Treatments and Techniques
Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves inserting small diameter needles into specific points of the body. Traditional Chinese acupuncture is based on the belief that the needles stimulate energy flow in the body. Western medical acupuncture adapts the Chinese approach and applies a scientific method to understand and explain its effects.
Acupuncture can cause changes in nerves, muscles, connective tissues, hormones, and circulation by stimulating specific points in the body. This impacts the muscular, skeletal, neurological, digestive, respiratory, urinary, and reproductive systems of the body. By stimulating specific points, the body may also release its natural pain killers endorphin and serotonin.
Concussion Management
Shift concussion management includes evidence-based assessment procedures, rehabilitation methods, baseline testing and return-to-play considerations. During your first appointment, we review acute concussion pathophysiology (ie. what’s actually happening physically in your brain), what post-concussion syndrome looks like, guidelines for rest and activity post-concussion, and an individualized return-to-learn and/or return-to-work program.
Concussions do not just happen in sport-related incidences, they can also happen at work, at home or through car accidents. It is important to recognize that you are dealing with concussion-type symptoms and seek help as soon as you can to get back on the right track.
Dry Needling
Trigger Point
A trigger point is a muscle "knot" or irritable spot in soft tissue that may cause pain over a larger area. Too many of these trigger points can be called myofascial pain syndrome.
Trigger Point Dry Needling
Dry Needling uses a small diameter needle inserted through the skin and into the muscle, targeting and releasing myofascial trigger points. When the needle hits a trigger point it creates a local twitch reflex of the muscle. The twitch response has a therapeutic effect as research shows it will decrease muscle contraction by correcting the imbalance of certain chemical substances found in higher concentrations around trigger points. Hitting enough of these trigger points results in improved flexibility and less pain.
Electrotherapy
Electrotherapy is applied using electrodes placed around the targeted area. The electrotherapy device transmits electrical impulses through the targeted area stimulating the underlying tissues.
TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)
A TENS device stimulates the nerves via a low frequency small electrical current through the skin. TENS may provide short term pain relief through one of two ways. Through sensory level stimulation of the nerves, the TENS devices electrical impulses interfere with the transmission of pain signals to the brain. Through motor level stimulation of the muscles, the body releases natural pain relieving hormones.
IFC (Interferential Current)
Interferential current therapy is a deeper form of TENS which uses two frequencies of current. The frequencies are set higher with one at 4000Hz and the other variable, compared to the single 5-160Hz current of TENS. The higher frequencies penetrate deeper into the tissues and joints where the interference of the two frequencies produces an interferential current at a lower beat frequency more similiar to what a TENS device produces. IFC therapy can penetrate deeper into the target area with less discomfort to the patient.
Manual Therapy
Manual therapy refers to the clinical approach of applying hands-on techniques to assess, mobilize, manipulate or massage a target area.
Mobilization
A slow and controlled process of joint and soft tissue stretching intended to increase bio-mechanical elasticity. It is a safe, gentle, and effective alternative to manipulations.
Manipulation
Movement of a joint to it's full range of motion followed by the application of a rapid rotation, shear, or distraction force. Typically is accompanied by a "pop" or "click" which is a release of pressure from within the joint.
Massage
The application of force and touch to soft tissues such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments without causing movement in the joints.
McKenzie Method
A systematic approach for assessing and treating an injury to any area of the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine. This approach provides a safe and reliable way of first accurately diagnosing an injury, and only then making an appropriate treatment plan.
Spinal Traction
Spinal traction is a form of decompression therapy applied manually or mechanically to the neck or back. The mechanical application of traction uses a specially designed mechanical treatment bed with harnesses to stretch and take pressure off of compressed discs in the spine. This relieves pain and improves the bodies ability to heal itself.
Spinal traction can be used to treat herniated discs, sciatica, degenerative disc disease, pinched nerves, and many other back conditions or injuries.
Ultrasound Therapy
Therapeutic ultrasound is applied with the contact face of an ultrasound probe. High frequency sound waves are transmitted from the transducer and into the local soft tissues of the targeted area with the aid of a gel applied on the skin. The ultrasound waves transmitted cause a vibration within the targeted area tissues which results in a local deep heating effect. Most of the time the patient does not feel a thing.
Therapeutic ultrasound is known to increase:
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Healing rates
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Tissue relaxation
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Tissue heating
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Local blood-flow which reduces swelling
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Scar tissue breakdown
Urban Poling
Urban poling is a technique that uses ergonomically designed walking poles to increase the stability of walking and provide a more well-rounded full body work-out by incorporating the upper extremities and core muscles more fully. This technique is appropriate for a wide range of individuals - from those requiring additional stability and balance support, for example, painful arthritic hip or knee joints, people dealing with MS or early Parkinson’s disease - to those who are cross-training for a sport, for example, marathon runners – and everyone in between.
It is a low-impact activity that requires minimal equipment (just the poles themselves and you) and is a great way to stay active either in your own personal work out or as a social group activity. There are 2 different styles of pole walking: Activator and Urban. Our therapists are trained in both of these techniques and poles are available for purchase at the clinic. Keep your eyes open for walking group sessions through Prairie View Physiotherapy and City of Yorkton initiatives.
Vestibular Rehabilitation
Vertigo and dizziness symptoms can significantly impact participation in daily activities and a person’s quality of life. There are many reasons why someone can experience these balance and vision problems, including migraine associated vertigo (MAV), BPPV which is related to “crystals” being in the wrong place in your inner ear, concussion related incidences, neck injuries, a history of inner ear infections, a sensory integration problem where your visual system and your balance system are not “synced” properly, or Meniere’s Disease.
During a vestibular assessment, we narrow down which areas are contributing to the problem, as there may be multiple layers superimposing on one another, and treat each source with specific head position sequences and targeted exercise. Our goal is to have you know what to do if another vertigo attack happens. It is important to get treatment as soon as you can after a strong dizziness or vertigo attack, as it can help you to avoid a sensory integration problem from developing.
