TREATMENTS & SERVICES

Physiotherapists are primary health care professionals who play a significant role in health promotion and treatment of injury and disease.  We combine our in-depth knowledge of the body and how it works with specialized hands-on clinical skills to assess, diagnose and treat the cause and symptoms of illness, injury or disability.

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Your physiotherapy assessment and treatment involves taking a detailed client medical history and a thorough musculoskeletal and orthopaedic evaluation.  Once we determine the source of your injury or pain, we can begin to implement effective treatments to best assist your recovery. 

 

At Functional Physio and Wellness we take a "hands-on" approach.  Your time in our clinic will be spent one-on-one with the physiotherapist who may use manual therapy, joint mobilizations, soft tissue therapy, pain science education, Anatomical Acupuncture, GUNN IMS, Cupping Therapy and\or provide you with movement education and a personal home exercise program. 

If you have concerns about your bladder, pelvic floor or prostate you are not alone: 3.3 million Canadians are affected by pelvic floor dysfunction every year.  Pelvic Health Physiotherapy or Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy requires specialized training in order to properly assess and treat pelvic floor dysfunction.  

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We can help with: bladder and bowel incontinence, urgency, difficulty urinating,  pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic pain, pre-natal & post partum pelvic problems, prostate problems, erectile dysfunction, painful intercourse, constipation, chronic low back & tailbone pain, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

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Pelvic health rehabilitation is a safe, drug-free form of treatment proven effective by high-level research.  Megan has completed her Level 1, 2 and 3 Courses with Pelvic Health Solutions.  

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For more information please visit: 

http://pelvichealthsolutions.ca/for-the-patient/

https://bcphysio.org/content/incontinence-and-pelvic-floor-rehabilitation

Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) is a total system for the diagnosis and treatment of myofascial pain syndromes (chronic pain conditions that occur in the musculoskeletal system when there is no obvious sign of injury or inflammation).  Gunn IMS is a specialized service that Megan has been trained in at the University of British Columbia.  

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IMS is grounded in Western Medical Science, and uses acupuncture needles to penetrate deep within muscle tissue, specifically targeting injured muscles that have contracted and become shortened from distress.  The most common cause of nerve irritation and neuropathic pain is “spondylosis,” degeneration of the spine, which can result from normal wear and tear.  Spondylosis irritates the nerve root and leads to neuropathy and muscle shortening.

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The goal of treatment is to release muscle shortening, which presses on and irritates the nerve. Supersensitive areas can be desensitized, and the persistent pull of shortened muscles canbe released. IMS, in effect, treats the underlying neuropathic condition that causes the pain.  When competently performed, IMS has a remarkable success rate, as proven by the amelioration of symptoms and signs, even for chronic back pain with root signs (radiating pain, muscle weakness, sensory loss).   

 

For more information on GUNN IMS please visit http://ubcgunnims.com/what-is-ims/gunn-ims/

Psychotherapy and counselling are both types of mental health therapy that can facilitate mental, emotional, and physical well-being.  Deciding between these therapies depends on the specific needs and nature of the issues an individual is confronted with. Collaboratively, a trained practitioner can support you with determining which therapy may best suit your needs. 

 

Counselling is a short-term therapy that aims to assist people resolve current issues, is focused on addressing specific concerns, and tends to be wellness oriented. When a counsellor and client identify the issue or stressor, treatment involves focusing on strategies and life changes to manage it. 

 

Psychotherapy is a long-term therapy that supports people to identify and explore recurring themes and issues; examining how they impact their present life. Clients are provided a safe space to explore their emotions, cognitions, values, beliefs, and experiences. From here, clients can engage in self-discovery, process past experiences, and develop meaningful change. 

 

Psychotherapy and counselling sessions generally involve a biopsychosocial assessment, which is a comprehensive discussion that evaluates the biological, psychological, social, and cultural aspects of a person’s life. This provides a holistic framework to better understand the circumstances of your life and begin our therapeutic work. 

Cupping involves applying plastic, glass or silicone cups to the skin surface using negative pressure (suction).  This negative pressure gently draws the underlying tissue (skin, muscle, fascia) up and away from the body- like the reverse of a massage.  

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Depending on the condition, cups may be continuously moved as a form of myofascial massage, or they can be placed in one spot and left for 5-15 minutes.  Following a cupping session, most people will show cupping “marks”, which can appear like a bruise.  The colour and extent of cupping marks can indicate the amount of underlying congestion, “stagnation” or lack of blood flow in the underlying tissues.  Most often, after a few sessions of cupping, the marks appear less and less as the toxins are removed, circulation and lymphatic flow is improved and the myofascial restriction is released.  

 

Cupping can be used for certain painful conditions, as well as for general health and wellbeing.  If you are interested to learn if Cupping Therapy would be a good treatment choice for you, please book in for a Physiotherapy Initial Assessment. 

Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine needles, similar in thickness to a human hair, into specific points, muscles and muscle motor points on the body to influence physiological functions.  Practiced for over 5000 years, acupuncture is based on the theory that energy or life force, referred to as “qi”, travels through the body along specific pathways or “meridians” and that when these pathways become blocked it can lead to pain, a variety of illness and imbalances.  More recent research has shown that these pathways do in fact exist and that acupuncture points can be detected by their lowered electrical resistance, traveling through the body in a way similar to your nervous or cardiovascular systems.  By stimulating specific spots along the meridians an acupuncturist helps to promote proper energy flow, essentially helping the body to heal itself and return to a state of balance and homeostasis.

 

Acupuncture is virtually painless, and most people experience a state of deep relaxation during treatment. Typically between 4-20 needles are used and are retained for approximately 10-40 minutes depending on the condition being treated and technique being used. 

Acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural pain-relieving neurohormones.  The technique promotes a decrease in inflammation, increased circulation, and relief from pain conditions such as: cervicogenic headaches, concussion/whiplash, chronic pain, low back pain, frozen shoulder, tendinopathies and osteoarthritis. 

Registered Massage Therapy (RMT) is a specialized form of therapeutic treatment that focuses on manipulating soft tissues to alleviate pain, reduce muscle tension, and promote overall relaxation and well-being. Our skilled Registered Massage Therapists employ a variety of techniques, including Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, myofascial release, and trigger point therapy, to address a wide range of musculoskeletal issues.

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Whether you're seeking relief from chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or simply looking to unwind and de-stress, our RMTs will tailor each session to your unique needs and preferences. Through the application of targeted pressure and gentle manipulation, massage therapy helps improve circulation, enhance flexibility, and restore balance to the body.

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At our clinic, we believe in the transformative power of massage therapy as an integral component of your holistic wellness journey. Experience the rejuvenating benefits of Registered Massage Therapy and embark on a path to greater physical and emotional well-being.

The Functional Movement Screen tests 7 fundamental movement patterns.  The test is used to identify poor movement patterns including asymmetries, areas of decreased mobility, stability and motor control.  Once identified, the therapist can prescribe corrective exercises to fix the dysfunctional movement patterns.  ​

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The FMS is an essential tool used to identify injury risk during activity or sport.  The test is based on a point system, if a client or athlete scores less than 14\21, research shows they are at a greater risk of sustaining an injury during activity or sport.  ​

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The FMS is used world-wide, many professional athletes and teams incorporate the FMS into their training. The FMS is used at both NHL and NFL combines to screen their athletes.  Other organizations that use the FMS include the Navy Seals, Fire Departments, the Canadian Armed Forces and many recreational sports teams.  

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You don't have to be an athlete to be screened, "regular-joes" can be screened to identify movement deficiencies which may place the client at risk for pain or injury, these movement patterns can be fixed with corrective exercise programming.

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If you would like to learn more about the FMS or how it can be used in your Team's programming, please visit https://www.functionalmovement.com/system/home

Embark on a transformative journey with Yin Yoga, a profound practice that positively impacts the entire fascial network of your body. Delving deep into every tissue—muscles, bones, ligaments, connective tissue, organs, and nerves—Yin Yoga stimulates and releases blockages of chi or energy within the body's meridians, fostering emotional release and inner balance.

 

During Yin Yoga sessions, passive poses are gracefully held for 3-5 minutes or longer, gently coaxing the body to unwind layer by layer. This practice serves as a sanctuary for your body to recover from daily mental and physical stresses, promoting flexibility, enhancing range of motion, and nurturing a heightened awareness of your body. As you emerge from each session, you'll feel profoundly relaxed, grounded, and mindful.

Megan, our experienced physiotherapist, has witnessed remarkable benefits for her clients through the integration of Yin Yoga Therapy into their treatment plans. Personalized 1-1 Yin Yoga Therapy sessions are available for booking, offering tailored support and guidance.

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For inquiries and to discover our current class offerings, please reach out to Megan at megan@functionalphysio.ca. Join us as we embark on a journey of holistic healing and rejuvenation through the transformative power of Yin Yoga.

As we age, maintaining optimal health and mobility becomes essential for thriving in our daily lives. With extensive experience in senior care, Megan understands the importance of preserving mobility and promoting overall well-being among older adults. She has assisted numerous individuals in their recovery from injuries and surgeries while conducting comprehensive movement and balance assessments to pinpoint areas of improvement.

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The Seniors Mobility Assessment is a tailored evaluation focusing on your functional movements, range of motion, strength, and balance. Given that poor balance significantly increases the risk of falls as we age, Megan utilizes objective balance tests to assess your fall risk accurately. Following the assessment, she provides personalized take-home exercises designed to enhance your mobility, strength, and balance, empowering you to lead an active and independent lifestyle.

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To express your interest in joining the Seniors Exercise Class, please reach out to Megan at megan@functionalphysio.ca. If you're interested in scheduling a Seniors Mobility Assessment, kindly inform our reception staff when booking your Physiotherapy Initial Assessment appointment.

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Experience the benefits of personalized care and specialized programs tailored to meet the unique needs of older adults. Megan is committed to supporting you on your journey towards enhanced mobility, strength, and overall well-being.