Frequently Asked Questions - Innovation Physical Therapy (Riverbend)

528 Riverbend Square, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6R 2E3
Phone: 1-780-437-5141, Fax: 1-780-437-5181

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do your Physical Therapists treat athletic injuries?

Yes. Our Physical Therapists have been trained in numerous orthopaedic dysfunctions, including athletic injuries. We are proud to have Physical Therapists who are affiliated with, and treat, various professional and elite level athletic organizations.

How soon after an injury should I attend Physical Therapy?

If there are any immediate medical concerns, please see your Physician to assess these concerns and ensure that there are no contraindications to beginning Physical Therapy. If there are no immediate medical concerns, or once any medical concerns have been cleared, accessing Physical Therapy immediately can help with an accurate diagnosis, ensure a proper environment for healing of your injury, and prevent any delays in healing.

Can I access Physical Therapy without a Physician’s referral?

Yes. Physical Therapists have been considered Primary Health Professionals since 1995. As such, Physical Therapy may be accessed directly without a referral from your Physician. However, if you have an extended health care provider, the provider may still require a Physician’s referral to Physical Therapy before reimbursing your fees.

Does Alberta Health Care cover Physical Therapy?

No. Unfortunately, Alberta Health Care has not funded Physical Therapy since 1995. However, Innovation Physical Therapy is pleased to provide you with a Alberta Health Services funded assessment for general Physical Therapy. Please note this provision is for one assessment per treatment site per year (April 1 – March 31 the following year). Following your assessment, your Physical Therapist will inform you as to whether you qualify for a maximum of two (2) additional sessions based on the Determination of Need (DON) form. There are special provisions for fractures and surgeries, and low income situations. These sessions are provided through Community Rehabilitation, a branch of Alberta Health Services.

I hurt myself at work. Can I access Innovation Physical Therapy for my WCB claim?

Yes. Innovation Physical Therapy is an authorized provider of Physical Therapy for WCB.

I have been injured in a motor vehicle accident. How should I proceed?

Please see our Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) page.

What can I expect upon my initial visit to the clinic?

We recommend that new patients arrive 10 minutes prior to their scheduled appointment time in order to complete the necessary registration documentation and become familiar with the facility’s policies. Your Physical Therapist will perform a detailed assessment and physical examination and provide you with a diagnosis. Our assessments are generally 60 to 90 minutes long if an initial treatment session is incorporated the first day. By the end of the session, your Physical Therapist will discuss an appropriate treatment plan with you.

What should I wear to my appointment?

Please wear something that you are comfortable in. Your Physical Therapist will need to see the area of the body that is being assessed/treated, so please ensure that that area can be exposed. We always have shorts, T-shirts, and gowns available so don’t worry if you don’t have appropriate clothing with you.

I am in a great deal of pain today. Should I still come in for my session?

Some of our goals through Physical Therapy are to decrease pain, improve function, improve mobility and strength, decrease inflammation and swelling, and to give you the proper tools to manage your injury at home. Sometimes, when your injury is quite irritable, your Physical Therapist can provide different remedies to help settle down your symptoms and instruct you on the necessary tools to help you manage at home. However, if the benefit of coming in does not out weigh the suffering you would experience in travelling to the clinic, it may be best to reschedule your appointment.

What is manual therapy?

Manual Therapy is a “hands on” approach with injuries relating to structures forming joints, together with associated muscles, connective tissues (ligaments and tendons), and nerve tissue. Manual therapy may include deep tissue techniques in the form of massage or friction, joint mobilization, and/or soft tissue (e.g. muscles and nerves) mobilization.

Manual therapy may also involve manipulation of the joints or spine by a skilled professional. This involves moving a joint beyond its dysfunctional motion limits but still within its anatomical limits. A manipulative technique indicated that a controlled high speed and localized thrust is performed which may or man not result the patient experiencing a “popping” sensation that is usually painless.

The goal of manual therapy techniques is to reduce pain and restore movement and function to joints and accompanying soft tissue structures.

I am unfamiliar with Physical Therapy. What can I expect from a typical session?

At Innovation Physical Therapy, our first step in managing your injury is to perform a detailed assessment to accurately determine what it is we need to focus on. Following the assessment, our Physical Therapists will provide you with a balanced orthopaedic Physical Therapy program which may include, but is not limited to, manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, thermal modalities, electrical modalities, and/or acupuncture.

What is the difference between regular Physical Therapy and Manual Physical Therapy Treatments?

Manual Physical Therapy is a specialization in orthopaedic physical therapy. It is mostly taught at the post graduate level and consists of various level courses that are taken over a number of years. A Manual Physical Therapist acquires advanced knowledge and skills in clinical biomechanics, pathology, assessment, and appreciation of joint movement, soft tissue flexibility, nerve mobility, and muscle recruitment. To become recognized in the field of Manual Physical Therapy, the Physical Therapist must successfully go through an examination process set up by the Orthopaedic Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. The successful completion of the examination processes lead to a residency, and then a fellowship degree in the field.

What is the difference between Manual Physical Therapy and Chiropractic treatments?

The philosophy behind the two forms of treatments is quite different. Although some tools, such as spinal manipulation, may be similar, they are not used for the same purposes. Manipulations are only one of many tools that a Manual Physical Therapist can use. Mobilizations and soft tissue techniques may often be more indicated than manipulations, especially with recurring problems. Physical Therapy emphasizes the active component of the treatment. This is achieved by teaching the patient specific exercises and proper movement patterns in order to give the patient tools to manage their condition on their own. This will help minimize dependency and recurrence of problems.

Where is Innovation Physical Therapy located?

Innovation Physical Therapy is located at 528 Riverbend Square. We are in the opposite corner to the MediCentre and Shoppers Drug Mart, and closer to the Scotia Bank and Booster Juice.

Please see our Map.