Treatment Descriptions
Please be advised that the following summaries are in no way exhaustive and should only be used as a starting point for gaining basic understanding of the technique. Additional treatment options may be available and if so will be proposed in your treatment plan if appropriate.
Select a treatment from the list below or click here to view all techniques.
Treatment Descriptions
Active Exercise
Physiotherapy has become synonymous with active exercise, however, if exercises are prescribed before the body is prepared with proper alignment and tissue function, symptoms can be exacerbated. Some physiotherapists rely heavily on exercises for their treatment plans but I prefer to recommend a few specific exercises that can be incredibly effective when done properly. It is important to note that even with proper warm up and stretching, some soreness is completely normal when beginning an exercise program. Back to top.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture can be a tricky concept to understand so here is my attempt at making it a bit more approachable… The body operates via the nervous system, which literally controls everything and is the method of communication between the brain and the rest of the body. When there is a malfunction of any kind, messages get communicated to the brain and a ‘loop’ is formed. Acupuncture needles can be used to ‘reset’ this loop. It can be used to trick the brain into thinking the problem is gone or can re-establish normal communication long enough for the body to begin healing. One wonderful think about acupuncture is that your body takes from it what it needs. Electrical stimulation can amplify the positive effects of acupuncture and target areas more quickly. Electrical stimulation is typically recommended unless there is a contraindication such as having a pacemaker. There is no way to predict with certainty how you will feel after treatment but typically acupuncture normalizes the tissue in the area, improves circulation and decreases negative symptoms like pain and numbness. Physiologically speaking changes happen immediately. Some people notice a change in symptoms right away while others require a few sessions before feeling differences. It is normal to feel achy or have a heightened awareness of the area of treatment afterwards. People are often surprised to hear that there is typically no bleeding upon removal of needles, however, redness and bruising may appear. Some individuals feel lightheaded or nauseous during or after treatment but generally there are no lasting negative effects. Back to top.
Breathing and or Meditation
Mindful breathing and meditation are incredibly powerful tools to maximize your body’s own healing abilities and manage symptoms. In my experience a few moments a day of these exercises can improve body awareness, physical and mental well being. There are generally no risks or negative side effects of breathing or meditation exercises. Back to top.
Chinese Scalp Acupuncture
This specific method of acupuncture does not follow the traditional meridians of the body but is based on neuroanatomy. Acupuncture needles are inserted on an angle into the skin of the scalp (along the outside of the skull) over the desired area of the brain to impact a function of the body. There are areas for movement and sensation of each area of the body as well as for every organ. Typically there is no electrical stimulation of these needles, I stimulate them manually and they can stay in for a few minutes to hours (sometimes even days). This treatment may sound intimidating but I have found it to be an amazing tool. Most people willing to give it a chance end up loving it. The same potential risks and side effects as medical acupuncture apply but because of the many blood vessels of the scalp it is common to have some bleeding when needles are removed. Back to top.
Contrast Baths
Typically ice is used to reduce swelling and inflammation and heat is used to relax tight structures and improve circulation. Contrast baths take advantage of the benefits of both hot and cold and are strategically used to remove excess fluid filled with inflammatory cells and replace it with fresh healthy blood in the area of injury. If there is no problem with temperature sensitivity in the area of injury patients typically report decreased swelling and pain and increased range of motion after performing contrast baths. Instructions may be provided for your specific injury and are helpful to put on the fridge for any injury in the future. Extreme heat or cold can damage tissue, therefore contrast baths should NOT be used if you have difficulty sensing temperature. Back to top.
Education
Education is an important component of any treatment plan. It is important for you to gain an appropriate understanding of your condition and treatment plan so that you can invest in your care. Time constraints mean I try to convey only pertinent information so I welcome you to ask as many clarifying questions as necessary until you feel fully informed. Some individuals do not desire details while others want further resources. I encourage my clients not to become focused or invested in a specific diagnosis because issues are a result of a combination of many factors. I have found that when a specific diagnosis or symptom is dwelled upon, it can become more difficult to treat and change. Back to top.
Gua Sha
Gua sha is a very interesting remedy involving repeated stroking of a tool along the surface of the skin. It is typically a gentle sensation but if there is hypersensitivity in the area it may feel slightly uncomfortable or irritating. The stroking changes blood flow in the area which often results in immediate relaxation of the involved tissue. As with any treatment which alters circulation, it is possible to have a temporary increase in symptoms or to feel lightheaded or nauseous. As well, it is completely normal for the temporary markings to last for a few days. If the markings last longer, they can be helpful in determining if there are deeper or more serious circulatory problems.
Click here to download a patient education handout courtesy of www.guasha.com. I would also recommend visiting the website for further information and to see pictures of the petechiae (temporary hickey-like markings) that results from treatment. Back to top.
Heat
Warmth can help to relax tense muscles and improve circulation. Heat can contribute to inflammation so typically is not recommended for a new injury. It can be applied in the form of a warm shower or bath, microwave hot pack or an electric blanket. Extreme heat can damage tissue, therefore heat should NOT be used if you have difficulty sensing temperature. Back to top.
Ice
Icing is helpful to reduce inflammation in areas that are warm, red, swollen and painful. Ice should be used for new injuries or if there is a re-aggravation of symptoms. I typically do not recommend ice directly on the back as I find musculature in this area tenses further in response to cold. A freezer ice pack can be used as directed or for a more immediate effect you can wrap the pack in a wet towel or use an ice cube to massage the affected area. Extreme cold can damage tissue, therefore ice should NOT be used if you have difficulty sensing temperature. Back to top.
Manual Therapy
Manual therapy is a term referring to any hands-on treatment that I perform. Typically this refers to passive mobilizations to improve range of motion, circulation and joint lubrication. Depending on the injury and grade of mobilization it can be normal to experience discomfort during and after treatment. Back to top.
Mudras
Mudras are hand positions which direct your body’s energy to a specific region, structure or purpose. They are often used in combination with breathing and meditation exercises but are easy to do at any time throughout your day. Back to top.
Soft Tissue Mobilization
Soft tissue mobilization refers to a variety of techniques I use to reduce tension, scar tissue or calcifications, improve circulation or lymphatic drainage and manage pain. Depending on technique, sensations you experience may range from gentle pressure to moderate discomfort. It is important to communicate how you are feeling so that modifications can be made. In some cases pushing through pain can be necessary but in most cases I want treatment to be in a comfortable range. Back to top.
Soft Tissue Release
I use this term to refer to activities that help remove scar tissue and lactic acid build up and improve circulation in tissue. Foam rollers, tennis and golf balls are helpful tools for this technique. These techniques can be very uncomfortable to perform but often give immediate relief of symptoms. Back to top.
Stretches
Stretching is an integral part of restoring function and alignment. Often before the body is ready to be strengthened, opposite structures need to be stretched. It is important to hold a stretch for at least 30 seconds to 1 minute with no bouncing. Sometimes techniques like contract-relax will be used to deepen a stretch but the key to effective stretching is to respect the limits of your body. Back to top.
Taping
Various methods of taping can be used to correct alignment, relieve stress on specific structures and assist with healing. The tapes I use can be typically treated like a band-aid. The tape can stay on for 3-5 days as long as it is comfortable. You can bathe normally and I typically recommend trying to let the tape air dry rather than rubbing it. You may be more aware of the area where the tape is but it should NOT be more painful or uncomfortable. The adhesives used are hypoallergenic in nature but if your skin is feeling itchy or irritated the tape should be removed immediately. Otherwise the tape can be removed (like a band-aid!) when you feel that it is no longer supporting the tissue or when it starts to peel off on its own. It is normal for some of the adhesive to remain on your skin and it can be removed with warm soapy water or an alcohol swab. It can be helpful to make a note of how you felt when the tape was intact as well as how it felt after you removed the tape. Back to top.
Yoga
Yoga is a wonderful way of accessing and improving the mind-body connection. Sequences can be developed for any goals and I often utilize individual poses for strength, flexibility, stabilization and balance. Just like with any other exercise proper alignment and form are integral to performing yoga poses and there is potential for injury if the body is pushed beyond its limits. It is important to follow instructions carefully and communicate any negative sensations so that adaptations can be made. It is common to want to do extreme poses, risking injury and causing unnecessary mental stress, but it is far more beneficial to do a modified pose with intention. Back to top.