Physiotherapy Treatment – Vancouver Physio Clinic
Our downtown Vancouver physiotherapists treat individuals of all ages, shapes, sizes, and abilities, and anyone can book an appointment for a physiotherapy assessment. Doctor referrals are not essential to see one of our physiotherapists, though some extended medical plans do require referrals in order to be eligible for physiotherapy treatment in Vancouver. It’s best to check with your particular medical plan provider as to what physiotherapy treatment is available to you.
Call our downtown Vancouver Physiotherapy Clinic
Electra Health – 970 Burrard Street, Vancouver BC
Open 7 days a week from 8 am to 8 pm
604-685-4325 (HEAL)
In downtown Vancouver, physiotherapy treatment is easily accessible; there are a good number of quality physiotherapists available. At the Electra Health, physiotherapy treatment is available 8am to 8pm 7 days a week. Physiotherapy treatment can be effective in caring for a wide range of injuries, diseases, and disorders. It can also be used as a form of physical maintenance to prevent the onset of injuries commonly associated with specific activities, such as those required in certain workplaces, or when doing particular sports.
Because of the many applications for physiotherapy there are several types of specialized treatments used by physiotherapists. At Electra Health, new clients often have questions about these; below you’ll find information on various forms of physiotherapy treatments. Of course, if you require further information please contact us at the Electra Health and we’ll be happy to answer any additional questions.
Physiotherapy Treatment: Manual Physical Therapy
This type of therapy is a specialization of physiotherapy whereby the therapist uses hands-on techniques to assess and treat the patient. There are several different types of manual physical treatments, including:
- Manipulation – Often joints will get “stuck” and limit range of motion, causing unnecessary strain and pain. Manipulation techniques are very specialized and require the physiotherapist to perform fast and controlled movements that allow for repositioning of the joint.
- Mobilization – Unlike manipulation, mobilization is a slow process whereby the physiotherapist actually pulls apart or pushes together bones and joints to restore them to their natural positions. This technique not only affects the joints and bones themselves, but can also relieve tension in the surrounding and supporting soft tissue.
- Massage – This is a soft tissue technique, meaning it is used to directly treat muscles rather than bones and joints. Massage is effective in increasing circulation and allowing for muscle relaxation. Massage provides pain relief and relieves tension.
- Myofascial Release – This technique is a type of massage, but rather than focusing on the muscle itself, it concentrates on releasing tightness in the connective tissue known as fascia. The fascia is an interconnected network of fibres that runs through the entire body providing support to muscles, nerves, organs, joints, and bones. The fascia can become very tight and create pressure points that cause significant chronic discomfort that tends to worsen with time. Unlike muscles, the fascia does not usually relax with stretching exercises, and can actually further tighten in response. When performing myofasical release, the physiotherapist will assess the patient to identify the areas in the fascia that are causing restriction, and use specialized message to release them.
Physiotherapy Treatment: Intramuscular Stimulation
Intramuscular stimulation, commonly referred to as “IMS”, is used to treat chronically over-active muscles that can cause significant discomfort. There is generally no immediately evident source of injury, rather it’s believed that incorrect signaling from the nerves leading to the problem muscle causes it to become overactive, therefore shortening the muscle fibers and causing pain. Sometimes this pain or tension can be so significant that it actually puts pressure on the nerves and results in what is known as neural tension, a sensation of pain and numbness.
With IMS, acupuncture needles are inserted into muscles at the specific points where the tension originates. The needles are able to go deep into the muscle and provide stimulation that, in turn, causes mild inflammation. This inflammation triggers the healing process and allows the affected muscle to release almost immediately.
Acupuncture
To the naked eye acupuncture appears to be very similar to IMS, however there are some distinct differences. Unlike IMS, which requires a thorough examination to target and release specific sights of tension, acupuncture has a whole body effect. Based on ancient Chinese practices, acupuncture is intended to stimulate naturally derived chemicals in the body that aid in pain relief. Very fine needles are placed at points throughout the body known as “channels” or “meridians”, through which energy is thought to flow. Acupuncture is intended to restore the energy flow of the body, allowing for healing to occur.
Ultrasound
Many think of ultrasound only as a diagnostic imaging technique, however, it can also be an effective form of physiotherapy treatment. Ultrasound waves have the ability to penetrate deep into the tissues, reducing pain and increasing healing processes. When used at a low frequency, ultrasound has been shown effective in everything from improving circulation and decreasing inflammation, to repairing scar tissue, and speeding the healing of bone (such as with stress fractures, commonly found amongst Vancouver runners)
Inferential Therapy or Electrical Stimulation
This treatment is most often used when muscles fire incorrectly, or not at all. A very low level of electrical stimulation is applied to encourage proper muscle activation patterns. Two opposing currents are used that literally interfere with one another (hence, “inferential” therapy) and help to mimic the body’s nervous system. Although this treatment is primarily used in muscle stimulation, it can also stimulate blood flow in areas that are lacking. As such, it has been suggested to help reduce edema in some individuals (increased blood flow helps to carry excess fluid away from the affected area)
Physiotherapy Treatment: Strengthening Exercises
Physiotherapy exercises are a key part to almost every treatment plan because they help to ensure proper rehabilitation and injury prevention. These exercises are highly specific to the problem being treated and may be further customized to the physical ability of the patient. Exercises are usually designed to build strength and develop proper movement patterns. Sometimes they are performed under the supervision of physiotherapists or other healthcare professionals, while other times the patient can do them on their own time. Quite often they can even be performed throughout the day, while at home, the office, or school.
The use of the physiotherapy treatments discussed here greatly depends on the nature of the problem being treated. It is, however, quite common for several of the treatments to be used to complement one another, rather than in isolation.
At Electra Health our Vancouver physiotherapy treatment professionals conduct thorough assessments and work individually with each patient to design a custom physiotherapy treatment plan that will best suit their needs. Contact us today to book your appointment.
Call our downtown Vancouver Physiotherapy Clinic
Electra Health – 970 Burrard Street, Vancouver BC
Open 7 days a week from 8 am to 8 pm
604-685-4325 (HEAL)
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