Physiotherapy

Orthopaedic manual physiotherapy is a specialised area of physiotherapy for the management of neuro-musculoskeletal conditions, based on clinical reasoning, using highly specific treatment approaches including manual techniques and therapeutic exercises. This approach also encompasses, and is driven by, the available scientific and clinical evidence and the biopsychosocial framework of each individual patient.

Manual therapy is a ‘hands on’ treatment that may include moving joints in specific directions and at different speeds to regain movement. It also uses muscle stretching, passive movements of the affected body part or having the patient move the body part against the therapist’s resistance to improve muscle activation and timing. 

Our physiotherapists have recognised training with the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Therapy. They have completed extensive post-graduate education and attained internationally recognized qualifications in hands-on manipulative therapy with the International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physiotherapists. The focus of this approach is research-guided manual techniques that speed up patient recovery.

Women and men are often too embarrassed to discuss pelvic pain and discomfort or to mention other socially embarrassing symptoms linked to urinary or fecal incontinence or sexual dysfunction. Our physiotherapists have specialised training in the treatment of pelvic floor disorders. They can educate you and effectively treat you for problems as wide-ranging as urinary frequency and incontinence, constipation, pain during intercourse and unexplained pain in the low back, pelvic and genital area.

Dry needling is an evidence based Western medicine technique physiotherapists use to treat myofascial pain. The technique uses a “dry” needle, one without medication or injection, inserted through the skin into areas of the muscle, known as trigger points. Dry needling improves pain control and reduces muscle tension. This can allow our patients to return to active rehabilitation faster!

Dizziness can be the result of a vestibular disorder caused by a problem with the inner ear and signals to the brain, a side effect of medications or a sign of neck dysfunction. Patients referred for vestibular rehabilitation therapy are those diagnosed with dizziness, imbalance, vertigo, Meniere’s syndrome, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), neck-related dizziness, and migraines. 

Your physiotherapist will assess your balance, leg strength and flexibility, gait (how you walk), visual stability and mobility, neck mobility and neck and arm strength, positional testing. 

Our therapy staff, in collaboration with our ear, nose and throat medical specialists, offers vestibular rehabilitation based on exercise that stimulates the body’s natural ability to compensate for balance problems. Our ENT specialists will complete an inner ear exam as needed. 

With a personalised and focused exercise program, patients can improve their balance and ability to function in activities of everyday living, reduce your risk for falling, and ultimately, improve your quality of life.

At AXiO Health Group, concussion rehabilitation services are based on the latest available scientific evidence. Using an early intervention approach, our team of physiotherapists, physicians and neuropsychologists effectively manage your symptoms. We will guide you through your return to work, to school, to sport and to your other daily activities.

Myofascial release therapy focuses on releasing muscular shortness and tightness. There are a number of conditions and symptoms that myofascial release therapy can treat when patients lose flexibility or function following an injury, or when patients experience pain in any area involving soft tissue.

Patients can experience symptoms that include tightness of the tissues that restrict motion or pull the body out of alignment, causing them to favor and overuse one hip or shoulder for example, and causing pain because of excessive pressure on muscles or joints.

Core strengthening or core stability is the name given to the strengthening of the corset of muscles surrounding the back and abdomen. The exercises target the main core muscles of the body such as the abdominals, gluteals and lumbar extensors. Core stability is an important component of injury prevention and athletic and performing arts optimal execution. 

Cancer rehabilitation is integral to helping patients along the spectrum of cancer treatments including before and after surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy treatments and into the survivorship phase. Specialized physiotherapy can be used to treat a wide of range of side effects arising from cancer treatment including pain, fatigue, decreased range of motion, muscle weakness, altered balance and mobility restrictions, axillary web syndrome, lymphedema, musculoskeletal disorders, nerve disorders, and osteopenia/osteoporosis induced by hormone therapies (e.g. prostate and breast cancer). 

Rehabilitation goals during and after treatment aim to reduce scar tissue adhesions, reduce pain, weakness and fatigue, improve range of motion and strength post-surgery and radiation, minimize and improve postural dysfunctions, decrease chemotherapy related side effects and deconditioning, decrease risk of long term sequelae related to cancer treatment, maximize functional return to exercise, hobbies, work, and social/occupational life. 

Aiming to prevent and manage osteoporosis, physiotherapists at AXiO Health Group tailor rehabilitation programs to increase muscular and bone strength. Resistance exercises are taught for muscle and bone strength and weight-bearing exercises are applied to maintain fitness and bone mass. In patients at higher risk of osteoporotic fractures, they pay particular attention to improving balance – the most important element in fall prevention. Our therapists collaborate with AXiO Health Group physicians when pharmacological therapy may be necessary for patients at high risk of fracture and when vitamin D/calcium supplementation is indicated. The success of our rehabilitation programs for osteoporotic patients with fractures is through individualized educational approaches optimizing function to the highest level of independence.

The lymphedema system is a network of specialized vessels that help collect excess lymph fluid with proteins, fats and waste products from our tissue.  When the lymph vessels are blocked or damaged, swelling (lymphedema) may result.

Primary lymphedema is the result of an anatomical abnormality of the lymph vessels, a rare condition that one is born with. Secondary lymphedema is more commonly seen, which results from damage to or obstruction of normally-functioning lymph vessels and nodes (e.g. post-surgically from breast cancer, gynecological cancers or melanoma).

Lymphedema may be prevented with an appropriate and specialized physiotherapy evaluation, education and follow-up. For patients who develop lymphedema, our physiotherapists with advanced training in lymphedema assessment and treatment will help you proactively manage the condition as currently there is no cure and may worsen over time. Physiotherapy for lymphedema consists of decongestive lymphatic therapy including skin care, compression (using bandages and/or custom-fit garments), manual lymph drainage (MLD), self-management education and remedial exercises. Additionally, aquatic lymphatic therapy may be a possible exercise option during the maintenance phase for eligible patients.

Other goals of lymphedema physical therapy include increased range of motion/flexibility of the affected limb, soft tissue/scar mobilization, decreasing swelling, increasing strength, posture re-education, body mechanics, restoring function and improving overall quality of life.

Compression therapy refers to the benefits gained from the use of specialized stockings or bandages in the management of chronic venous disease, lymphedema or chronic edema (e.g. seen in sports injuries or post orthopedic surgeries). Individuals suffering from chronic venous disease (e.g. varicose veins) present with leg complaints of fatigue, heaviness, swelling and aching.

As compression therapy may not be suitable for everyone as there are certain medical contraindications for such usage, our specialized lymphedema therapist is able to assess your individual condition, and provide appropriate education, rehabilitation, recommendations and treatment based on your individual needs.

Let one of our certified athletic therapists and physical therapists tailor an exercise program to your needs and with your activity level in mind. As you get stronger and more flexible, we will adapt your program accordingly, bringing you to the performance level you aspire to.

Cervicogenic headaches, or headaches that originate from the neck region, are common. They may be caused by chronic disc pathology or poor posture. At AXiO Health Group, physiotherapists, osteopaths and sports medicine physicians collaborate to diagnose and treat such headaches and to determine which exercises are best and safest for you. Treatments may include spinal mobilisation or manipulation, massage and postural education for example.

Our therapy staff is trained in Functional Movement Analysis which is a pre-participation screening tool aimed at identifying deficient movement patterns and muscle weaknesses that lead to increased risk of injury and functional inefficiency. These deficiencies can result in reduced performance. Information gathered from this analysis is used by our therapists to build a personalised exercise program for their individual clients. 

Adhesive taping techniques are commonly used by physiotherapists and athletic therapists to relieve pain, improve joint stability, prevent injury and enhance confidence during athletic activities and activities of daily living. 

The temporomandibular joint acts like a sliding hinge joint connecting the jawbone to the skull. TMJ disorders cause pain in the jaw joint and in the muscles that control jaw movement. Patients who have jaw pain tend to clench or grind their teeth, worsening their condition. Physical therapy techniques may include jaw exercises to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility and range of motion, heat or ice therapy, ultrasound therapy, muscle training to improve posture and correct jaw alignment, movement of the temporomandibular (TM) joint to release scar tissue that restricts muscle movement and to improve range of motion.

Muscle Energy is a manual therapy technique that uses the gentle muscle contractions of the patient to relax and lengthen muscles and normalize joint motion. As compared to static stretching which is a passive technique in which therapist does all the work, MET it is an active technique in which patient is also an active participant. 

Our physiotherapists are dedicated to offering you the personalized care you require and will come to you whether it be at your home, in a private residence for seniors or at the office. All our therapists are members of the Quebec Order of Physiotherapy and are trained in CPR.