top of page
South Edmonton Physiotherapy.jpg

Orthopaedic Physiotherapy

There are many different types of Physiotherapy. There are Physiotherapists that treat neurological problems, respiratory problems, specialize in hand treatment, treat burns, work with pediatric patients, work with the elderly, and work exclusively in hospitals and care centers just to name a few. There are also Physiotherapists that work in private clinics like ours. Most of these Physiotherapists practice in the area of orthopaedics. Orthopaedic Physiotherapy is an even more specific term and applies to a method of treatment used by these therapists. So what is it?

What Is Orthopaedic Physiotherapy?

Orthopaedic Physiotherapy is concerned with the treatment of injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system - muscles, joints, and ligaments as well as the interrelation of the nervous system and spine on the function of the body. Orthopaedic Physiotherapy also includes treatment before and after surgery to a limb, joint, or spine as well as treatment after a fracture. Orthopaedic Physiotherapy uses principles based on scientific evidence of what is and is not effective treatment. Initially an orthopaedic physiotherapist will perform an assessment and this is followed by selecting appropriate treatment modalities for the condition based on clinical findings. The “what is wrong” portion is often fairly easy to determine, it is the “why” portion that leads to a sustainable outcome. The treatment goal of orthopaedic physiotherapy is to provide pain relief, improve joint motion and function, as well as strengthen and stabilize the region of the body involved for long term success.

​

Orthopaedic Physiotherapists are university trained and have completed not only their degree in Physiotherapy but take many hours of post graduate education that is aimed at improving their diagnostic and treatment skills. It often takes many years to complete this process. In Canada, a physiotherapist who has completed their post graduate certification in orthopedic manual therapy is given the F.C.A.M.T. designation.

What types of problems are treated by an orthopaedic physiotherapist?

  • Ligament Sprains – i.e. Ankle, ACL

  • Fracture Rehabilitation

  • Inflammation of tendons or Bursa - i.e. Rotator cuff/Tennis elbow

  • Overuse conditions / repetitive strain injuries

  • Sport related injuries and pain

  • Work related injuries  

  • Motor vehicle collision injuries.

  • Post fracture/immobilization injuries – i.e. broken bones, dislocations

  • Post-Surgical Rehabilitation of Hip, Shoulder, Knee, Foot/Ankle, and spine.

  • Neck and back pain

  • Peripheral joint issues such as tennis elbow, rotator cuff injuries, knee injuries, hip pain, and ankle issues.

  • Any other concern someone has with their musculoskeletal system where a person is seeking advice or strategies to prevent a condition from worsening or recurring – i.e. returning to sport, gym, starting a new type of work, looking at ergonomics, assessing footwear/orthotic use,

 

Pre-operative physiotherapy can help to strengthen a patient physically, better prepare the affected joint for recovery for surgery, prepare the individual to initiate post-operative exercises sooner, and answer many questions about recovery. This will help the person recover more quickly and help them achieve their goals more completely.  

What types of treatment will an orthopaedic physiotherapist use?

  • Manual therapy: This is a carefully graded system of moving the joints to reduce pain and restore normal motion of a joint. This could be mobilization, manipulation and other related techniques.

  • Massage techniques: Vary from relaxing light pressure massage to deep friction massage to break down scar tissue in muscles or ligaments or increase blood flow to a structure in order to facilitate healing.

  • Ultrasound Therapy: Use of high-frequency sound waves applied to an area to facilitate the healing process

  • Interferential Therapy: This is an electrical current delivered to the injured part via 2 or 4 electrodes. It sends two interfering currents into the body part which feels to the patient like pins and needles. It can be used to relieve pain and reduce swelling.

  • Neuromuscular Stimulation (EMS): This is the application of an electrical current that is designed to mimic the current supplied by the nervous system to a muscle.  It is used to make muscles that are not working well more active and function better, so strengthening exercises will then be effective in improving their strength.

  • Dry-needling/IMS: This is a Western medical technique and involves the insertion of fine needles into dysfunctional or hypersensitive bands within a muscle.  By using this technique, these areas of muscle will “reboot” so they can function normally without associated hypersensitivity to stretch, use, pressure, etc. 

  • Acupuncture: Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine, this involves the insertion of fine needles. It can be used to treat a variety of conditions. In the area of orthopaedic physiotherapy, it is used to reduce pain and improve movement. Taping for joint support/alignment. This will ease pain and facilitate normal movement.

  • Taping: Use of athletic tape to restrict excessive motion or reduce stress from the affected structure in order to protect it or facilitate healing without reinjury.  KT tape helps provide an enhanced sense of body position and control in a region and can as well assist in local circulation and swelling.

  • In-clinic and home Rehabilitation Exercises: Exercises are specifically designed to help your posture, improve the mobility of your spine and joints, stabilize and strengthen the supporting muscle. These are selected to help maintain gains made in the clinic using other techniques as well as work toward long term prevention of recurrence.

  • Shockwave Therapy: This is a treatment aimed at chronic soft tissue injuries that just won’t heal. An example of this would be plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, rotator cuff tendinitis etc.   Shockwave works by stimulating the tissues to release the chemical indicators of injury without disrupting or damaging the tissue. This starts a new healing response and helps jump-start the recovery out of a chronic inflammatory state. Healing needs inflammation to trigger it. However, actual repair cannot begin until the inflammation is resolved.

How do I get started?

The best thing to do is call us at 780-438-0001 so we can book your assessment as soon as we can. You can also book on our website but may have to wait a bit longer so calling is the best option.

bottom of page