Andy Botelho

Andy Botelho provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Sports Injury

• IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): Pain, typically sharp or burning, located on the outside (lateral aspect) of the knee, or sometimes the hip. Common in runners, cyclists, and other endurance athletes, caused by irritation or inflammation of the iliotibial (IT) band as it rubs over bony prominences.
• Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): An overuse injury affecting the lower leg, common in athletes, dancers, and military recruits, characterized by diffuse pain along the tibia.
• Muscle Strains (e.g., Hamstring, Calf, Groin, Quadriceps, Rotator Cuff): Tearing of muscle fibers or the muscle-tendon unit due to overstretching, sudden forceful contraction, or eccentric loading during athletic activity or exertion, commonly known as a 'pulled muscle'.
• Stress Fractures (Activity-Related - Conservative Management/Rehab): A bone injury resulting from an imbalance between bone resorption and bone formation due to repetitive mechanical loading, often seen in runners or athletes who rapidly increase their training.

Back Neck Pain

• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Post-traumatic neck pain, restricted movement, and associated issues common after car accidents, which benefit from early and appropriate physiotherapy intervention.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Discomfort, aching, stiffness, or muscle fatigue in the back or neck arising from sustained or awkward postures during daily activities, prolonged work (e.g., desk work, computer use), or sleep.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Often age-related changes leading to pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs with walking (neurogenic claudication in lumbar stenosis) or in the arms/hands (cervical stenosis).
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Sharp, shooting, electric-like, or burning pain that travels along the path of a nerve due to issues with intervertebral discs or other spinal structures.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A chronic condition causing joint discomfort, stiffness (especially in the morning or after inactivity), and impacting your ability to perform daily activities, walk, or engage in hobbies.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Pain, tenderness, swelling, and dysfunction in a tendon (the strong cords that attach muscles to bones) due to overuse, repetitive strain, injury, or degeneration. Common sites include the Achilles, patellar tendon (knee), rotator cuff (shoulder), or elbow (tennis/golfer's elbow).

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Andy can assess your needs.

• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Graded exercise programs designed to improve your overall physical fitness, endurance, strength, and functional capacity, especially beneficial after illness, surgery, or periods of prolonged inactivity.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Guided stretching routines and flexibility exercises prescribed by your Physiotherapist, aimed at improving your range of motion, reducing muscle tightness or stiffness, and enhancing overall movement quality.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Targeted exercises using resistance (such as bodyweight, resistance bands, free weights, or gym equipment) to build muscle strength, power, and endurance, tailored to your specific rehabilitation needs or performance goals.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Evidence-based exercise programs designed by your physiotherapist, including instruction and progression, to optimize your recovery and enhance your physical well-being.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: Detailed physical assessment of your joints, muscles, nerves, and movement patterns to identify the root cause of your symptoms and guide your treatment.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Andy. For a full list or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.

All services are provided in accordance with standards set by the College of Physical Therapists of Alberta (CPTA).

At Silverado Sport Physiotherapy, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Andy frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Many individuals seek help from Andy, their physiotherapist, when my child complaining of 'growing pains' that keep them up at night starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve improved breathing mechanics and capacity through postural correction, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around your neighborhood for fresh air.
• Many find that numbness, tingling, or weakness in my hands, arms, feet, or legs significantly impacts their ability to attending concerts or theatre shows and sitting comfortably throughout. Andy helps patients target achieving their specific mobility goals, whether big or small with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• The journey to a greater sense of body confidence and trust in their physical abilities when faced with persistent feeling 'off-balance' and worried about falling, especially as I get older is made smoother and more effective with Andy's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain.

Your personalized physiotherapy plan, developed with Andy, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.

Andy's practice at Silverado Sport Physiotherapy is situated in the SE: Parkland, Deer Ridge, Queensland neighborhood of Calgary. The clinic is conveniently positioned near popular restaurants and shops, making it easy for patients to incorporate appointments into their daily routines. Accessibility is a priority, with the clinic easily reachable via Calgary Transit, including CTrain LRT, bus, and BRT services. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapist in AB?

In Alberta, patients can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral, a process known as direct access. However, while a referral isn't legally required to begin physiotherapy, some private and extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended that patients check the specific requirements of their insurance plans before their first appointment to ensure coverage.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?

In Alberta, the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) provides limited coverage for certain physiotherapy services, such as those received after hospital discharge or through specific programs for low-income individuals and seniors. Most outpatient physiotherapy services in private clinics are not directly covered by AHCIP for the general population. Patients are encouraged to verify their current coverage and consult their private insurance plans for full reimbursement options.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, physiotherapy is highly effective in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Andy can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, or postural issues, and develop targeted exercises and education to reduce the risk of injury and re-injury, supporting long-term active and healthy lifestyles.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Patients should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the area being treated and permits movement during exercises. Shorts are recommended for knee, hip, or ankle issues, while a tank top or loose t-shirt is suitable for shoulder, neck, or upper back problems. Athletic wear or gym attire is ideal, and a gown may be provided if necessary.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

The initial appointment usually lasts around 60 minutes, allowing for a thorough assessment and goal setting. Follow-up sessions typically range from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on individual needs. Andy will advise on the appropriate duration for your specific treatment plan.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not be painful. Some discomfort or a gentle stretching sensation may occur during treatment, especially in early stages or with acute injuries, but it should not cause significant pain or distress. Andy guides patients carefully to ensure a positive and tolerable experience aimed at improving function and reducing discomfort.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your first visit involves a comprehensive assessment, including discussions about your medical history, current symptoms, and functional goals. A physical examination follows, evaluating movement, strength, posture, and specific tests. Based on these findings, Andy will share a diagnosis, develop a personalized treatment plan, and may start initial therapy or provide education and exercises for home practice.

Silverado Sport Physiotherapy
322, 19369 Sheriff King Street
Calgary, AB T2X 0T9

Andy Botelho is regulated by the Health Professions Act in AB and is a member of the College of Physical Therapists of Alberta (CPTA).

License #5592

Registration can be verified with the College of Physical Therapists of Alberta (CPTA).

Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.