Ultrasound – Ultrasound therapy is used to minimize muscle pain and movement dysfunction. Therapeutic ultrasound uses sound waves to deliver deep heat to the treated tissues. The treatments may help reduce stiffness, swelling, and pain, increase circulation, and promote pain-free movement. Ultrasound therapy is a painless procedure, and many people find it relaxing.

A doctor or licensed therapist that is certified in ultrasound can provide the therapy. Ultrasound therapy may be used alone or in conjunction with stretching, therapeutic massage, heat, or physical or occupational therapy. The treatment area will need to be exposed. Care will be taken to ensure your comfort. A conduction gel will be put on your skin. The ultrasound conduction device, a small unit about the size of a computer mouse, will be gently placed on your skin to deliver the ultrasound treatment. When your treatment is completed, the conduction gel is wiped off.

Following ultrasound, your therapist may help you stretch your joints. Passive range of motion exercise may be followed by active range of motion exercise or massage.

Acupuncture – Acupuncture is an ancient form of Chinese medicine involving the insertion of solid filiform acupuncture needles into the skin at specific points on the body to achieve a therapeutic effect. No drug is injected. The needles alone create the beneficial effects of acupuncture.

Acupuncture is used to encourage natural healing, improve mood and energy, reduce or relieve pain and improve function of affected areas of the body. It is safe and effective and is often successfully used as an alternative to medications or even surgery.

Acupuncture needles are solid, usually stainless steel (they may also be gold or silver) and measure from 13-70 mm. The needles are very fine, flexible and rounded but sharp at the tip.  They are “atraumatic,” meaning that they do not have a cutting edge like a hypodermic needle, which slices through tissue. Their design allows acupuncture needles to slide smoothly through tissues and makes them unlikely to cause bleeding or damage to underlying structures.

Acupuncture points (also referred to as ‘acupoints’) are places on the skin that have a lower resistance to the passage of electricity than the surrounding skin and are part of a network of points that were mapped centuries ago by the Chinese. Most are found along ‘meridians’ or ‘channels’ that are believed to be the pathways by which energy or Qi (pronounced ‘Chee’) flows through the body. Acupoints are located either by identifying anatomical landmarks or by the classical method.

A dull, heavy, or aching feeling often occurs when the needle is correctly placed. This is referred to as ‘de Qi.’ It has been demonstrated that relief of pain can often be obtained without provoking the de Qi response.

The needles are left in place for 15-30 minutes, and the practitioner may manipulate the needles to strengthen or reduce the flow of Qi. Lifting, twisting and rotating are some of the needling techniques a practitioner may use.

Electro-acupuncture is a process where needles are electrically stimulated by various frequencies and voltages by attachment to a battery-powered machine using wires with small clips at the end. Low frequency stimulation (2-4 Hz) results in a slow onset of pain relief that outlasts the treatment for hours to days and is often cumulative with repeated treatments. High frequency (80-200 Hz) results in pain-blocking effect that is fast in onset but does not usually outlast the stimulation.

Interferential Current – Interferential therapy involves applying low level alternating currents through the tissues which produces a tingling sensation. These currents stimulate the tissues to decrease pain and swelling. It is not painful but is intended to give a strong sensory input to the body.

Manual Therapy – Involves restoring mobility and normal end feels to stiff joints. Mobilization is the gentle, rhythmic, repetitive passive movement of graded amplitude aimed at restoring mobility and function and reducing pain in a joint and surrounding tissue. Manipulation is a skilled, passive, quick movement aimed at restoring mobility and function and reducing pain in a joint and surrounding tissue.

Assistive Devices Program – The objective of the Assistive Devices Program (ADP) is to provide consumer centered support and funding to Ontario residents who have long-term physical disabilities and to provide access to personalized assistive devices appropriate for the individual’s basic needs. The goal is to increase the independence of people with physical disabilities through access to such equipment as Walkers and Wheelchairs.

Eligibility includes any Ontario resident who has a valid ONTARIO HEALTH CARD issued in their name and has a physical disability of 6 months or longer. Equipment cannot be required exclusively for sports, work or school. ADP does not pay for equipment available under the WORKPLACE SAFTY AND INSURANCE BOARD or to GROUP A VETERANS for the pensioned benefits.

TOG System and Signature Footwear Collection – Using the most advanced Gait analysis system available we`re able to diagnose a patient’s biomechanics and from this information custom orthotics can be manufactured. Some patients who wish purchase shoes with their custom orthotics can browse the following selction for available options.
http://www.theorthoticgroup.com/PatientSite/Footwear.aspx