This post is part of Kitchissippi Favourites, a series of sponsored profiles about some great local businesses. You can find them all in the November 12 issue of KT.
Recovering after an injury takes a different path for everyone. That’s why Mike Gaynor, owner of Back On Track Physiotherapy and Health Centres, is happy he has such a varied team of health professionals on staff that can find the right treatment plan for each patient.
It all starts with really listening to each patient and determining their needs and goals. “Our focus has always been, and will remain, to spend a lot of time with the patient,” explains Gaynor.
A detailed initial assessment is the cornerstone in determining a proper working diagnosis – it takes a full hour, and follow-up appointments aren’t rushed. Therapists take the time they need to fully explain test results and treatment plans; all that one-on-one time means there’s lots of opportunity to figure out what kind of treatment is working best.
“We’re certainly more manual therapy or hands-on based,” says Gaynor. “But it’s not unusual to see a physio use a few different tools in their toolbox every session.” Whether it’s joint or soft tissue mobilization/release, acupuncture/dry needling, a rehab exercise program, or education and prevention strategies, the patient should always feel like they’ve been given not only great care but the time they need for proper treatment.
The new location in Westboro offers physiotherapy, massage therapy, Kinesiology (exercise therapy/personal training), and acupuncture/dry needling. Back on Track also has therapists that offer specialized treatment for things like concussions, vestibular (vertigo) rehab, and pelvic floor (incontinence, pain) dysfunction. They have also just introduced the Bioflex laser treatment system to their newest location in Westboro, a fantastic modality that they are seeing great results from for healing soft tissue injury, whiplash/back pain, surgery incisions, and dermatological conditions (ulcers, psoriasis, and others).
And if there’s a service you need that isn’t regularly available locally, there are six other locations in the Ottawa region – and a huge pool of therapists – that can work for you. They offer a true multidisciplinary approach that also includes chiropractic care, and chiropody/pedorthic (footcare/orthotics) services at some of their sites.
“The teamwork side of things is really important to us,” says Gaynor. “We meet as a group monthly, all of our therapists. The idea is to get together to share ideas, and to promote our skill sets to each other.” The team can work together to match the right service to each patient, like the services offered by their brand new occupational therapist – their OT has specialities that range from in-home assessments (looking at changes after surgery, stroke, and eldercare needs), chronic pain management, to custom bracing/splinting, to worksite ergonomic evaluations.
There’s one last important member of the physio team, though – and that’s you. A small amount of at-home work can make a big difference to recovery – and make you feel like an active partner in your treatment. When everyone works together, it won’t be long before “you are Back on Track.”
Back On Track Physiotherapy
411 Roosevelt Avenue, Unit 309
Ph | 613.792.1166
backontrackphysio.com