Who cares about physio? You do!

I get a lot of questions such as who is the best, who cares the most, who is different. We are all the best, caring, one-of-a-kind physiotherapists. Typically, our regulating college does not allow us to a claim superior status when it comes to talking about our services. We must be fair and let YOU choose. Here are a few questions my clients find important and you just might too...

1. How long will my appointment be?

It varies, I usually spend one-on-one time with clients for 30-45 minutes. That is usually fair, and avoids putting undue stress on clients as when we bounce around from bed to bed people don't like that. It's a split service kind of like having a waiter only serve you coffee once during breakfast. You get my jist.

2. How much does it cost?

95 for the first visit and 75 for any follow-ups. Subsidies are available on a case-by-case basis; discuss your situation with me and we can make something happen.

3. Does physiotherapy work?

Usually yes, physiotherapy has immediate results. We thrive on measuring things like the effect of leg length corrections through the hip girdle, or how much more improved an arm is after ultrasound post-surgery.

4. What if you can't help me then what?

Simply put, if I cannot help, I will find someone who will. I will gladly write up a report stating what we've done and suggest someone I know or have heard from in the medical field here in Ottawa, convenient for you.

5. How many sessions?

4; simply put, I need four close visits to be able to confirm a working diagnosis or label of what your problem is that you're consulting me for. Sometimes less, sometimes more, it really depends on you and your adherence to the home exercises and the follow-ups

6. Do you guarantee your work?

I love this question as I can never guarantee my work, but we can always save you huge amounts of money and time by bringing you to the right label and the right treatments without making a mistake. I have cured over a thousand lower backs, necks and shoulders. I have also cured over a thousand knee, hip and ankle issues. My leg accident proves that physiotherapy does work and can help really damaged people get wellness today.

7. What about this accident?

2016, I slipped and fell on the ice. I broke my ankle in three spots (trimalleolar fracture) and had to have surgery. I was off work for 6 weeks, did not claim employment insurance or disability insurance. I used a wheelchair to get around and crutches too. I recovered through amazing orthopaedic surgery with Dr. Wade Gofton's team at the Civic trauma team. Six months of rehab! I did the physio myself and through the Riverside Hospital. It was depressing but I got through it and am now walking with excellent results. I hope you will too.

8. Physiotherapy, Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Massage? I'm not sure where to start

Obviously I would suggest physio, but that is a conflict of interest. Try whatever you've heard best from others. Do analyze your therapist on first visit. Make sure you write out questions before showing up. Be informed. Most of all, have fun.

9. What do I use? In terms of therapy I use ultrasound, manual therapy, acupuncture, trigger point therapy, massage, kinesiotape, joint mobilizations, myofascial release and therapeutic exercises such as nerve flossing.

I do not do TENS, it can help initially but it does become a cure-all. TENS is fine for at home use but definitely not my first option for dealing with pain. It is not effective in curing low back pain. It is a lengthy process and ultimately a waste of time.

10. What's the whole process like? In a nutshell

Basically, physiotherapists deal with injuries and pain; we cure these so you can move normally again. You begin with the assessment, to determine what you need, and then you do treatments. Treatments aim at providing solutions that are permanent, not temporary (I'm extremely big on this). I don't like having patients revisiting if they are not getting the results they deserve. I'm to the point, that's all.