Trying to decide on a physiotherapist or physiotherapy clinic to best treat your injuries?
Which one is right for you? Who do you trust with your injuries?
Should I just google: Physiotherapist near me?
Whether you woke up with low back pain or a sore neck from working at home, visiting a physiotherapist is always a wise plan.
We recently chatted with the team at Sheddon Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic in Burlington/Aldershot to get some insights on common exercise mistakes and everyday injuries that physios can treat. In today’s blog, we’re sharing four helpful tips to help you find the right physiotherapy clinic and physiotherapist.
1. Physical Treatment does not mean Physiotherapist
Did you know that in Ontario, “physiotherapist,” “physical therapist,” and “PT” are protected titles? This means a professional can only use them if they’re part of the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.
A physiotherapist must have a degree in physiotherapy and pass a licencing exam. This ensures your practitioner follows specific rules and standards for providing high-quality care while prioritizing your safety and privacy.
Many unlicensed individuals do weekend courses to learn the basics of stretching but this is not the same as understanding the complexity of movement and how to best treat an injury which is a large part of physiotherapy practice.
That being said, having further training certification beyond the basics is helpful when approaching injuries. “There are many modality treatments like ultrasound, laser, and shockwave,” the team at Sheddon Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic in Burlington/Aldershot says. “But having tools like medical acupuncture, dry needling etc is helpful when injuries are more chronic and pain is a big factor. The most important thing you get from physiotherapists, though, is a plan, education and an active component to treatment, like exercise or mobility, which is crucial for a full recovery.”
Therapists that truly work with sports teams are especially beneficial if you’re highly involved in sports and need your therapist to fully understand your return to play needs.
Bottom line:
Make sure your physiotherapist is registered with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario and ask about credentials that may suit your needs.
2. Read Online Reviews
Just like you wouldn’t buy an expensive camera without reading reviews, you shouldn’t choose a physiotherapy clinic without checking what their patients have to say.
“I always look at online reviews,” the Sheddon team shares. “If a clinic is well-reviewed, you know it’s reputable. Look for more than just star ratings, read what they have to say…do they mention a physiotherapist? Do they talk about the atmosphere? These things typically indicate real (as opposed to bought) reviews”
Most physiotherapy clinics have profiles on Google Business/Google Maps, where customers can rate and review their experiences. Here are a few testimonials about Sheddon Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic:
“Mitch and his team were very welcoming and made me feel comfortable. I felt like they genuinely want you to recover from your injuries and are dedicated in getting you there. I would definitely recommend seeking treatment with them. I’m feeling better after my first one” – Costanzo
“I contacted Mitch through a local Facebook page with a shoulder issue , I had injured my shoulder about 6 months ago and I was waiting it out to see if it would heal itself to no avail. I tried another local physio beforehand and it did not help. Mitch got me back to 100% in just a few weeks, I never once had the impression he was trying to squeeze more money out of the issue, he was solely concerned about fixing the issue. I can now lift like I used to and do all the activities I want. Next injury I get I will be right back to him.
if youre looking for a good physio in Burlington look no further, don’t hesitate get in touch and give Mitch a try you won’t be disappointed!”– Gary
“Was referred to Sheddon specifically because of their hands on approach to healing. The environment is warm and welcoming and everyone on the team from the front desk, to the support staff, to Dan himself are just good people. The care and pride they invest in getting you back up and going is top notch and I cannot sing their praises enough. I’d been experiencing lower back pain that wouldn’t go away for 4+ months. I’d tried massage, chiropractor and osteopathy which had all worked for me in the past but this time had minimal long term effects. Dan’s got me well on my way to being 100% again. To the point where I’m not afraid of certain movements or overextending myself and being down and out for hours or days because of the pain.
It’s worth the call. It has been for me.” – Torrin
3. Look for a Multidisciplinary Clinic
After checking credentials and reading reviews, consider visiting a physiotherapy clinic that is part of a multidisciplinary team. Groups such as these may have a massage therapist, a chiropractor or a sports physician. Groups like this tend to share more ideas and treatment approaches together. This approach to treatment also allows your health problems to be viewed and treated from various perspectives.
“The way different practitioners think and are trained can really complement a client well because they’re getting different approaches,” says Sheddon Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic. “We recommend seeing not just your physio, but also exploring what chiropractor or registered massage therapist can offer. Having a sports doctor as part of the team really completes the care for those that need more than what traditional physiotherapy can offer. Sports Medicine Physicians can request imaging such as xrays, Ultrasounds or MRIs and do injections for pain when required.”
At all our Sheddon locations, team members are located in the same office for maximum convenience, offering comprehensive services to make your healthcare experience seamless and enjoyable.
So, what exactly is Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy involves assessing and diagnosing an injury, whether it’s acute (like twisting your ankle during a sports game) or slow-progressing aches and pains that develop over time like a chronic low back pain.
The goal of physiotherapy treatment is to develop a recovery program tailored to your needs. This typically involves an exercise program with stretches or strengthening exercises along with hands-on therapy such as acupuncture/dry needling, deep tissue massage, or mobilization.
Does Physiotherapy Work?
If you’re new to physiotherapy, you might feel hesitant to book an appointment. Rest assured, there are countless people who can attest to the effectiveness of this treatment. Professional athletes have physiotherapists on the team for quicker recovery. There is a lot of researched evidence into the effectiveness of physiotherapy care.
How Much Does Physiotherapy Cost?
At Sheddon Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic, an initial assessment which includes treatment (who wants to wait to get better) and costs $110.
Each follow-up appointment is half an hour and costs $81.
Removing barriers to care, we supply exercises that have videos attached as part of your homework plan and consult, when necessary, with your physician.
Physiotherapy in Burlington/Aldershot
At the end of the day, you just want to get better – and as fast as possible.
If you’re looking for physiotherapy in Burlington or Aldershot, Sheddon Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic can provide you with an outstanding experience!
Here’s a recap of our points to help your search:
1. Make sure your physiotherapist is registered with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.
– Even better if they have an interest in exercise and additional certifications or expertise!
2. Read – and read into- online reviews from previous patients about their experiences.
– Make sure these are not paid reviews by reading if they mention a therapist or if they talk about the clinic as if they have been there.
3. Consider visiting a physiotherapist who works on a multidisciplinary team to receive a comprehensive care approach.
We would love the opportunity to help you tackle your injuries and be the team to give you the solutions you need to become pain-free and to stay healthy.
Click here to learn more about Sheddon Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic in Burlington or
Book here if you are ready to get rid of that injury for good.
