
Physiotherapy
At Burlington Sports Therapy, we believe in providing evidence-based care for musculoskeletal injury.
Our staff physiotherapists are Beth Slack, Samantha Costabile, Deanna St. Clair, and Maraisa Ockenden. They utilize various treatment modalities to assist patients with their recovery.
Acupuncture, laser therapy, soft-tissue treatment and rehabilitative exercises are just a few of the common ways our physiotherapists assist their patients. Below is some general information about physiotherapy. Should you have any questions about physiotherapy or your specific condition, please do not hesitate to contact us directly.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Neck Pain, Back Pain, Headaches, TMJ dysfunction, Shoulder Pain, Rotator Cuff Tear, Bicipital Tendinitis, Tendinosis, Knee Pain, Arthritis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Tennis Elbow, Golfers Elbow, Plantar Fasciitis to name a few.
For your physiotherapy sessions at Burlington Sports Therapy, it’s important to wear comfortable, flexible clothing that allows easy movement. Opt for loose-fitting clothes that won’t restrict your movement. Active wear like workout leggings, shorts or athletic pants is ideal because they provide stretch and flexibility. Opt for a comfortable t-shirt or tank top if your physiotherapy session is focused on your upper body area, and make sure the top can be easily lifted or removed if necessary. For footwear wear choose supportive sneakers or shoes that are easy to take off and put on, especially if you are doing exercises focused on walking or standing. Avoid jeans, denim, or tight clothing, as they can be restrictive and uncomfortable during exercise. The goal during your physiotherapy session is comfort and ease of movement, so you can focus on your recovery without any distraction.
For your first physiotherapy appointment at Burlington Sports Therapy, it’s important to be prepared to ensure the session goes smoothly and you get the most out of it. There are a few things to bring to ensure you receive the best physiotherapy care. If your doctor provided you with a referral or prescription for physiotherapy, bring it with you. It is helpful to bring any medical documents that pertain to your injury or condition. This might include previous scans such as X-Rays or MRIs, surgery or treatment history and any medications you are currently taking. Wear or bring loose-fitted clothing and footwear appropriate for exercise, like sneakers. Write down any questions or concerns you may have about your injury, treatment plan or expected recovery. Note when your symptoms started, what aggravates or relieves them, and any other relevant details about your condition. Being prepared will help your physiotherapist understand your needs better and get you on the right path to recovery.
Physiotherapy itself isn’t supposed to be painful, but it can sometimes involve discomfort depending on the type of treatment you’re receiving. For example, exercises aimed at improving mobility or strength may feel challenging at first, and certain manual techniques (like deep tissue massage or joint mobilizations) might cause temporary discomfort or soreness. If you’re visiting Burlington Sports Therapy, we ask that you always discuss your pain levels with your physiotherapist, as they can adjust the intensity of treatment to match your tolerance. Over time, the goal is usually to help reduce pain and improve movement.
If you are in the Burlington, Oakville, Hamilton and surrounding areas and are in need of Physiotherapy, contact Burlington Sports Therapy today.
Physiotherapy sessions typically last between 30 minutes to 1 hour. However, the exact duration can depend on several factors, including the type of treatment; some sessions may require more time for detailed assessments or more intensive treatments. More complex conditions or injuries might need longer session,s and some physiotherapists might prefer shorter, more focused sessions, while others may take more time to address multiple areas of concern. Your physiotherapist will usually customize the length and content of the session based on your specific needs and progress.
The number of physiotherapy sessions you will need depends on various factors. The first factor being your condition. The severity and type of condition you are dealing with will determine how many sessions you need. The second factor is your treatment goals. Are you aiming to recover from an injury, manage a chronic condition or improve mobility? The third factor is your progress, how well are you responding to treatment have you been improving each session? Lastly, the final factor is your physiotherapist’s recommendations once they assess your specific needs, which will create your treatment plan accordingly. For some injuries, your physiotherapist may recommend 4 – 6 sessions. However, for something more severe, such as after surgery or a major injury, the number of sessions would range from 8 to 12 or more. Your physiotherapist will provide a more accurate estimate after an initial assessment is complete.
At Burlington Sports Therapy we encourage you to continue treatment with the Physiotherapist you started out with. We will always accommodate your request to see the same physiotherapist. Continuity is important to us, and the clinic staff can help you set up a regular schedule with the same person. That being said, if your schedule doesn’t allow it and you’re comfortable with seeing different practitioners, we can always accommodate your preference. Keep in mind that at Burlington Sports Therapy, we do not use physiotherapy assistants, so your time in the clinic is one-on-one with your physiotherapist.
In Canada, physiotherapists provide a wide range of treatments designed to promote healing, restore movement, and prevent injury. The treatment methods are largely similar to those practiced globally but are tailored to Canadian healthcare standards and regulations. Some common types of treatments provided by physiotherapists in Canada include manual therapy, which includes joint mobilization and manipulation. Physiotherapists use their hands to apply controlled movements to joints to restore mobility and alleviate pain. Soft tissue mobilization, like massage, myofascial release, and trigger point therapy, is used to reduce muscle tension and improve circulation. Exercise Therapy is another form of treatment your physiotherapist can provide. Physiotherapists prescribe individualized exercise programs to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility and correct movement imbalances. These exercises are often used to manage conditions such as osteoarthritis, back pain or post-surgery recovery. Electrotherapy such as TENS, Acupuncture and Shockwave.
Absolutely! At Burlington Sports Therapy, our physiotherapists can help accelerate your recovery and get you back to sports as soon as possible. Physiotherapy helps with recovery by focusing on pain management, rehabilitation, and preventing future injuries. A physiotherapist can assess the injury, provide a tailored treatment plan, and guide you through exercises that target strength, flexibility, and mobility. Some specific ways physiotherapy helps with sports injuries include pain relief, rehabilitation, injury prevention, improved flexibility and mobility and sport-specific training. Physiotherapy can also help with post-surgery rehabilitation if the injury requires surgical intervention.
In Canada, whether physiotherapy is covered by insurance depends on the type of insurance you have and the province or territory you live in. Public Health Insurance (OHIP) in most provinces and territories typically does not cover physiotherapy services, except in certain cases like following surgery or a hospitalization or if the patient is a senior. If you have private insurance through your employer or a personal plan, physiotherapy services may be covered as part of your extended health benefits. The amount of coverage and the number of sessions covered vary depending on the plan. Most extended health care insurance plans often cover a portion of physiotherapy costs, but you may need to pay the remainder out of pocket. If you are injured at work or in a car accident workers’ compensation or auto insurance may cover physiotherapy treatments related to the injury. It’s a good idea to check with your specific insurance provider to understand your coverage details, especially for private plans, as there is often a limit to the number of sessions or an annual maximum reimbursement amount. Please call our clinic for further information about your coverage for physiotherapy.
Physiotherapy and massage therapy both focus on improving physical health, but they differ in their approaches, goals, and techniques. Physiotherapy is a broader medical field aiming at restoring movement, function and overall mobility. It deals with physical conditions that affect muscles, joints, bones and the nervous system. Physiotherapists use a variety of techniques including exercise, manual therapy, electrical modalities like TENS, heat/cold treatments, shockwave, acupuncture, laser therapy and education. They may also provide rehabilitation programs for injuries, post-surgery recovery and chronic pain. Physiotherapists treat conditions like back pain, arthritis, sports injuries, post-operative rehabilitation, and neurological conditions like stroke or MS. Physiotherapists assess a patient’s posture, movement patterns, strength and range of motion to create a personalized treatment plan. Massage Therapy is more specific to relation and relieving muscle tension, pain or stress. It involves manual manipulation of soft tissues like muscles, tendons and ligaments. Your massage therapist uses hands-on techniques such as kneading, pressing, rubbing and tapping. Types of massages include Swedish, deep tissue, trigger point therapy and sports massage. Massage focuses on alleviating stress, muscle tension, headaches, minor aches and improving circulation. It’s often used for relaxation and recovery from physical activity or stress. While massage therapists may assess muscle tightness and areas of discomfort, they generally do not perform extensive diagnostic testing. Physiotherapy is more comprehensive, addressing a wider range of physical problems with a focus on restoring function and treating medical conditions, while massage therapy typically focuses on muscle relaxation and relieving pain or stress.
Neck Pain, Back Pain, Headaches, TMJ dysfunction, Shoulder Pain, Rotator Cuff Tear, Bicipital Tendinitis, Tendinosis, Knee Pain, Arthritis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Tennis Elbow, Golfers Elbow, Plantar Fasciitis to name a few.
For your physiotherapy sessions at Burlington Sports Therapy, it’s important to wear comfortable, flexible clothing that allows easy movement. Opt for loose-fitting clothes that won’t restrict your movement. Active wear like workout leggings, shorts or athletic pants is ideal because they provide stretch and flexibility. Opt for a comfortable t-shirt or tank top if your physiotherapy session is focused on your upper body area, and make sure the top can be easily lifted or removed if necessary. For footwear wear choose supportive sneakers or shoes that are easy to take off and put on, especially if you are doing exercises focused on walking or standing. Avoid jeans, denim, or tight clothing, as they can be restrictive and uncomfortable during exercise. The goal during your physiotherapy session is comfort and ease of movement, so you can focus on your recovery without any distraction.
For your first physiotherapy appointment at Burlington Sports Therapy, it’s important to be prepared to ensure the session goes smoothly and you get the most out of it. There are a few things to bring to ensure you receive the best physiotherapy care. If your doctor provided you with a referral or prescription for physiotherapy, bring it with you. It is helpful to bring any medical documents that pertain to your injury or condition. This might include previous scans such as X-Rays or MRIs, surgery or treatment history and any medications you are currently taking. Wear or bring loose-fitted clothing and footwear appropriate for exercise, like sneakers. Write down any questions or concerns you may have about your injury, treatment plan or expected recovery. Note when your symptoms started, what aggravates or relieves them, and any other relevant details about your condition. Being prepared will help your physiotherapist understand your needs better and get you on the right path to recovery.
Physiotherapy itself isn’t supposed to be painful, but it can sometimes involve discomfort depending on the type of treatment you’re receiving. For example, exercises aimed at improving mobility or strength may feel challenging at first, and certain manual techniques (like deep tissue massage or joint mobilizations) might cause temporary discomfort or soreness. If you’re visiting Burlington Sports Therapy, we ask that you always discuss your pain levels with your physiotherapist, as they can adjust the intensity of treatment to match your tolerance. Over time, the goal is usually to help reduce pain and improve movement.
Physiotherapy sessions typically last between 30 minutes to 1 hour. However, the exact duration can depend on several factors, including the type of treatment; some sessions may require more time for detailed assessments or more intensive treatments. More complex conditions or injuries might need longer sessions, and some physiotherapists might prefer shorter, more focused sessions, while others may take more time to address multiple areas of concern. Your physiotherapist will usually customize the length and content of the session based on your specific needs and progress.
The number of physiotherapy sessions you will need depends on various factors. The first factor being your condition. The severity and type of condition you are dealing with will determine how many sessions you need. The second factor is your treatment goals. Are you aiming to recover from an injury, manage a chronic condition or improve mobility? The third factor is your progress, how well are you responding to treatment have you been improving each session? Lastly, the final factor is your physiotherapist’s recommendations once they assess your specific needs, which will create your treatment plan accordingly. For some injuries, your physiotherapist may recommend 4 – 6 sessions. However, for something more severe, such as after surgery or a major injury, the number of sessions would range from 8 to 12 or more. Your physiotherapist will provide a more accurate estimate after an initial assessment is complete.
At Burlington Sports Therapy, we encourage you to continue treatment with the Physiotherapist you started out with. We will always accommodate your request to see the same physiotherapist. Continuity is important to us, and the clinic staff can help you set up a regular schedule with the same person. That being said, if your schedule doesn’t allow it and you’re comfortable with seeing different practitioners, we can always accommodate your preference. Keep in mind that at Burlington Sports Therapy, we do not use physiotherapy assistants, so your time in the clinic is one-on-one with your physiotherapist.
In Canada, physiotherapists provide a wide range of treatments designed to promote healing, restore movement, and prevent injury. The treatment methods are largely similar to those practiced globally but are tailored to Canadian healthcare standards and regulations. Some common types of treatments provided by physiotherapists in Canada include manual therapy, which includes joint mobilization and manipulation. Physiotherapists use their hands to apply controlled movements to joints to restore mobility and alleviate pain. Soft tissue mobilization, like massage, myofascial release, and trigger point therapy, is used to reduce muscle tension and improve circulation. Exercise Therapy is another form of treatment your physiotherapist can provide. Physiotherapists prescribe individualized exercise programs to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility and correct movement imbalances. These exercises are often used to manage conditions such as osteoarthritis, back pain or post-surgery recovery. Electrotherapy such as TENS, Acupuncture and Shockwave.
Absolutely! At Burlington Sports Therapy, our physiotherapists can help accelerate your recovery and get you back to sports as soon as possible. Physiotherapy helps with recovery by focusing on pain management, rehabilitation, and preventing future injuries. A physiotherapist can assess the injury, provide a tailored treatment plan, and guide you through exercises that target strength, flexibility, and mobility. Some specific ways physiotherapy helps with sports injuries include pain relief, rehabilitation, injury prevention, improved flexibility and mobility and sport-specific training. Physiotherapy can also help with post-surgery rehabilitation if the injury requires surgical intervention.
In Canada, whether physiotherapy is covered by insurance depends on the type of insurance you have and the province or territory you live in. Public Health Insurance (OHIP) in most provinces and territories typically does not cover physiotherapy services, except in certain cases, such as following surgery or a hospitalization or if the patient is a senior. If you have private insurance through your employer or a personal plan, physiotherapy services may be covered as part of your extended health benefits. The amount of coverage and the number of sessions covered vary depending on the plan. Most extended health care insurance plans often cover a portion of physiotherapy costs, but you may need to pay the remainder out of pocket. If you are injured at work or in a car accident, workers’ compensation or auto insurance may cover physiotherapy treatments related to the injury. It’s a good idea to check with your specific insurance provider to understand your coverage details, especially for private plans, as there is often a limit to the number of sessions or an annual maximum reimbursement amount. Please call our clinic for further information about your coverage for physiotherapy.
Physiotherapy and massage therapy both focus on improving physical health, but they differ in their approaches, goals, and techniques. Physiotherapy is a broader medical field aiming at restoring movement, function and overall mobility. It deals with physical conditions that affect muscles, joints, bones and the nervous system. Physiotherapists use a variety of techniques including exercise, manual therapy, electrical modalities like TENS, hot/cold treatments, shockwave, acupuncture, laser therapy and education. They may also provide rehabilitation programs for injuries, post-surgery recovery and chronic pain. Physiotherapists treat conditions like back pain, arthritis, sports injuries, post-operative rehabilitation, and neurological conditions like stroke or MS. Physiotherapists assess a patient’s posture, movement patterns, strength and range of motion to create a personalized treatment plan. Massage Therapy is more specific to relation and relieving muscle tension, pain or stress. It involves manual manipulation of soft tissues like muscles, tendons and ligaments. Your massage therapist uses hands-on techniques such as kneading, pressing, rubbing and tapping. Types of massages include Swedish, deep tissue, trigger point therapy and sports massage. Massage focuses on alleviating stress, muscle tension, headaches, minor aches and improving circulation. It’s often used for relaxation and recovery from physical activity or stress. While massage therapists may assess muscle tightness and areas of discomfort, they generally do not perform extensive diagnostic testing. Physiotherapy is more comprehensive, addressing a wider range of physical problems with a focus on restoring function and treating medical conditions, while massage therapy typically focuses on muscle relaxation and relieving pain or stress.
If you are in the Burlington, Oakville, Hamilton and surrounding areas and are in need of Physiotherapy, contact Burlington Sports Therapy today.
PHYSIOTHERAPY AT OUR CLINIC
After your initial examination, our physiotherapist will discuss with you the nature or your condition and whether or not her treatment offerings will be beneficial to your recovery. This examination involves a discussion about your health-history followed by some physical tests.
These tests include movement analysis, strength tests, sensation and neurological tests and orthopedic tests. This will provide your physiotherapist with an idea of what your condition is and what would be the optimal way to treat it.
At our physiotherapy clinic in Burlington Ontario, Beth Slack, Samantha Costabile, Deanna St. Clair, and Maraisa (Mara) Ockenden will discuss with you the various treatment options suitable to your condition and together you can agree on how to proceed. As mentioned previously, our Burlington Physiotherapy clinic believes in using the most recent evidence-based information possible to help guide choices for treatment.
At our physiotherapy clinic in Burlington, we often utilize a combination of laser therapy, hands-on soft tissue treatment, acupuncture (if agreeable to the patient) and rehabilitative exercises. Educating patients about their condition and the ways to maintain clinical improvement is a very important component of care at our facility in Burlington.
If your condition would be better managed by a different practitioner our physiotherapist will make the appropriate recommendation to you.


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