PAIN IS COMPLEX
It is important to recognize that pain is complex, and that managing and treating chronic pain is not the responsibility of any single health profession or type of intervention – be it pharmacological, psychological, or activity-based rehabilitation. The Canadian Pain Task Force, created by the federal government in 2019, continues to provide recommendations to government on how to better respond to the needs of Canadians living with chronic pain.5 By increasing funded access to physiotherapists as part of a comprehensive pain management team of health professionals, we can help take a stronger approach to supporting Canadians living with pain.
Acute pain vs. Chronic pain
Acute pain usually comes on suddenly and has a specific cause like post-surgery, a broken bone, a sprained ankle, a cut or burn, etc. This type of pain usually goes away when your body has healed and doesn’t last longer than six months.
Chronic pain is described as a pain that is ongoing for longer than six months and can continue even after the injury or illness that caused it has healed.
Pain signals can remain active in the nervous system for weeks, months, or years (1). This can have a huge impact on your daily life affecting work, social activities, etc.
ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF PAIN
Assessment and management of pain is a fundamental aspect of physiotherapy practice.1 There is strong evidence that chronic pain is most effectively managed using non-pharmacological strategies, such as activity, exercise, and mental health supports.2 Despite this evidence, access to these therapies remains a significant barrier to many Canadians living with chronic pain.2 The estimated combined direct and indirect costs of chronic pain in Canada total between $56 and $60 billion per year3 – a cost that is greater than the estimated costs of cancer, heart disease, and HIV combined.4
There is strong evidence that chronic pain is most effectively managed using non-pharmacological strategies, such as activity, exercise, and mental health supports
IS PHYSIOTHERAPY AN OPTION TO HELP MANAGE YOUR PAIN?
The answer is YES. IT can be an effective way to help mange chronic pain through:
- exercise
- education
- modalities
WHY HYDROTHERAPY MAYBE AN OPTION AT LIQUIDGYM
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.
REFERENCES:
[1] Johnson, H. & Thériault, E. (2016). Unique Considerations for Management of Pain in the Older Adult. Retrieved from https://physiotherapy.ca/unique-considerations-management-pain-older-adult-johnson-h-theriault-e
[2] Canadian Pain Task Force, Government of Canada (2020, October). Working together to better understand, prevent, and manage chronic pain: What We Heard. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/corporate/about-health-canada/public-engagement/external-advisory-bodies/canadian-pain-task-force/report-2020.html
[3] Wilson, M.G., Lavis, J.N., & Ellen, M.E. (2015, September-October). Supporting chronic pain management across provincial and territorial health systems in Canada: Findings from two stakeholder dialogues. Pain Research & Management, 20(5), 269-279. doi: 10.1155/2015/918976
[4] Lynch, M.E. (2011, March-April). The need for a Canadian pain strategy. Pain Research & Management, 16(2), 77-80. doi: 10.1155/2011/65461
CALL LIQUIDGYM TODAY TO BOOK an assessment WITH ONE OF OUR PHYSIOTHERASPIST
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.