DonJoy is the leading brace manufacturer in North America. Our physiotherapists are trained in the measurement and fitting of custom-made and off the shelf braces for a variety of orthopedic and sports injuries. After injury or surgery, joint and soft tissue support may be indicated for a safe return to sport, work or daily activity. Available bracing products include the following:
A Certified Hand Therapist is on staff to create custom splints for post-operative recovery of hand and upper limb conditions. This is a unique service provided by a highly trained and experienced physiotherapist with advanced training and credentials in hand therapy.
Concussion is a form of mild traumatic brain injury, and concussion in sport has created significant social awareness of the need for prevention, recognition and management of head injuries. Motor vehicle accidents, work injuries and falls can also cause concussion.
Our clinic has been instrumental in creating Concussion Protocols for local sport organizations, such as soccer and Jr A hockey. In addition, we created a Concussion Protocol for the 2016 BC Winter Games held in Penticton. It is recommended that all sport organizations have a Concussion Protocol in place to guide coaches, parents and players on recovery plans that keep up with current information.
Recovery from concussion requires a knowledgeable healthcare team. Our clinic staff have completed recognized courses on concussion management, and are able to guide clients of all ages through recovery protocols.
For the few clients that have persistent concussion symptoms beyond the expected recovery timelines, we can provide assessment and treatment aimed at assisting in the recovery. As part of the healthcare team, physiotherapists provide treatment for balance, visual disturbance, graded exercise, and return to sport or work. In addition, manual therapy may have a role in treatment of persistent headache related to neck trauma at the time of injury.
ACUPUNCTURE has its roots over 4000 years ago to treat a host of ailments under the philosophies of oriental medicine. This type of acupuncture falls under the category of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and generally provided by registered acupuncturists.
However, since the 1970’s, acupuncture has become more familiar and common place in North America for treatment of many types of musculoskeletal injuries, including sports injuries, whiplash, post-surgical pain, osteoarthritis and other types of physical trauma. This Western culture approach to treatment with acupuncture is commonly referred to as Anatomical or Medical acupuncture.
The Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute (AFCI ) is a well-known and respected educational organization that trains most of the physiotherapists in Canada (as well as many medical doctors, nurses, dentists and chiropractors) who use an anatomical approach to acupuncture. Other programs are recognized at University of Alberta and McMaster University.
In very simple terms, this anatomical approach uses the traditional acupuncture points on the body to help decrease inflammation, pain, muscle spasm and tightness in order to increase mobility and reduce recovery time from an injury or other physical problems.
DRY NEEDLING has emerged as a popular physiotherapy treatment for myofascial pain but differs from acupuncture in that needle insertion points are not limited to acupuncture theory. Vancouver physician, Dr. Chan Gunn made a significant contribution to the study and treatment of pain related to neuropathic changes and muscle sensitivity. His IMS (intramuscular stimulation) technique using a single acupuncture needle to treat multiple pain areas remains the foundation of many of the other dry needling education programs that train physiotherapists. FDN (Kineticore functional dry needling) and GTT (Gokavi technique) are examples of other dry needling approaches.
Physiotherapists in the group have training in dry needling (IMS, FDN, GTT), some with both acupuncture and dry needling certification. Combined with manual therapy, pain education and exercise, clients are receiving leading edge treatment from experienced and qualified therapists.
In our clinic model, the kinesiologist works alongside a physiotherapist to provide individual or group therapy sessions.
Instructed by a kinesiologist.
Instructed by a kinesiologist.
Instructed by a kinesiologist certified in the PGAP system.
Instructed by a physiotherapist with advanced knowledge in the neuroscience of pain.
A Functional Capacity Evaluation is a structured assessment of a person’s abilities to perform work or daily activity. Following injury or illness, residual difficulties returning to usual activity can be measured, accompanied by a detailed report and recovery plan.
Our therapists have had training in either Isernhagen Work System™ or Matheson™ Functional Capacity Evaluations, and provide assessments that include the following components:
Maximum safe levels are confirmed on the basis of safe body mechanics; consistent musculoskeletal changes such as muscle recruitment; increased heart rate; and altered postures with increased effort.
FCE’s are generally requested by insurers (3rd parties) or as a medical-legal evaluation. This clinic group has been providing quality FCE reports since 1993, and have experience as expert witnesses in court
Work Conditioning (or Occupational Rehabilitation – OR1) is a program designed to condition injured employees to a fitness level required to meet their specific job demands. We have been a WorkSafeBC OR1 provider since 1992.
This program runs for up to 4 hours daily Monday-Friday for 4-6 weeks dependent upon the specific needs of the person and severity of injury.
Our clinic is located within the Penticton Community Centre, with access to premium recreation pool and gym facilities.
RTW includes a case review and assessment of critical job demands. This service consists of:
This service consists of:
This service consists of:
Potential employees and new hires participate in a series of functional activities that are critical job demands of the job offer. A report on the participant’s abilities is provided for the employer to assist in job placement so that the worker safely matches the physical demands of the job.
Neurological rehabilitation is an important part of recovery following a Central Nervous System (CNS) disorder. For patients living with functional limitations related to nervous system damage, physiotherapists work to restore safe and independent function. Treatment is frequently focused on improving mobility and functional activities such as sitting, standing, balance, walking, and upper limb function, as well as higher level activities, following a stroke (CVA), spinal cord injury (SCI) or acquired brain injury (ABI). In the case of progressive pathologies, the goal is to maintain function and independence.
An understanding of the altered neurology following CNS disorder, combined with a detailed knowledge of the musculoskeletal system, allows physiotherapists to effectively use therapeutic exercise, physical modalities and other personally tailored interventions in a safe environment.
Neurological rehabilitation is demanding in terms of time, support and funding. With the help of a multi-disciplinary team, it is common to see significant improvement in function, safety and independence.
Manual Therapy is the ‘art of the science’ of physiotherapy. It defines the hands-on techniques that therapists use to assist in the recovery of movement through joint mobility and muscle re-education.
Our therapists have spent many post-graduate hours studying the practice of manual therapy techniques, including mobilization and manipulation of limbs and spinal segments. Physiotherapy courses lead to advanced training and certification levels. We as a group provide expert treatment by combining orthopaedic manual therapy with exercise, pain management and education.
Rehabilitation from injury, illness or surgery may also require additional physical modalities such as dry needling and acupuncture, ultrasound, laser, electrical current for neuromuscular activity, heat and ice. These additional modalities may be used as adjuncts to manual therapy treatment.
Therapeutic exercises are frequently prescribed for further strength and mobility. Together with the client, a treatment plan is developed to assist in reaching a goal of maximum recovery
Injury prevention and enhancing performance are fundamental parts of treatment before a sports injury sidelines an athlete. Our team of physiotherapists is able to identify weaknesses and movement faults that if left unchecked, can lead to reductions in performance and injuries. Staff have taken courses on Functional Movement Screening and Selected Functional Movement Assessment to assist in assessing movement, strength and performance.
Our therapy group have provided knee injury prevention programs for athletes from a wide range of sports, incorporating a neuromuscular training program that has been demonstrated to reduce serious knee injuries by up to 80%.
We have also been involved with concussion awareness programs, and have provided concussion protocols for groups such as local soccer, Jr hockey and BC Winter Games. Therapists in the group are involved with ongoing continuing education on concussion management and keep abreast with current research in the area of concussion.
We continue to provide experienced consulting to the Penticton Vees Jr Hockey team, and side-line coverage for events such as rugby and soccer in the community. Some of our staff maintain certification in Sports Physiotherapy, and travel with National teams, such as rugby, snowboard and alpine skiing.
The Commmunity Centre Clinic (previously Sports Centre Physiotherapy) was the site of the Athlete’s Clinic for the 2016 BC Winter Games in Penticton, with staff taking lead roles on the organizing committee for Medical Services in positions of Medical Director, Physiotherapy Chair and Chair of Medical Volunteers, as well as attending to athletes on the sidelines at events.
50% of adults will experience symptoms of dizziness their lifetime. Dizziness and balance problems represent 10% of all physician visits, and is the #1 reason for physician visits for patients over 65.
Vestibular Rehabilitation is the assessment and treatment of vestibular disorders following a diagnosis of complaints of dizziness and ‘true’ vertigo. BPPV (benign positional paroxysmal vertigo) is the most common cause of vertigo, accounting for up to 30% of vertigo patients.
Therapists on staff are trained to screen patients with complaints of dizziness or vertigo in order to determine which clients will respond to therapy (such as habituation exercise or canal repositioning manoeuvres); or will require further medical investigation.
Extended visits are required to fully assess and treat a client with vestibular disorders.
Kinesiology is the study of human movement, performance, and function. In Canada, kinesiology is a professional designation as well as an area of study. Kinesiology applies the sciences of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and neuroscience to understand and improve movement, performance and function through active rehabilitation (exercise).
Individual Kinesiology sessions are delivered by a Kinesiologist who is certified by the B.C. Association of Kinesiologists, with focus on general activation, mobility, strength and conditioning. Both gym-based and pool-based (hydrotherapy) sessions are offered.
Prior to seeing a Kinesiologist, clients are seen by one of our Physiotherapists to ensure that kinesiology is an appropriate intervention for them. The Kinesiologist will then developed and monitor a personalised, progressive exercise program.
Hydrotherapy (aquatic therapy) refers to water-based treatments or exercises for physical rehabilitation, fitness or relaxation. Hydrotherapy sessions are conducted in the Penticton Community Centre pool. Hydrotherapy differs from swimming; clients perform exercises specific to their injury or condition, as prescribed by a Physiotherapist or Kinesiologist.
Aquatic therapy is typically well tolerated, as the properties of water contribute to therapeutic effects. Movement or exercise in water is different from activity on dry land for several reasons. Buoyancy allows unloading of body weight and gives support during functional movements, which is beneficial when weight-bearing movement is restricted or is painful. Exercise in water reduces impact forces, which is ideal for lower body injuries. Hydrostatic resistance (using the water for resistance) can be modified for gradual progression and allows strengthening without external loads. The hydrostatic pressure of water against the body also contributes to blood flow improvements, and can assist with reducing lower extremity swelling.
