Active Rehabilitation
or Exercise Therapy is a method of rehabilitation that involves
one-on-one training with a Kinesiologist with the goal of increasing
strength and flexibility and functionality. The rehabilitative
exercises are tailored to the individual and focus on improving
self-sufficiency and client independence. Guided by a thorough
initial injury assessment, the Kinesiologist will develop a personal
exercise program with these elements:
- Static and dynamic range of motion exercises
incorporating muscle energy techniques with the goal of increasing
flexibility
- Postural education and training via muscle-imbalance
correction and ergonomic recommendations
- Core stability training
- General strength and conditioning
- Sensorimotor training
- Cardiovascular training
- Pain management strategies
- Relaxation techniques
This progressive exercise
program takes place in our new modern gym with a panoramic view
of New Westminister. With all the natural lighting, the client
will feel very comfortable and relaxed in this open-setting. Also,
two knowledgeable physiotherapists are always available for additional
guidance and assistance. For your convenience, early morning and
evening appointments are available for all our working clients.
Our facility is equipped with state of the art equipment that
makes for an enjoyable and innovative rehabilitation session.
Such equipment includes Thera-bands, balance boards, exercise
balls, BOSU balance trainers, an adjustable pulley/cable machine,
full and half foam rolls, steps, free-weights, a multi-station,
a body blade, medicine balls, a squat rack, an elliptical trainer,
a treadmill and a spin-bike.
Sessions are an hour long, but Graduated Return to Work
(GRTW) Programs can also be arranged. Focusing on the return to
work, the exercise program includes work-simulation tasks to help
re-establish the tolerance and stamina required by the busy worksite.
These programs typically run for four weeks with a gradual increase
in workload, promoting a steady and safe progression toward gainful
employment.
The Active Rehabilitation Program at Burnaby Square Orthopaedic
and Sports Centre Inc. concentrates on a cost-effective approach
to bring the client to his/her highest reasonable level of self-sufficiency
and independence. The Kinesiologist will be a Registered Kinesiologist
with the British Columbia Association of Kinesiologists and is
required to maintain a constant flow of continuing education to
ensure that all the clients will receive up-to-date information
and treatment.
Melt into the table as you are massaged
with heated stones dipped in oil. Truly a luxurious experience,
and great gift!
Acupuncture
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a therapeutic method used to encourage natural healing, reduce or relieve pain and improve function of affected areas of the body. Acupuncture is safe and effective, and is often successfully used as an alternative to medications or even surgery. Relief is often obtained when traditional medical therapy has failed. Acupuncture involves the insertion of the very fine needles through the skin and tissues at specific paints on the body. There are no injections of any substance and the treatment itself causes minimal discomfort.
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture stimulates the body to produce its own pain relieving chemicals called “endorphins”. These chemicals mimic morphine by attaching to opiate receptor sites found throughout the nervous system. Endorphins help to block pathways that relay pain messages from the body to the brain, resulting in relief of pain, general relaxation and biochemical restoration of the body’s own internal regulation systems.
How is acupuncture used today?
Acupuncture is very effective in treating a variety of painful disorders, both acute and chronic. Acupuncture has benefited in a wide range of neurological and muscular disorders such as headaches, neck and back pain, neuralgia, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, tendonitis, sciatica, and arthritis.
Are there any adverse effects or risks to the treatment?
One of the most striking aspects of acupuncture is the almost complete absence of adverse effects and complications from its use. Most patients find that the treatments are relaxing and cause minimal discomfort.
People with pacemaker should avoid electrical stimulation unless approved by their cardiologist. Women in early pregnancy and hemophiliacs should be treated with caution.
Does it hurt?
People experience differing sensations with acupuncture. Most patients feel only minimal discomfort as the needles are inserted: some feel no pain at all. Once the needles are in place, there should be no significant discomfort.
Acupuncture needles are extremely fine and are made from stainless steel. Two or three acupuncture needles would fin inside the barrel of a regular hollow needle used for injections.
How many treatments will be required?
The number of treatments will vary with each individual and the condition being treated. For acute problems, only a few treatments may be required. In some cases, one treatment will be sufficient.
For complex or longstanding conditions, one or two treatments a week for several weeks may be recommended with less frequent treatment as improvement occurs. Treatment sessions usually last between 15 and 30 minutes. Relief may be immediate or occur within a few hours, or after a few days.
In some conditions, several sessions may be required before improvement is noticed.
Eighty to ninety percent of patients respond well to acupuncture with noticeable improvement. Acupuncture can be used as the only form of therapy or it may be combined successfully with other forms of medical or physical therapy.
Do I have to believe in acupuncture for it to work?
No. Acupuncture is used successfully on cats, dogs, horses and other animals. These animal patients do not understand or believe in the process that helps them get better. A positive attitude towards wellness may reinforce the effects of any type of treatment. A neutral or negative attitude (“I don’t know if I really believe in this”) will not block the effects of acupuncture.
Is there any special advice to follow before an acupuncture treatment?
Acupuncture treatment can be done at any time. Patients are advised not to eat unusually large meals before or after treatments. It is best to avoid alcohol or sedatives for four hours prior to treatment. Pain medications may be takes as required.
What about after treatment?
If possible, a short rest after treatment is desirable, but not essential. Some patients feel unusually relaxed and prefer to plan activities accordingly. Strong exercise is not recommended immediately after treatment.
For painful conditions, avoid strenuous activity for 48 hours after treatment. Alcohol, and ideally caffeine and cigarettes, should be avoided for at least two hours. Medication, as directed by your physician, may be taken as required.
