Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy : Sections
Physiotherapy (Physical Therapy) is a branch of rehabilitation medicine that focuses on physical rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries. These include injuries to joints, bones, muscles, ligaments, and the systems required for healing and normal function.
All of our physiotherapists are registered to practice physiotherapy with the College of Physical Therapists of British Columbia and are members of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. They are a motivated group of professionals that have achieved the highest Orthopaedic Designation obtaining their Diploma of Advanced Manual and Manipulative Physiotherapy, or are actively working towards this goal.
Physiotherapy at Shelbourne Physical Therapy Health Solutions encompasses the following:
1) Assessment of the patients' subjective complaints and objective findings of their injury/complaint.
2) Treatment specifically designed for the individual's immediate needs and long-term goals.
- Ongoing re-evaluation as required to produce maximum results from treatment
- Communication with and/or referral to other health professionals deemed appropriate for the patient's care.
- A long-term treatment and/or home care plan specific to the patient.
Manual Therapy
All our physiotherapists are trained to use their hands for joint and soft tissue mobilization and joint manipulations. These are important treatment techniques for increasing joint mobility, soft tissue extensibility and restoring range of motion. The specific joint mobility assessment techniques determine the appropriate course of manual therapy treatment. Physiotherapists Penny Salmas, Peter Huijbregts, Jennifer Kolot, John Hunter and Annmarie Scanlan have all achieved the highest possible designation in manual therapy.
Exercise
Specific exercises, dependent on assessment findings, are introduced into the treatment program to enhance healing and return to activity in a safe, effective manner. Home exercise programs are an integral part of each individual's rehabilitation program and preventative maintenance.
Vestibular Assessment and Rehabilitation
The assessment and search for the cause and treatment of dizziness, vertigo, and balance problems are within the realm of physiotherapy.
Physiotherapists Peter Huijbregts and Jennifer Kolot have received special training and are well qualified to treat vertigo, balance and dizziness disorders. Peter Huijbregts practices at the main Victoria Physiotherapy clinic located at 100B -3200 Shelbourne St., Victoria, BC, V8P 5G8. Jennifer Kolot practices at our downtown Victoria Physiotherapy clinic located at 308-1175 Cook St., Victoria, BC, V8V 4A1.
An assessment by a trained physiotherapist is undertaken and results communicated to the referring physician and patient. Referrals for consultations are initiated to trained specialists as necessary. Conditions treated by the physiotherapist are those that require joint mobilizations/manipulations, manual therapy techniques, and home exercises.
Mechanical Traction/Spinal Decompression
Utilizing mechanical traction can benefit certain cervical, thoracic, and lumbar problems. The patient is comfortably positioned lying down to take pressure off affected structures such as discs, facet joints, and neurological tissue. Our specialized equipment is top of the line, imported from England.
Traction is sometimes referred to as spinal decompression. The cost for traction/spinal decompression treatment is $1/minute. A typical treatment lasts 15-20 minutes. All patients must be assessed by a Registered Physiotherapist prior to receiving spinal decompression/traction to ensure it is the appropriate treatment.
Electrotherapy
Included in this group of treatments are those modalities used to assist the manual therapist in achieving patients' treatment goals. These include:
Ultrasound - a mechanical and thermal agent that uses high frequency sound waves for a variety of therapeutic effects to aid in healing and pain relief.
Interferential current - a modality incorporating two interfering currents that produce a resultant therapeutic frequency that affects tissues. These include, but are not limited to, alterations in the transmission of pain and effects on the inflammatory process.
Electrical muscle stimulation - an electrical current with a frequency targeting muscle. It is used in muscle re-education and/or relaxation post injury.
High-voltage galvanic stimulation - a higher voltage current with a low average amperage used for acute injuries where pain and swelling are a major factor.
Sports Injuries
Our physiotherapists are experienced in treating injuries resulting from sports and physical over-training.
We have the added benefit of first-hand combined knowledge of various sports through the participation in the following sports:
Racquet sports, soccer, martial arts, weight-lifting, gymnastics, dance, running, skiing, ultimate frisbee, triathlons, pilates, snowboarding, golf, cycling, rugby, surfing, swimming, basketball, football, and rowing.
We realize the importance of returning injured athletes back to their sport as quickly and safely as possible, without jeopardizing the healing process. Sport specific rehabilitation functions to transition the athlete from an injured state towards progressive return to activity.
Motor Vehicle Accident Rehabilitation
The unfortunate event of a motor vehicle accident (MVA) is a common reason to initiate treatment at Shelbourne Physiotherapy. Physiotherapy, often in combination with massage and/or pilates, is an effective approach to your rehabilitation. Communication with ICBC adjustors or other private insurers is undertaken as part of treatment.
Post Operative Rehabilitation
The importance of physiotherapy treatment after surgery for spinal, shoulder, elbow, wrist/hand, hip, knee, and ankle problems are fully realized at Shelbourne Physiotherapy. Treatment progresses according to the surgeon's protocols. Expectations regarding range of motion and function are communicated to the patient, and variations from the norm are addressed.
Athletic Taping
In treating sports injuries, taping to protect injuries joints for return to sports is often essential. It is also used for proprioceptive retraining of other joints and muscles. Postural taping is used to retrain "proper" posture and as a feedback mechanism when posture strays from within the normal limits.
Thermal Modalities
There are different indications for heat and cold, dependent on desired effects and the stage of healing.
Heat - Some of the effects include increased soft tissue extensibility, decreased pain perception, increased blood flow and decreased muscle spasm.
Cold - Some of the effects include decreased edema formation, decreased spasticity, decreased pain perception and decreased muscle spasm.
Woman's Health/Pelvic Floor Retraining
A variety of conditions not previously recognized as being treatable by qualified physiotherapists are considered in Women's Health rehabilitation.
Specialized assessment and treatment of the following patient populations are mostly seen: post-partum women, incontinence problems, sexual dysfunction/pain, aging population, chronic pelvic pain, sacro-iliac and coccygeal dysfunction, pelvic floor weakness.
