Professional Services
Excel Physiotherapy is committed to obtaining optimum patient outcomes and satisfaction. We are dedicated to providing the highest level of professional care to our patients, enabling them to achieve the highest quality of life.
Physiotherapy
Registered Physiotherapists (PT)
Registered Physiotherapists (PT) are university trained, primary healthcare professionals, specializing in the assessment and treatment of numerous injuries. We provide hands-on skills, patient education and exercise prescription to address movement dysfunction. We personalize individual treatment programs to restore mobility, prevent physical impairments and to maximize overall function.
Sport Physiotherapy
A physiotherapist plans, organizes the directs programmes of pre-season screening, first aid, rehabilitation, education and counselling for athletes, coaches and others concerned with sports. He/she may work directly with athletes or may undertake a consulting role for sports organizations. Excel Physiotherapy is pleased to have Physiotherapists who have obtained post-graduate studies in Sport Physiotherapy, through Sport Physiotherapy Canada.
Manual Therapy
Manual therapy is a hands-on approach to treatment utilized to diagnose and treat soft tissues and joint structures for the purpose of reducing pain, increasing movement and improving overall function. Techniques such as joint mobilizations, joint manipulation, soft tissue release, active release, neural mobilization and myofascial release may be employed.
Manipulation
These are stronger hands on techniques that are used to help restore alignment and joint movements. It is the use of high speed, small, movement thrust of one bone to improve the motion of the joint between two bones. It is an effective method to restore the normal mobility and reduce pain at a specific joint.
Exercise Prescription
Following an extensive assessment, your Physiotherapist will be able to prescribe an individualized exercise program geared to improve posture, restore muscle balance, restore optimal function and prevent further injury.
Core Stabilization
Core stabilization involves retraining of the deep muscles of the abdominal and low back region to help restore normal spine stability. Increased stability reduces shear forces on the spinal joints, thereby decreasing pain and premature wear and tear. Improved core stability will allow for more efficient transmission of forces through the spine. For example, a stable spine allows for a longer drive in golf or a harder shot in hockey). At Excel Physiotherapy, we provide basic and advanced core training programs. These are based on current research, utilizing a variety of exercise devices.
Pre- & Post-Surgical Care
Prior to surgery, some patients require strengthening or range of motion exercises to enhance their recovery after surgery. Our therapists are very familiar with post-surgical treatment protocols and can guide you toward optimal recovery.
Shockwave Therapy NEW
Excel Physiotherapy is excited to now offer Shockwave Therapy as a new treatment option at our Coquitlam location.
We are one of only a handful of clinics in BC that have the world leading Electro Medical System's Swiss Dolorclast Smart 20. More than 80% of the evidence that shockwave works is based on studies published on this unit. The Swiss Dolorclast is FDA approved and the most clinically proven, effective treatment driven by the latest technology and a high powered external oil compressor that delivers constant higher energy density for rapid tissue healing.
Other machines, considered tabletop units, have a small internal pump or compressor and are not FDA approved as shockwave machines because they are not proven to be effective and only offer temporary relief by delivering weak pulses and ‘vibration' therapy.
Shockwave Therapy and how it works
Shockwave therapy, also known as Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT), is a clinically proven and highly effective treatment with little to no side effects for chronic soft tissue injuries involving tendon, ligament, muscle or scar tissue injuries, and certain bone conditions.
An extracorporeal shockwave is a non-invasive, non-electrical high energy sound wave that passes through the body via a hand-held applicator probe. Shock wave therapy is thought to work by inducing microtrauma to the damaged soft tissue by creating micro-cavitation bubbles deep in the tissue that expand and burst, and stimulate healing. The shock waves cause a rapid increase in blood circulation to the target tissue area and will break down scar tissue that builds up over time, such as found in chronic soft tissue injuries. Normal soft tissue has elasticity. In comparison, scar tissue is not elastic and will cause abnormal movement and function, thus resulting in weakening of unaffected soft tissues around it, thereby often leading to more injury and pain. It also stimulates neovascularization (new blood vessel growth) which in turn dramatically accelerates the healing process by increasing delivery of nutrients to the affected area. The high energy sound waves reduce pain in the tissue by inhibiting pain signals and increases metabolism of tissue cells which release pain and anti-inflammatory biochemicals. Soft tissue repair and restoration of normal function can be achieved.
Conditions treated with Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy can be a very effective treatment option for a wide range of soft tissue and bony conditions. The following list includes some examples of conditions which has been effectively treated and restored back to normal function:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Shoulder pain (calcium deposits, tendinosis, impingement, rotator cuff tears, frozen shoulder, bone spurs)
- Elbow pain (tennis elbow. golfer's elbow, tendinosis)
- Knee pain (patellar tendonitis, ligament sprains, tendinosis)
- Tibial stress syndrome (shin pain)
- Achilles tendonitis
- Hip pain (greater trochanteric pain, tendinosis)
- Chronic neck dysfunction
- Iliotibial band syndrome
- Bursitis
- Scar Tissue
- Myofascial trigger point and adhesions
- Morton's neuroma
- And more…
Contraindications for Shockwave Therapy
There are a few instances when shockwave should not be used:
- Pregnancy or trying to conceive
- Pacemaker
- Application over open growth plates – not suitable for under 18 years.
- Over metal plates/pins
- Malignant tumors
- Nerve or circulation disorders
- Infections
- Patients on anticoagulants
What to expect from a Shockwave Therapy treatment
The number of treatments varies depending on the indication and tissue response. A typical treatment course of Shockwave Therapy consists of 4-6 visits at approximately once per week. The painful site is identified and approximately 2000 shockwaves are administered using a hand held applicator in combination with a conductive gel. Some slight discomfort may be experienced during treatment, depending on the level of pain that already exists in an area. The process can be adjusted for patient comfort. The treatment lasts between 6-10 minutes. Some patients report immediate pain relief, but natural healing of injured tissue occurs approximately 6-8 weeks following treatment.
Side Effects of Shockwave Therapy
The most commonly reported adverse side effects are minor discomfort or pain during and immediately after the treatment session. Reddening of the skin in the area treated is also common observation; a result of the increased blood flow. These typical side effects are usually short lived lasting no more than 2-4 hours.
If you have been suffering from an injury that has not responded to traditional treatments, Shockwave Therapy may be the solution to your recovery.
Book with us today and see how effective Shockwave Therapy can be!
Top ↑Sport Injuries
At Excel Physiotherapy, we have physiotherapists that have extensive experience working with athletes of all abilities, from weekend warriors to professional athletes. Our staff physiotherapists currently work with a number of teams and individuals at the recreation, amateur, Olympic and professional level. We have sport physiotherapy trained physiotherapists that have undergone extensive training through Sport Physiotherapy Canada's post-graduate training program. Our physiotherapists not only treat athletes, but are also athletes. We understand the importance of recovering quickly from injury and we’ll keep you moving during the rehabilitative process. We’ll get you to the finish line!
Athletic Taping & Bracing
Taping and Bracing can be used to provide relief from pain, control swelling and support & compression for acute injuries. It can also provide effective support to hypermobile or unstable joints and sensory input to increase proprioception.
At Excel Physiotherapy, we have physiotherapist trained through Sport Physiotherapy Canada that have the knowledge and skills to apply taping and bracing techniques to help you achieve your specific functional goal.
Team & Event Coverage
At Excel Physiotherapy, we can provide on-field team and event Physiotherapy coverage. Additionally, we can act as consultants for any of your athlete’s healthcare needs.
Top ↑Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS)
Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) is a type of needling to reduce muscle spasm and relieve chronic pain conditions. These conditions may be difficult to treat with traditional methods when there is no obvious sign of injury or inflammation (i.e. chronic headaches, backaches, “frozen shoulder”, etc). IMS relies heavily on a thorough physical examination of the patient by a competent physiotherapist. This physical examination is indispensable since chronic pain is often neurological as opposed to structural, and therefore, invisible to X-rays, MRIs, Bone and CT Scans.
The goal of treatment is to release shortened muscles, which press on and irritate nerves. Hypersensitive areas can be desensitized, and the persistent pull of shortened muscles can be released. IMS is very effective for releasing shortened muscles, which cause pain from the muscle pull. When competently performed, IMS has a remarkable success rate.
IMS treatment involves needling of affected areas of the body, without injecting any substance, using acupuncture needles. The needle sites can be at the centre of shortened, tender muscle bands, or they can be near the spine where the nerve root may have become irritated and hypersensitive. Needle insertion into a normal muscle is painless. If, however the muscle is hypersensitive and shortened you will feel a brief cramp sensation and then a feeling of relaxation in the muscle. IMS treatment may be slightly uncomfortable for some patients; however, the discomfort rarely lasts longer than a few seconds and patients report that the relief IMS brings significantly out-weights this temporary discomfort. Needled muscles may feel “worked” after IMS treatment, but the relief is often immediate and range of motion is quickly restored.
Acupuncture
Excel physiotherapy is proud to have on staff two Registered Physiotherapists who can also practice Acupuncture and are AFCI certified. Acupuncture treatment involves the insertion of extremely fine, flexible needles through the skin at specific points of the body to achieve pain relief, improved range of motion, reduction of inflammation, and overall better function.
Acupuncture has been shown to be an effective tool in treating muscular injuries, tendonitis, headaches, back and neck pain, etc… Acupuncture encourages the body’s natural healing power and can be effective where traditional intervention has failed.
The needles come in varying sizes, are usually made of stainless steel, and are disposable. They cause very little trauma to the tissues and most patients find the treatment very comfortable, even relaxing! Our therapists have had great success combining this approach with traditional physiotherapy for the most effective treatment possible.
Top ↑Kinesiology
Kinesiology is the study of human movement. Our Kinesiologists are University trained healthcare professional that will work with you to develop a personalized rehabilitation and exercise program focused on improving your health and wellness. This can help optimize recovery from injury, improve performance in sport and help you better manage a chronic physical condition.
Our Kinesiologists offer ICBC post-MVA Active Rehabilitation programs, one-on-one strength and conditioning programs and hydrotherapy sessions.
Top ↑Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy, formerly called hydropathy, is a part of medicine, in particular of naturopathy, occupational therapy and physiotherapy, that involves the use of water for pain relief and treatment. The term encompasses a broad range of approaches and therapeutic methods that take advantage of the physical properties of water, such as temperature and pressure, for therapeutic purposes, to stimulate blood circulation and treat the symptoms of certain diseases.
Water therapy may be restricted to use in physical therapy, and as a cleansing agent. However, it is also used as a medium for delivery of heat and cold to the body, which has long been the basis for its application. Hydrotherapy involves a range of methods and techniques, many of which use water as a medium to facilitate thermoregulatory reactions for therapeutic benefit.
Practitioners of hydrotherapy may seek use it to produce vasodilation and vasoconstriction. These cause changes in blood flow and associated metabolic functions, via physiological mechanisms, including those of thermoregulation, that are these days fairly well understood, and which underpin the contemporary use of hydrotherapy.
Top ↑Active Rehabilitation Program
Following an initial assessment, an individualized program plan is developed. Each program is developed to consider both the nature of the injury and the occupational and leisure requirements of the individual. Each program will actively address balance, posture and stability limitations with educational, progressive exercise prescription that delivers the knowledge and techniques needed for the individual to reduce pain and restore standard of living to the best of their ability.
During the active rehab (exercise therapy) sessions, clients will be taught to perform their program’s exercises independently of the kinesiologist. The number of sessions required to develop this independence will depend on the severity of injury. At discharge, the client is provided with exercises that address their posture, range of motion and strength requirements, furthering progress toward normal daily living.
Top ↑Info & Fees
The following information will help you prepare for your upcoming appointment.
What To Expect
Your session will be approximately 45 minutes in duration. It will consist of an assessment, treatment, education and exercise prescription.
What To Bring
- B.C. Medical Care Card.
- Suitable clothing.
- ICBC Claims: ICBC claim #, ICBC adjuster’s name, date of accident and doctor’s referal.
- WCB Claims: WCB claim #, date of injury and doctor’s referral.
Shockwave NEW
Therapy
- Initial & subsequent visit(s): $110
TELEHEALTH
- Initial & subsequent visit(s): $85
Physiotherapy
No doctor's referral required.
- Visits: 30 to 60 minutes in duration with a one–on–one focus.
- Clothing: Please wear non-restrictive clothing such as shorts and a T-shirt or tank top for your visit.
- Initial & subsequent visit(s): $85
- Private Plan Coverage (see below)
MSP
- Check with your extended health plans for coverage.
- Visits: 10 per calendar year for individuals on government income assistance (10 total combined visits are allotted for Physiotherapy, Massage Therapy and Chiropractic).
- Cost per session is: $45
- If you are receiving Shockwave Therapy during your treatment, an additional $25 fee will be charged.
ICBC
- No charge–there is no fee for accepted claims.
- Please note that for no fee to be charged to you, an accepted claim is required–if your claim is NOT accepted, and treatment has commenced, then you are responsible for the full payment of all fees.
- Visit duration: variable.
- Please bring your ICBC claim number to your first visit.
- If you are receiving IMS or Acupuncture during your treatment, a $5.00 fee will be charged.
- If you are receiving Shockwave Therapy during your treatment, an additional $25 fee will be charged.
WorkSafeBC (WCB)
- No charge–there is no fee for accepted claims.
- Please note that for no fee to be charged to you, an accepted claim is required–if your claim is NOT accepted, and treatment has commenced, then you are responsible for the full payment of all fees.
- Visit duration: variable.
- Please bring your WCB claim number to your first visit.
1-on-1 Kinesiologist Sessions
- Private, ICBC, Disability Claims.
- Visit duration: 1 hour gym or 45 minute aqua therapy.
- Therapist: Victoria Rollit, Registered Kinesiologist.
- Cost per session is: $85
Acupuncture & IMS
No doctor's referral required.
- Visit duration: 30 to 60 minutes.
- Initial & subsequent visit(s): $90
- Private Plan Coverage (see below)
Private Plan Coverage
Excel Physiotherapy offers Direct Billing to a number of insurance companies. This will save you time and effort to submit your receipts to your insurance provider, and will reduce any upfront out of pocket expenses related to your treatment.
Check with your private health care insurance plans as coverage may vary in terms of what you are eligible for.
We will issue receipts which may be used to gain reimbursement from your health care provider(s).
We can direct bill the following insurance companies:
- Green Shield
- Pacific Blue Cross
- Medavie Blue Cross (RCMP, Canadian Armed Forces, Veterans Affairs)
- Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance
- Cowan
- Desjardin Insurance
- Empire Life
- First Canadian
- Great-West Life (Canada Life)
- Industrial Alliance
- Johnson Inc.
- Johnston Group Inc.
- Manulife Financial
- Sun Life Insurance
- Maximum Benefit
New Service!
Excel Physiotherapy now provides direct billing for patients who have Pacific Blue Cross as their Extended healthcare provider.
Top ↑Testimonials:
-
Mark's exceptional skill and knowledge as a physiotherapist has allowed me to overcome ongoing back pain, numerous sprained ankles, and various muscle strains.
— Tristan McCutcheon -
Mark's treatment on my back enabled me to complete the required training for, and successfully compete in, Ironman Canada. I would recommend Mark and Excel Physiotherapy to anyone in need of treatment for an injury sustained under any circumstance.
— Tristan McCutcheon -
Mark's excellent knowledge base and ability to help patients contend with their ailments is why I see him for my running and refer our customers to him. Mark has a very professional approach and as an athlete himself is able to bring a high level of understanding to his patients.
— Paul Slaymaker, Owner/Operator
The Runners' Den -
I have been seeing Mark for the last 6 months after my knee surgery. Mark is the best! The whole team is doing a fantastic job. Overall awesome experience and I highly recommended them :)
— Mona Masoud