Physiotherapists are experts in injury rehabilitation, optimal physical function, movement, and mobility. They assess, diagnose, and treat a wide array of conditions. Physiotherapists use a combination of both active (e.g., therapeutic exercise) and passive (e.g., hands on therapy, needling, electrical modalities) treatments in their practice. Additionally, they educate patients to understand the cause of their symptoms, how to self-manage their symptoms, and how to prevent recurrence.

A Chiropractor is an expert of the spine, muscles, joints, and nervous system. They assess, diagnose, and treat musculoskeletal conditions. Chiropractors use chiropractic adjustments and other related hands-on therapies to support the body’s musculoskeletal system and associated neurological function. They promote general health and preventative care. Your chiropractor may use many techniques to compliment your treatment such as Graston, Active Release, Dry Needling, Acupuncture, Taping, joint mobilization, and more! Of course, they also do manipulations (a high velocity, low amplitude “thrust” technique used to release stiff hypo-mobile joints).

Naturopathic Medicine treats patient’s health concerns with individualized treatment plans. These plans may include: diet and lifestyle changes, herbs, nutritional supplementation, stress management strategies, and counselling. Additionally, they can evaluate disease and health status by using standard blood tests, allergy testing, saliva testing, physical exam, and by taking a thorough clinical history. Licensed Naturopathic doctors in Alberta are a regulated profession. Therefore, there is an emphasis on safety and consistent training among all of its members. Naturopathic medicine can help with a wide variety of conditions including: allergies, digestive diseases, fibromyalgia, hormone imbalances, fatigue, depression, anxiety, pain and inflammation. Furthermore, Naturopathic Doctors can also give disease prevention strategies. Moreover, their services are often covered by insurance plans and can often be direct billed.

What is TCM acupuncture?

Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture is the practice of inserting ultra fine needles into specific points that are located along 14 Meridians or Channels in your body. There are approximately 365 Acupuncture points. Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on the theory that we all have energy flowing throughout our body distributing Qi (pronounced “Chi”) to our tissues. According to traditional medicine, when there is an obstruction in the flow of Qi or an imbalance in the Yin and Yang, health problems may arise. Most importantly, the World Health Organization and the National Institute of Health list acupuncture as being an effective treatment for numerous conditions, some of which are listed below:

• Mental & Emotional: Stress, Depression, Anxiety, Insomnia
• Musculoskeletal: Headaches, Neck & Shoulder Conditions, Lower Back Stiffness & Pain, Knee Injuries, Ankle Pain, Whiplash Injuries, Sport Injuries, Muscle Pains, Arthritis, Inflammation, Frozen Shoulder, Tennis Elbow, Tendonitis, Sprains, Dizziness
• Neurologic: Migraines, Facial Paralysis, Stroke, Sciatica, Trigeminal Neuralgia, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Health: Low Energy, Chronic Fatigue, Cold Limbs, Asthma, Diabetes, Indigestion, Constipation, Diarrhea, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Stomach-ache
• Skin: Acne, Herpes, Shingles
• Eyes, Ears, Nose & Throat: Hay Fever, Allergies, Sinusitis, Ringing in the Ears, Sore Throat
• Infection: Cold, Flu, Bronchitis
• Reproductive: PMS, Menstrual Irregularities, Menstrual Cramps, Menopause Symptoms, Hot Flashes, Low Sex Drive, Impotence, Infertility and Sexual Dysfunction
• Other: Anti-Aging, Weight Control, Smoking Cessation, Addiction to Drugs or Alcohol

What does acupuncture feel like? Do the needles hurt?

When the acupuncturist places your needles, it is common to feel a little pinch, mild sting, or dull ache sensation. However, it should not be painful. Some people are more sensitive than others, so we adjust our technique and the size of needles accordingly. But, we’ve needled many nervous first-timers and their responses are most commonly “that’s it? I barely felt anything!”. In other words, our therapists will ensure you are totally comfortable.

How soon will I start to see changes?

This depends on what you are wanting to be addressed, how long it's been present, and your general state of health. Typically, short-term (acute) problems will respond within just a few treatments, while longer-term (chronic) problems may take more treatments before you're likely to see consistent changes. Certainly, this is a question that should be addressed with your acupuncturist during your first assessment visit. In addition, your acupuncturist will discuss your custom treatment plan and goals with you.

Will I have to come get acupuncture forever to keep feeling good?

Likely not, the goal is always to reach a maintenance phase where you feel like your symptoms are managed. However, many of our clients continue infrequent maintenance visits because they love how they feel after their treatments. For short-term issues: a handful of acupuncture treatments should do the job. For chronic or longstanding issues: a maintenance schedule of some sort would be best to keep systems running smoothly and steadily after the initial period of relief and change.

Massage Therapy is one of the many services we offer. Our Registered Massage Therapists are trained in treating the body’s soft tissues, fascia, and joints. They perform various types of massage techniques and other related soft tissue treatments to relieve pain and symptoms of stress. Massage Therapy also helps to develop, maintain, rehabilitate, and increase physical function. Our therapists are trained in both relaxation techniques and deep tissue release techniques. Massage therapists may also use other techniques to compliment your treatment including hot stones, massage tools, cupping, aromatherapy, acupressure, and reflexology.

What is Radial Shockwave Therapy?

Radial Shockwave Therapy also known as Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT)is a safe and non-invasive technology that uses a device that penetrate soft tissues of the injured areas which:

• Breaks up scar tissues on tendons and ligaments.
• Creates an optimal environment for cellular repair and tissue healing.
• Decreases sensitivity of pain receptors.
• Increases local blood flow.
• Regenerates blood vessels and bone cells.
• Reverses chronic inflammation.
• Stimulates the body’s natural healing response.

What conditions can be helped by Shockwave Therapy?

Our shockwave therapy sessions can be used effectively to treat a variety of conditions, particularly major joints that involve attachment points for tendons and ligaments, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Achilles Tendinopathy or Achilles Tendonitis
• Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylalgia)
• Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylalgia)
• Subacromial Pain Syndrome or Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy
• Calcifying Tendinitis of the Shoulder
• Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome)
• Osgood Schlatter Disease
• Trochanteric Hip Pain (Gluteal Tendinopathy, Bursitis)
• Low Back Pain
• Myofascial Trigger Points

Is there an extra cost for your Shockwave Treatments?

No! We do not charge extra for Shockwave Therapy. Our Physiotherapists and Chiropractors add shockwave when necessary to their treatment plans without additional charge.

What are Custom Foot Orthotics?

Custom Foot Orthotics are a medical device worn on the bottom of your foot. Custom means, a Physiotherapist or Chiropractors uses a 3D laser scans to perfectly fit your foot. A Custom Foot Orthotic will control the alignment and function of your foot. Custom Foot Orthotics will treat or prevent abnormal motion, or rolling, of the foot.

How do Custom Foot Orthotics Help?

By redistributing the pressure on the bottom of your feet, you’ll reduce discomfort, pain and calluses. Custom orthotics will increase effectiveness and decrease pain experienced with various cardio activities.

What are Custom Foot Orthotics recommended for?

Custom Foot Orthotics are recommended for peoples with the following symptoms:

• Joint pain in the ankles, knees, hips or back when standing, walking or running
• People standing and working on concrete/hard surfaces
• People who play sports regularly
• Diabetics
• People with foot problems such as bunions, corns, fallen arches, etc.
• People with bow-legs or knock-knees
• People who suffer from sore feet on a regular basis
• People over the age of 40
• People showing signs of inherited foot problems

Foot orthotics are custom made to fit to your foot, condition, and walking patterns. You will be required to complete a manual gait assessment and 3D Laser Scan of your foot using our Footmaxx technology. The 3D Laser Scan of your foot will collect the required data for our labs to build an orthotic to fit the structure and specific needs of your foot.

What is the difference between custom foot orthotics and off-the-shelf options?

Off-the-Shelf Options: Off-the-Shelf Options provide cushion and comfort but are always a short-term fix. Off-the-Shelf Options are generally made of memory foam which tends to be flimsy. They are an added level of comfort compared to the insoles that come with your shoes but the memory foam does nothing to correct the condition that is causing you to have foot pain. Custom Foot Orthotics: Custom Foot Orthotics support the abnormal movement of a foot. Foot pain isn’t normal. When you’re experiencing foot pain, it’s due to an abnormality in your foot. Custom Foot Orthotics promote proper foot alignment and movement. Custom Foot Orthotics are made of sturdier materials that provides support and stability to keep your foot in place.

How Much to Custom Foot Orthotics Cost?

Currently we charge $400 for a pair of orthotics. Most competitors in the area charge $500 to $600 for a pair.

Will this be covered by insurance?

As of 2013, all major insurance companies will need a medical doctor’s referral for reimbursement for custom foot orthotic devices. Our staff will prepare all the documentation that is required for you to submit your claim to your insurance. All orthotics are required to be paid in full by the customer and submitted to insurance with the appropriate paperwork.

Medical compression products can help you during the day to avoid uncomfortable, heavy legs, particularly if you are travelling long distances or are working for a prolonged duration in a sitting or standing position. Discomfort of the legs, like leg pain, heaviness, and/or leg tiredness, as well as swollen feet and ankles, can be first signs of venous disorder. Medical compression can help.

Heavy, tired, aching legs? Swollen feet and ankles?

This can be an early sign of a venous disorder. You may experience the symptoms in the evenings, after sitting or standing all day. Often, they get worse during summer at high temperatures. Take care of your leg health from the moment your legs start to feel uncomfortable, and talk to your health care professional. The recommended standard treatment for your leg health: medical compression.

Heavy legs: what are the symptoms?

Heavy legs are characterized by a feeling of discomfort and/or pain in your legs. Your legs may ache and/or feel tired. These symptoms occur especially when you are sitting or standing for prolonged hours, for instance at work. This applies to all kind of professions in which mobility is restricted, e.g.: in an office, as a bus driver, etc. or when you have to stand for several hours a day, e.g.: as a hairdresser, surgeon, nurse, or any other service professional.

What is the cause of heavy legs?

Discomfort caused by heavy and/or swollen legs means that the venous return in your veins is compromised. The calf muscle pump system that supports the blood transport from the feet towards your heart might not have been activated enough while you did stand or sit in the same position for extended periods. Heavy legs might be a sign of early venous disorder. Venous disorder or venous insufficiency is caused by unproperly closing vein valves and blood pooling in the veins. It may show symptoms such as:

• pain;
• heaviness;
• tingling;
• itching.

Venous insufficiency is a progressive disease. Left untreated, it can lead to – sometimes serious – complications:

• spider veins;
• varicose veins;
• oedema;
• leg ulcer.

Which factors influence leg health?

• Long distance travelling;
• Pregnancy;
• Menopause;
• Prolonged sitting or standing.

Many other factors can unfavourably influence leg health.  Here’s some of them:

Gender: Women are twice as likely to develop varicose veins than men. In fact, 57% of all women suffer from circulatory problems, compared to 26% of the men. Age: The risk of developing venous disorders increases with age as the cells in the vascular system are aging as well. From the age of 35, the risk of spider veins increases. Family history: If one of your family members suffers from venous disease, you have a higher risk of becoming affected at some point in your life. If both parents suffer from venous problems, the risk increases to over 79%. Obesity: Obesity is an important risk factor for the development of vascular disorders. The risk for venous insufficiency multiplies by 10 in case of obesity.

Heavy legs: What can I do?

In general, you may adopt some habits to relieve or to avoid the feeling of heavy, uncomfortable legs:

• Try to limit prolonged standing or sitting;
• Avoid high heels;
• Do not cross your legs.

The recommended treatment for heavy legs: medical compression

Medical compression is an easy, drug-free solution that fits most body shapes. A medical compression product is an elastic textile (sock, stocking, or pantyhose) that exerts an active pressure along the leg promoting venous circulation and the return of blood to the heart. From the very first use, you should feel an immediate benefit: your pain and heavy leg sensations decrease. Medical compression also aims to prevent complications. Medical compression products can help improve your venous circulation, increase your energy, and support in keeping your legs healthy. Your health care professional can help you determine which medical compression product is best for you.

What does it cost?

Prices of medical compression socks vary according to style, material, and level of compression needed. In general, the price can range between $100 and $200 per pair.

Will These Be Covered?

Most insurance companies will cover medical compression stockings. Some plans require a prescription from a medical doctor. If your insurance doesn't allow direct billing, you will be required to pay and submit your claim to your insurance directly.