It’s all in the shoulder blade

Shoulder injuries are among some of the most common injuries that occur; luckily, the shoulder joint is an area that we have extensive knowledge in treating at BodyTech Physiotherapy. The shoulder is one of the most complex joints in the body because of its unique anatomy, structure and function. Due to the complexity of the joint, there are multiple factors that contribute to and influence the function of the shoulder. In most cases the rotator cuff muscles are the source of pain, but they are not always the cause of the problem.

The key to treating this difficult joint is a comprehensive assessment and thorough understanding of how the shoulder functions. An essential concept in treating the shoulder is building a good foundation for the shoulder muscles to work. This requires focusing on the shoulder blade because it provides a stable base for the shoulder joint. The rotator cuff muscles attach to the shoulder blade, therefore it is important for the shoulder blade to function properly in order to prevent injury to the rotator cuff. Posture and strengthening for both mobility and stability of the shoulder and shoulder blade are key concepts in rehabilitation.

At BodyTech Physiotherapy we use a comprehensive approach for both the assessment and treatment of a shoulder problem. Our assessment will focus on identifying the cause of the shoulder injury as well as the contributing factors that led to the injury. Our clinical experience and advanced physiotherapy training ensures that the entire shoulder problem is treated, not just the symptoms. In addition to correcting posture and increasing strength, we work on normalizing the pattern and coordinating the muscles involved in shoulder mobility, thus helping to prevent a re-occurrence of the shoulder injury.

Physiotherapy really does work!

How many times have you heard friends or family say they had physiotherapy and it did not work for them? Or that they went to physiotherapy and all they got was a hot pack and a machine?

All physiotherapists and physiotherapy clinics are different. Just because you or someone you know had a bad experience at one clinic, does not mean you should not try another clinic. Why not check out BodyTech Physiotherapy? It was created out of a desire to  improve the quality of physiotherapy care in the city of Kitchener.

BodyTech Physiotherapy is an orthopaedic manual therapy and sports injury clinic. The clinic is owned and operated by highly qualified physiotherapists. We offer expert, hands-on care and individualized treatment for all conditions that cause pain or dysfunction.

What is orthopaedic physiotherapy/manual therapy?

Orthopaedic physiotherapy or manual therapy is physiotherapy that uses specific skilled, hands-on techniques administered by a physiotherapist to diagnose and treat soft tissue and joints. The physiotherapist uses their hands to mobilize (specific technique to improve movement) the joints to reduce stiffness, relieve pain, increase movement, improve muscle length and strength, and restore function. It combines an individualized exercise program with hands-on manual therapy to achieve pain-free function. Our physiotherapists at BodyTech Physiotherapy have undergone extensive, advanced-level post-graduate training to enhance their physiotherapy education, assessment and treatment skills. They have received their Advanced Diploma in Manual and Manipulative Therapy and have a combined 15 years of experience in a private practice clinical setting. Our assessments focus on identifying the underlying causes and contributing factors of your injury or condition. This comprehensive approach enables us to treat your condition or injury in the most effective way with an evidence based approach. A combination of exercise, manual therapy and education will improve your course of recovery and assist with further injury prevention.

Our approach to physiotherapy is individualized to focus on you – Physiotherapy really does work at BodyTech Physiotherapy!

Comprehensive and Evidence-Based Approaches to Pain/Injury Treatment & Prevention

Registered physiotherapists and clinic owners Cheryl Reid Ralph and Vanessa Rampersad have successfully realized a vision when they launched BodyTech Physiotherapy this past September in Kitchener: to offer first-rate orthopaedic manual therapy and sports-injury rehabilitation. With their post-graduate training, continuing advanced education and combined 15 years’ experience, they also provide expert hands-on manual therapy for any musculoskeletal and orthopaedic injuries from head to toe and for all ages, including infants and young children. “We don’t just look at localized pain, but the whole picture of what’s happening to the client,” Vanessa says. They are excited to announce that they will be adding a registered massage therapist to their team in the new year.

When you first arrive at the clinic, expect to be given a generous one-hour assessment. “Our approach is completely individualized, comprehensive and evidence-based,” Cheryl says. “We focus on identifying the cause and contributing factors that led the client to seek us out for help.” Cheryl and Vanessa take a full, subjective history from the patient and, then, provide thorough analyses on movement and strength, ligaments and joints, including a walking gait analysis. If more in-depth diagnostic testing is required, they follow up with your family physician.

Once the testing and results are established, your physiotherapist provides advanced treatment techniques that will include a blend of exercise and manual therapy, and may include pain-relieving modalities, such as Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), ultrasound, heat/cold packs, acupuncture, and postural or corrective taping to help you recover from and prevent re-injury. The 30-minute treatment sessions may also incorporate western medical acupuncture based on Chinese acupuncture if needed at no extra cost. Acupuncture is applied to treat musculoskeletal pain, post-operative pain, myofascial trigger-point pain, nerve pain, and swelling. “Acupuncture stimulates the natural release of the body’s pain killers and anti-inflammatories to promote natural healing,” the duo explains.

Do you have a work- or accident-related injury? Come and see what BodyTech Physiotherapy can recommend for you. Know also that whether you suffer from chronic or acute injuries or pain, the team provides a complete evaluation and customized course of rehabilitation for osteoarthritis, post-operative and post-fracture, concussions, TMJ, and more.

Vanessa and Cheryl believe strongly in educating their patients. “We explain the issues and the individualized treatment plan clearly,” the twosome concurs. “We welcome questions at any time during the process. Clients can also call the clinic if they have concerns. The more a client understands how their body works, the better they, too, can aid in a speedier recovery and participate fully in their exercise program.”

    Sports physiotherapy for athletes and beginners alike at any age is a vibrant clinical strength. You will be given a targeted treatment and prevention program to optimize your recovery and safe return to your activity. “Our primary acute-care focus is pain relief, but getting rid of pain doesn’t necessarily indicate complete recovery,” Cheryl notes. “Our complete approach includes flexibility and strength to maximize that gradual and safe return to one’s physical activity,” Vanessa adds.

CANINE Rehabilitation

    One unique service that BodyTech Physiotherapy will be offering in the near future is Canine Rehabilitation.  The hope is to offer this service as home visits or at a local veterinary or animal hospital location.  “A canine that suffers from mobility issues can greatly enhance their quality of life and prolong their fitness level, especially in the case of working, sports or post-surgical dogs.”

Cheryl and Vanessa have undergone extensive, advanced level post-graduate training to enhance their physiotherapy education, assessment and treatment skills. Each has received their Advanced Diploma in Manual and Manipulative Therapy. They are Fellows of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy (CAMPT), an organization of the International Federation of Manipulative Physical Therapists that is committed to providing the highest level of care.

    BodyTech Physiotherapy is located at Chicopee Park Centre, 1601 River Rd. E, Unit 30A, Kitchener. To make an appointment, call 519-954-6000, or email info@BodyTechPhysio.ca. For more information, view http://www.bodytechphysio.ca.