SL Downtown Physiotherapy & Massage

Unit 1-1 Main Street NE, Slave Lake, Alberta T0G 2A2

Our Services

Explore personalized physiotherapy services for pain management, rehabilitation, and performance enhancement, promoting your body’s natural healing capabilities.

Orthopedic and Sports Rehabilitation

We have a reputation for successfully managing injuries that are difficult, including but not limited to the following

  • Back and Neck Pain
  • Achilles Tendinopathy
  • Patellar Tendinopathy
  • Meniscal Injury
  • Tennis Elbow
  • Rotator Cuff Injury
  • Hamstring Injury
  • Iliotibial Band Syndrome
  • Acute and Chronic Strains; Sprains
  • Shoulder Pain
  • Groin Pain
  • Hip Impingement
  • Shin Splints (Exercise Induced Leg Pain)
  • Plantar Fascistic

Pain Management

Electrotherapy refers to the use of electrical energy for therapeutic purposes in the field of Physical therapy and rehabilitation. This modality involves applying electrical stimulation to the body tissues to achieve various therapeutic effects. Electrotherapy can be administered using different devices and techniques, each serving specific purposes in managing pain, promoting healing, and improving muscle function.

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Physiotherapy is vital for rehabilitating individuals post-motor vehicle accidents, addressing musculoskeletal, neurological, and soft tissue injuries. Interventions aim to promote recovery, restore functional mobility, and minimize long-term complications. Tailored treatment plans are crucial for individual needs, fostering a holistic and effective approach to rehabilitation, facilitating a return to pre-accident levels of function.

Workers Compensation Board Injuries

Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in the Worker’s Compensation Board (WCB) program, which is designed to provide rehabilitation and support to workers who have sustained work-related injuries or illnesses. The goal of physiotherapy within the WCB program is to facilitate the injured worker’s recovery, restore function, and help them return to work safely.

Spinal Manipulation

Spinal manipulation, a hands-on therapy for musculoskeletal issues, targets the spine with controlled forces, often producing popping sounds. The goal is to improve joint mobility, correct misalignments, and relieve pain. Practiced by trained Physiotherapists, this technique is commonly applied for conditions like back and neck pain, believed to positively impact the nervous system and overall body function.

Peripheral Joint Mobilization

Peripheral joint mobilization in physical therapy improves joint function, reducing pain with gentle, controlled movements. Unlike manipulation, it involves gradual, hands-on techniques for flexibility, reduced stiffness, and optimal joint alignment. Ideal for acute injuries or sensitive patients, it’s part of a personalized rehabilitation plan.

Dry Needling

Dry needling, a Physiotherapy technique, uses thin needles to target muscles, alleviating pain and enhancing function. Unlike acupuncture, it follows Western principles, stimulating tension release and promoting blood flow. This needle procedure, performed by trained Physiotherapists, is part of comprehensive plans for conditions like muscle pain and musculoskeletal disorders.

Trigger Point

Trigger point therapy targets muscle pain and dysfunction caused by tight, tender trigger points. Practitioners apply manual pressure to release tension, improve blood flow, and alleviate pain. Utilizing methods like sustained pressure or stretching, trained Physiotherapists aim to deactivate trigger points, restoring normal muscle function. This therapy is a common component of comprehensive treatment plans for conditions such as myofascial pain syndrome.

Concussion Management

Physiotherapists can be an integral part of the concussion recovery process. Assessment includes a battery of tests to address the potential causes of symptoms (both acute and chronic), which may be present following concussion. These include assessment and treatment of the

  • Visual system
  • Vestibular system
  • Cervical spine (neck) joints and musculature
  • Cardiovascular system

Vestibular rehabilitation

Vestibular rehabilitation is a specialized form of physical therapy designed to address problems related to the vestibular system, which plays a crucial role in balance, spatial orientation, and coordination. The vestibular system includes the inner ear and its connections to the brain. Vestibular rehabilitation aims to alleviate symptoms and improve function in individuals with vestibular disorders. Here are key points about vestibular rehabilitation.

Graston Technique

The Graston Technique, a manual therapy for soft tissue injuries, utilizes stainless-steel instruments with unique shapes to mobilize muscles and connective tissues. Practitioners apply specific pressure to break down adhesions, initiating healing processes. Typically performed by trained Physiotherapists, this technique targets conditions like tendonitis, ligament injuries, and myofascial pain, integrated into comprehensive rehabilitation and pain management plans.

Functional Capacity Evaluation

A functional capacity evaluation (FCE) evaluates an individual’s capacity to perform work activities related to his or her participation in employment. The FCE process compares the individual’s health status, and body functions and structures to the demands of the job and the work environment.

In essence, an FCE’s primary purpose is to evaluate a person’s ability to participate in work, although other instrumental activities of daily living that support work performance may also be evaluated.

Pre -Op Physiotherapy

Pre-operative physiotherapy, also known as prehabilitation or prehab, is a specialized branch of Physical therapy that prepares individuals for surgery. The focus is on optimizing physical condition pre-surgery to enhance postoperative outcomes and facilitate a smoother recovery. Through a thorough assessment, tailored exercise programs address weaknesses, improve overall fitness, and maximize joint mobility for personalized pre-operative care.

Post-Op Physiotherapy

Post-operative Physiotherapy, or post-surgical rehabilitation, is a specialized branch of Physical therapy dedicated to the recovery and rehabilitation of individuals post-surgery. Focused on promoting healing, restoring functional mobility, reducing pain, and preventing complications, it plays a crucial role in optimizing postoperative outcomes. Trained physiotherapists work to tailor rehabilitation programs to individual needs for an effective and personalized recovery experience.

Scoliosis Treatment (Schroth Method)

The Schroth Method is a nonsurgical option for scoliosis treatment. It uses exercises customized for each patient to return the curved spine to a more natural position. The goal of Schroth exercises is to de-rotate, elongate and stabilize the spine in a three-dimensional plane.

TMJ (Jaw) Disorders

As a general rule TMJ opening disorders (how the jaw moves when opening or closing) are more likely to be successfully treated with jaw movement improvement techniques such as joint mobilization, dry needling, muscle stretch/relaxation/coordination exercises that are provided by your physiotherapist.

Kinesio Taping

Kinesio taping, a therapeutic technique, applies special elastic tape to the skin for support, pain reduction, and improved muscle and joint function. The thin, stretchy tape mimics human skin elasticity and is strategically applied in specific patterns with varying tension levels to achieve therapeutic effects.

Neuro Rehabilitation

Physiotherapy is pivotal in neurological rehabilitation, addressing physical and functional challenges in conditions like stroke, traumatic brain injury, and Parkinson’s disease. With a multidimensional approach, it aims to optimize recovery and independence, focusing not only on physical impairments but also on overall well-being. Individuals with neurological conditions benefit from tailored interventions that enhance their quality of life and holistic health.

In-Home Physiotherapy

We bring our physiotherapy services into your home to help overcome some of the challenges our seniors and less mobile patients face. Our carefully selected physiotherapists will help you or your loved one to remain independent and get the most
out of life.