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Physiotherapy Areas of Expertise

Physiotherapists graduate with a Masters degree in Physical Therapy (MPT) and obtain specialized
knowledge through focused clinical experience in their Practice Area(s)

Many physiotherapists have also earned post-graduate credentials granted by a certifying organization; these
credentials are listed in the following guide and in the Find a Physio database with*.

PRACTICE AREAS DESCRIPTION


(Types of Physiotherapy)
*certifications
ACUPUNCTURE Physiotherapy employing acupuncture using needles at specific points of
the body to relieve pain and treat various physical disorders and
*CAFCI, Certified by Acupuncture
Foundation systemic conditions.
*CMedAc, Certified in Medical
Acupuncture
*R.Ac

AMPUTEES Muscle strengthening, balance and mobility for Amputees

ARTHRITIS Physiotherapy treatment of over 100 types of Arthritis (joint inflammation)


for all ages from tendonitis to osteoarthritis.

BREAST HEALTH Physiotherapy treatment related to breast cancer recovery including


Lymphatic Drainage.

CARDIO-RESPIRATORY Physiotherapy treatment of heart, lung and circulatory conditions such as


asthma & emphysema, as well as recovery from bypass surgery heart
attack by optimizing heart and lung function.

CHRONIC PAIN Physiotherapists treat complex chronic pain conditions using current
scientific understanding of pain and evidence based pain management
techniques including self-management techniques.

COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES Complementing traditional physiotherapy with techniques such as


Biofeedback, Craniosacral Therapy, Feldenkrais Method, Healing Touch,
Refer to listing of physios using complementary
therapies for more information. Hellerwork, Myofascial Release, and Visceral Mobilization.

CONSTIPATION Physiotherapy treatment of bowel muscle control related constipation.

DIABETES Physiotherapists assist with management of the consequences of


diabetes dealing with protective strategies to prevent further damage of
joint and skeletal disorders.

ERGONOMICS Evaluation and resolution of postural problems and work-related injuries


such as carpal tunnel syndrome, low back and neck pain.

GERONTOLOGY Physiotherapy treatment of age-related conditions such as osteoporosis,


arthritis, heart disease, stroke, immobility, and prevention of falls.

HANDS Physical Therapy treatment of injury or disease of the areas from the
*CHT, Certified Hand Therapist hands to the shoulders using exercise, manual therapy and splinting.

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Physiotherapy Areas of Expertise

HIPPOTHERAPY (Therapeutic Physiotherapists using equine movement to improve gross and fine
Horseback Riding) motor control, and to assimilate normal gain and posture for people of all
ages with neurological disorders.

HOME VISITS Physiotherapy provided in private homes long term care facilities. Also
look for additional areas of practice listed.

HYDROTHERAPY Physical Therapy Treatment in water based environment.

INCONTINENCE Physiotherapy treatment of urinary and fecal incontinence and bladder


conditions.

INDUSTRIAL HEALTH Assessment and treatment of work-related physical problems, and


recommendation of injury prevention and workplace safety.
*FCEC, Functional Capacity
Evaluation Work Conditioning

IMS (Intramuscular Stimulation) A scientifically based physiotherapy technique using acupuncture


needles and knowledge of neurophysiology to release tight bands of
*CGIMS, Certified Gunn IMS
muscle.

JOINT REPLACEMENT Physiotherapists increase patients mobility and help them return to an
REHABILITATION active life with postoperative rehabilitation.

LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE Lymphatic drainage is a type of therapy that is intended to help the body
produce a free-flowing lymphatic system.

MCKENZIE MECHANICAL The McKenzie method of physiotherapy is a validated assessment and


DIAGNOSIS & THERAPY treatment system that separates patients suitable for mechanical therapy
*Cert MDT from non-responders. Patients are empowered to become independent
*Dip MDT through the use of self directed, patient specific, exercise programmes.

NEUROLOGY Physical Therapy treatment of nervous system conditions and injuries


that affect the balance among the brain, spinal cord and nerves,
(Stroke, MS, CP, spinal cord injuries, etc) including head and spinal cord injuries, stroke, multiple sclerosis (MS),
cerebral palsy, and Parkinsons.

ORTHOPAEDICS Physiotherapy treatment of muscle, joints and tissue problems such as


*RCAMT - Resident of the Canadian fractures, and burns, including use of manual therapy & electrotherapy.
Academy of Manipulative Therapists

ORTHOTICS Physical Therapy gait and postural assessment and prescription of


orthotics.

OSTEOPOROSIS Physiotherapy exercise prescription to strengthen bones and prevent


falls and fractures.

PAEDIATRICS Physiotherapy treatment of children under 16 who have orthopaedic,


neurological and respiratory conditions, developmental delays, burns,
and conditions such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy,
cystic fibrosis.

PERI-NATAL CARE Physical Therapy treatment for pre and post pregnancy conditions.

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Physiotherapy Areas of Expertise

RESEARCH Physiotherapists engaged in clinical research related to physiotherapy.

RHEUMATOLOGY Physiotherapy treatment of acute and chronic conditions characterized


by inflammation, soreness and stiffness of muscles, and joint pain due to
degenerative joint disease; neurogenic arthropathy; hydroarthrosis;
myositis; bursitis; fibromyositis; and many other conditions.

SPINAL MANIPULATION Advanced Physiotherapy training and exams in Spinal Manipulative


Therapy. Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Therapists
*FCAMT, Fellow of the Canadian
Academy of Manipulative Therapists (FCAMT).

SPORTS INJURY Physiotherapy treatment of sprains, strains, ligament tears and other
athletic injuries using techniques such as sport specific exercise, taping,
Level 1 - Sports Physiotherapy
Canada (SPC) Athletic injury bracing, laser, ultrasound, electrotherapy, and training program
emergency procedures development.
SPC Certificate - Certified in athletic
injury assessment and treatment
SPC Diploma - Credentialed Sports
Physiotherapist

TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Physiotherapy treatment of discomfort, pain or degenerative joint disease
Dysfunction) in the jaw, muscle jaw function and neck and shoulder muscles such as
osteoarthritis rheumatoid arthritis in the jaw joint.

VAGINAL AND RECTAL PAIN Physiotherapy treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction, bladder prolapse and
uterine prolapse, and recovery from prostate surgery.

VESTIBULAR REHABILITATION Physiotherapy evaluation and treatment of balance disorders.

WHIPLASH ASSOCIATED DISORDERS Physiotherapy treatment of whiplash associated disorders.

WOMENS HEALTH Physiotherapy in areas of womens health such as incontinence,


osteoporosis, peri-natal care, mastectomies & preventative medicine.

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