Pain relief techniques tailored to suit client needs
People experiencing pain may be surprised what can be treated by physiotherapy.
While many people may associate physiotherapy with a sports injury, there are many other painful injuries, illnesses and disabilities that can be treated effectively.
Catherine Sorensen opened Body ‘n Balance Physio and Wellness Clinic in Wasaga Beach 12 years ago with her husband Don. They had a mission to provide all clients with the same care and commitment, whether a top-level athlete who wants to get back on the field or a recreational hiker who wants to get back on the trail. She said they apply university-trained, evidence-based treatments and are constantly updating their training to include the newest research.
“The point is to get people better faster, using the newest techniques,” said Catherine.
Melanie MacPherson came on in 2012 and is a partner in the new Creemore clinic of the same name, where all three physiotherapists will be seeing clients depending on their requirements.
People may see a physiotherapist if they have chronic pain, migraine headaches, an injury relating to a collision, sports, work or aging, have suffered a stroke or need to improve their balance to prevent falls. Physiotherapists use a combination of manual hand-on treatment, education and exercises and they use a number of tests to assess progress with range of motion, flexibility, strength and balance.
“It is common to be given an exercise program at home, based on the client’s personal goals,” said MacPherson.
Since opening the Wasaga Beach clinic, said Sorensen, they had ambitions of expanding to other locations so they kept an eye out for potential locations. When the old fire hall became available, having been renovated by the former occupant, Village Builders, Sorensen said they went for it because of location, and the fact that the building is wheelchair accessible. Inside, there is a reception area, space for demonstrating exercises, private treatment rooms and space to offer other complementary services as the business grows.
“When seeking treatment, people may have to visit a clinic two or three times per week. It’s not ideal to travel far when injured so the closer the clinic, the better the treatment,” said Sorensen.
They also offer different kinds of acupuncture, vestibular rehabilitation, which is used to treat vertigo and dizziness, custom bracing, therapeutic taping and golf rehab, to help people improve their swing so not to trigger pain.
Each one of the physiotherapists at Body ‘n Balance is a general practitioner but they also have their areas of expertise.
For instance, Sorensen specializes in pain relating to the pelvic floor area for both men and women, which could present as incontinence or pain when sitting or during intercourse.
People can seek treatment at the clinic without a referral from a family physician but a referral may be required for some insurance providers.
In addition to running assessments, there are plans to start a running group and maybe a lunchtime boot camp, based out of the clinic. They will be bringing on a registered massage therapist in the fall and possibly other services as community need becomes apparent.
Body ‘n Balance, located at 3 Caroline Street East, opened the Creemore clinic on April 10 and is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. An open house is planned for Saturday, May 20, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Visitors will be welcome to tours and refreshments. For more information or to make an appointment, call 705-520-0265. Visit www.bodynbalancephysio.com.
Photo: Physiotherapists Catherine Sorensen (from left) and Melanie MacPherson with administrative and physiotherapy assistant Kadie Collins at the new Body ‘n Balance clinic in Creemore.
