Massage Therapy services at Alliston and Tottenham physio clinics

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What is massage therapy?

massage therapy at Alliston clinic

Massage therapy is the manipulation and mobilization of soft tissue using various compression and decompression techniques. Massage therapy has been around for centuries and continually evolving for clinical, therapeutic and palliative purposes. It is a form of therapy that is used to promote healing and relaxation. While medication can be effective in managing pain, it is not always the best option for everyone. Fortunately, there are alternatives, such as massage therapy to help reduce pain.

What are the different types of massage therapy?

myofascial release therapy at Alliston clinic
  • Deep Tissue Massage:
    • Muscles can become tight for various reason (i.e. injury, stress, tension etc.)
    • This type of massage will get deep into muscles and tendons to help release tension
    • It is best for people with injuries, general tightness and chronic muscle pain
  • Sports Massage:
    • This is similar to a deep tissue massage, however typically will target specific muscle groups that are sore after physical activity
    • It is best for individuals who play sports, or simply the prevention of injury
  • Myofascial release:
    • Myofascia is connective tissue under our skin, that connects everything to anything
    • This type of massage will work through releasing the fascia with kneading and stretching
    • It is excellent for individuals with tightness in neck, shoulder or back
  • Lymphatic Massage:
    • Lymphatic has several important actions such as maintaining fluid levels and removing waste products in our body
    • This type of massage uses gentle touch to help lymphatic fluid flow more easily
    • It is used best for individuals with inflammation, arthritis or post mastectomy
  • Swedish Massage:
    • Feeling stressed, a Swedish massage is a classic go to type of massage for relaxation
    • It is often gentler, includes the whole body and therefore is good for people new to massages

What does massage therapy treat and help with?

massage therapy at Alliston clinic

As mentioned, massage therapy has been used for multiple dysfunctions and impairments, to help people better manage and improve their quality of life. What are some of the specific things massage therapy can help with?

1. Pain Management

Massage therapy is an effective tool to help manage your pain, whether it is acute or chronic pain. It helps to reduce pain by reducing inflammation, promoting circulation and relaxation fo the body.

2. Reduces Inflammation

Inflammation is a natural response to an injury or illness, however, with chronic inflammation it can lead to longer lasting issues. Massage therapy can help to reduce inflammation in the affected areas by increasing blood flow, promote the release of the body’s natural anti-inflammatory chemicals and reduce tension in specific parts of the body.

3. Improve Circulation

Having good circulation is important for many reasons. More specifically, it is essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients to our tissues and organs. It also helps to carry away waste products that we create in our body. When circulation is impaired, pain and prolonged inflammation can occur. Massage therapy can help to improve circulation by increasing blood flow to the affected area and promote lymphatic drainage.

4. Reduce Stress and Promote Relaxation

Stress is a common trigger and exacerbation of pain. Massage therapy can help with release of the “feel-good” hormones such as serotonin and dopamine. Overall, this can lead to reducing pain and overall increase in feeling of emotion and physicality.

5. Reduce Anxiety
The calm felt after a massage can aid in reducing stress. Our body has 2 different nervous system, our fight or flight which gets activated in stressful situations, and our parasympathetic nervous system which is activated with relaxation and rest. A massage is thought to increase our parasympathetic activity, which can decrease feelings of anxiety.

6. Improves Sleep
As previously mentioned, massage can decrease cortisol and increase serotonin, which can translate to benefiting those who suffer from insomnia.

What to expect at your massage appointment and how often should you get a massage?

At your first massage therapy appointment, the registered massage therapist will begin by asking you questions to gain a health history from you. In doing so, they will be able to ensure the techniques they use are safe, as well as be able to decide with you which type of massage will be suit you.

Before a massage, it is best to avoid consuming a heavy meal. It is also recommended to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated, to help prepare your muscles for the massage. After the massage, it is also important to stay well hydrated. Gentle stretching and continued movement is also recommended.

Typically, a massage session lasts between 60 and 90 minutes, but depending on your needs, you may benefit from a shorter or longer session. During the massage, it is important to communicate with your massage therapist and give them feedback on anything you are feeling (i.e. too much pressure, too little pressure etc.).
The frequency of your massage therapy appointments will be discussed at your initial appointment, to determine the best course of action for you. The frequency may vary from weekly, every 2 weeks or monthly appointments.
Do you think a massage therapy appointment is right for you? Our registered massage therapist located at our Alliston clinic is ready to help you get back to your better self! Call South Simcoe Physiotherapy today or contact us here.

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 services Alliston clinic
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 knee braces physio clinic Alliston
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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