Not all clinics are created equal- Reach for better!! #Sky

It's not uncommon for us to hear the question "What do Physiotherapists do?"

The profession has a large scope of practice, which can be confusing for patients. Physiotherapists can work in private practice, home care, hospitals, or universities, and the skills required vary greatly.

Sky Physiotherapy is a private practice and we focus on outpatient orthopaedics (musculoskeletal issues). Physiotherapists Wendy, Erynne and Jodi treat acute injuries (new pain), chronic (old) pain, post surgical rehabilitation, balance and strength concerns, and stiffness...just to name a few. In addition, Wendy treats Pelvic Health concerns.

It's important to research the clinic, to find the right fit for you! Sky Physio is a friendly neighbourhood clinic offering 1:1 treatment in private treatment rooms, with a shared gym space.

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Here are some other Frequently Asked Questions:

Never hesitate to call the clinic 519-219-5400 to speak with a Physiotherapist directly, if you have questions before booking.

1. How long does it take to become a Physiotherapist?

Physiotherapists will have earned a 4 year undergraduate degree prior to moving on to the 2 year Physiotherapy program.  Upon completion, graduates receive a Masters of Science degree in Physiotherapy.  This is just the start however.  Physiotherapy is a science AND an art, that needs to be worked on daily.  The best Physiotherapists love their work enough to commit this time (and money) to extensive post graduate courses, mentorship, and skill refinement.

Sky Physiotherapists are EXPERIENCED, and DEDICATED to being the best Physiotherapists they can be!

2. I have a bad back, should I go to a Chiropractor?

At Sky Physiotherapy, neck and low back pain are the two most common areas of concern that we treat.  Physiotherapists are competent in assessing, diagnosing, and treating low back pain. Effective treatment includes a combination of manual therapy, which includes soft tissue work of the muscles and joint mobilizations or manipulations (the same ‘crack’ associated with a Chiropractic treatment), education, and exercise.

3. I already have a Massage Therapist. Would Physiotherapy be helpful in addition?

Absolutely!! Physiotherapists are your "Movement Specialists" and have the training to give you an accurate diagnosis,

rule out red flags, and create treatment plans that help you reach your goals. Massage and Physio work hand in hand, and if Massage Therapy alone is only providing temporarily relief, a Physiotherapy assessment may be the missing link!

3. Will I get a lot of homework to do between appointments?

This is up to your specific needs and goals. If you are avoiding Physiotherapy in fear of adding more to your to-do list, rest assured that Sky Physio prides itself in tailoring treatment plans that are specific and effective.  This is not the type of clinic where you will get hooked up to a machine or given a generic list of exercises to work through.  Our treatments are a combination of hands on techniques, patient education, and specific movements and exercises to help maintain results between sessions.

4. Do you work with Kinesiologists or Physiotherapy Assistants?

No. At Sky Physio, all of your appointment time is spent 1:1 with your Physiotherapist.  This helps us stay cohesive with your treatment plan, reassessing and modifying continuously for optimal results. We are a manual therapy based clinic, meaning our core approach focuses on hands on techniques, and active movement/exercise.  This is not a clinic where you will be hooked up to a machine and given generic exercises.

5. Do you have before and after work hours?

The clinic has treating hours between 7:30am and 6:30pm, with hours varying by Practitioner. *Evening hours extend to 7 or 8pm for Massage therapy services.

Maintaining hours that work for our therapists, helps promote good life balance to ensure you are always receiving treatment from a Physiotherapist who is rested and happy. Because we are a small clinic, we do have flexibility and try our best to accommodate our patients needs as much as possible.

6. Do you offer direct billing?

No. We do not offer direct billing at this time.  Receipts are provided after payment (printed or emailed) with all of the information required for reimbursement from extended healthcare providers, should you have benefits.  Most patients receive reimbursement within 1-2 business days after submitting.

7. Do you treat sports injuries?

Yes!  Our biggest demographic is teens and middle aged weekend warriors.  We often focus on movement optimization, motor retraining and balance/proprioception, alongside the hands on joint and soft tissue manipulation needed depending on the area of concern.  Other treatments could include acupuncture, therapeutic modalities, and taping or bracing.  We create targeted home exercise programs, but if general fitness is the main goal, we will often refer to gyms or other trusted clinics with larger work out spaces.

8. Do you treat work related injuries (WSIB) or patients involved in motor vehicle accidents (MVA)?

No. Our functional treatment approach is very effective in treating chronic pain, so we often have patients come to us who have a history of being involved in a past motor vehicle or work related accident, but we do not book patients with active WSIB or MVA insurance claims. Should you choose to receive care at Sky Physiotherapy, you would be paying privately or through extended health benefits. 

9. What can I expect during my Physiotherapy appointment?

Wear comfortable clothing that is easy to move around in.  At the start of each session we will have time for questions and clarifications from the previous treatment, and how you felt after the last appointment.  This helps us modify our techniques, pressure, and plan as needed.   We take a whole body approach, so that we can determine the root contributors and reassess your response to treatment. Soft tissue work (similar to massage techniques), mobilizations for joints that are stiff or sore, and supervised exercises, are most common.  An exercise or movement may be given to do at home depending on your goals and response.

Other treatments provided within a Physiotherapy appointment could include:

-athletic taping

-education on bracing options or custom knee bracing

-Multisegmental electro-acupuncture

-therapeutic modalities (ultrasound, TENS, NMES, IFC etc)

-targeted exercise plans, including for patients with Osteopenia or Osteoporosis

-safe return to sport

-running assessments and gait analysis

-education on posture, lifting mechanics, work station ergonomics

10. What other services are offered at Sky Physiotherapy?

Registered Massage Therapy

Osteoporis exercise plans

Acupuncture (booked and billed under Physiotherapy)

Custom knee bracing

Pelvic Heath Physiotherapy

Youth injuries and return to sport

Pre-and Post surgical care

Chronic pain management

11. Do you have a Pelvic floor Physiotherapist on staff?

Yes! Wendy Hancock is a very experienced orthopaedic and Pelvic Health Physiotherapist, competent in treating pelvic health concerns in both men and women. Internal and external approaches are applied as needed and with patient education and consent.

12. Do you have a Bonefit certified therapist on staff?

Yes. All our Physiotherapist have the experience and knowledge to work with patients with Osteopenia or Osteoporosis. If this is what you are looking for, we will work with you to create a safe and effective exercise plan to promote bone health, strength, and fall prevention.

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Feel your best and get a Physiotherapist on your side. Sky Physio offers attentive, individualized care to help you reach a meaningful recovery. #reachforbetter

The number of referrals that come by from word of mouth, is a testiment of our commitment to quality care. We are forever grateful for the continued support from this great community!

Call 519-219-5400 or book online for an appointment. We can't wait to meet you!