Treatments

Manual Therapy is a clinical approach utilizing skilled, specific hands-on techniques to spinal and extremity joints to assess and treat injury and dysfunction. This can involve assisted stretches, deep tissue massage, myofascial release, mobilizations and manipulations. Mobilizations are gentle, rhythmic, passive movements and manipulations are skilled, passive, quick movements. Manual therapy is used for the purpose of modulating pain; increasing range of motion (ROM); reducing or eliminating soft tissue inflammation; inducing relaxation; improving contractile and non-contractile tissue repair, extensibility, and/or stability; facilitating movement; and improving function.

All of our therapists completed formal postgraduate manual therapy education, and have years of experience applying hands on treatment in safe and effective manner.

Spinal Decompression is the therapeutic elongation of the spine in a slow, gentle manner in order to relieve pressure on compressed vertebrae and discs. This treatment is appropriate for those individuals who have low back pain that is caused by herniated discs, degenerated discs and/or intervertebral joints with or without peripheralizing buttock/leg pain which has not responded well to other forms of treatment.

The treatment is safe, virtually pain free and usually provides immediate relief. The patient has remote control of the machine through the duration of the treatment, enabling to stop it if even minimal discomfort arises. To achieve the best results, spinal decompression is always combined with other types of physiotherapy such as active exercises, manual therapy and electrotherapy.

Acupuncture is technique of inserting and manipulating fine needles into specific points on the body to relieve pain, encourage natural healing and increase energy. We have found acupuncture to be extremely successful in managing a wide range of conditions, some of which include headaches, arthritic inflammatory conditions, postoperative pain, low back pain, neuralgia/sciatica, joint disorders, complex regional pain syndrome and whiplash associated disorders.

The therapists who use acupuncture are certified through Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute and have passed theoretical and practical examinations as part of their training.

Exercise prescription is an important phase in optimizing normal function, relieving symptoms and preventing future injury. Exercises can focus on flexibility, strength, balance, and core stability. Each exercise program is individually designed and progressed to tailor each client specific needs. Active exercises are particularly effective after orthopaedic surgeries, motor vehicle accidents and chronic pain. Physical Therapy treatment at your home is available by request.

A not just exercise in the water – hydrotherapy is a pool therapy program specifically designed for an individual in an attempt to improve neuromuscular and skeletal function. Hydrotherapy is used to treat musculoskeletal disorders such as arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, hip and knee replacements and in patients suffering from spasticity or severe pain. This therapy is conducted and supervised by our physiotherapist certified in hydrotherapy in a purpose-built hydrotherapy pool.

Additionally, Mark has developed a unique Water Thai-Chi program, which combines ancient oriental exercise approach with modern rehabilitation concepts. This program will help to facilitate return to normal function for people with chronic pain and disability.

Laser Therapy is the use of monochromatic light emission from a low intensity laser diode or an array if high intensity super luminous diodes. Conditions treated include musculoskeletal injuries, chronic and degenerative conditions and wounds. The light source is placed in contact with the skin allowing the photon energy to penetrate tissue, where it interacts with various intracellular biomolecules resulting in the restoration of normal cell morphology and function. This also enhances the body’s natural healing processes.

IMS (Intramuscular Stimulation) is a very effective technique for the treatment of chronic pain with associated muscle shortening. This muscle shortening can cause compression of discs, spinal joints and nerves which can create pain and dysfunction in an area. IMS treatment involves the insertion of very fine acupuncture needles into the tight muscle bands. The muscle responds with a reflexive grabbing sensation like a deep, achy muscle cramp and then it relaxes. While some discomfort during treatment is expected, the improvement in pain and muscle tightness is quite dramatic and most importantly long lasting.

Physiotherapy treatment in Vancouver usually includes application of various electro and thermo modalities to complement manual therapy and exercise treatment. Our clinic has the following modalities to discretion of physiotherapist:

TENS (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) – electrical current applied through two or four electrodes. This stimulation is usually very comfortable to the patient and provides immediate reduction of pain and muscle relaxation. The patient is usually controls himself current intensity. When very strong stimulation is required, Tens can be applied through acupuncture needles inserted into the patient’s body.

IFC (Interferential current) – another form of electrical current, used when deeper and stronger stimulation is needed, in example in cases of chronic low back pain. It is also often combined with vacuum cupping therapy, which increases blood flow to tissues and results in faster pain relief.

Ultrasound – we use of high intensity ultrasound, which is many times stronger than diagnostic ultrasound used in pregnancy tests. Ultrasound is a sound wave that human year cannot hear. It is mechanical energy used to break down scar tissue, increase metabolism and decrease pain. It is an effective treatment for various tendinopathies and local inflammations.

Thermotherapy – application of moist heat to improve blood circulation and send the patient home well relaxed.

Cryotherapy – application of icepacks to reduce swelling and control acute pain and inflammation.