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Exercise Therapy
Preventative and rehabilitative individual exercise prescription and comprehensive patient education provided to help clients fully return to pre-injury sport and/or work level.
Core stabilization involves retraining of the deep muscles of the abdominal and low back region to help restore normal spine stability. Increased stability reduces shear forces on the spinal joints (decreases pain and premature wear and tear) and allows for more efficient transmission of forces through the spine (e.g. in sports, a stable spine allows for a faster throw in baseball or a harder kick in soccer). Basic and advanced core training can be done without any equipment. However, many exercise devices are available at Physiomoves to assist in core training (e.g. elastic bands, balance boards, exercise balls, medicine balls).
Prior to surgery, some patients require strengthening or range of motion exercises to enhance their recovery after surgery. Our therapists are very familiar with post-surgical treatment protocols (e.g. rotator cuff repair, total knee replacement, total hip replacement, Achilles tendon repair) and can guide you toward optimal recovery.
Exercises are prescribed to help maintain joint range of motion and/or bone density, improve balance and prevent falls, increase muscle strength and maintain or improve posture.
- Pre and Post-Natal Rehabilitation
Therapeutic exercises are prescribed to women preceding or following childbirth to help restore back and/or pelvis alignment, core strength, and function. A certified post-natal fitness instructor is also available for 1:1 personal training sessions.
Manual Therapy
Joint mobilization is a "hands-on" technique that involves gentle, rhythmical gliding or traction to joints to help restore normal motion and reduce pain.
Selected "hands-on" techniques are used by the physiotherapist to restore normal soft tissue (e.g. muscle, tendon, fascia, scar tissue) mobility and length.
Bike Fitting
Who can benefit from a bike fit?
- Anyone who has discomfort related to cycling (e.g. low back pain, knee pain, saddle or hand numbness during or after cycling, etc).
- Recreational and competitive cyclists that want to maximize their efficiency and comfort on the bike and to reduce the risk of developing overuse injuries.
What does the bike fit include?
- A thorough history of current injuries, past injuries, training volume, and racing goals.
- A physical examination of leg length, limb alignment, overall mobility and flexibility, posture and any other biomechanical issues that are relevant to the bike fit.
- Observation and documentation of current riding position.
- Adjustments to the bike and cleats are made to optimize the fit (note: in some cases you will be advised to get different parts for the bike). Final bike position measurements are documented.
- Instruction is given on proper riding posture and technique.
- Specific therapeutic exercises are prescribed as needed.This assessment is useful for any athlete (competitive or recreational) that is interested in injury prevention and optimal movement efficiency.
Do I need a doctor’s referral?
Some insurance plans require a doctor’s referral for physiotherapy treatment. If so, you can obtain a referral from your family doctor, a walk-in clinic doctor, or a sports medicine physician.
Is my bike fit covered by my insurance?
Most extended health insurance plans cover physiotherapy services (a bike fitting includes the typical physiotherapy assessment of alignment, flexibility, posture and the prescription of therapeutic exercises). Consult your own plan for more information. How long will the bike fit session take to complete?
- Approximately 90 minutes to set up a single bike and a pair of cycling shoes with cleats.
- Approximately 45 minute to set up a pair of cycling shoes with cleats.
What do I need to bring to my bike fit session?
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Your bike in clean, good working order (ensure none of the following parts are seized: seatpost, saddle, stem, and pedals).
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Your cycling footwear (ensure cleat screws are clean and not seized)
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Cycling shorts and jersey (or tight T-shirt).
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Cycling gloves (if used).
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Helmet (if having neck or upper back discomfort)
Services
Modalities
Physiomoves has a state-of-the-art Mechanical Traction table and system. Mechanical traction (also known as "decompression therapy") involves a sustained or intermittent distracting force to the patient’s neck or lower back. This treatment is used to: 1) relieve neurological symptoms (e.g. pain, pins & needles) radiating to the arm or leg. 2) to relieve muscular pain in the neck or low back, 3) to help mobilize stiff joints in the neck or low back, and 4) to help relieve symptoms due to disc herniations.
These modalities may be used as part of your treatment to help stimulate tissue healing, reduce pain, reduce swelling, and restore normal muscle function.
Lymphapress
A lymphapress machine is used for the treatment of lymphedema, which is swelling that occurs when lymph fluid collects in areas of the body. This can lead to heaviness, pain, tightness, and risk of infection. It commonly occurs after damage or removal of lymph nodes, especially in individuals with node removal related to breast cancer.
The Lymphapress is a pneumatic pump which uses sequential compression to reduce edema and swelling in the upper or lower extremity. The overall treatment approach combines the Lymphapress with exercise, soft tissue techniques (e.g. massage) and the wearing of compression garments. A doctor's referral is recommended prior to the start of treatment. Treatment of lymphedema is usually advised for 2-3 times per week for at least 4-6 weeks.
Athletic Taping
Athletic taping may be used to provide pain-relief, support and compression for acute injuries (e.g. ankle sprain, tendon injury) or to provide support and sensory input for hypermobile joints (e.g. unstable ankle or knee).
Functional Sports Screening Assessment
What is a Functional Sports Screening Assessment and why is it useful?
This assessment is a complete screening of the athlete’s strength, mobility (flexibility), and alignment. The assessment is tailored to the needs of the athlete’s particular sport. Any areas of deficiency (e.g. lack of strength or mobility, asymmetries in strength or mobility, abnormal movement patterns) are identified. Therapeutic exercises are prescribed to help correct these deficiencies and ultimately, aim to prevent injury and improve athletic performance. Tyler Dumont has performed these types for many Team BC sports (e.g. Cycling, Field Hockey, Softball, Sailing, Gymnastics, Speed Skating, Track & Field, and Fencing) through SportMedBC.
Who should have a functional assessment?
This assessment is useful for any athlete (competitive or recreational) that is interested in injury prevention and optimal movement efficiency.
How long does it take?
This assessment takes one hour to complete. Bring shorts and a T-shirt.
Massage Therapy
Massage Therapy provides assessment, treatment and prevention of soft tissue and joint disorders, dysfunction or injury using hands-on techniques to rehabilitate, relieve pain and promote health.
Massage therapy is available with an experienced Registered Massage Therapist. Please call our office to book an appointment (604-575-7477).
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