From the Desk of Blaine Mackie, B.Sc.(Bio), B.Sc.P.T., Dip.Manip.P.T., F.C.A.M.T., C.F.T.II
We often get asked questions about what to expect, or what a physiotherapist does during an appointment. Another common question is the difference between physiotherapy, chiropractic care, and massage therapy. In this section, Blaine will answer some of these questions.
|
Mackie Physiotherapy & Neck PainJoints, muscles, fascial tissue, and nerves are our specialities, and neck pain can involve one of these structures or a variety of combinations. At Mackie Physiotherapy we take the time to specifically evaluate these structures to see which could be responsible for your neck pain and/or headaches. Once we expose the responsible structures, we educate you to ensure that you have a complete understanding of the mechanism that is responsible for your pain, then prepare a treatment plan. This plan will most likely include hands on manual therapy to restore optimal movement and flexibility of the responsible anatomy, specific exercises for home so that you can carry on self-treatment, and possibly a complete exercise program to prevent future occurrences.
We pride ourselves in taking on and changing very difficult cases. We pride ourselves in going the extra mile to help you have a better life. |
Mackie Physiotherapy & Spine Pain
The spine is the most common region treated at Mackie Physiotherapy. We have a special interest in, and are what I would consider experts in spine issues, including neck pain, thoracic and rib pain, and low back pain and sciatica. All of our physiotherapists are highly skilled in handling injuries, from the acute to the very chronic. In each case, you will be welcomed at the clinic by our friendly front office staff and helped through any paperwork that is required. Then your physiotherapist will greet you and walk you back to their private office. It is in the private confidential office that a one hour assessment will take place. A full discussion will complete a subjective history so we hear and understand your concerns and complaints. We listen! The physiotherapist will ask many questions to ensure a complete understanding of your pain prior to the physical exam.
Our therapists all complete specialized manual therapy (assessment and treatment with only our hands) training, both from abroad and, more importantly, from within Mackie Physiotherapy. We strive to push our therapists to greater and greater skill level to become the best manual therapists.
The Physical exam will consist of a series of movements, neurological screen and a hands-on special assessment of the dysfunctional area. You are involved throughout the entire assessment by explaining your responses to the testing and asking all your questions. By the end of the physical assessment you will have another discussion with your physiotherapist to receive a diagnosis and, most importantly, a treatment plan; if there is time, some treatment may take place. We do not rush these assessments as time is critical in developing a good understanding and diagnosis of the problem - time is something the health system is not affording to patients anymore. We pride ourselves in quality as our priority. We do not rush any process to ensure quality in each step of your care.
Treatment is specifically designed based on the results of the initial assessment and your goals; this may include, specialized hands-on manual therapy to restore optimal body biomechanics. It will include self treatment techniques that you will use at home to support any changes that we make in the treatment room from the hands-on treatment.
Remember, taking care of the body is a journey. The longer you have had the problem the greater the journey. Take care of small issues immediately, do not wait.
We look forward to seeing you to assist in the resolution of your spinal pain.
Our therapists all complete specialized manual therapy (assessment and treatment with only our hands) training, both from abroad and, more importantly, from within Mackie Physiotherapy. We strive to push our therapists to greater and greater skill level to become the best manual therapists.
The Physical exam will consist of a series of movements, neurological screen and a hands-on special assessment of the dysfunctional area. You are involved throughout the entire assessment by explaining your responses to the testing and asking all your questions. By the end of the physical assessment you will have another discussion with your physiotherapist to receive a diagnosis and, most importantly, a treatment plan; if there is time, some treatment may take place. We do not rush these assessments as time is critical in developing a good understanding and diagnosis of the problem - time is something the health system is not affording to patients anymore. We pride ourselves in quality as our priority. We do not rush any process to ensure quality in each step of your care.
Treatment is specifically designed based on the results of the initial assessment and your goals; this may include, specialized hands-on manual therapy to restore optimal body biomechanics. It will include self treatment techniques that you will use at home to support any changes that we make in the treatment room from the hands-on treatment.
Remember, taking care of the body is a journey. The longer you have had the problem the greater the journey. Take care of small issues immediately, do not wait.
We look forward to seeing you to assist in the resolution of your spinal pain.
