Many patients arrive at their first physical therapy appointment expecting to receive hot packs, modalities and instructions on how to complete a series of exercises. These modalities are warranted in many instances and most therapists would agree that exercise is needed to help restore muscle imbalances. All Physiotherapists at K-TOWN Physiotherapy have post-graduate training in Manual (hands-on) Assessment and Treatment. Research shows that manual therapy in combination with other treatments such as education and exercise, can help you to return to pain-free living faster. Some of our therapists have received the highest level of training that includes joint manipulation as a form of treatment. Joint manipulation is a high level, regulated skill that is proven to reduce pain and improve movement and function. More specifically, joint manipulation is the application of a rapid force movement that helps to create space (or gapping) of a joint. The gapping created helps to change the firing pattern of pain nerves, allowing a person to experience less pain.

Sport specific rehabilitation is beneficial whether you are a professional athlete or the “weekend warrior”, our skilled therapists will get you back to your full potential. We’ll work with you to maintain or adjust your training schedule while helping you recover from your injury. K-TOWN Physiotherapy provides competition coverage for all sporting events. Coverage can include pre and post-competition coverage including prophylactic taping and warm-up treatment as well as pre and post-competition massage therapy. K-TOWN Physiotherapy is the Sports Physiotherapy provider for Kingston Area Secondary Schools Athletic Association (KASSAA) and also assists with St. Lawrence College Viking Varsity Athletics. Previous and ongoing event and team coverage: Tim Horton’s Brier (2020) Canadian Tire National Figure Skating Championship (2015) PGA Tour Canada – Great Waterway Classic (2014 & 2015) Scotties Tournament of Hearts (2013) Skate Canada International (2010)

K-TOWN Physiotherapy is proud to offer Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy/Women's Health Physiotherapy at both their West and Downtown locations. The pelvic floor consists of the muscles, nerves and fascia extending from the pubic bone to the tailbone. These muscles contribute to bladder/bowel function, sexual function, and core stability. A pelvic health Physiotherapist will use both an internal and external assessment of the muscles and joints around the pelvis to identify dysfunction. Pelvic floor dysfunction can be caused by hypotonicity (weak muscles) and/or hypertonicity (tight muscles). The therapist will then create an appropriate treatment plan in accordance with the patient’s goals. A recent 2020 study by Uechi, N et al concluded that most women DO NOT have an accurate self-perception of a pelvic floor contraction when performed independently without an internal assessment. An internal assessment by a trained pelvic health physiotherapist allows for individualized and specific feedback and rehabilitation of the pelvic floor musculature. Pelvic Floor dysfunction can contribute to these common, but NOT normal conditions: - Urinary Incontinence (Stress, Urge, Mixed) - Prolapse of the bladder, rectum or uterus - Dyspareunia (painful intercourse) - Vaginismus - Vulvodynia - Persistent Pelvic Pain - Interstitial Cystitis or Painful Bladder Syndrome - Pudendal neuralgia Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy can also play an important role in pre and post-partum care to help prevent dysfunction, prepare the pelvic floor muscles for childbirth, and restore optimal pelvic health following delivery.

Well Baby Assessment: For ages: 2 weeks to 12 months One hour assessment with Registered Physiotherapist Assess baby’s head shape & neck movement (Plagiocephaly and Torticollis) Assess baby’s gross motor skills and motor milestones using standardized testing tools Develop play based treatment plan and home program Physical & Developmental Disabilities: Early Years (1-5 year olds) & School Age Therapy (6-18 year olds) Conditions such as Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Developmental Coordination Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Juvenile Arthritis, Toe Walking and Global Developmental Delays. One hour assessment with Registered Physiotherapist to outline family goals and to get base line measurements of Range of Motion, Strength and Function Play based treatment to facilitate optimal gross motor skills and function Home visits are an option With your permission the Physiotherapist can consult with the child’s public system health team in order to provide continuity of care Sports Injuries: Assess and treat sprains and strains Rehabilitation post fracture, dislocation and surgery Growth related injuries; Sever’s Disease, Osgood Schlatter’s Disease Concussion rehabilitation for persisting symptoms

Post Concussion Syndrome is defined as a variety of interacting neuropathological and psychological contributors that underlie and maintain post concussion symptoms. (Ontario Neurotrauma foundation 2013). A typical adult concussion should resolve spontaneously within 10 – 14 days. A child’s recovery is longer and can take up to 4 weeks to resolve. If symptoms do not resolve on their own then a trained Physiotherapist can assess an individual to identify the area of dysfunction and then create an individualized treatment plan to resolve the dysfunctions and progressively return the client to regular daily activities and physical activity. 85% of people with post concussion syndrome have a cervical or vestibular ocular dysfunction which are two areas we can assess and treat. An assessment would include an in depth look at the cervical spine, vestibular system, vestibular ocular reflex, and visual motor skills.

We provide in-home treatment for those whose condition does not permit them to attend the clinic or would prefer the convenience of home-based physiotherapy. Clients can be treated in the comfort and privacy of their own home, allowing for the development of a personalized treatment plan customized to the client's living environment. Whether you are experiencing joint pain, recently had an operation or simply wish to improve your baseline mobility or balance, home-based physiotherapy is an option for you.

Dry Needling Dry Needling involves the insertion of fine filament needles into neuromuscular junctions or motor points (trigger points) to stimulate the muscle. By releasing the trigger point, dry needling is able to bring pain relief and significantly improved function to athletes and patients with muscular pain. Acupuncture Acupuncture involves inserting fine filament needles into specific points on the body. Research shows that acupuncture stimulates the brain to produce natural pain-relieving chemicals (endorphins). These assist the body to heal itself and gain pain relief. K-TOWN Physiotherapy offers both acupuncture and dry needling as part of a physiotherapy treatment program. They can be used in conjunction with other treatment modalities (e.g. manual therapy and exercises) to achieve a beneficial outcome.

Shockwave Therapy (SWT) is used in physiotherapy for pain reduction, increase in metabolism at cellular level, revascularisation and recovering normal muscle tone following various disorders. After SWT, you may experience temporary soreness, tenderness or swelling for a few days following the procedure, as the shockwaves stimulate an inflammatory response. This is the body healing itself naturally, so it’s important not to take any anti-inflammatory medication immediately following SWT, which may slow down the results. Upon completion of your treatment you can return to most regular activities almost immediately SWT therapy has shown to effectively treat the following conditions: Feet - heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, achilles tendonitis Elbow – tennis and golfers elbow Shoulder - calcific tendinosis of rotator cuff Knee - patellar tendonitis Hip – bursitis Lower leg - shin splints Upper leg - Iliotibial band friction syndrome Back pain - lumbar and cervical spine regions and chronic muscular pain Some of the benefits of SWT: Excellent cost/effectiveness ratio Non-invasive solution for chronic pain No anaesthesia or drugs required Limited side effects New research shows that it can have a positive affect on acute pain For more information on SWT read our article here.

Stretching, strengthening and stabilization exercises are a critical part of the rehabilitation process for most musculoskeletal injuries. Our therapists provide injury-specific exercises to help promote healing and return to pain-free activity and sport. Our rehabilitation equipment is extensive and includes: a squat rack with free weights, dumbbells and barbells, stationary bike, BOSU, rebounder for shoulder rehabilitation, medicine balls, TRX suspension training, fitter, and wobble boards/airex pads. If required, some clients may be given an injury-specific supervised exercise program designed to assist with their rehabilitation. Clinic-guided exercises allow the treating therapist to ensure that proper technique is used to maximize results. Our personal trainers and kinesiologists are able to guide clients through their prescribed exercises, ensuring proper form and safety

Various modalities may be utilized as an adjunct to hands-on treatment in order to reduce pain and swelling and to promote healing. Modalities that are used include: Ultrasound - Ultrasound produces soundwaves that pass through the skin and cause a vibration of the local tissues. It has been shown to cause increases in tissue relaxation, local blood flow, and scar tissue breakdown. The effect of the increase in local blood flow can be used to help reduce local swelling and chronic inflammation, and, according to some studies, promote bone fracture healing. The intensity or power density of the ultrasound can be adjusted depending on the desired effect. A greater power density is often used in cases where scar tissue breakdown is the goal. IFC - Interferential Current is a direct electrical current that is used to relieve pain, reduce swelling and promote soft-tissue healing. Tiny electrical impulses are induced into the tissues in the area of the pain. Where these waves intersect below the surface of the skin, the low-frequency stimulation induces the body to secrete endorphins, which are the body’s natural pain-killers. Most patients find interferential therapy to be very beneficial and describe the treatment as being relaxing and having a “pins and needles” sensation. Ligament sprains, muscle strains and spasms often respond well to interferential current therapy. Heat - Heat treatments are used for sub-acute and chronic conditions to help relax and loosen tissues, and to stimulate blood flow to the area. Heat treatments for chronic conditions, such as repetitive strain injuries can be helpful before participating in activities. Ice - Ice treatment is most commonly used for acute injuries. If you have a recent injury (within the last 48 hours) where swelling is a problem, you should be using ice treatment. Ice packs can help minimize swelling around the injury. Applying an ice pack early and often for the first 48 hours will help minimize swelling. Decreasing swelling around an injury will help to control the pain. Ice treatments can also be used for chronic conditions, such as overuse injuries in athletes. In this case, ice the injured area after activity to help control inflammation. Never ice a chronic injury before activity.