Tele-wha? Telehealth Services

When we think of paramedical services such as counselling, dietetics and physiotherapy the first thought that comes to mind is not necessarily virtual or telehealth appointments.

The healthcare world has been firmly grounded with in-person service as the ‘gold standard’ of evaluation and treatment of patients… until now. In these uncertain times where we are trying our best to follow physical distancing recommendations, government guidelines, and new ways of being it has launched all business and healthcare in an entirely new direction. Where third party payers and benefits providers would previously have not covered telehealth services, covering these remote services is critical to people as they continue to need assistance through this experience.

As much as change is difficult for everyone, we believe that telehealth services will be here to stay. This is why we have taken our time ensuring that the client experience will be as seamless as technology will allow. We see and hear the difficulties our clients and community are continuing to experience through this crisis, and we want to be able to show up in a tangible and reliable way. Just because we are safe at home doesn’t mean we don’t still experience pain, mental distress, and gut issues!

But … how can Physio be provided remotely?

Telehealth Appointments

Often our clients come to see us thinking that the best things we can provide are through our hands on treatment. Hands on treatment and evaluation can be extremely beneficial, however, that hands on evaluation and treatment comes backed by years of education and an intimate understanding of the processes of the body, stages of tissue healing and rehabilitation, movement analysis, and the biopsychosocial components to pain management.

At Warman Physio we see a wide variety of individuals and understand that injuries, incontinence, pain, and movement dysfunction does not only continue to occur or develop, but can in many cases get worse with added stress. We are here to help you, help yourself in a safe and effective manner.

Remote Counselling? How?

Counselling is often thought of as sitting on a couch with a box of kleenex next to the counsellor and pouring out all your problems. During this uncertain time feeling like you have no where to turn or talk to can increase many difficulties you were already facing. Connecting through a secure video link will give you the option of sharing your thoughts and feelings, and developing new strategies to support your mental health.

 

Want to access some more details? Check out our information we have available on our telehealth services – including how we are ensuring we are doing our best to keep your appointment information safe and secure!

 

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Counselling Services – Jennifer King RSW

Hello, I’m so glad to share with you what I do to help people.

For the past 17 years, I have worked as a social worker, mostly in counseling services as well as in the hospital with acute care.  In the last few years, I have focused on pain management, specifically in the psychological aspect.

What does this mean?

If you or your child are experiencing big reactions to seeming small issues or emotions; anxiousness; defensiveness; impulsivity; risk-taking; flat affect; low energy; passiveness; difficulty connecting with others; we can work together.
These reactions can happen when we experience chronic stress or trauma (life situations that are just too much, medical situations, car accidents, or even sports injuries).
When we work together we focus on bringing together your physical reactions and your emotions to create safety and connection.  Then we find more playfulness, good eye contact, initiative, follow-through and wanting to be with others.
You can book your next appointment here https://warmanphysio.janeapp.com or phone the clinic at 1-306-373-9355.  Online sessions are available if preferred.  Please email me at jking@jenniferkingrsw.com for more information (subject – online session).

Jennifer is a registered social worker with over 17 years of experience working in education and healthcare. Currently, she is completing a graduate degree in social work knowledge of pain management. She provides counselling in pain management strategies for adults and children and general mental health. Using a range of strategies, she works with you to develop a pain management strategy that works for you.
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Ankle Sprains: A Case Study

With icy sidewalks and streets, falls during the winter can become more prominent. One injury that can occur is ankle sprains.  Have you ever sprained your ankle before? Wondering if you should seek physiotherapy? Lets look at a case history of one example of an ankle sprain and what physiotherapy may involve…

Ankle Sprain: Case Study

A 35 year old woman attends the clinic after she was walking her dogs outdoors when they lunged suddenly, causing her to slip on some ice. She fell, rolling her right ankle to the side and was able to get back up and weight bear through her injured ankle, although limping back home. Her ankle was pretty sore with some noticeable swelling so she went to see her family physician the following day. X-rays were taken of the ankle and she was advised she did not have a fracture, but rather sprained her ankle. She was recommended to rest the ankle for the next 3 days and to limit her weight bearing as tolerated using a lace up brace. She was also prescribed anti-inflammatories and referred to physiotherapy.

Dance Ankles and Feet

For the assessment she was weight bearing with a lace up ankle brace. The ankle was noted as still sore but improving.

Some mild swelling over the lateral ankle and some tenderness to touch over the ankle ligaments were noted. With in-clinic testing it was determined she was dealing with a moderate ankle sprain. She was prescribed some basic neuroproprioceptive and gentle strengthening exercises. These early phase exercises set the base foundation for return to regular activity and sports and she was eager to get back to her regular routine with her dogs.

The client was seen for 6 further follow ups over the next 3 months.  During this time she was provided with some manual therapy techniques to the ankle. She was also given a progressive home exercise program which included progressive strengthening, balance and proprioceptive training. The client noted full resolution of symptoms at the conclusion of her treatment and return to her activities which included walking her dogs and her dance class.

Often people find that their ankle will feel “good enough” part way through rehabilitation but ensuring that all systems are truly “go” will help prevent a recurring injury from incomplete rehab programming.

What is the current evidence for acute lateral ankle sprains and the role of physical therapy?

If required a short period of immobilization may be used, however exercise and a functional support (either bracing or taping) is recommended over immobilization. Clinical practice guidelines support the inclusion of an active exercise rehab program following an acute lateral ankle sprain as soon as possible to help prevent recurrent lateral ankle sprains. 1

It is commonly misunderstood that someone must wait a certain period of time before attending physiotherapy, however, keep in mind that physiotherapists can assess injuries right from the moment of impact; just like when an athlete becomes injured. Coming for an appointment early in healing can give you the right tools to start with immediately. Alternatively, the body is capable of healing and change even after extended periods of time so it is also never too late to start.

If you have unfortunately sustained an ankle injury, we at Warman Physiotherapy and Wellness have trained physiotherapists who can offer a progressive rehabilitation program to help you on the road to recovery and return you to your activities/sport!

 

References:

  1. Diagnosis, treatment and prevention of ankle sprains: update of an evidence-based clinical guideline. BJSM. Volume 52, Issue 15. August 2018. Gwendolyn Vuurberg, et. al.
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2020! A Year of Change

Is anyone else really looking forward to all the bad ‘dad’ jokes about eye sight that will be part of 2020? As we reflect on 2019, both personally and professionally, we try to bring forward our lessons learned into the New Year and set some new goals.

“You cannot change anyone, but you can be the reason someone changes.”
― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart

There are many ideas and thoughts about change that can result in so many various feelings, excitement and sorrow, elation and defeat. The perspective with which we see change, and how these quotes resonate (or don’t) with us is key. At Warman Physio we are striving to hold excitement, wonder, hope and joy in the changing seasons.

As such, we are celebrating a change in year, starting a new calendar, setting fresh goals and a feeling of starting new with an optimism of new beginnings. This year at Warman Physio we want to let our clients know:

  1. We are going to continue to advocate for our clients through our collaborative relationships within the community, as well as through continued education of our providers
  2. Providing our family friendly atmosphere, supporting in particular new and expecting mothers, is not going anywhere!
  3. We will continue to strive to provide personable, comprehensive, compassionate care to each and every client that comes through our doors
  4. Warman Physio – Saskatoon will continue to grow over the next year to provide improved access to those that are unable to make the trek out to Warman

These core values will not change. To help hold steady the trust and understanding we share within our clients and the community. We find that often the New Year will also bring change. Change happens whether we want it to or not, so we choose to be prepared for the opportunities that change will bring. This year we have a couple changes that will be heading your way.

New Disciplines

Warman Physio is proud to be a multidisciplinary clinic in both Warman, and Saskatoon. It is fun to reflect on where we started in 2014 in Warman, with a single Massage Therapist and Physiotherapist, as this is our starting point in Saskatoon!

The Warman location has now grown to include: 4 physiotherapists, 2 massage therapists, an occupational therapist, and a registered dietitian on staff.

Our Dietitian, Heather Tulloch, is our newest staff member and discipline to the clinic! She is looking forward to providing this much needed service in Warman, as there currently are no RD services in the city!

Change

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
― Margaret Mead

We continue to think of ways in which we can assist our community to build relationships, and provide necessary services. We hear you, our clients and the residents of the communities we are in, when you say you want to be supported, to have your providers actually listen to and hear you, to understand what you are going through. It is our top priority to help our clients, help themselves through individual treatment and value through the content on our sites. We are committed to being authentic, vulnerable and real as a company; and we hope to bring more of this to you, our clients throughout the coming years.

Leave

Haylie will be taking a step away from clients to start of the New Year. She writes:

This is a difficult decision to make but I feel it is the right one. The team of therapists at the two clinics can provide outstanding care and support to all of our clients, and it will give me the opportunity to work on the clinic. I am always looking for ways to ensure the best client experience, and taking a step back from clients and dive into working on efficiency now at this pivotal moment is going to allow us to be positioned for long-term success. You’re going to see me around as I’m working on Warman Physio from a new angle.

Here is to 2020 and all the new and exciting changes it will bring!

 

 

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