Services

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is a primary health care profession. Physiotherapists are health care practitioners with at least 7 years of university training. They can help people improve and maintain their optimal level of functional independence, manage and prevent pain and disability and provide education to promote health and general well being.

At Premier Care Physiotherapy our experienced physiotherapists apply many different treatment options such as manual therapy techniques, exercise, taping, acupuncture, different modalities and education to help you recover from your injuries or to prevent injuries and maintain your optimal physical health.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is a comprehensive intervention involving a range of techniques to manipulate the soft tissues of the body such as skin, muscle, ligaments, tendons and connective tissues. The purpose of massage therapy is to prevent, develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function and/or relieve pain. It is a clinically oriented health option that achieves undeniable results in the relief of an array of discomforts stemming from stress, muscular overuse and many chronic pain syndromes.

Medical Acupuncture

Medical acupuncture is a modern treatment approach founded in concepts of neurology, anatomy and physiology. Similar to traditional Chinese acupuncture, medical acupuncture involves the placement of sterile needles into various locations in the body. Medical acupuncture hasshown to have beneficial results by inducing muscle relaxation, reducing pain and altering your neuroendocrine responses resulting in an overall relaxation and a feeling of well-being.

Our physiotherapists have completed medical acupuncture programs with McMaster University and Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute and are active members of Canadian Academy of Medical Acupuncture.

Orthopaedic Manual Therapy

Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy is a specialized area of physiotherapy for the management of musculoskeletal conditions by using highly specific treatment approaches including gentle, hands-on techniques and therapeutic exercise.

Our physiotherapists have completed a program in Orthopedic manual physiotherapy and also have specialized training in joint mobilization.

Active Exercise Program

Combining physiotherapy treatment techniques with a targeted exercise program is the key in managing pain, restoring mobility and promoting tissue healing. At Premier Care Physiotherapy, our experts encourage their patients to actively engage in rehabilitation and exercise. We place our patients on the right track by exercising weak muscles and regaining flexibility and strength that may have been lost. Our exercise programs are tailored to the individual's condition and pain level, and include a combination of stretching, strengthening,core stabilization, aerobic conditioning and coordination. The ultimate goal of our treatment is to assist our patients in reaching their maximum functional abilities.After more serious sport injuries or car accidents, participating in a well designed exercise and rehabilitation program can be the difference between recovery and chronic pain.

Sport Injuries

Sports injuries commonly occur in people participating in sporting events. However, in many cases, injuries can occur due to overuse, improper form and muscle weakness.

Physiotherapists at Premier Care Physiotherapy are skilled and experienced experts in prevention, diagnosis and rehabilitation ofsports injuries and musculoskeletal dysfunction. Luckily, the majority of sports injuries are minor and are manageable with proper icing and rest. Overuse syndromes such as tendonitis and bursitis or ligament sprains and muscle strains may require physiotherapy intervention. More severe cases such as ACL or rotator cuff tears may require surgery.

Whether you are an elite athlete, a recreational sport person or none of the above, if you have sustained injuries to your muscles and joints, no matter how the injury occurred, we have the knowledge and skills to help you in your recovery and rehabilitation. The collaborative efforts of our team of physiotherapist, massage therapist and exercise therapist will assist you to recover from injuries and safely return to your pre-injury activity. The most commonly managed sports injuries in our Richmond Hill physiotherapy clinic include:

• Ankle Sprain
• Achilles Tendonitis
• Back Pain
• Groin Strain
• Hamstring Strain
• Knee Joint Injury
• Runner's Knee
• Iliotibial band syndrome (IT Band)
• Patello-femoral pain
• Bursitis
• Shin Splints
• Shoulder Injury
• Rotator Cuff Injury
• Stress Fracture
• Tennis/Golf Elbow

Pre/Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

Pre-Surgical Education and Rehabilitation

Your physician may provide a referral for physiotherapy prior to your scheduled surgery. The purpose of pre-surgical physiotherapy will vary depending on your condition. Our physiotherapists will discuss your post-surgical precautions and/or restrictions. You may be instructed on how to perform your daily activities in a safe way or how to use an assistive device, such as a cane, crutches or a walker, if needed. You may be given exercises to perform at home in order to minimize your level of pain and dysfunction before surgery. Depending on your needs, you may be seen for one visit or multiple visits before your surgery.

Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

At Premier Care Physiotherapy, our goal during post-surgical rehabilitation is to return you to your optimal level of physical function. This includes successful return to your work, recreational activities, and competitive sports.

Our therapists provide one-on-one treatment sessions to closely monitor your progress and will advance you according to your response as well as your physician's recommendations.

If needed, we maintain regular communication with your surgeon to ensure you are recovering and progressing as expected.

Your participation in your rehabilitation is very important. On your first post-surgical visit, our physiotherapist will work with you to establish your goals for therapy. Your therapist will review any post-surgical precautions you may have. You will also be prescribed a home exercise program so that you can continue your progress outside of clinic's therapy sessions.

Commonly treated orthopedic procedures may include,

• Rotator cuff repairs
• Total joint replacements (shoulder, hip, knee)
• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction
• Arthroscopic hip or knee surgeries
• Achilles tendon repairs
• Nerve releases such as carpal tunnel
• Neck and back surgery such as fusions, disc surgery and spine decompression
• Surgical fixation of fractures of the arms and legs

Custom Foot Orthotics

Orthotics are corrective devices that are worn inside the shoe. They align the muscles, tendons, and bones of the feet and lower legs. They correct your gait and stance, and even influence your posture. Custom-made orthotics can decrease pain in your feet, legs, hips, and lower back.

We can make orthotics for any type of shoe or foot condition, including children. Most extended health care plans cover custom-made orthotics, though you may need a prescription from your physician.

Bracing

Home Care Physiotherapy

Our In-home Care Program is specially designed for individuals who are unable to leave their home for the professional care they need, or those who require a home safety assessment to address any safety or mobility issues.

We provide in-home physiotherapy service for patients with joint replacements, post fractures & dislocations, as well as, post heart and bypass surgeries, strokes, MS and other conditions that limit mobility.

Ergonomic Assessment

Proper ergonomics in the home and office are essential for good health and injury prevention. Our physiotherapists can help and educate you in the proper set up of your workstation in order to maintain proper posture and prevent repetitive injuries.

Fall Risk Assessment and Treatment

The factors contributing to a risk of falling can be health or environmentally related.

Such factors include:
age, poor balance, gait abnormalities, decreased vision, fear of falling, previous history of falling, dizziness, and poor strength/endurance. Additionally, poor lighting, slippery floors, uneven floors, lack of hand rails, lack of grab bars, issues with clutter, hazardous equipment, and lack of emergency measures may lead to your request for a "Falls Risk" Assessment. The same goes for Ergonomic assessments.

Mobility Aids Assessment and Prescription

If medically necessary, we are able to assess and provide prescriptions for mobility aids such as walkers and rollators. Please consult one of our practitioners for more information.