Physiotherapy

An overview of the physiotherapy services provided at Providence Health Care.

Overview

Physiotherapists (or PTs) are known as movement specialists. At Providence, our PTs work as part of the interdisciplinary health care team. We assess and treat patients. We also help plan for your speedy, safe return home from hospital. To do that, we assist with the set-up of community supports as needed.

What to expect

PTs use evidence, informed knowledge and a holistic, patient-centred approach to:

  • Increase mobility
  • Relieve pain
  • Build strength
  • Restore and increase range of motion in joints
  • Improve balance and cardiovascular function

We not only treat injury, but also explain how to prevent injury and the onset of pain that may limit activity. PTs help you to be independent, increase mobility and function. They support managing your health for a better quality of life. A key component of your treatment plan includes education.

At Providence, physiotherapists offer service for patients at every step and stage. This includes acute care, rehabilitation, outpatient and long term care.

Care providers include:

  • Clinical specialists
  • Staff physiotherapists
  • Rehabilitation assistants

Exercise physiologists also provide care in the Healthy Heart Program at St. Paul’s Hospital. Clinical Exercise Physiologists (CEPs):

  • Provide and implement exercise prescriptions based on the results of patients' exercise stress tests or metabolic tests and clinical status, and monitor patients' responses to exercise
  • Coordinate exercise schedules for patients
  • Plan and conduct exercise sessions utilizing case management techniques
  • Demonstrate exercise equipment and explain principles of exercise training to ensure patients are exercising to their greatest benefit
  • Assess patients' symptoms and responses to activities by monitoring them for cardiac arrhythmias, ECG abnormalities, cardiac medications and their potential effect on cardiac activity
  • Modify patients' exercise prescriptions as appropriate

PTs practice support is provided by

  • the professional practice leader
  • site physiotherapy leaders
  • designated clinical specialists, and
  • coordinators for research, education and practice support our PTs practice.

Support for Indigenous Peoples

The Indigenous Wellness Liaison Team is here to support your health journey. Team members offer cultural support and healthcare advocacy. Learn more below or call them at 604-682-2344,62937 or email IWL@providencehealth.bc.ca.

  • Indigenous wellness services

    The Indigenous Wellness Team at Providence is available to support Indigenous patients and their families. We are here to coordinate culturally safe wellness supports and services.

Find this service near you

Providence's physiotherapy services are offered at the following sites:

We also offer inpatient and outpatient physiotherapy services at the following sites:

PTs provide consultation, education, and recommendations to long-term care residents and their families at Providence-run care homes. The aim of physiotherapy intervention for this group is to:

  • Maintain mobility and function
  • Prevent falls
  • Manage pain
  • Manage chronic conditions