The human body is a complex system that often requires maintenance to keep it running smoothly, recover from injury or keep you running at full speed. SoleScience Pedorthists specialize in lower limb biomechanics in order to help keep you on your feet. While what we do is incredibly essential to your overall health, we also value the specialization of other healthcare providers for your best possible comprehensive care.
There are other tertiary providers we may refer you to as part of your treatment plan to ensure that all aspects of your body are working together, harmoniously. Here are some of the common healthcare providers we work closely with to provide our patients with the best treatment.
Physiotherapist
The services of a physiotherapist can be very important to maintaining muscle strength and flexibility, as well as recovery and rehabilitation post injury or surgery. A physiotherapist will often complete an initial assessment, provide exercises, and may suggest additional treatments. Physiotherapy services may be covered through third-party insurance with a referral from your family physician.
Kinesiologist
In Ontario, Kinesiologists are healthcare professionals who are involved in “the assessment of human movement and performance and its rehabilitation and management to maintain, rehabilitate or enhance movement and performance” (Kinesiology Act). A kinesiologist may work with your family health team or in a multidisciplinary clinic to help provide practical exercises to keep you active or get you back to activity.
Massage Therapist
Massage therapy involves physical manipulation of the soft tissues of the body including muscles, tendons, ligaments and connective tissue. Massage therapy provides a therapeutic effect on many systems of the body, including the musculoskeletal, nervous and vascular systems. A registered massage therapist can help alleviate tight musculature and aid in increasing flexibility.
Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists help with activities of daily living and ensuring that your home or business is fully accessible to account for all of the daily activities that are essential to your health. An occupational therapist may suggest modifications to your home to make it more accessible, help you fit a rollator (walker), make adaptations to your schedule to reduce fatigue throughout the day, advocate on your behalf, in addition to many other things.
Chiropodist & Podiatrist
Chiropodists and Podiatrists are foot care professionals who provide skin, nail and general foot care. They can provide preventative and acute treatments for the skin and nails, treatments for fungal or bacterial infections as well as callous and corn removal. Your Pedorthist or family physician can provide recommendation for chiropody services within your area.
Foot Care Nurse
A foot care nurse is a registered nurse who provides essential foot care to keep your feet healthy. They provide nail care, callous and corn reduction/removal and ulceration care when necessary. A foot care nurse may be part of your family health team, make house calls or simply be available within the community to help with need.
If a tertiary provider is thought to be of assistance for your treatment plan, your Pedorthist may provide recommendations throughout your treatment (at initial assessment, pick-up and/or at follow-up visits). Contact SoleScience today to schedule an appointment to address your concerns and we can make the right recommendations for your needs.
Additionally, you can find helpful links below for each of the Canadian registered healthcare providers webpages if you wish to find out more information.
- Canadian Physiotherapy Association: http://physiocanhelp.ca
- Ontario Kinesiology Association: http://www.oka.on.ca/site/what-is-a-kinesiologist
- College of Massage Therapists of Ontario – Find a Registered Massage Therapist: https://registrants.cmto.com/webclient/registrantdirectory.aspx
- Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists – Find an OT: https://www.find-an-ot.ca
- Ontario Podiatric Medical Association: http://www.opma.ca/podiatryandchiropody
- Canadian Association of Foot Care Nurses: https://www.cafcn.ca