Physiotherapists are experts in improving mobility, motion, and pain-free movement which is crucial to your quality of daily life, your ability to earn a living, your ability to pursue your favourite leisure activities, and so much more. Self-management through completing your home exercise program is a vital part of your recovery and wellness. We will provide you with an exercise program of specific exercises created just for you to help you meet your goals.

Therapeutic exercises are an important part of rehabilitation after injury. These exercises are designed to help restore strength, flexibility, range of motion, and function to the affected area of the body. Here are some ways in which therapeutic exercises can help with rehabilitation:

1. Improve circulation and promote healing: Therapeutic exercises can help improve circulation to the injured area, which can speed up the healing process. Increased blood flow can deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the injured tissues, which can help them heal more quickly.
2. Increase flexibility and range of motion: After an injury, the affected area of the body may become stiff and inflexible. Therapeutic exercises can help improve flexibility and range of motion by stretching and mobilizing the affected tissues.
3. Build strength and endurance: Inactivity and immobilization after an injury can cause muscles to weaken and atrophy. Therapeutic exercises can help rebuild strength and endurance in the affected muscles by gradually increasing resistance and intensity.
4. Prevent re-injury: Therapeutic exercises can also help prevent re-injury by improving overall strength, flexibility, and stability in the affected area.
5. Provide pain relief: Therapeutic exercises can help alleviate pain by reducing inflammation, promoting circulation, and releasing endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers.

Overall, therapeutic exercises can play a crucial role in the rehabilitation process by improving physical function, reducing pain, and preventing re-injury. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any exercise program, especially if you’re recovering from a serious injury or have a pre-existing medical condition.

Falls can diminish your ability to lead an active and independent life. About one third of people over the age of 65 and almost half of people over the age of 80 will fall at least once this year. There usually are several reasons for a fall.

We can help you reduce your risk of falling by:

• Assessing your risk of falling with a thorough assessment using standardized tests
• Helping you make your home as safe as possible
• Educating you about the medical risk factors linked to falls
• Designing individualized exercises and balance training
• Working with other health care professionals and community services to create programs for people who want to reduce their risk of falling

How Can We Help?

If you are worried about falling or if you recently had a fall, we can conduct a brief check (“screening”) of your fall risk. If the screening shows that you are at risk, we will perform a thorough evaluation, including:

• A review of your medical history
• A review of your medications
• A simple vision test
• A home safety assessment
• A simple screen of your thinking abilities
• A check of your heart rate
• Blood pressure measurements while you change positions (from sitting to standing)
• Feet and footwear assessment
• Assessment of any nervous system disorders, such as stroke or Parkinson disease

We also will:

• Measure your leg strength, using simple tests such as timing how long it takes you to stand from a chair
• Determine how quickly and steadily you walk
• Assess your balance – for instance, by having you stand on one leg or rise from a chair and walk
• Use special tests to measure your balance

Based on the evaluation results, your physical therapist will design an exercise and training program to improve your balance and strength. A recent systematic review of many published studies found that exercise-based programs in the home or in group settings are effective in preventing falls. These programs are especially effective when balance exercises are performed in a standing position without using much arm support.

Balance Training

Balance training has been shown to be an important and effective part of falls prevention. We will design exercises that challenge your ability to keep your balance, including exercises such as single-leg standing.

Walking and Moving

When people walk very slowly or are unsteady, they are at risk of falling. We can improve your walking ability by having you do such activities as:

• Dance steps
• Walking in circles
• “Figure 8″ exercises to strengthen the core abdominal muscles that help stabilize your body
• Manoeuvering around obstacle courses

Doing More Than One Thing at the Same Time – Safely

Older adults who have difficulty walking and talking at the same time are at a higher risk of falling. To help increase your safety during daily activities, your physical therapist can design a “dual-task” training program. This kind of training will challenge you to maintain walking speed while you do another task, such as counting backwards, engaging in a conversation, or carrying a bag of groceries.

Strength Training

Strengthening exercises are a key element of fall prevention when they are done in conjunction with balance training. We will design strengthening exercises that focus on your leg and the muscles used in maintaining posture.

Aerobic Training

Aerobic exercise is physical exercise of relatively low intensity and long duration; it can help improve almost every aspect of your health. Walking is one of the safest forms of aerobic exercise, no matter what kind of problem you have. Once you have begun your strengthening and balance program, your physiotherapist will know when you’re ready to start aerobic exercise. Depending on your ability, the therapist might have you do three 30-minute walking sessions each week.

Education

We will take the time to explain to you how to best manage your own risks for falling. We will discuss with you about the best activities for you to do to maintain your quality of life.

Fear Management

We will also discuss any fear of falling that you have. We will work with you to determine whether there are activities you should avoid. Your therapist also will work with you to determine whether your fear may be unfounded and whether there are activities that you should be doing to keep strong and help your balance.

Gait training is a type of physiotherapy that helps people to improve their ability to stand and walk. One goal of gait training is preventing falls. Gait training may be recommended after an illness or injury, to help a patient regain independence in walking, even if an adaptive device is needed.

Functional mobility training is designed to improve a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks and activities. The focus of functional mobility training is to improve the body’s ability to move in a coordinated and efficient manner, so that individuals can perform tasks with greater ease and confidence.

Functional mobility training typically involves exercises that mimic the movements required for everyday activities, such as bending, twisting, reaching, lifting, and walking. These exercises are often performed in a standing position, and may involve the use of resistance bands, weights, or other equipment to increase the challenge and effectiveness of the movements.

The goals of functional mobility training may include:

1. Improving balance and coordination: Functional mobility exercises can help improve a person’s ability to maintain balance, change directions, and coordinate their movements. This can be particularly helpful for older adults who are at risk of falls or individuals recovering from injuries or surgeries.
2. Increasing strength and flexibility: Functional mobility exercises can help improve a person’s overall strength and flexibility, which can make it easier to perform everyday activities and reduce the risk of injury.
3. Enhancing cardiovascular fitness: Functional mobility exercises can be designed to elevate the heart rate and improve cardiovascular fitness, which can have a positive impact on overall health and well-being.
4. Improving functional capacity: By improving a person’s ability to perform everyday activities, functional mobility training can help increase a person’s independence and quality of life.

Overall, functional mobility training can be an effective way to improve a person’s ability to perform everyday activities, and can have a positive impact on their physical health and well-being. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional or certified personal trainer before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions or injuries.

Orthopaedic Conditions That We Treat:

• Musculoskeletal injuries and associated pain and stiffness
• Hip and knee injuries
• Joint replacements
• Post-surgical loss of function
• Shoulder injuries
• Back and neck injuries
• Loss of strength and mobility
• Chronic pain and loss of function
• Decrease in activities of daily living

Orthopaedic physiotherapy is the provision of care for those individuals of all ages with disorders or dysfunction of the musculoskeletal system. Orthopaedic physiotherapists are skilled in the diagnosis, management, and prevention of musculoskeletal disorders. We are experts in the assessment of movement and can help individuals move better, often with less pain, through skilled hands on techniques, therapeutic exercise and patient education.

The waiting period involved prior to any surgery can be valuable time that can be utilized to prepare the body for surgery and facilitate a better outcome after the surgical procedure. When muscles, bones and joints are in optimum condition before the procedure, the impact of the inevitable muscle loss and joint stiffness can be minimised post operatively. Essentially, the more prepared physicically a person is going into surgery, the better the chances of an easier and faster recovery after the surgery.

Those who participate in a pre-surgical rehabilitation program tend to regain function and return to their daily lives faster than individuals who do not participate in pre-surgical rehabilitation. Traditionally, a physiotherapist helps with post-surgical rehabilitation and can also be your biggest ally during the “pre-hab” process.

Do you have an upcoming surgery planned? Did you know that by beginning “pre-hab” exercises 6 weeks or more before your surgery can dramatically improve your outcomes and allow for quicker recovery after surgery? We will help you build strength, endurance, balance and flexibility prior to your surgery.

Have you recently had a surgery? Has it been weeks or months since your surgery and you still have persistent pain, weakness, swelling, or range of motion limitations. Has your home health therapy ended and you feel unsafe at home or are unable to return to your previous activities? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, give us a call and get started with your therapy program today!

Physiotherapy at Home offers Neuro-rehabilitation for those who have may have had a:

• STROKE,
• BRAIN INJURY,
• BRAIN TUMOR,
• SPINAL CORD INJURY, or who have been diagnosed with:
• MOVEMENT-RELATED DISORDERS such as
• PARKINSON’S DISEASE,
• MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS,
• GUILLIAN BARRE and other DEMYLINATING POLYNEUROPATHIES.

Neurorehabilitation requires expertise and manual skills that promote NORMAL movement patterns. At physiotherapy at home, all of our therapists have backgrounds in providing intensive neurorehab to such patients. Our passion is to provide our client tactile cues that retrain their brain to control their affected extremities much in the same way they did prior to their injury. We believe that in order for you to return to living the life you want, it is important to retrain your body to function as it did before your injury. This can lead to decreased time in therapy as you will not have to unlearn bad habits. The goal is to bring each patient to his or her highest level of functional independence and to be able to remain in their home environment.

HOW MUCH THERAPY WILL I NEED?

This will depend on your specific injury, your level of independence prior to your injury, any other medical conditions you may also have, your family support and your motivation.

Each treatment session and plan of care is specific to each person.

In general, 2-3 times per week for a minimum of 8-12 weeks is recommended. In some cases, you may need maintenance therapy a couple times per year.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT ON MY FIRST VISIT?

You will have the same expert therapist working with you on every visit. On the day of evaluation, your therapist will conduct an in-depth examination that may include all or some of the following:

• Strength testing
• Perceptual testing (how you see your body in space)
• Memory and cognition testing
• Speech and hearing testing
• Vision testing
• Sensation testing (can you feel light touch, pain, whether your limb is moving)
• Range of motion of your joints
• Pain
• Reflexes and involuntary movements, muscle spasms
• Balance and coordination testing
• Functional movement testing (can you get dressed, can you stand up from a chair, bathe yourself, etc.)
• Gait/walking ability, stair climbing ability
• Wheelchair mobility
• Caregiver’s ability to help you at home

Based on the results of your examination, we will customize a treatment plan of care for you. Your family and/or caregiver will always be welcome and will be included in the treatment plan, as we want to be sure that they can safely assist you as needed.

Treatment may include some or all of the following:

Physiotherapy

• Gait training to promote improved skills for walking
• Use of motor learning devices
• Balance training (fall risk reduction)
• Transfer training (sit to stand, wheelchair to bed or chair, floor to stand)
• Training with equipment for increased independence with mobility
• Joint range of motion, strengthening and endurance
• Orthotics management
• Pool therapy
• Patient and family education
• Caregiver training

Other therapies that you may need:

Occupational Therapy

• Strengthening and range of motion (more focus on the arm and hand)
• Coordination training
• Self-care skills training (activities of daily living), including: dressing, bathing, toileting, self-feeding
• Home management, leisure and work skills training
• Functional cognitive/safety training
• Adaptive equipment for self-care and home management
• Low vision training
• Patient and family education
• Caregiver education

Speech Therapy

• Articulation and voice improvement
• Aphasia/Language therapy
• Cognitive retraining for memory and attention as well as organizing and planning
• Computer aided speech or alternative non-vocal communication
• Swallowing therapy
• Patient and family education
• Caregiver education

We evaluate and treat dizziness and balance problems that may be caused by any of the following:

• BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo)
• Unilateral Vestibular Loss following an inner ear infection, acoustic neuroma
• Bilateral Vestibular Loss following exposure to ototoxic substances
• Movement related instability, dizziness, intolerance
• Migraine Associated Vertigo / Vestibular Migraines
• Post-Concussion Syndrome
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Mal De debarquement Syndrome
• Meniere’s Disease / Endolymphatic Hydrops
• Cervicogenic Dizziness
• Visio-spatial Disorientation
• Post-Stroke
• Vestibular loss due to age
• Imbalance due to peripheral neuropathy

Your symptoms may include:

• Dizziness or blurry vision with head movements
• Neck tightness, stiffness and/or pain
• Imbalance or the need to hold onto objects when walking
• Headaches
• Frequent falls
• Generalized “dizziness, wooziness and foggy head” feelings
• Vertigo/spinning

Treatment for your balance and/or vestibular disorder may include the following:

• Vision exercises
• Standing balance exercises
• Posture training
• Strengthening exercises
• Walking training
• Neck range of motion exercises
• Manual Therapy for the neck
• Sensation training
• Repositioning manoeuvres (for those with BPPV – Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo)

Your treatment plan will be customized for you based on your exam findings. Typical outcomes following vestibular rehabilitation include: decreased fall risk, decreased symptoms of dizziness, improved balance, improved ability to stabilize your vision, increased strength, increased independence with functional mobility, increased confidence when walking in the community, improved neck movement and decreased pain.

WHAT CAUSES DIZZINESS?

Each year over 10 million patients visit a physician due to dizziness. It is the most common complaint of patients over the age of 75, but can occur in patients of any age. Dizziness is generally not serious, but is often a sign of a mechanical problem. Dizziness can be due to an inner ear disorder, a side effect of medications, a sign of neck dysfunction, or it can be due to a more serious problem such as a brain or a heart problem. It is important to rule out these more serious problems with your physician.

HOW LONG SHOULD I EXPECT TO BE IN VESTIBULAR THERAPY?

Some patients may be seen for only 1 to 2 sessions; other patients may need continued treatment for a few months. Your physiotherapist will make a treatment plan customized to your needs based on your examination findings.

People are living longer than ever these days. Many people are admitted to assisted living or nursing home facilities due to multiple falls at home and/or impaired mobility. Our aim is to keep your loved one in their home as long as possible and living independently. This provides a much higher quality of life and is much more cost effective than living in a facility.

Many people living with progressive neurological disorders have periodic exacerbation’s and setbacks that impair their mobility. These individuals will benefit from maintenance programs to slow the progression of their neurological deficits. Periodic assessment of mobility will also allow for timely prescription of any necessary equipment such as a walker, power wheelchair, bath aid equipment, etc.

Wellness and health maintenance programs are designed to promote and support overall health and well-being.

They offer a variety of benefits, including:
– Improved physical health: Wellness programs can include exercise and physical activity, healthy eating and weight management, and stress management, all of which can improve physical health, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and promote a healthy lifestyle.
– Better mental health: Programs that focus on mental wellness can help individuals manage stress, improve mood, and reduce the risk of mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.
– Increased productivity: By promoting good health and well-being, wellness programs can help individuals stay more focused, energetic, and productive, both in their personal and professional lives.
– Reduced healthcare costs: By promoting healthy behaviors and reducing the risk of chronic diseases, wellness programs can help lower healthcare costs for individuals and organizations.
– Improved quality of life: By promoting overall health and well-being, wellness programs can help individuals feel better and enjoy a higher quality of life.
– Increased engagement and motivation: Many wellness programs include incentives, such as rewards or recognition, which can help increase engagement and motivation among participants.
– Enhanced community building: Wellness programs can bring people together, fostering a sense of community and encouraging individuals to support one another in their health and wellness journeys.

Overall, wellness and health maintenance programs offer a comprehensive approach to promoting good health and well-being, helping individuals to feel better and live happier, healthier lives.

Group exercise classes can be a great way for the elderly to improve their physical and mental health, as well as their social well-being. Group sessions can often be beneficial to those who prefer the company of others during a therapy class, or if the patient is in an assisted living facility.

Here are some of the benefits of group exercise classes for the elderly:

1. Improved physical health: Regular exercise can help improve overall physical health by reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis. Group exercise classes can provide a structured and safe environment for seniors to engage in physical activity, which can help improve cardiovascular health, increase muscle strength and flexibility, and improve balance and coordination.
2. Socialization: Group exercise classes can provide an opportunity for seniors to socialize and make new friends. The social aspect of group exercise can help combat feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can be particularly common in the elderly.
3. Improved mental health: Exercise has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health by reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, and improving cognitive function. Group exercise classes can provide a fun and engaging way to incorporate exercise into a senior’s routine, which can lead to improved mental health outcomes.
4. Increased motivation: Group exercise classes can provide seniors with the motivation they need to stay committed to their exercise routine. The social support and accountability provided by a group can help seniors stay on track with their exercise goals and make exercise a regular part of their routine.
5. Customised exercises: Group exercise classes can be tailored to the specific needs and abilities of seniors, making them an effective way to target specific health concerns such as arthritis or osteoporosis.

Overall, group exercise classes can provide a safe and enjoyable way for seniors to improve their physical and mental health, socialize, and stay motivated to exercise regularly. it is best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise program. It’s therefore also important to engage in exercise programs that are appropriate for your level of fitness and any pre-existing health conditions.

Chest physiotherapy is a type of physical therapy that is used to improve breathing and lung function. It is often used in people with respiratory conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pneumonia, but can also be used for people with other conditions that affect breathing, such as muscular dystrophy.

Chest physiotherapy consists of a series of techniques that help to clear mucus and secretions from the lungs, improve gas exchange, and enhance lung function. The specific techniques used can vary depending on the individual and their condition, but may include:
– Chest percussion: This involves tapping the chest and back with cupped hands or a specialized device to help loosen and remove mucus.
– Vibration: This involves using a machine or manually vibrating the chest and back to help shake loose mucus.
– Drainage positions: This involves positioning the individual in different positions to help encourage the flow of mucus towards areas where it can be more easily cleared.
– Incentive spirometry: This involves using a device that measures the amount of air inhaled and exhaled, and provides feedback to help individuals improve their breathing and lung function.

Chest physiotherapy is typically performed by a physiotherapist, respiratory therapist, or nurse, and may be performed as part of a larger treatment plan that includes medication, exercise, and other therapies. The goal of chest physiotherapy is to improve lung function, reduce the risk of respiratory infections, and improve overall quality of life for people with respiratory conditions.

Rehabilitation of the respiratory system can require specialised equipment or a specific skillset from the physiotherapist, so please contact our office to let us know the extent of your ailment so that we can provide the best support for your rehabilitation journey.