Patient Resources
What Should I Expect On My First Visit?
The diagnostic tools and treatment methods employed by our physiotherapists to assess, elevate, and maintain the physical health of clients are tailored to each individual. Each barrier to health is different, and the way that barrier manifests itself in individuals is unique. In order to select the best and most effective methods, each client starts with a consultation carried out with our therapist. This initial visit and the analysis of its findings will allow the physiotherapist to design a custom plan that best suits the restoration of optimal health, within the context of your personal goals. During treatment sessions, various techniques can be used. A few examples include the following:
- Joint manipulation
- Stretching
- Massage of soft tissues
- Gait, or biomechanical analysis
- Interferential therapy
- Ultrasound therapy
- Bracing and taping
- Heat and cold therapy
Your therapist will set you up with a plan that you can follow in the comfort of your own home, in order for the healing process to continue seamlessly between appointments. Your plan may include various types of strength and flexibility exercises, a schedule for heating and ice packs, as well as posture cues and specific limitations on activities to allow your body to rest and heal correctly. The plan assigned to you by your therapist can often be extended beyond the point of healing in order to maintain optimal health day to day. Physiotherapy allows you to take responsibility for your own health and participate in the process that gets you to where you want to be.
Useful Websites
- Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA) represents over 14,000 physiotherapists, physiotherapist assistants and physiotherapist students across Canada with the mission to advance the profession of physiotherapy in order to improve the health of Canadians.
- Newfoundland and Labrador Physiotherapy Association (NLPA) is the voice for physiotherapists and physiotherapy assistants in Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Canadian Massage Therapist Alliance (CMTA) is a nationwide alliance composed of provincial professional associations to provide a forum for collaboration to advance massage therapy as a health care profession in Canada.
- Newfoundland Massage Therapists Association (NLMTA) is a non-profit association of professional, practising Registered Massage therapists. The NLMTA is dedicated to promoting high standards of massage therapy throughout the province of Newfoundland.
- Canadian Association of Occupational Therapy (CAOT) provides leadership to actively develop and promote the client-centred profession of occupational therapy in Canada and internationally.
- Newfoundland Association of Occupational Therapists (NLAOT) is an organization of and for the Occupational Therapists practicing or residing in Newfoundland and Labrado
- Newfoundland Labrador Occupational Therapy Board (NLOTB) is a governing body responsible for regulating the practice of occupational therapy in Newfoundland and Labrador.