Mobilization

Is used to restore a joint’s normal mobility using manual techniques versus using steroidal injections for pain or exercise alone. Under-used or poor usage of joints causes them to stiffen and thus in turn, leads to other disturbances such as muscle tension and pain. The spine especially creates a stiffening of joints very easily if it is not used within its entire range of movement. Mis-usage of joints not only leads to shortening of the ligaments surrounding them, but also impaired mobility to joint capsules that can be described as an electrochemical blocking state in the capsules.

Mobilization can include the stretching or lengthening of soft tissues during precise types of massage and movements conducted by the therapist as well as the use of elastic tension bands for strengthening. This can be effective treatment for things such as sprains and strains, tendonitis (Tennis or Golfer’s elbow), bursitis, contusions and stress related injuries when combined with exercise and at-home stretching.

Manipulation

Is a technique to release joints from their blocked states. This blocked situation can be caused by an accident or hazardous movement as opposed to a ‘natural blocking’.

Vertebral corrections are done by trained specialists who use their hands to apply a controlled, thrust technique to a specifically targeted spinal joint. The goal of this procedure, also known as spinal manipulation, is to improve spinal motion, release fused joints for better flexibility and to get your body’s overall physical function back to optimal performance. This can feel uncomfortable as your body begins to adjust to the alignment, so remember to take it easy the following day and drink plenty of water. Manipulative “thrust” is done inside the normal range of a joints movement and is therefore a safe, precise, quick and extremely effective procedure.

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

Laser light therapy is used for relief of pain and inflammation caused by tendonitis, arthritis, trigger points and for jaw dysfunction just to name a few. It is also used to treat a multitude of conditions that require stimulation of healing like certain fractures and soft tissue damage and can also help to reduce scarring. Our patients find immediate relief with the use of our Low-Level Laser Therapy (also known as Cold Laser Therapy) which compliments the treatments with our Physiotherapists.

It is used to open up blood circulation in the smallest vessels, by doing this it reduces swelling of the tissues and therefore reduces pain. A healthy tissue must have free blood circulation and metabolism.

Electro-Therapy (TENS)

Back in the 80s, we saw a trend of adding stimulation to under-used muscles through electrodes to create a nice 6-pack or thinner thighs without much effort. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) uses the same basic principles in a much more specific way. Now we are targeting areas that have been over-used in order to reduce pain and inflammation, increase strength, range of motion, rate of healing and to calm or to activate certain nerves as well as to increase circulation. This can be good for long-time sufferers of Tennis or Golfer’s elbow or help acute symptoms of sprained joints and sports injuries.

TENS influences directly to the nervous system. All nerve functioning is based on electric information between body and brain. In a situation where there are disturbances in nerve functions we can also activate them with electricity.

Ultrasound Therapy

With the recent popularity of alternative forms of medicine and advances in our understanding of our quantum reality, we have developed new technologies that can enhance our natural healing. Using Ultrasound, humans can now heal bones and teeth, arthritis, kidney stones and other abnormalities through the regular use of these small machines. Normally, Ultrasound machines are used to locate, monitor or diagnose different ailments within the body, as well as to see the baby developing in-utero, without any side effects. This larger type of machine differs in the fact that it creates images using echo-location, much like a Dolphin or a Bat, in order to create a whole picture of what the sound bounces off of.

The portable and hand-held devices operate at frequencies beyond our range of auditory capabilities, but the vibration can be felt in our deep tissues, creating heat and providing an internal massage of sorts. Increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation to specific areas can be a huge relief to those recovering from bone breakages or fractures, people suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis, or general malfunction of the musculoskeletal system. We use this technique in Physiotherapy in a wide variety of cases.

Acupuncture

Is an ancient Chinese health care system, using the “meridian lines” or “pressure points” on the body.  If pain doesn’t relieve after mobility of the joints has recovered and muscles are relaxed, then we use Acupuncture. We use it mainly for loco-motor problems as it is a safe alternative to pain-relief medication for some cases.

Dry Needling

Dry needling is a specialized therapy focusing on small trigger points to release myofascial tensions as well as knots within the muscle structures of the body. This technique promotes biomechanical changes within the muscle structure without the use of drugs, thereby offering an alternative to effective pain relief almost instantly. Dry needling has no side effects, making it safe for anybody to use in conjunction with other gentle practices during therapy sessions.

Dry needling is founded upon the same basic principles as acupuncture and used by a wide variety of health-care practitioners including but not limited to, Massage Therapists, Physiotherapists, Osteopaths and Sports Therapists as a trusted method of treating a wide variety of problems. This treatment is similar to acupuncture as it utilizes the same needles but it is used to target different areas and used for different purposes. Once the needle is inserted into the skin the therapist can then manually stimulate the filiform needle depending on the desired outcome.

Why you might use this treatment:

If you are suffering from a specific sports injury, chronic muscle pain, certain nervous system disorders and joint dysfunction, you may find that dry needling is a complement to your recovery by reducing pain and restoring tissues. Dry needling treatments are also useful for preventative purposes for athletes or people with active lifestyles that wish to maintain proper muscle function throughout their lives.

Our highly trained and certified professionals are here to assist you with any questions and concerns regarding dry needling before your appointment. Please contact us today to find out if this therapy is right for your situation.

Taping and Strapping

Physiotherapists and Sports Therapists may use tape to protect a certain body part from (further) injury and to support the healing process. Strapping is applied to prevent excess or abnormal movement of an injured joint or structure. The therapist may use traditional tape to support joints, to protect minor injuries and to improve the patient’s balance awareness. It also helps to reduce pain. With taping, special elastic kinesiology tape is used for lymphatic drainage, to offload soft tissues and reduce swelling.

Taping and strapping may be used for:

Ligament injuries
Tendinopathy (tendinitis)
Muscle strains and tears
Postural correction
Lymphatic drainage
Relaxation or activation of muscles