What is Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy, or Physical Therapy, is a healthcare profession that focuses on the science of the human body and movement to help people restore, maintain and maximize their physical strength, function, mobility and overall well-being. Physiotherapists (or Physical Therapists) are trained to understand how the body moves in parts and as a whole and how changes in the body can impact function and pain.

Physiotherapists are highly skilled and autonomous regulated health professionals who provide safe, quality, client-centered care through a commitment to service availability, accessibility, and excellence.

Physiotherapy at NeuPhysio

Musculoskeletal: Preventing and treating clients with musculoskeletal conditions such as neck and back pain

Neurological: Promoting movement and quality of life in patients who have had severe brain or spinal cord damage from trauma, or who suffer from neurological diseases such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease and Multiple Sclerosis

Orthopedic: Helping patients prevent or manage acute or chronic orthopedic conditions such as arthritis and amputations

Pain: Managing or preventing pain and its impact on function in patients

Physiotherapists are experts at providing physiotherapy treatment for:

  • Managing acute and chronic injuries or conditions
  • Preventing injury and disability
  • Improving and maintaining optimal physical performance
  • Rehabilitating injury and the effects of disease or disability
  • Educating patients to prevent re-occurrence of an injury, manage pain and to use strategies for recovery

How is Neuphysio different?

At Neuphysio, we focus on neurological rehabilitation and our physiotherapists are trained in a variety of assessment and treatment techniques and technologies aimed at helping people with various neurological injuries and disorders. This could include a problem with the brain, spinal cord and/or peripheral nerves. Some common disorders and injuries include brain injury and concussion, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy and much more.

A neuro-physiotherapist analyses the problems that result from a neurological perspective and implements targeted treatment to improve functional movement through neuroplasticity, helping you to reach your activity goals. Treatments are goal-directed and may include specific manual handling to guide movement, task-specific training, gait and balance training, supervised activity conditioning and bracing/splinting recommendations.

In addition to the the usual things physiotherapy can help, neuro-physiotherapists are skilled at helping to:

  • Re-teach proper movement patterns
  • Facilitate the recovery of balance, sitting, standing and walking
  • Stimulate hand movement and help patients regain arm movement
  • Assess the need for walking aids and mobility devices
  • Promote functional changes and maximize independence 
  • Get people back to activities they love

Pelvic Health

At Neuphysio, we offer Pelvic Health Physiotherapy, which is the assessment and treatment of the structures inside the pelvis and trunk that primarily regulate bowel, bladder and sexual function, as well as postural support and pelvic organ support. Click here to learn more.

What techniques do Physiotherapists use?

  • Manual manipulation: Moving joints and soft tissue helps to improve circulation, drain fluid from the body and relax overly tight or muscles with spasms
  • Electrical nerve stimulation: Small electrical currents delivered to affected areas helps to suppress and block pain signals to the brain
  • Acupuncture: Needles stimulate the nervous system and work to dull pain, release muscles, boost the immune system and regulate various body functions
  • Demonstration: Teaching proper movement patterns allows patients to help heal themselves
  • Functional testing: Testing a patient to assess his/her physical abilities
  • Device provision: Prescription, fabrication and application of assistive, adaptive, supportive and protective devices and equipment

What to expect from a visit

Each session with a physiotherapist is unique because it depends on the client’s health issues and needs. However, a visit to a physiotherapist generally includes:

  • Learning about the patient’s medical history
  • Assessing and diagnosing the patient’s condition and needs
  • Helping the patient set and reach physical goals
  • Creating a treatment plan that accounts for patient’s health, lifestyle and activities
  • Prescribing a course of exercises and necessary devices

If you are experiencing issues with movement or function, or are seeking to optimize your health, contact us to book an appointment.