What does a physiotherapist do?

Your physiotherapist will examine you and talk to you about your symptoms and your daily activity. Your therapist will then work with you on a treatment plan. The goals are to help your joints move better and to restore or increase your flexibility, strength, endurance, coordination, and/or balance.

First, your therapist will try to reduce your pain and swelling. Your physiotherapist also may use manual therapy, education, and techniques such as heat, cold, water, ultrasound and electrical stimulation.

Physiotherapy almost always includes exercise. It can include stretching, core exercises, weight lifting, and walking.

When can physiotherapy help?

Physiotherapy and recovery from injury

• Physiotherapy can help you recover from an injury and avoid future injury. Your physiotherapist can help you reduce pain in the soft tissues, build muscle strength, improve flexibility, function and range of motion.

Physiotherapy and health conditions

• Physiotherapy can help you live more easily with chronic or ongoing health conditions.

• Some conditions involve several body systems and can lead to significant disability. These conditions—such as stroke, spinal cord injury, and major cardiopulmonary (heart and lung) problems—are usually addressed by a team of health professionals through programs such as cardiac rehab and stroke rehab. Physiotherapists are a critical part of this team. They address the issues of range of motion, strength, endurance, mobility (walking, going up and down stairs, getting in and out of a bed or chair), and safety.

• Physiotherapists also work with children who have major injuries or health conditions. They address the usual issues of range of motion, strength, endurance, and mobility. Also, the therapist considers the child’s special growth and developmental needs.

AHS Wellness Article

Setting goals can help you make positive changes to your wellness. By being specific about how you are going to reach your goals, you are more likely to get there. Specific goals are often called “SMART” goals.

What is a “SMART” goal?

Specific – Clearly state what you are going to do. Your goal should answer the questions how, what, when and where. Aim for actions (e.g. eat fruit at lunch each day) rather than outcomes (e.g. lose 10lbs).

Measurable – Your goal should answer questions like how much and how many. This will help you measure your progress toward your goal.

Attainable – Choose a goal you can achieve. Start with small changes. You can always change your goal later to make it harder.

Rewarding – The goal should make you feel good when you achieve it. If you think your goal is worthwhile then you will be more likely to succeed. Your goals should be set by you and not by someone else.

Timely – Give yourself a time frame to reach your goals. You could set short-term goals, for ex. one week, or you could also set long-term goals to work towards over a course of a month or a year.

Examples

1. “I will eat one piece of fruit at lunch every day for at least one month” as opposed to ‘eat healthier.’

2. “I will turn off the television one hour before bed each day this week” as opposed to ‘get more sleep.’

3. “I will turn off my cell phone during evening meals” as opposed to ‘be more balanced.’

Tips for setting goals

Balance takes practice! Often, life” can get in the way. Start with one or two goals to increase your chances of success. Choose things that are important to you right now.

Make a plan on how to reach your goals and track your progress.

• If you are thinking about making a change, but are not quite ready, try taking a small step in the direction of your goal.

• Support is important. Try checking in with family members or a friend on your progress. This may help you become more accountable, and motivated.

• Celebrate your success! It can be as simple as taking a moment to reflect on how far you have come.

Process

Through a “hub and spoke” service delivery model, FRNs (hubs) coordinate delivery of all programs and services, which are accessed either directly through a hub or via collaborative partnerships and agencies (spokes). FRN offers programs geared towards early childhood development, child and youth development, parent education, family support, and home visitation. “Hubs” may deliver all services, coordinate independent “spoke” services, or empower “spoke” services to support more than one FRN “hub” throughout certain regions.

Outcomes

Using evidence-based and informed models, FRN employs a continuum of prevention and early intervention services to ensure that parents, caregivers, and children receive the care and tools they need to create strong family units, foster sense of belonging to a larger community, and thrive.

Contact

For the latest information, visit our Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/drumhellerfrn/ or contact us at 1-(877)-994-5468

601, 7th Street E

Drumheller, AB T0J 0Y5

Coordinator: Melissa Gress

Direct: 1(403)-820-3573

Toll Free: 1(877)-994-5465

How imaging tests are done

Imaging tests use different types of machines and procedures to take pictures of the inside of your body. These tests show what your organs and structures look like. Many imaging tests are quick, painless, and easy. Some tests are done while you’re lying inside of a machine. Imaging tests can be very short and others take longer to do. Some imaging tests use a small amount of radiation and others don’t. Most imaging tests are noninvasive, but some are minimally invasive. Your healthcare team will let you know if your test is non-invasive or minimally invasive and give you instructions for how to prepare for your test. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully.

Imaging tests and your health and safety

Some imaging tests use radiation (a wave of energy), and contrast dye, Imageguided test may also use sedation or anesthesia. Your imaging healthcare team will watch you closely to keep you safe. Ask them any questions you have about health and safety.

The Healthcare Team

Technologists are healthcare professionals who work in a diagnostic imaging department. They’re often the ones who use the equipment and machines to do your test.

Radiologists are doctors who work in a diagnostic imaging department.

• Diagnostic radiologists diagnose diseases. They look at your test results and let other doctors know what they find.

• Interventional radiologists treat diseases with therapeutic imaging procedures. They use imaging tests to guide needles, probes, or other tools inside the body.

Nurses help prepare you for your procedure, support the radiologist, and keep you as comfortable as possible during the procedure.

AHS Wellness Article

Learn about nutrition, pregnancy, labour, delivery, breast/ chest feeding and baby care: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/info/Page14182.aspx

Virtual classes and online self-study and baby care: https://birthandbabies.com/

For more information call the Central Zone Prenatal Education Line 1-855-554-4774