Question and Answer – Physiotherapy
Ask the Expert – Physiotherapy
BIM: What made you want to become a physiotherapist? - As a young athlete, I experienced different injuries and benefited greatly from going to physiotherapy myself. Combined with my love of helping others led me into the physiotherapy profession.
BIM: How long have you been a physiotherapist? - 20 years
BIM: What do you love about your job? - I love the different people I meet, and being a part of helping them overcome injuries and pain. In particular, I like working with individuals who have a history of chronic pain.
BIM: What type of client do you see most often? - From my experience over the past 20 years, the most common reason people see me is because of neck or back pain, followed by shoulder and knee pain. Many people have had long-standing pain and are at their “wit's end” by the time they first see a physiotherapist.
BIM: When would you recommend Physiotherapy? - If a person suffers an injury or is experiencing pain for greater than 2 to 3 weeks, it is recommended they seek help from a physiotherapist. Usually, this will result in less pain and dysfunction in the long run. This rule holds for cars as well. If your car alignment is off, you will only be able to drive so long before a wheel falls off. The sooner you address this at the mechanic the less damage to the car.
BIM: hat could one expect in an initial appointment? - A physiotherapist is like a detective for your body. We start with the complete history of the injury or any repetitive activities. Once the history is complete, we check the affected area as well as how the nerves are working in that area. Treatment is then provided involving: joint and soft tissue techniques, myofascial release, dry needling, acupuncture, and an exercise prescription.
BIM: When should a client see a Physio over an AT? - This is a tough question. There is a lot of overlap between the two. Both a physiotherapist and an athletic therapist will be proficient at treating joint and muscle injuries, however, physiotherapists have additional training in cardiorespiratory and nervous system disorders. Generally, individuals with a more complex medical history would be steered to see a physiotherapist
BIM: How does Physiotherapy integrate with other modalities? - A physiotherapist’s detailed assessment can help locate any weak and sensitive areas in the spine, arms, and legs which can further complement other modalities such as Chiropractic, Massage Therapy, Traditional Chinese Medicine which includes the use of Acupuncture, Osteopathy, or AT. Specific techniques and exercises can be given to clients to help “hold” what the Chiropractor or Massage Therapist did.
BIM: What’s one tip that any active person could benefit from to avoid injury? - Check-in with your body before any activity. Be aware of your body movements and focus on equality. As humans we are creatures of habit and most often have a favourite arm or leg we use. Another major culprit of injury is paying attention to any sustained postures. For example, do you sit at a desk all day? Lock your knees when you stand? Or turn one leg outwards? Remember to vary your habits and your body will thank you.
BIM: Is Physiotherapy covered under my insurance? - Most insurance providers cover physiotherapy. Not sure? Call your insurance provider for more information.
BIM: Do you direct bill? - Back In Motion Wellness direct bills to most insurance providers. Check with our front staff.
BIM: What do you do in your spare time? - I love moving my body because if I don’t, it gets cranky. Lol. Walking, hiking, and biking are my favourite activities. I have played competitive soccer my whole life but have recently retired. I’m enjoying watching my two girls play different sports including soccer!
ASK THE EXPERT! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask our expert! Phone: (204) 452-1541 Email: info@backinmotionwellness.ca LEARN MORE! Physiotherapy... BOOK AN APPOINTMENT: Book Online Phone: (204) 452-1541 Email: info@backinmotionwellness.ca
BIM: What made you want to become a physiotherapist? - As a young athlete, I experienced different injuries and benefited greatly from going to physiotherapy myself. Combined with my love of helping others led me into the physiotherapy profession.
BIM: How long have you been a physiotherapist? - 20 years
BIM: What do you love about your job? - I love the different people I meet, and being a part of helping them overcome injuries and pain. In particular, I like working with individuals who have a history of chronic pain.
BIM: What type of client do you see most often? - From my experience over the past 20 years, the most common reason people see me is because of neck or back pain, followed by shoulder and knee pain. Many people have had long-standing pain and are at their “wit's end” by the time they first see a physiotherapist.
BIM: When would you recommend Physiotherapy? - If a person suffers an injury or is experiencing pain for greater than 2 to 3 weeks, it is recommended they seek help from a physiotherapist. Usually, this will result in less pain and dysfunction in the long run. This rule holds for cars as well. If your car alignment is off, you will only be able to drive so long before a wheel falls off. The sooner you address this at the mechanic the less damage to the car.
BIM: hat could one expect in an initial appointment? - A physiotherapist is like a detective for your body. We start with the complete history of the injury or any repetitive activities. Once the history is complete, we check the affected area as well as how the nerves are working in that area. Treatment is then provided involving: joint and soft tissue techniques, myofascial release, dry needling, acupuncture, and an exercise prescription.
BIM: When should a client see a Physio over an AT? - This is a tough question. There is a lot of overlap between the two. Both a physiotherapist and an athletic therapist will be proficient at treating joint and muscle injuries, however, physiotherapists have additional training in cardiorespiratory and nervous system disorders. Generally, individuals with a more complex medical history would be steered to see a physiotherapist
BIM: How does Physiotherapy integrate with other modalities? - A physiotherapist’s detailed assessment can help locate any weak and sensitive areas in the spine, arms, and legs which can further complement other modalities such as Chiropractic, Massage Therapy, Traditional Chinese Medicine which includes the use of Acupuncture, Osteopathy, or AT. Specific techniques and exercises can be given to clients to help “hold” what the Chiropractor or Massage Therapist did.
BIM: What’s one tip that any active person could benefit from to avoid injury? - Check-in with your body before any activity. Be aware of your body movements and focus on equality. As humans we are creatures of habit and most often have a favourite arm or leg we use. Another major culprit of injury is paying attention to any sustained postures. For example, do you sit at a desk all day? Lock your knees when you stand? Or turn one leg outwards? Remember to vary your habits and your body will thank you.
BIM: Is Physiotherapy covered under my insurance? - Most insurance providers cover physiotherapy. Not sure? Call your insurance provider for more information.
BIM: Do you direct bill? - Back In Motion Wellness direct bills to most insurance providers. Check with our front staff.
BIM: What do you do in your spare time? - I love moving my body because if I don’t, it gets cranky. Lol. Walking, hiking, and biking are my favourite activities. I have played competitive soccer my whole life but have recently retired. I’m enjoying watching my two girls play different sports including soccer!
ASK THE EXPERT! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask our expert! Phone: (204) 452-1541 Email: info@backinmotionwellness.ca LEARN MORE! Physiotherapy... BOOK AN APPOINTMENT: Book Online Phone: (204) 452-1541 Email: info@backinmotionwellness.ca