Vernon Physiotherapy helps patients in the Vernon area to achieve optimal health and mobility. We have helped numerous patients and look forward to working with you.

Who are Physiotherapists? 

Physiotherapists are recognized experts in physical rehabilitation who are essential members of the client centered health professional team. PT’s must obtain a Baccalaureate degree of higher to pass the Physiotherapy National Exam before being allowed to practice. They are licensed by the College of Physiotherapists of BC under the Regulated Health Professionals Act and may assess and treat a client without a physician’s referral. Physiotherapists are specially educated to assess and improve movement and function and relieve pain. They use a comprehensive approach to evaluate physical needs and abilities, and develop a personalized program to help clients achieve their goals. The primary objective is to promote optimum health function.

 What services do Physiotherapists provide? 

Physiotherapists treat clients of all ages with a wide range of acute and chronic conditions. They provide treatment in homes, schools, clinics and workplace settings.

Physiotherapists test and measure the functioning of the musculoskeletal, neurological, pulmonary and cardiovascular systems. They establish a clinical diagnosis and treat physical problems, which are congenital or caused by illness or injury. They provide client and family education to maximize physical abilities and promote preventative health care. They also conduct research to develop and evaluate treatment techniques and measure results.

Physiotherapy intervention includes three main components:

• Coordination, communication and documentation
• Client/caregiver related instruction
• Assessment and direct treatment interventions

In the community, physiotherapists provide treatment for the following client needs:

Impaired mobility/transfers

• Gait, balance and coordination training
• Manual therapy for improved range of motion
• Prescription/training with mobility equipment (e.g. walking and transfer aids to increase function and safety)
• Assess, prescribe and train in use of orthotic devices
• Fall prevention assessments and home safety recommendations

Musculoskeletal conditions

• Therapeutic exercises, strengthening, range of motion and instruction for clients to exercise independently
• Manual therapy techniques, soft tissue and joint mobilization
• Positioning, posture awareness, correction and training
• Body mechanics and ergonomics training
• Education about prevention and progression of disease

Pain and inflammation

• Pain management
• Electrotherapy, modalities, TENS
• Physical agents, heat and cold and mechanical modalities, ultrasound, laser, continuous passive motion (CPM), compression therapy
• Positioning

Neurological conditions

• Correct or alleviate movement problems
• Neuromuscular education, relaxation and facilitation
• Developmental activities training
• Educate client/caregiver concerning disease and management

Respiratory conditions

• Respiratory rehabilitation and education on prevention of infection
• Breathing exercises, respiratory muscle training and trunk mobility
• Postural drainage, positioning
• Endurance training and energy conservation

Poor wound healing

• Wound management to facilitate healing, laser, exercises to improve circulatory function
• Education on skin care, positioning and prevention of pressure areas

Caregiver training

• Training to carry out simple exercises, transfers of activities when the therapist judges the caregiver to be capable of carrying out instructions safely

Workplace safety

• Conduct worksite analysis to facilitate return to work
• Education on lifting techniques, back care and strategies for safe work practices to reduce workplace injuries

 When should a client be referred to a Physiotherapist? 

Evidence shows that the faster client’s access physiotherapy services, the quicker recovery will be. The following are specific examples of when a referral to a physiotherapist should be considered:

• Whenever physical movement is impaired
• Joint or muscle pain, arthritis
• Back or neck pain
• Weakness, stiffness, swelling, reduced range of motion
• Respiratory problems
• Circulatory problems, prone to skin breakdown and poor wound healing
• Balance and walking problems, requires a walking aid
• Neurological deficits, abnormal tone
• Coordination problems
• Difficulty with gross motor skills
• Assessment for lower extremity bracing and orthotic devices 

What information is helpful when you request Physiotherapy services? 

• Description of goals and service plan as identified by the client/caregiver and the case manager
• Medical and surgical information from the doctors, hospitals, and medical tests
• Reports from recent physiotherapy interventions and other health care professionals (e.g. nurses, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, social workers, dieticians)
• Details about risk factors and language spoken, where appropriate