Physiotherapy | GRANT Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is a treatment which assists people to restore, maintain and maximize their strength, function, movement, and overall well-being. The terms "physiotherapy" and "physical therapy" mean the same thing and are used interchangeably, as are the terms “physiotherapist” and “physical therapist”.

Physiotherapists have in-depth knowledge of how the body works and specialized hands-on clinical skills to assess, diagnose, and treat symptoms of illness, injury and disability. Physiotherapy includes rehabilitation, as well as prevention of injury, and promotion of health and fitness. Physiotherapists often work in teams with other health professionals to help meet an individual's health care needs.

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Alexandra K. Grant BSc, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Owner of Grant Physiotherapy

Alex grew up in the Oro-Medonte area, attending East Oro elementary, and then Park Street Collegiate Institute in Orillia (now Orillia Secondary School). She then went on to earn an Honors BA and BSc at Brock University before earning both her Masters, and then her Doctorate in Physical Therapy out of New York, USA. She is a clinical instructor (CI), and has taken many continuing education courses, such as the Graston Technique for Soft Tissue Mobilization (GT certified), Custom Orthotic prescription, Aquatic Therapy and Rehabilitation Institute (ATRI), Muscle Energy, Myofascial, and Spinal Mobilization courses, and is currently working on a Manual Therapy Certification out of the United States. Alex is very happy to have returned to where she grew up, and looks forward to meeting more people in the Oro-Medonte and surrounding areas.

Nicole Burling MScPT, BScKin, MCPA

Registered Physiotherapist

Certified Medical Acupuncturist

Level 3 Orthopedic Manual/Manipulative Physiotherapy

Certification of Medical Acupuncture

Advanced Concussion and Vestibular Rehabilitation

Osteopathic Courses including Craniosacral Therapy and Visceral Manipulation

Certification as a Yoga Exercise Specialist

Chronic Pain Symposium

Sport First Responder Certification

Diploma of Football(Soccer) Medicine through FIFA

Nicole earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology and Health Sciences from York University and her Master’s of Science degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Toronto. She has many years of experience working in the orthopedic rehabilitation setting. She also has extensive experience working with high-performance athletes in strength and conditioning, sports performance training, and on-field and off-field injury prevention and management.

Steps Through The Physiotherapy Process

There can be a lot of information to get through when looking into physiotherapy and we know it can be confusing. We want to help make the process as easy as possible, listed below are some first steps to take and answers for some common questions you may have. Feel free to call our office for any other questions or clarification.

1. Insurance

2. Referrals

3. Not covered by OHIP

4. Call to book appointment

5. Match with Physiotherapist that works best for you

6. Thorough Assessment

7. Recovery Plan

7. Enjoy Life to the Max!

Neurological

A number of neurological conditions, including traumatic brain injury, post stroke, balance dysfunctions, neuropathies and spinal injuries.

Post-Operation

We can get you back to your favorite activities, improve your range of motion, strength, balance and scar tissue formation after you’ve had surgery of any kind.

Concussion Rehabilitation

Evaluation and treatment by a certified concussion physiotherapist can help ensure you return to performance as quickly and safely as possible.

Pain Management

We can help you with just about every kind of chronic and acute pain, even fibromyalgia, chronic headaches and myofascial pain syndrome.

Balance/Gait

No matter the cause, we can help treat you. Improve your overall safety and function within the community.

Benefits of Physiotherapy

Physiotherapists focus on both prevention and rehabilitation. Treatment can be for problems caused by injury, disease or disability. Here are some examples:

Neck and back pain caused by problems in the muscles and skeleton
Problems in the bones, joints, muscles and ligaments, such as arthritis and the after-effects of amputation
Lung problems such as asthma
Disability as a result of heart problems
Pelvic issues, such as bladder and bowel problems related to childbirth

Loss of mobility because of trauma to the brain or spine, or due to diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis
Fatigue, pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of muscle strength, for example during cancer treatment, or palliative care

Treatments and Equipment

Graston Technique

Graston Technique is an instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization which can be used to treat a variety of acute or chronic conditions. This technique works well for sprains/strains, tendonitis, compartment syndromes/shin splints, carpal tunnel, and plantar fasciitis. It can help to release headaches and to help break down scar tissue/adhesions throughout the body.

Manual Therapy

Our professionals are highly trained at using their hands to diagnose and treat restrictions in movement in the spine, arms and legs. Using gentle, hands on techniques, we can help reduce muscle tightness, improve movement in the joints, reduce pain and improve function. Manual therapy may include joint mobilizations, soft tissue releases, friction massage, muscle energy and myofascial techniques.

Cupping

Cupping therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine in which a local suction is created on the skin. This can mobilize blood flow in order to help promote healing, treat pain, deep scar tissues in the muscles and connective tissue, muscle knots, and swelling. There is evidence of cupping dating back as early as 1550 B.C in Egypt and 1000 B.C in China. Cupping methods have since spread into medicine throughout Asia and European civilizations.

FMS/Functional Movement Screening

FMS is a ranking and grading system that documents movement patterns that are key to normal function. By screening these patterns, the FMS readily identifies functional limitations and asymmetries. These are issues that can reduce the effects of functional training and physical conditioning and distort body awareness. The FMS can be very useful in quantifying one’s risk of future injury, thereby also helping to develop functional home programs. It has been used with a variety of professional sport teams in order to determine the need for physiotherapy and to help someone achieve their optimal athletic health.

IMS/Dry Needling

Gunn IMS or Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS), is a treatment approach used for the management of myofascial pain syndromes and musculoskeletal conditions. It was developed by Dr. Chan Gunn, a Canadian medical physician. He combined western science with traditional acupuncture to develop a highly effective treatment approach. IMS involves the use of acupuncture needles to target specific trigger points within muscle tissue. It is also used as a whole body system to treat neuropathic dysfunction and target the source of persistent pain conditions.

Here's how IMS typically works:

Assessment: The trained therapist will assess your musculoskeletal pain, identify specific trigger points areas of muscle tightness and areas of neuropathic dysfunction.
Needle Insertion: Fine acupuncture needles are inserted in to these trigger points, which are often located in taut bands of muscle. The needles are usually vert thin and are inserted into the muscle tissue, targeting the trigger points.
Stimulation: Once the needles are in place, they may be gently manipulated or stimulated to cause a reflexive relaxation response in the muscle.

The end result is reduced tone and tension in the muscles, improved function of the muscle and supplying nerves, increased blood flow and reduced pain.