Mission Statement
The corporation strives to promote excellence through the development and advancement of private practice physiotherapy, while providing a forum for networking among its members. The corporation serves the shared needs of its membership in areas of public relations, negotiations, lobbying, business and education.
Private Physiotherapy
Physiotherapists in Manitoba are primary healthcare providers, and do not require a referral to provide treatment.
A physician's referral may be required by an individual’s insurance company or funding program to ensure coverage of treatment costs (as per the individual's plan).
Physiotherapy...
- Is a primary healthcare profession aimed at the restoration of and/or maintenance of optimal independence and physical performance following injury or disease.
- Specializes in prevention and management of pain, physical impairment, disability and functional limitation.
- Improves and maintains functional independence and physical performance.
- Promotes health, fitness and wellness.
- Provides preventative, diagnostic and rehabilitative services.
- Maximizes your movement potential.
- Is a means of attaining your highest possible level of functional independence or sport performance.
- Is a term synonymous with Physical Therapy or P.T..
As a Profession, Physiotherapists...
- Are university educated medical clinicians graduated from an accredited Canadian university (4 year baccleureate degree).
- Are an integral part of the healthcare team.
- Seek to provide safe, quality client-centered physiotherapy through a commitment to service availability and excellence.
- Are governed by The Physiotherapists Act in Legislation which protects the public and outlines professional ethics in the scope of practice.
- Communicate with other healthcare providers involved in your treatment so that you receive comprehensive quality care with maximum outcome.
- Are closely involved in clinical and research studies and other health professionals such as medical doctors, nurses, occupational therapists, speech therapists and scientists in various fields.
- Assess joint motion, muscle strength and endurance, function of the heart and lungs and performance of activities required in daily living, among other responsibilities.
- Are highly motivated individuals practicing in a profession which is as diversified as medicine itself, and are challenged by the potential for growth and development of healthcare in Manitoba.
Examples: As a key factor in maximizing independence your physiotherapist can:
- Evaluate/assess physical problems.
- Reduce or alleviate pain.
- Increase and maintain muscle strength and endurance.
- Restore and increase joint mobility.
- Improve balance and coordination.
- Decrease inflammation/swelling of soft tissue (muscle, tendon, ligament, joint capsule [fibrous covering]).
- Promote healing of soft tissue after a work, sports or motor vehicle injury.
- Prevent contracture and deformity of limbs.
- Educate patients in the use of therapeutic devices, ie walking with canes, walkers, crutches.
- Decrease stress with exercise.
- Treat and help prevent sports injuries.
- Counsel/educate clients on exercise and fitness during pre and post natal care.
- Assess and treat work related injuries.
- Educate and advise in the area of ergonomics (how a worker matches his job site or work).
- Improve a client's cardiopulmonary fitness levels.
- Assess and treat neurological disorders (eg stroke, head injuries, cerebral palsy).
In Practice, Physiotherapists...
- Have an advanced knowledge of the body (anatomy) and its function (physiology).
- Can help you achieve your highest level of physical functioning, at any stage of life, following injury or disease.
- Assist in preventing and managing pain, physical impairment, disabilities and limitations to participation in everyday activities.
- Practice in preferred areas as they actively pursue post graduate education to keep abreast of the latest treatments and technologies.
Areas of Interest in Physiotherapy are as diverse as in Medicine:
| Acupuncture | Hand Therapy |
| Cardiorespiratory | Home Care |
| Ergonomics | Manual Therapy and Manipulation |
| Gerontology | Orthopaedics |
| Paediatrics | Neurology |
| Sports | Obstetrics/Gynecology |
| Palliative Care | Urology-Pelvic Floor muscle dysfunction |
Experience in specific areas is attained through post graduate education, research and clinical expertise.