What is physiotherapy, and what can it do for me?

Physiotherapy is a discipline that deals with recent and chronic injuries, pain, and biomechanical problems. Examples of conditions that can benefit from physiotherapy include sprains and strains; back and neck problems; headaches; jaw pain; shoulder injuries; repetitive-strain injuries; and arthritis. 

The primary therapeutic goals are to alleviate pain and other discomfort; reduce stiffness, inflammation and swelling; promote healing; strengthen weakened muscles; and restore balance and coordination.

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The tools of the physiotherapist include a range of methods such as ultrasound, electrotherapy, heat and cold, laser therapy, acupuncture, manual therapy and exercise.
On the first visit, you will be assessed to determine the exact cause of the problem, if it is not already obvious. You should expect to spend about an hour, during which I will examine you, take a history, and provide you with an initial treatment to start the healing process. Most ofthe time you will walk away from your first visit feeling better than you did when you came in, although pain relief may be slightly delayed – as it can be for example when you have received acupuncture. In follow-up visits, your progress will be assessed as you are treated with one or more of the therapeutic methods mentioned above. You will also be given exercises that you can do at home, and advice on how to minimize discomfort and avoid re-injury between visits.

If your problem is relatively recent, your recovery will usually be faster than it will be with an old problem, because the longer an injury goes untreated the more the injured tissue changes in ways that prolong recovery. Age, physical fitness, and general health also play a part. Regardless of speed however, my goal is to help you achieve a complete recovery.

So, if you are experiencing pain or have lost your ability to do some of the things you enjoy, why not give physiotherapy a try? You may be very pleasantly surprised!

Jon Tiessen., P.T
Healthview Therapy Centre 
5118 Roblin Blvd, Winnipeg MB
Services include: Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Massage Therapy, Physiotherapy, Foot Care, Naturopath