Physiotherapy

The first points of assessment and treatment for many injured persons and persons whose illness has set them back, is their Physician, their Physiotherapist or their Chiropractor. Indeed, in the past, when clients were referred to us for an initial assessment, our recommendations often included that they be seen by a Chiropractor or a Physiotherapist. We now have capability to provide in-home, clinic and virtual Physiotherapy assessments, treatments, and supplementary services and devices to clients with a wide range of needs resulting from illness or injury. We also have wound care expertise.

Advantages of In-Home Physiotherapy

• Comfort of own home; stresses of driving are eliminated
• Rehabilitation programs are adapted to one’s home environment
• Portable exercise equipment is set up by the Physiotherapist on each visit
• Treatment visits are longer than in-clinic appointments
• Every appointment is one-on-one with the Physiotherapist ; no interruptions
• Co-ordinated with other Rehab First services when needed, such as Speech-Language therapy and Counselling

We assess and treat all age groups. For a description of specialized childrens’ services, view our kidsFirst™ web site page or brochure.

Success Stories

Physiotherapy Case Scenario 1

A stay-at-home mother of two was involved in a collision with another vehicle. The car showed evidence of it being struck at the driver’s side door. At the hospital, she was diagnosed with the following injuries: two fractured ribs, a minor pneumothorax, fractured tibia and dislocated patella of her right leg. She had severe pain from the fractures and was having increasing difficulty with posture and transfers. Her husband had to return to work soon after the accident and as a result, she was unable to drive herself from place to place because she was not able to bend her knee. She sought out Rehab First In-Home Physiotherapy.

The initial assessment was three weeks post-accident and treatment started soon after. The Physiotherapy plan encompassed:

• strengthening and increasing range of motion of the lower leg
• gait re-training
• soft tissue work and manual therapy of the thorax and knee
• postural and breathing exercises for the thorax.

After the fractures healed, the treatment plan progressed to:

• strengthening and increasing range of motion of the lower leg
• gait re-training
• soft tissue work and manual therapy of the thorax and knee
• postural and breathing exercises for the thorax.

The Physiotherapist referred the client to a Rehabilitation Therapist to execute an exercise training program to pursue the functional and conditioning goals of the client. The client was able to return to most of her activities of daily living in six months, and all of her activities of daily living in a year with help from the entire rehab therapy team.

Physiotherapy Case Scenario 2

A middle-aged man, who lived alone and works as a crane operator, was involved in a head on collision with another vehicle while turning left at an intersection. He had an older vehicle that was not equipped with an airbag. The right side of his face struck the steering wheel and he dislocated his right shoulder as a result of bracing himself against the impact. The shoulder was relocated at the scene. He was taken to hospital and was diagnosed with a fracture of the right zygomatic arch, whiplash associated disorder and mild concussion, as well as a right shoulder dislocation. He was referred to In-Home Physiotherapy for his shoulder and neck immediately following the accident due to his inability to drive because of concussion symptoms. During his assessment the client reported he was experiencing balance difficulties, cervicogenic headaches, increased fatigue and neck, shoulder and facial pain. Physiotherapy commenced with:

• pain management of the shoulder, headaches and neck using heat, posture control and education on avoiding aggravating activities and positioning
• shoulder stabilization with tape and isometric strengthening exercises
• maintenance of cervical and thoracic mobility with low grade manual therapy and massage as tolerated
• balance program for instability
• low grade walking program
• referral to Occupational Therapist and family physician for further imaging of the shoulder and for assessment for post-concussion syndrome (PCS).

After six weeks of treatment, his pain became more manageable, but continued tohave persistent post-concussion symptoms and neck pain. He was also experiencing weakness of his whole body from decreased activity. His family physician diagnosed him with PCS. The physiotherapist progressed the treatment to:

• shoulder AROM, proprioception and strengthening program
• increase in cervical proprioception through biofeedback training
• increase in cervical and thoracic mobility with exercise, manual therapy and massage
• balance re-training with habitual exercises
• referral to Rehabilitation Therapist for whole body exercises and to continue with walking program.

After 12 weeks of treatment, he had full range of motion for his shoulder and moderate strength. His concussion symptoms had subsided with the walking program with only occasional onset of symptoms. Physiotherapy then progressed to:

• closed kinetic chain shoulder exercises and plyometrics for strengthening
• work simulated activities for crane operation
• increased cardiovascular program intensity
• continuation of proprioception training of cervical spine
• progression of habitual balance exercises
• maintenance of spinal mobility with manual therapy and massage
• referral for Return-to-Work Assessment and Work Conditioning program

After six months, he returned to modified duties at work, and after twelve months, returned to full duties at work.

We invite you to read our Physiotherapy brochure.

How to Engage Us and Make Referrals

As community-based, multi-disciplinary health service providers, our vision of having a full spectrum of services to cover the entire end-to-end disability cycle remains as strong as ever. The availability of In-Home, In-Clinic and Virtual Physiotherapy sessions means that we can satisfy more client preferences then ever.

Our services are often covered by the following funding sources:

• Group insurance health plans (EHC/EHB benefits or Health Care Spending Accounts)
• Auto insurance direct payment (for minor, serious and catastrophic injuries)
• Veterans Affairs benefits program
• Department of Defence referrals
• Employers
• WSIB
• Other provincial workers compensation organizations

We also accept debit and credit cards.

Our referral intake professionals are available to assist clients or their representatives (e.g. family members, legal representatives, guardians) with questions and scheduling at 1-888-REHAB-90 or info@rehabfirst.ca.