Services

Physiotherapy Services

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a therapeutic method used to encourage natural healing, reduce or relieve pain, and improve function of the affected area. It involves the insertion of very fine needles through the skin and tissues at specific points on the body. Acupuncture stimulates body to produce its own pain relieving chemicals called ‘endorphins’. It also improves the energy and biochemical balance of the body to facilitate the body’s natural healing abilities.

Concussion Management

A full service comprehensive concussion management program that may include some or all of the following;  Individual baseline testing, post-injury care, return-to-play preparation, education and prevention strategies.
Services include:
Comprehensive Assessment including;
  • Cervical screen
  • Postural stability/balance assessment.
  • Visual coordination screen.
  • Consideration of Psychosocial variables
Post-injury Assessment and Injury Management;
  • Individualized injury education, home instruction, academic/ work accommodations and resting strategies.
  • Manual therapy and rehabilitation for related musculoskeletal dysfunctions.
  • Vestibular (balance) and oculomotor (visual coordination) therapeutic exercise
Supervised Physical Exertion Testing;
  • For a safe and gradual return-to-play (in accordance with the Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport held in Zurich 2012)

Education

Education is a key component to Physiotherapy. It is provided individually by the Physiotherapist and Athletic Therapist and is enhanced with the use of other learning tools. Education is provided on the nature of the injury, the healing process, pain management, hurt vs. harm, and prevention of re-injury, to facilitate an early and safe return to work / sport.

GLA:D® Canada Program

Osteoarthritis in your Hip or Knee?

If you experience pain and limitation due to osteoarthritis (OA) in your hip and/or knee, this new program may be right for you!

  • The goal is to reduce symptoms so that you can do the things you want to do
  • The program has been shown to improve quality of life, reduce pain and use of pain killersi, and may delay the need for joint replacement surgeryii
  • This program is unique because it teaches you how to build the correct movement patterns into your everyday activities
  • The program is suitable for individuals with early to late stages of OA
  • Can also positively impact other chronic diseases such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, etc.

What is the GLA:DTM Canada program?

  • After development and proven success in Denmark, the Ontario Trillium Foundation funded the Canadian Orthopedic Foundation to implement the program in Canada
  • The program is based on the most up to date evidence on how to manage hip and knee OA
  • The program consists of 2 education sessions and 12 exercise sessions over 7 weeks
  • Classes are done in small groups, delivered by specially trained physiotherapists
  • Individualized, targeted exercise that can be applied to movement in everyday activities are prescribed
  • More information about the program can be found at http://gladcanada.ca

 

 

Injury Specific Exercise Program

A customized exercise program is developed by the Physiotherapist in conjunction with the certified Athletic Therapist for your specific injury, to stretch tight areas and strengthen weakened ones. The program is progressed until full function is achieved. The exercise program may incorporate a wide variety of equipment, such as the treadmill, stationary bicycle, therapeutic ball, BOSU, body blade, rebounder, fitter, weights and pulleys.

Manual Therapy

Manual Therapy is a comprehensive system of diagnosis and treatment involving mobilization (rhythmic passive movement), manipulation (a passive thrust), and education to restore optimal motion, function and / or reduce pain.

Modalities

Physiotherapy modalities can be described as the application of mechanical / thermal and / or electrical forces to an area of the body to enhance function and / or healing.

Our modalities include:

  • Therapeutic ultrasound
  • Therapeutic laser
  • Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS)
  • Interferential current (IFC)
  • Electric muscle stimulation (EMS)
  • Heat
  • Ice
  • Wax

OHIP-Covered Physiotherapy

St. Catharines Physiotherapy Centre is a registered OHIP provider! To qualify for coverage under OHIP you must meet the following criteria:
  • Must have a valid OHIP card and,
  • Must be 19 years or younger or;
  • Must be 65 years or older or;
  • Recently discharged from a hospital for either day surgery or an overnight stay, and requiring physiotherapy services that are directly connected to the condition, illness or injury for which you were admitted or;
  • Be eligible for funding services under the ODSP or OW medical programs or;
  • Injury must have occurred within the past 3 months
OHIP does not cover massage therapy or ADP assessments.
Pelvic Floor is not covered under OHIP.   Pelvic floor Physiotherapy for female population only.
Vestibular therapy is not covered under OHIP.

Pelvic Health Physiotherapy

Pelvic health physiotherapy is a specialized branch of physiotherapy focused on assessing and treating muscles, nerves, and connective tissues in the pelvis, hips, and abdomen.  It treats conditions like incontinence, chronic pelvic pain, and prenatal/postpartum recovery using internal/external exams, manual therapy, and tailored exercises to improve function and quality of life.

Pelvic Floor is not covered under OHIP.   Pelvic floor Physiotherapy for female population only.

Vestibular Therapy

Vestibular therapy is a specialized, exercise-based physiotherapy program designed to reduce dizziness, vertigo, and imbalance caused by inner ear or central nervous system issues.  We use infrared goggles to assess the source of the dizziness, which is the gold standard for this condition.  Based on the results of the goggle assessment, we create a customized exercise program to create quick results and long-lasting improvement.

Vestibular therapy is not covered under OHIP.

Work Conditioning

A structured, goal-oriented, individualized treatment program is designed to maximize the individual’s ability to return to work utilizing real or simulated work activities in conjunction with conditioning tasks.

WSIB

We offer care through all WSIB programs including fee for service, Programs of Care, and Ontario Workers Network.  Please ensure you have a valid claim number prior to calling to book your appointment with us for any work-related injury.

Athletic Therapy Services

Assessment and Treatment

Certified Athletic Therapists CAT(C)’s are experts at injury assessment and rehabilitation. They adhere to the Sports Medicine Model of care and treat a wide range of patients, from kids with concussions to seniors recovering from hip replacement surgery. They utilize various manual therapies, contemporary rehabilitative techniques, modalities, exercise prescription and even bracing and taping to accomplish identified short and long term client centered goals. Their treatments may vary but the objective doesn’t: an Athletic Therapist’s

objective is to help clients return to their usual activities, whether that means playing competitive sports or walking to the mailbox and back.

Many private / extended health insurance plans as well as sports associations include Athletic therapy assessment and treatment in their policies. Please review your individual policy for coverage and limit details.

Massage Therapy Services

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is a hands-on manipulation of the soft tissues of the body – specifically, the muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and joints. Massage therapy treatment has a therapeutic effect on the body and improves health and well-being by acting on the muscular, nervous and circulatory systems. Physical function can be developed, maintained, and improved, and physical dysfunction and pain can be relieved, or prevented, through the use of massage therapy.

Occupational Therapy Services

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy (OT) is a health profession designed to rehabilitate the body and mind from injury or illness by empowering you to overcome physical, cognitive or emotional barriers.

Our occupational therapists can help you better overcome barriers faced in performing daily tasks. They will work with you, your family/caregivers, employers, community partners and other health care professionals to reduce disability and improve overall health.

You are welcome to have a family member, caregiver or friend at your appointments for support.

Our holistic treatment programs are designed to meet your specific needs and goals. It’s important to be open and honest. Our OTs are empathetic, understanding, and will guide you with an individualized treatment plan that best meets the challenges of your daily activities.

Other Services

Functional Abilities Evaluation

A functional abilities evaluation (FAE) is an objective quantitative method of assessing an individual’s ability to perform a range of functions. These results are then compared to the individual’s occupational physical demands.

Physical Demands Analysis

A physical demands analysis is a tool that states the essential duties of a job and defines what a specific job requires physically in relation to a job task.

Post-Offer Screen

A post-offer screen is a functional evaluation of total body movements utilizing a set of standardized protocols, to measure the worker’s ability to perform a specific job.