Physiocare Rimbey

07/30/2026

Do Ribs really "Go Out"

07/30/2026

Avoid becoming a "VOMIT"

07/21/2026

07/14/2026

📣 Different Tools. Smarter Recovery.

Did you know that Physiotherapists use a variety of treatment modalities to target different tissues and stages of healing? Each modality has a unique purpose, depth of pe*******on, and clinical benefit. When combined with a thorough assessment, hands-on therapy, and a personalized exercise program, these treatments can help you recover faster and return to doing what you love.

✅ Therapeutic Laser – Helps reduce pain and inflammation while promoting tissue healing at the cellular level.

✅ Therapeutic Ultrasound – Delivers deep tissue heating to improve blood flow, reduce muscle tightness, and enhance tissue flexibility.

✅ Electrotherapy (TENS / IFC / NMES) – Helps relieve pain, reduce muscle spasms, stimulate muscles, and improve circulation.

✅ Shockwave Therapy – An effective treatment for chronic tendon pain, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, calcific shoulder pain, and stubborn soft tissue injuries by stimulating the body's natural healing response.

✅ Heat Therapy – Relaxes muscles, reduces stiffness, and prepares tissues for movement and exercise.

✅ Cryotherapy (Ice Therapy) – Helps control pain and swelling, especially after acute injuries or surgery.

💡 Remember: The depth of pe*******on shown in the infographic is an estimate and can vary depending on the treatment settings, the body area being treated, and individual tissue characteristics. Your physiotherapist will determine which modality is most appropriate based on your condition.

At Physiocare Rimbey, we don't just treat symptoms—we identify the root cause of your pain and develop an evidence-based treatment plan tailored to your needs.

📍 Serving Rimbey and Central Alberta
📞 Book your appointment today: 403-314-6175

Let's help you recover faster and stronger!

02/01/2026

Don’t Be a V.O.M.I.T. (Victim of Medical Imaging Technology)

The term V.O.M.I.T. (Victim of Medical Imaging Technology) refers to situations where medical imaging—such as X-rays, ultrasounds, or MRIs—reveals findings that sound serious or alarming but are often normal, age-related changes with little or no impact on your actual health, pain, or function.

Thanks to insights shared by the Advanced Physical Therapy Education Institute (APTEI), here are some important facts that help put imaging results into perspective:
• Low back disc degeneration is seen in about 40% of people under 30, and in over 90% of adults aged 50–55.
o One study found that 48% of healthy adults aged 20–22 (with no back pain) had at least one degenerative disc, and 25% had a disc bulge.
• An MRI study showed that 98% of people without neck pain still had degenerative changes in their cervical (neck) discs.
• More than half of adults over 60 have MRI evidence of rotator cuff tears without experiencing shoulder pain or limitations.
• Up to 85% of pain-free adults show X-ray signs of knee arthritis.

What Does This Mean for You?
If your imaging report mentions terms like “degenerative changes,” “arthritis,” “disc bulge,” or “wear and tear,” there is usually no reason to panic. These findings are often a normal part of aging and do not automatically explain pain or disability. Similar age-related changes are seen throughout the body, even in people who feel perfectly fine.

Is Medical Imaging Still Important?
Absolutely. Medical imaging plays a crucial role when serious conditions are suspected. It is essential for diagnosing issues such as fractures, significant trauma, infections, tumors, blood clots, or when surgery may be required.
However, for many musculoskeletal conditions, imaging findings often do not match how a person feels or functions. Research shows that people who become overly focused on imaging results—so-called “V.O.M.I.T.s”—tend to have more healthcare visits, higher disability levels, longer-lasting pain, and reduced overall well-being.

What to Do If Your Imaging Report Is Confusing
• Ask a qualified healthcare provider, such as a physiotherapist, to explain the results in clear, understandable terms.
• Some findings may need attention, while others simply reflect normal age-related changes.
• Proper explanation can help reduce unnecessary fear, stress, and avoid unneeded treatments.

Take-Home Messages
1. Most musculoskeletal imaging findings are not serious enough to require aggressive treatment, surgery, or prolonged rest.
2. Always seek a clear explanation of your imaging results to rule out significant concerns and gain reassurance.
3. Imaging findings often do not predict pain or function—for example, “severe arthritis” on an X-ray does not necessarily mean severe pain or disability.
At physiotherapy, we focus on how you move, how you function, and what you can safely do to recover—not just what appears on an image.

Reference:
Advanced Physical Therapy Education Institute (2017). VOMIT – Victim of Medical Imaging Technology. Retrieved from http://www.aptei.ca/library-article/vomit-victim-of-medical-imaging-technology/.