Services
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient form of Chinese medicine involving the insertion of solid acupuncture needles into the skin at specific points on the body to achieve a therapeutic effect. No drug is injected. The needles alone create the beneficial effects of acupuncture. Acupuncture is used to encourage natural healing, improve mood and energy, reduce or relieve pain and improve function of affected areas of the body. It is safe and effective and is often successfully used as an alternative to medications or even surgery.
Vestibular Rehabilitation
The vestibular organs of the inner ear provide the brain with information about changes in head movement. If the vestibular system is not functioning properly, dizziness, vertigo, imbalance, spatial disorientation, and other symptoms can result. The goal of vestibular rehabilitation is to retrain the brain to recognize and process signals from the vestibular system in coordination with information from vision and proprioception. This often involves desensitizing the balance system to movements that provoke symptoms.
Job-Site Analysis (JSA)
An analysis to evaluate a job site to make a definitive statement about that job, its risks, requirements and productivity. A job-site analysis uses principles of ergonomics. With respect to the WCB, job-site analyses are primarily used as a precursor in developing return-to-work programs.
TSA
Transferable Skills Analysis identifies alternate career choices for a client based upon the client’s education, previous work history and current physical tolerances. This is performed by an Occupational Therapist when it has been determined that the client is not able to physically perform their pre-injury job or in situations where their pre-injury job is not longer available.
FCE
Functional capacity evaluations (FCE)is an intensive short-term (usually one day) evaluation that focuses on major physical tolerance abilities related to musculoskeletal strength, endurance, speed and flexibility. A systematic process that attempts to quantify a person's capabilities by assessing current performance levels and comparing them to the demands of the person's pre-injury essential job or home tasks. The functional exam incorporates subjective testing, validity of effort, dynamic performance, material handling tasks, and work simulations routines to test flexibility, strength, balance, coordination and cardiovascular condition.
Ergonomic Assessment
The professional evaluation is used to identify and report any risk factors that the worker may encounter while employed. By identifying those risks for injury and physical stress, the evaluator provides recommendations for modified design and practice. The ergonomic assessment and its implementation can help make the work environment safer and more physically efficient. Ergonomic modification of the job site or method by which the job is performed can be done to reduce the potential of injury, or re-injury in the case of an injured worker who is returning to work. The practice of ergonomics works toward fitting the job to the person-not the person to the work-to optimize and enhance performance.
Seating assessments
An individualized wheelchair assessment and proper seating can prevent nursing home residents from sliding out of their chairs, increase their comfort level and eliminate restraint use.
Education programs
Transfers – targeted at healthcare professional and caregivers that must transfer clients. Theory on body mechanics and principles of biomechanics introduced before practical sessions allow skill development and problem solving.
Lifting – presentation designed to introduce and teach the biomechanics behind proper lifting techniques. Taught in small groups, the material is first presented in seminar format. Then physical demonstrations and practical sessions allow for hands on learning. Lastly, real world problem solving to tie the theory together with the practical.
Injury prevention – specifically tailored to meet the needs of group. Designed with clients to address information about injuries specific to industry, role of body mechanic in reducing/preventing injuries, exercise programs, job pacing and ergonomics.
Workplace ergonomics– review of Ergonomic Assessment and implementation of recommendations with employee. Education regarding the principles of ergonomics and practical application to reduce the potential of injury, or re-injury in the case of an injured worker
Disability Management
Often time several stakeholders are involved in the care of an injured or sick employee. In order to control the costs of these claims it is necessary to ensure that clients are receiving appropriate and timely care. Our team and facilities are set up to manage or coordinate the rehabilitation process to ensure all stakeholders are working on the same page to minimize delays and expenses. Verbal, written and face to face communication are key to bringing successful resolution to each claim.
Orthotics - Coordinated Service
Strait Area Physiotherapy works closely with Pedorthists and can coordinate service to these professional. Orthotics are devices that may be applied to any part of the body to prevent or correct deformity, protect and immobilize structures, facilitate healing, and increase function. Foot orthotics are the most commonly prescribed type of orthotic. Assessment and prescription is completed by a Canadian Certified Pedorthist.