What physiotherapists want you to know about treatment:
The recent Reader’s Digest of Canada (October 2019) has an article entitled, “What Physiotherapists Want you to know”. It’s worth a read! It has inspired us to write a list of our own.
Physiotherapists take into account your entire health profile
When you come in for an appointment regarding your neck, it may seem strange to be asked about your past medical history, medications, sleep routine, work, support system, etc. However, all of these aspects of your life can have an effect on your current health, your pain, your function. Feel free to ask your physiotherapist why he/she is asking any given question.
Your Physiotherapist is your Partner in Recovery
Your physiotherapist is your guide through recovery and requires you to be an active participant in the process. This might mean following educational advice, doing exercises, or committing to the follow up plan. Occasionally physiotherapy treatment plans involve only a couple of sessions. More often, the plan is to work together over several visits to get you on the right track.
A Thorough Examination is Integral to What We Do
We book full hour assessments because it takes that long to get a good handle on your problem. Sometimes people present with seemingly simple problems but we soon realize there are layers to that problem. A verbal interview and physical exam is necessary to ensure that we get off to a good start. The physical exam can involve viewing the area in question, and hands on techniques. Please feel free to ask lots of questions and express if any treatment techniques are uncomfortable for you. We usually have gowns, shorts, and tank tops available but feel free to bring your own.
Specialized Services
PTs at Pursuit have special skills that have involved postgraduate training. In addition to advancing our skills for general physiotherapy practice, this allows us to practice in areas such as:
Sports Physiotherapy (acute and chronic injury, return to sport)
Manual Therapy (mobilization and manipulation of tissues)
Vestibular Therapy for balance, dizziness and vertigo
Pelvic floor therapy for men and women who have incontinence, pelvic pain, prolapse, injury due to surgery or childbirth.
Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) dry needling
Acupuncture
You are Not Going to Get in Trouble
Well, maybe a little bit. One of our jobs as a PT is to be a motivator. Yes – we want you to do your home program. Yes – it really is important to your recovery. Trouble though? No. We want to work with you towards your recovery and accept that there are times when it’s hard to keep up.
Pain Science is Changing the Way we Practice
The scientific understanding of pain has changed drastically over the past 2 decades. It is impossible to separate your musculoskeletal system from your brain. We know now that pain can persist long after the tissues have healed. Check this out if you have an interest in chronic pain science:
https://www.tamethebeast.org/
We Appreciate Your Referrals
Sometimes our patients say, “I hope it’s okay, I gave your name to a friend of mine”. Nothing could make us happier. Our small, locally owned and operated clinic relies on your word of mouth referrals.
Thank you so much!