What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a term used to describe a group of over 100 diseases characterized by inflammation in the joints or other areas of the body. Inflammation is a medical term that describes redness and swelling which causes pain and, when in the joints, can also cause stiffness.
Arthritis (arthro = joint, itis = inflammation) can involve almost any part of the body, most often affecting the hip, knee, spine or other weight-bearing joints, but also found in the fingers and other non-weight-bearing joints. Some forms of arthritis can also affect other parts of the body.
Arthritis is a chronic condition: it affects people on an ongoing, constant or recurring basis over months, years, even a lifetime. (1)
Arthritis conditions are grouped into two broad categories: Osteoarthritis (OA) and Inflammatory arthritis (IA). Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is under the category of Inflammatory Arthritis
We treat many forms of Arthritis at LiquidGym. The two of the most common forms of Arthritis we treat are highlighted below.
Osteoarthritis (OA)
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis. It affects more Canadians than all other forms of arthritis combined – more than 4 million Canadians, or 1 in 7 adults. OA is a progressive disease of the whole joint that leads to breakdown of joint cartilage and the underlying bone. (1)
The joints most commonly affected by OA are the knees, hips and those in the hands and spine.
HIP REPLACEMENT OR KNEE REPLACEMENT – HYDROTHERAPY IS A GREAT OPTION
YOU MAY WANT TO CONSIDER PRE-OP – THERAPY BEFORE YOUR SURGERY OR POST-OP THERAPY AFTER YOUR SURGERY
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disease that can affect multiple joints in the body. RA is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system—which normally functions to protect us against infections—mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints. Inflammation in the joints causes pain, stiffness and swelling. If this inflammation continues, it can lead to damage of the joint. The cause of this malfunctioning immune system is still unknown. (1)
WHY HYDROTHERAPY MAYBE AN OPTION FOR ARTHRITIS
Water immersion allows patients to perform movements they may be unable to perform on land. Exercises can be performed with greater ease and less pain due to the buoyancy created by the water.
The upward force of buoyancy counter balances the negative downward effects of gravity and greatly decreases the impact forces that your body is subjected to in traditional land therapy sessions.
When standing chest deep in water your body weight is reduced by 80%. Therefore, an individual weighing 200lbs on land only weighs 40lbs in the water and the ability to safely perform exercise therapy is greatly enhanced.
Therapy before and after surgery
Whether you are going in for cardiovascular surgery, orthopedic surgery, cancer treatments or a simple day procedure, a prehab program may help with your recovery and post-surgical outcomes.
It is never too early to start Pre-op therapy (also known as Prehab) but at least 4-6 weeks prior to your scheduled surgery is recommended.
Post-op therapy (also known as Rehab) when done through hydrotherapy can begin, generally speaking, once the incision has healed, which can be between 15 – 30 days depending on the surgery. Ask your doctor when he would like you to start your rehab.
FOR AN ASSESSMENT AND DETAILED PLAN OF CARE
CALL LIQUIDGYM 613-820-8228
TO HAVE AN APPOINTMENT WITH
ONE OF OUR THERAPISTS!
References and Links
LEARN MORE
- Please ensure you have completed your online assessment form before arriving for your appointment.
- Your first appointment is a land appointment. Shorts and t-shirt/tank top are appropriate.
- Bring your physician’s referral, if you have one (though not required)
- Provide any relevant medical history
- Bring any relevant reports/test results (e.g. x-rays, ultrasound scan, MRI reports)
- Personal and family medical history
- Major illnesses that you have experienced
- Surgeries or operations that you have had
- Medications that you are currently taking
- Your level of activity at work and leisure
- Sleeping habits
- Blood pressure, pulse and breathing
- Reflexes
- Muscle strength
- Flexibility
- Range of motion
- Coordination
- Posture Analysis
- X-Ray review
- Movement Analysis
Do I need a physician’s referral?
Physiotherapists are primary health care practitioners and therefore offer direct access to physiotherapy services without the need for a physician’s referral. Some extended health insurance plans require a physician’s referral; however, please check your insurance plan if in doubt.
Can you bill directly to my insurance company?
Some extended health insurance companies currently accept direct billing from Physiotherapy clinics. Ask and we can let you know if your insurance company accepts direct billing from LiquidGym.
Does LiquidGym accept Motor Vehicle Accident claims?
No. As of September 1, 2021 we no longer submit nor bill for MVA claims. LiquidGym can, however, treat MVA injuries. You just need to pay our standard therapy rates at the time of your appointment.
Do you direct bill for Veterans Affairs, RCMP, and Canadian Forces?
Yes. If you have Blue Cross coverage through either Veterans Affairs, RCMP, or Canadian Forces, we can bill directly with Blue Cross. To proceed, we require your ID number and the contact information of your case manager, if applicable.
Many patients pay out-of-pocket for physiotherapy. At LiquidGym we respect your dollar by providing only one-on-one appointments with your physiotherapist. We do not double-book clients, nor do we provide your treatment through support personnel. In addition to your on-site treatment, if appropriate, the physiotherapist will provide a self-managed home care treatment program to facilitate your recovery.
No, LiquidGym is not an OHIP designated clinic.
Due to a high number of last-minute cancellations and missed appointments, any physiotherapy appointments canceled within 24 hours of the scheduled appointment time will be subjected to a $50 cancellation fee per 30 minutes of missed appointment time.
When you cancel your appointment, please inform office staff why you are canceling. This information will be passed along to your therapist.
Appointment reminder emails will be sent out 24 hours in advance.