Physiotherapists get you moving and keep you moving. Physiotherapists are highly-educated experts in physical function, movement and mobility. They have advanced knowledge of how the human body moves and what stops it moving. Physiotherapists use specialized hands-on treatment to restore, maintain and maximize optimal function and quality of life. Physiotherapists:

• Assess, diagnose and treat physical symptoms and limited movement caused by injury, aging, disability, or health condition.
• Help patients understand what’s causing their condition.
• Work with patients to restore, maintain and maximize movement, flexibility and physical independence.
• Develop customized treatment plans that help patients take back control.
• Teach patients how to restore, maintain and/or maximize movement, reduce pain, and manage any chronic symptoms.
• Teach patients how to stay well, avoid future injury and achieve the best quality of life they can.

Physiotherapists excel in the treatment of many conditions including (but not limited to) back pain/injury, whiplash, pregnancy-related muscle/joint issues, urinary incontinence and vertigo to name a few. They also help patients manage symptoms of chronic conditions like arthritis and chronic pain.

Physiotherapists help patients who may have otherwise tried temporary (e.g., prescription drugs) or more invasive methods (e.g., surgery) to manage their condition. They use individualized therapeutic exercise, manual therapy and other treatment techniques.

Physiotherapy requires that the patient is involved and engaged in the recovery process, as success is often dependent on the patient’s commitment to the process.

FCAMPT certified physiotherapists are Fellows of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy (FCAMPT) that have completed extensive post-graduate education and have attained internationally recognized qualifications in hands-on manipulative therapy. They provide focused treatment based on research-guided techniques that speed up patient recovery while educating them about their condition to reduce the risk of relapse.  CAMPT-Certified physiotherapists are those who earn their FCAMPT designation by completing an internationally accredited physiotherapy education program and exams beyond the core university education required to become a physiotherapist in Canada.

Physiotherapists help people take back control of their body and life by restoring and maintaining maximum physical function. They:

• Prescribe appropriate and effective therapeutic exercise and activities.
• Teach how to manage symptoms/pain, maintain muscle strength and maximize movement and range of motion.
• Prescribe and properly fit assistive devices (e.g., crutches, walker) to help aid movement or mobility if required.

Physiotherapists are trained to recognize signs of serious health conditions and will recommend a doctor visit when necessary.

Physiotherapists have an advanced knowledge of:

• The human musculoskeletal system (muscle, bone, joint and soft tissue)
• Biomechanics
• Physical rehabilitation
• Therapeutic exercise
• The physical/physiological impacts of health and disease

Don’t wait for a referral. Visit a physiotherapist as soon as pain or discomfort gets in your way.

See an Alberta physiotherapist if you are:

• In pain
• Have trouble moving due to
  • An accident
  • Illness
  • Injury
  • Medical condition or disorder

You may be asked to fill out paperwork or complete medical history forms. Your physiotherapist will then conduct a detailed assessment of your problem or condition. This takes about 30-45 minutes and normally involves detailed questions about your condition and medical history as well as a detailed physical examination.

Once the assessment is complete, your physiotherapist will explain what is causing the problem and discuss a physiotherapy treatment program.

Information courtesy of the Physiotherapy Alberta College and Association website https://www.physiotherapyalberta.ca/ and the CAMPT website http://manippt.org/