Manual and manipulative therapy services at Alliston and Tottenham clinics

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Manual therapy refers to a broad category of hands-on techniques used by healthcare professionals such as physiotherapists and massage therapists. Generally speaking, they will use manual therapy techniques to diagnose, treat and prevent many different musculoskeletal and other related conditions.

Physiotherapists can partake in specialized training through the Orthopaedic Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association to further develop and fine-tune their hands-on skills. Depending on the level of training, a physiotherapist can become a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapists (FCAMPT), which is internationally recognized.

 

What are some examples of manual therapy techniques?

manual therapy patient at Alliston physio clinic
  • Mobilization: this includes gentle movements and stretching techniques applied to joints. This typically is used to improve the range of motion, reduce stiffness, reduce pain and promote joint health.

Joint mobilization: this includes techniques involving the therapist applying a controlled pressure an movement to a joint. This typical is used to reduce pain, improve joint range of motion and restore normal joint function.

  • Manipulation: manipulation is a form of joint mobilization that involves a high velocity, low amplitude thrust to a specific joint. Similar to joint mobilizations, it is used to reduce pain, improve joint range of motion and restore normal joint function.
  • Passive stretching: a technique that involves stretching a tightened or shortened muscle and holding it for up to 30 seconds. The goal of this technique is to improve the flexibility of the targeted muscle and increase the joint range of motion.
manual therapy patient at Alliston physio clinic
  • Soft tissue techniques: this can involve many different techniques including massages, myofascial release, trigger point release, cupping, and soft tissue release. This is typically used to reduce pain, muscle tightness and tension, as well as improve muscle dysfunction.
  • Muscle energy techniques: this technique typically involves the active participation of the patient in strengthening and stretching muscles. It is guided by the therapist with engaging in contracting and relaxing different muscle groups to improve flexibility, joint mobility and muscle function.
  • Manual traction: manual traction involves applying a controlled pulling force to a joint (i.e. the spine, the knee etc.). The purpose of this technique is to decompress joints, relieve pressure of nerves, reduce pain and increase joint mobility.

Manual Therapy Benefits

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Manual therapy offers several benefits for individuals suffering from musculoskeletal issues, injuries and other functions. Here are some of the key benefits of manual therapy:

1. Pain relief

Depending on the condition, various manual therapy techniques may be used to stimulate your nervous system with the goal of reducing your pain. More specifically, hands-on techniques can stimulate sensory receptors in the skin, muscles and joints leading to the release of endorphins and other natural pain-relieving chemicals in the body.

2. Improved range of motion

By targeting tight muscles, stiff joints and restricted tissue, manual therapy can work to relieve these structures. This will allow for better movement and function in the affected area.

3. Improve joint function

The use of joint mobilizations and manipulations can help to address joint dysfunctions to restore normal joint mechanics. When proper joint mechanics are in place, it will lead to better overall joint health and function.

4. Enhance blood flow

Various hands-on techniques will promote blood flow to the affected area, delivering oxygen and nutrients and removing metabolic waste products. This will ultimately reduce inflammation, promote tissue healing and reduce your pain.

5. Reduce nerve compression

Techniques like joint mobilizations and traction can help reduce nerve compression on pathological nerves. The cause of pathological nerves can arise from tight muscles or restricted joints. Reducing nerve compression will help with symptoms such as radiating pain, tingling and numbness.

6. Enhanced sports performance

Athletes will often benefit from manual therapy as these techniques aim to improve flexibility, joint range of motion, and muscle function. Athletes may also benefit by reducing the risk of injury.

7. Psychological benefits

The hands-on nature of manual therapy can help to promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, reduce stress, and improve overall mood. It will also help to build a therapeutic relationship and improve trust with your therapist.

What are common conditions that manual therapy will help treat?

  • Back pain
    • Disc herniations
    • Spinal stenosis
    • Lumbar strain
    • Sciatica
  • Neck pain
    • Disc herniations
    • Spinal stenosis
    • Neck strain
  • Shoulder injuries
    • Rotator cuff injuries
    • Tendinopathies
    • Dislocations and subluxations
  • Pathological joints
    • Arthritis
    • Fractures
    • Joint impingements
  • Sports injuries
    • Sprains
    • Strains
  • Post-surgical
    • Joint replacements
    • Soft tissue repairs
    • Adhesive scar tissue
  • Headaches
  • Chronic pain
    • Fibromyalgia
    • Chronic low back pain
    • Arthritis

How do I know if manual therapy is right for me?

From the assessment with your therapist, they will determine with you if manual therapy is an appropriate treatment technique. Manual therapy takes both an individualized and evidence-based approach. This means that the techniques used will be tailored specifically to your needs and goals. Your physiotherapist will develop with you a treatment plan involving various treatment techniques, so you can get better faster. With manual therapy being evidence-based, this means scientific research has been conducted to evaluate its effectiveness. Research has proven the benefits of manual therapy and the effectiveness of treating patients suffering from pain.

Contact our physio clinic in Alliston or Tottenham to find out how we can help you.

AVAILABLE PHYSIOTHERAPY SERVICES at ALLISTON CLINIC
MANUAL AND MANIPULATIVE THERAPY

Our therapists use a variety of hands on techniques to both accurately assess and efficiently treat patients. Specialized training through the Orthopaedic Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (orthodiv.org) allows for accurate diagnosis and faster recovery. Fellows of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapists (FCAMPT) have taken extensive post-graduate training and have received international recognition in hands on techniques.
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CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT

At South Simcoe Physiotherapy we have training in the Shift Concussion Management Program (shiftconcussion.ca).  Using this program as a basis, we thoroughly assess the individual systems often effected in a concussion using a variety of tests, as well as cognitive tools such as imPact.  Once an accurate assessment has been performed, we develop a multi-faceted rehabilitation strategy to return the individual to optimal function.

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PELVIC HEALTH
Physiotherapists with specialized training in pelvic health can be effective in treating individuals with both urinary incontinence and pelvic pain.  A thorough examination allows the therapist to determine root causes for the dysfunction and treat effectively educate and treat the individual.  For more information on pelvic health and physiotherapy please visit: http://pelvichealthsolutions.ca/
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massage therapy

Massage therapy is a form of hands in treatment that affects the body’s soft tissues such as the muscles, connective tissue, ligaments, tendons and joints. Massage therapy can have therapeutic effects on the muscular, circulatory, and nervous systems. For more information on Registered massage therapy please visit: www.rmtao.com

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acupuncture

Acupuncture is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine and uses tiny needles which are inserted into various points in the body.  Acupuncture stimulates the body’s natural healing mechanisms and is effective in treating a variety of conditions including headaches, back pain, neck pain, various overuse and sports injuries.  Our therapists have training in acupuncture through Acupuncture Canada ( https://www.acupuncturecanada.org)

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RUNNING ASSESSMENT / GAIT ANALYSIS

Gait analysis and Running Assessments can be useful in determining biomechanical irregularities during either walking or running that are either causing or are caused by a certain condition or injury. Gait analysis can also help to identify inefficiencies that may be reducing performance in runners and perhaps predisposing or contributing to injury.
We use multiple tools to analyze a person’s gait. First, we use our physiotherapy backgrounds and knowledge of biomechanics. By observing someone walking/running/using the treadmill (and perhaps recording them) we can often identify these major faults. A biomechanical exam can also aid in this process through identifying structural limitations, muscle weakness and tone, and a variety of other potential faults. Finally, using training from courses such as those taught at The Running Clinic https://therunningclinic.com/en, can help to consolidate all of this information while allowing us to make recommendations on items such as footwear, training schedules, and other information relevant to your specific situation.

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IMS/IDN

Intramuscular Stimulation and Integrated Dry-Needling. Both IMS and IDN are forms of dry needling where an acupuncture needle is inserted into a taut band in a shortened muscle or near the nerve root in order to cause a reflex relaxation of the muscle, a micro trauma to stimulate natural healing and create an action potential to restore normal nerve conduction.  This technique can be extremely useful to treat chronic pain, myofascial pain syndromes, many sports injuries, and overuse injuries.  For more information visit: www.istop.org

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exercise prescription

Exercise is an essential part of all rehabilitation programs. In order to restore normal muscle length and strength, correct biomechanical faults and return to function, exercises need to be specifically tailored to suit individual needs.

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custom bracing
Our clinic is pleased to offer  custom braces to aid in conditions such as ACL tears, meniscus injuries, knee osteoarthritis and more.

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shockwave therapy

Shockwave is a non-invasive way to treat many muscular, tendinous, ligamentous, and bone problems that lead to pain and loss of function. Briefly stated it uses strong energy pulses to stimulate increased blood flow and metabolism allowing regeneration of damaged tissue. A phenomenon called “micro-cavitation” occurs where “bubbles’ expand and burst creating a force that penetrates damaged tissue and stimulates cell reparation. Shockwave is especially effective in treating issues that have been unresponsive to other conservative methods.

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VIDEO AND TELEPHONE CONSULTATIONS

At a time when social distancing is necessary, we are pleased to be able to offer our exceptional care in an alternative method.  Video consultations (think FaceTime or Skype) can be an effective method to assess and treat musculoskeletal and other physiotherapy appropriate impairments.  A thorough analysis can be conducted by performing a detailed subjective, observing individual movements, performing simple tasks and special tests, and evaluating the environmental factors which are aggravating the condition.  From there, our therapist can devise an appropriate treatment plan including self management strategies, modifications, and exercises appropriate to address your condition.  The therapist is easily able to demonstrate the exercises and observe you performing them, and can even send you video demonstrations of the exercises.  For those that are unable to access reliable internet, or do not regularly use a computer, telephone consults are also an option.

No doctor's referral is necessary and these sessions are covered by most insurers

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NATUROPATHY
Naturopathic doctors are primary general health care practitioners, trained to handle a broad range of health issues and concerns. These health issues include (but are not limited to): Stress & Anxiety, Fatigue, Weight Management, Skin Health, Digestion, Pain, Cardiovascular, Immune Issue, Women's, Men's and Children's Health.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is physiotherapy?

Simply stated, physiotherapy is the treatment of deficits and disease without the use of medications. Physiotherapy is useful for the majority of injuries and ailments one might suffer. The goal of our physiotherapists is to reduce your symptoms and allow you to return to function in a timely manner. If you are unsure if your condition is appropriate for physiotherapy, please feel free to contact us.

How do I pay for your services?
We accept cash, cheque, and debit as forms of payment (sorry no credit cards). It is expected that you pay at the end of your session, at which time you will be provided with an invoice. If you have insurance, you can then submit the invoice to your insurer for reimbursement.
Does OHIP cover physiotherapy?
No, unfortunately physiotherapy was de-listed in 2005. Some Designated Physiotherapy Centres remain (which can bill through OHIP), though the locations and availability are limited, and there are very strict regulations on who qualifies for this type of treatment.
Do I need a doctor’s referral to come and see you?
No, you do not. As primary health care practitioners, we often see people prior to them seeing their doctor. Please note that some insurance companies still require a doctor’s referral prior to reimbursing you for physiotherapy services.
What do I need to wear for my assessment?
It is important for your physiotherapist to be able to view the area that they are treating. Typically it is safe to assume that athletic shorts and a t-shirt would be appropriate, though in some cases a tank top, sports bra etc. may be required. It is also important that you are comfortable in your assessment, so if you are not, please let us know.
Will my private insurance cover the cost of this treatment?
All of our treatments are provided by regulated Physiotherapists, so if your insurance covers physiotherapy, you should be covered. Each individual plan varies in terms of types and amounts of coverage, so if you are concerned it might be best to contact your insurer.
What if my injuries are as a result of a motor vehicle accident or workplace injury?
At South Simcoe Physiotherapy we do treat people who have been involved in motor vehicle accidents (MVA). If you are booking an initial assessment as a result of a MVA, here is some of the information we will need:

  • Date of accident
  • Claim number
  • Adjuster’s name and contact information
  • Private health insurance information (if applicable)
  • Area of injury

We are able to direct bill your motor vehicle insurance, but please note that all of your private health insurance must be used prior to accessing your motor vehicle insurance. These rules are mandated by the Financial Services Commission of Ontario and not our clinic.

Workplace injury (WSIB): we often treat people as a result of a workplace injury, however, we do not bill WSIB directly. If your injury is part of a WSIB claim, you are expected to pay just as other clients and then submit your invoices to WSIB.

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