs, maximizing the effectiveness of the therapy while accommodating the individual’s lifestyle and physical capabilities. Here’s a general guideline:

1. Acute or Severe Conditions: Initially, for acute injuries or post-surgical recovery, a therapist might recommend sessions 2-3 times a week to ensure optimal healing and prevent complications.
2. Chronic Conditions: For ongoing or chronic issues, once or twice a week might be typical, gradually decreasing as improvement is noted.
3. Maintenance or Long-term Conditions: Some patients with chronic diseases or long-term rehabilitation needs might attend therapy once every couple of weeks or even once a month.
4. Home Exercise Program: Often, a physical therapist will prescribe exercises to be done at home, which can influence the frequency of in-clinic visits.

Always consult with your physical therapist for a tailored recommendation. Remember, consistency and adherence to the treatment plan are vital for the best outcomes.

Tight pelvic floor muscles can feel like aching, tension, or pressure in the pelvic area. They may also cause pain during intercourse or urination. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to consult a pelvic floor physiotherapist for help.

The primary tendon affected in a shoulder impingement is the rotator cuff tendon, which is a tendon for the teres minor, infraspinatus, supraspinatus, and subscapularis muscles. These muscles contribute to overall joint stability and travel from your shoulder blade to the top of your humerus (arm bone), and are responsible for external rotation, internal rotation, and abduction.

Plantar fasciitis is a degenerative condition of the plantar fascia, a fibrous band of tissue on the sole of the foot that helps to support the arch. It typically occurs when the plantar fascia is overloaded or overstretched and results in heel pain with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. 

Physiotherapy is a valuable treatment option for a variety of musculoskeletal health conditions that can help to improve the quality of life for people affected by pain and discomfort. It is beneficial for athletes, workers, and seniors’ health.

Physiotherapy can help to determine the source of your pain and provide appropriate treatment to help reduce pain.

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.

Pelvic floor therapy can help with various conditions related to the pelvic floor, including urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse, dyspareunia (painful intercourse), postpartum recovery, pre-and post-surgical pelvic conditions, and musculoskeletal issues in the pelvic region.

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are a set of more than 30 conditions that cause jaw joint and muscle discomfort. “TMDs” are disorders caused by the temporomandibular joint (“TMJ”). Everyone has two TMJs, one on each side of the head just in front of the ears. Muscles and ligaments surrounding and attached to the TMJ control its movement. Problems with any of these structures can lead to TMDs.