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Services at Active Physiotherapy in Calgary

Physiotherapy  • Intramuscular Stimulation (Gunn IMS) • Active Release Techniques Complex Protocols, Full Body Certified (ART PRoviders) • Spinal Manipulative Therapy (CMT) • Acupuncture  • Massage Therapy

Active Physiotherapy in Calgary, provides these main types of services (links above) that will treat all types of injuries and/or physical conditions.


Physiotherapy in Calgary

Physical Therapy in Calgary

Physiotherapy refers to the application of professional physical therapy knowledge in the assessment and treatment of the human body in order to obtain, regain and maintain optimal function by the use of any suitable medium of therapeutic exercise, massage, mobilizations and/or manipulations and therapeutic modalities.

Physiotherapists are educated at a University level and each province has a regulatory body to govern their practice and promote the highest standards of care for the public.

 

Our Physiotherapy in Calgary includes these different treatment approaches:

  • Spinal Manipulative Therapy (CMT)
  • Manual Therapy
  • Intramuscular Stimulation (Gunn IMS)
  • Active Release Techniques (ART) Complex Protocols, Spine, Upper & Lower Body & Long Track Nerve Entrapment
  • Acupuncture (Dry Needling)
  • K-Tape
  • Therapeutic Exercises
  • Electrotherapeutic Modalities
  • Education

Manual Therapy in Calgary: A hands on approach to normalize soft tissues including joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons and the nervous system.

Therapeutic Exercises: To improve and promote strength, endurance, balance, mobility, function and fitness.

Electrotherapeutic Modalities: Application of heat, ice and various machines to improve pain and inflammation.

Education in Calgary: Includes information specific to the individual to assist in recovery and for prevention.

For more information please go to the www.physiotherapyalberta.ca

Active Release Techniques (ART) in Calgary


Intramuscular Stimulation (Gunn IMS) in Calgary


Certified Manual Therapy (CMT) in Calgary - Spinal Manipulative Therapy


K-Tape in Calgary



Acupuncture in Calgary

What is it?

Acupuncture in Calgary

At Active Physiotherapy, acupuncture is used to promote healing naturally, to decrease or alleviate pain and to improve function at the affected areas of the body. It is a safe and effective therapeutic method to use as an alternative to medications, some surgeries and as an adjunct to physiotherapy. Very fine needles are inserted through the skin and tissues at specific points on the body which cause a mild amount of discomfort.

Here at Active Physiotherapy in Calgary, acupuncture can be classified into two categories, namely classical and anatomical. Classical acupuncture originated in China as one component of Traditional Chinese Medicine to assist in diagnosing and treating pain and disease. The goal behind acupuncture is to balance energy and blood in the body to promote good health and function.

Anatomical acupuncture in Calgary arose due to the interest from Western health practitioners and scientists who recognized the centuries of success achieved with classical acupuncture. The knowledge of acupuncture points is used in combination with anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology by physiotherapists and doctors to effectively treat a wide variety of injuries and conditions.

Thorough assessments are performed prior to treatment to determine a diagnosis in order for a qualified practitioner, such as physiotherapists and doctors, to choose appropriate acupuncture points to treat with.

 

How does acupuncture work at Active Physiotherapy in Calgary?

Treatment with Acupuncture in CalgaryThe insertion of acupuncture needles in the body at specific acupuncture points causes the release of the body's own pain relieving chemicals known as endorphins. The end results of pain relief, general relaxation and biochemical restoration of the body's own internal regulation system are achieved as endorphins block the passage of pain messages to the brain. An overall improvement in energy, physical and emotional well-being, biochemical balance and reduction in inflammation occur after acupuncture as the body's natural healing abilities are stimulated.

What does acupuncture at Active Physiotherapy treat?

A variety of acute and chronic injuries and conditions have been treated effectively with acupuncture in Calgary. The benefit of acupuncture has been recognized by the World Health Organization for the following:

  • Neurological and muscular disorders: headaches, neck and back pain, neuralgia, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, tendonitis, sciatica, arthritis
  • Respiratory disorders: sinusitis, bronchitis, asthma
  • Digestive disorders: gastritis, hyperacidity, constipation, diarrhea, spastic bowel
  • Urinary, menstrual and reproductive disorders
  • Addiction, insomnia

What are the risks and/or side effects of acupuncture?

When qualified and certified practitioners perform acupuncture in Calgary there are almost no adverse effects or complications associated with it. Many patients describe it as relaxing and mildly uncomfortable. Individuals with pacemakers considering acupuncture need approval from their cardiologists. Practitioners use specific precautions and contraindications with pregnant women.

At Active Physiotherapy in Calgary, we use only sterile, disposable needles in the application of acupuncture.

Does it hurt?  (What will I feel?)

Individuals experience different sensations during the course of acupuncture in Calgary. There may be a mild sensation as the very fine stainless steel needle passes through the surface of the skin. Once the needle is in place a warming or flushing sensation is common.

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments do vary with each individual due to numerous factors, however a general rule of thumb exists for acute versus chronic and/or complex disorders. One to a few sessions can be sufficient with acute problems. Chronic and complex conditions may require 1-2 sessions per week over several weeks wherein treatment frequency is decreased as improvements occur.

How long does an acupuncture treatment take?

At Active Physiotherapy in Calgary, acupuncture sessions are 30 minutes long but may be combined with other physiotherapy methods making the overall treatment time longer.

For more information go to Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute.


Massage Therapy in Calgary

Treatment with Massage Therapy in CalgaryMassage therapy in Calgary can be described as the manipulation of the body's soft tissues with specific techniques to promote or restore health.

Massage techniques incorporate rhythmically applied manual pressure and movement that affect the body as a whole by stimulating blood flow, lymph flow and nerve receptors. The result is an improved healing process by stimulating the lymphatic system which helps your body remove waste, by increasing blood flow which increases cell turnover and stimulating nerve receptors which innervate the body's functions.

Injuries and conditions that benefit from massage therapy in Calgary:

  • Motor vehicle injuries/whiplash
  • Sports related injuries
  • Muscle & tendon strains
  • Repetitive strain injuries
  • Emotional stress
  • Chronic injuries
  • Pregnancy - during and after
  • Headaches

Physical benefits of massage therapy in Calgary:

  • Loosens contracted, shortened muscles
  • Stimulates weak, flaccid muscles
  • Balances the muscular system
  • Promotes proper posture
  • Promotes efficient movement
  • Speeds recovery from the fatigue that occurs after exercise
  • Promotes more exercise training which contributes to increased muscle strength & fitness
  • Promotes a gentle stretching action to muscles and connective tissues that surround and support the body
  • Promotes elasticity to muscle and connective tissues
  • Increases the body's secretions and excretions
  • Increases the body's metabolic rate
  • Balances the body's nervous system
  • Enhances the body's skin condition
  • Enables tough, inflexible skin to become softer and more supple
  • Stimulates internal organs via nerve stimulation and blood supply to them
  • Improves circulation of blood and movement of lymph fluids
  • Decreases the effects of eye-strain
  • Relieves tension-related headaches
  • Decreases blood pressure
  • Strengthens the immune system

Benefits of Massage Therapy in CalgaryEmotional benefits of massage therapy in Calgary:

  • Decreases stress and promotes relaxation
  • Promotes deeper and easier breathing
  • Promotes a relaxed state of mental alertness
  • Improves your ability to monitor stress signals and respond appropriately
  • Enhances capacity for calm thinking and creativity
  • Promotes a sense of well-being
  • Reduces levels of anxiety
  • Increases awareness of mind-body connection

What to expect from massage therapy in Calgary

The first appointment includes your massage assessment and treatment. Your massage therapist will guide you through a series of questions regarding, your current physical condition, medical history, lifestyle, stress level, painful areas and health goals.

To enhance your massage session in Calgary:

  • It is best not to have eaten just before a session.
  • Feel free to openly communicate with your massage therapist, asking any questions prior to or during the session.
  • Communicate feedback about your needs and what you do or do not like, more or less pressure, the need for additional blankets, etc.
  • Make yourself comfortable throughout the session so you can relax and enjoy.

Your massage therapist in Calgary can answer any other questions you may have.

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