This all depends on the severity of the injury, but most sprains require 2-6 weeks to heal. Our goals are to control inflammation, regain strength and range of motion, and restore muscle control and endurance levels before returning to sports or everyday life.
Yes, physiotherapists can help with back pain. A physio can provide treatment to reduce and improve mobility with a variety of techniques. Seeing a physio will help you to strengthen your muscles and reduce the frequency and severity of future injuries.
No! Mostly, therapists get recognized by the government and other facilities as primary healthcare workers. Therefore, you do not need a referral to seek therapy services. However, you may need a doctor’s referral if you would like to benefit from some medical plans.
Yes, in most cases pelvic floor dysfunction is often curable. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help you identify and treat the underlying causes of your pelvic floor dysfunction. A physiotherapist can help you learn exercises to improve the strength and function of your pelvic floor muscles.
An ankle sprain is an injury to one or more of the ligaments in your ankle. Treatment includes resting your ankle, applying ice, compression and elevation (RICE), and taking over-the-counter pain relief if needed. If your ankle is severely swollen or you can’t bear weight on it, see a doctor.
IMS can be used to treat headaches and migraines, especially if they are caused by tension and tightness in the neck, shoulders, and upper back muscles. By targeting these areas with acupuncture needles, IMS can help release tension and promote circulation, which may alleviate headache symptoms.
In some cases, headaches and migraines may also be caused by trigger points or knots in the muscles of the neck and shoulders. IMS can be used to release these trigger points, which may provide relief from headache symptoms.
It is important to note that IMS may not be effective for all types of headaches and migraines. Your healthcare practitioner can help determine if IMS is a suitable treatment option for your specific condition, and may recommend other treatments or therapies in addition to IMS. It is also important to consult with a healthcare practitioner if you experience frequent or severe headaches, as they may be a symptom of an underlying medical condition.
If your knee pain has not gone away after one week or the condition is getting worse from the initial onset, it is highly recommended that you see a physiotherapist for a thorough assessment and treatment to help you get back on track. It is generally a good idea to see a physiotherapist if you are experiencing knee pain that is persistent or severe, or if you notice any changes in the way your knee functions. A physiotherapist can help to assess the cause of your knee pain and develop a treatment plan to alleviate your symptoms.
Here are some specific reasons when you should see a physiotherapist for knee pain:
It’s always recommended to see a physiotherapist as soon as possible after experiencing knee pain, especially if it is severe, persistent or affects your daily function. Early intervention can prevent the symptoms from becoming chronic and help to reduce the overall recovery time.
Yes, you have the right to choose your own physiotherapist in Alberta. You can research and select a physiotherapy clinic or practitioner based on their qualifications, expertise, location, and other factors. However, it’s important to ensure that they are licensed and registered with the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta.
Hot and cold therapy is commonly used in physiotherapy for pain relief and healing. Cold therapy involves applying cold to reduce swelling and numb pain, while heat therapy involves applying heat to increase blood flow and reduce muscle spasms. Cold therapy is typically used for acute injuries, while heat therapy is used for chronic conditions. Both should be used under the guidance of a physiotherapist to avoid worsening an injury or condition.
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.
Yes, physiotherapy can help improve balance and coordination through targeted exercises, proprioceptive training, and vestibular rehabilitation. Physiotherapists assess the underlying causes of balance and coordination issues and develop treatment plans to address them effectively.