About
Catherine Michelle Janke is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Pelvic Health Focus). Practicing at Reflective Physical Therapy in Drayton Valley, AB, Catherine is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physical Therapists of Alberta (CPTA) standards. Her practice is rooted in a compassionate approach that emphasizes understanding each patient's unique needs and goals, fostering a supportive environment for recovery and wellness.
With a specialized focus on pelvic health, Catherine provides assessment and treatment for conditions affecting the pelvic floor and surrounding regions for individuals of all genders. Her work encompasses issues such as incontinence, pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse, sexual dysfunction, and pre/post-natal concerns. Catherine serves a diverse range of patients, from postpartum women and men recovering from prostate surgery to those experiencing chronic pelvic discomfort, ensuring personalized care tailored to each individual's circumstances.
Catherine completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has gained extensive clinical experience that fuels her ongoing commitment to professional development. She is passionate about evidence-based practices and continuously enhances her skills in pelvic health physiotherapy. Her approach is centered on empowering patients through education, practical strategies, and collaborative goal-setting, all delivered with empathy and support. Catherine offers care exclusively in English, ensuring clear communication and understanding throughout your treatment journey.
Catherine Michelle Janke provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:
Common Msk
- Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Disorders affecting hand and wrist function, making daily tasks such as gripping objects, typing, writing, or fine motor activities difficult and painful.
- Ankle Sprains and Instability: Common ankle injuries causing acute pain, persistent swelling, and instability, significantly affecting your ability to walk, run, or participate in sports.
- Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Common injuries related to physical activity, sports participation, accidental falls, or overuse from daily or work-related tasks.
- Neck Pain and Stiffness: Discomfort, limited range of motion, and persistent tension in the cervical spine (neck), often related to posture, an injury, stress, or sleeping position.
Joint Pain
- Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Persistent tendon pain that can interfere with your sports, work, or daily activities, often requiring specific loading programs and advice from a physiotherapist for effective management.
- Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.
Chronic Pain
- Persistent Post-Surgical Pain (Chronic): Ongoing pain that continues for more than 3-6 months after a surgical procedure, well beyond the expected healing period, and is not attributable to other causes like infection or implant failure.
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) - Supportive Care: Physiotherapy for CRPS aims to manage severe pain, improve mobility and function, desensitize the affected limb, and promote normal use, often using techniques like graded motor imagery, mirror therapy, sensory discrimination training, and gentle graded exercise.
- Fibromyalgia: Physiotherapy approaches for managing the diffuse pain, stiffness, and tenderness associated with fibromyalgia, often involving gentle exercise (e.g., aquatic therapy, tai chi, graded aerobic activity), pain science education, activity pacing, and stress reduction strategies.
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) - Activity Management: A carefully tailored physiotherapy approach for CFS/ME that respects energy limitations, emphasizes pacing, and aims to improve stability in daily function rather than pushing for increased activity levels that could worsen the condition.
This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Catherine can assess your needs.
- Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Customized exercise plans designed to help you recover from injury, manage chronic conditions, improve physical performance, and achieve your functional goals safely and effectively.
- Perineal & Pelvic Pain Rehabilitation: Holistic physiotherapy care for dysfunctions of the perineal and pelvic region, including chronic pelvic pain syndromes, pain after childbirth (e.g., perineal tears, episiotomy), post-surgical recovery (e.g., prostatectomy, hysterectomy, endometriosis surgery), and issues related to bowel/bladder function or sexual pain (dyspareunia, vaginismus).
- Biofeedback for Pelvic Floor Muscle Retraining: A technique to help you learn how to effectively and efficiently use your pelvic floor muscles, making your exercises more targeted and successful.
- Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy (Assessment & Treatment - Internal exams where authorized/applicable and with consent): Specialized assessment and treatment by a trained Pelvic Health Physiotherapist for conditions affecting the pelvic floor muscles in men and women, such as urinary/fecal incontinence, pelvic pain (e.g., chronic pelvic pain, endometriosis-related pain, prostatitis symptoms), pelvic organ prolapse, and sexual dysfunction. May include internal examination with your informed consent where appropriate and authorized.
- 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.
- Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.
Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Catherine. 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 Reflective Physical Therapy, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Catherine frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- The journey to being able to travel more comfortably and with less planning around physical limitations when faced with persistent clicking, popping, or pain in my jaw (TMJ issues) when I eat or talk is made smoother and more effective with Catherine's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like enjoying long, challenging hikes on weekends again.
- Patients struggling with facial weakness or drooping on one side (like Bell's Palsy) can find dedicated and compassionate support from Catherine. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving a better understanding of ergonomics for their work and home environment, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around your neighborhood for fresh air.
- Catherine frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of recovering from surgery to my hand or wrist. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets much better balance overall, reducing the risk of stumbles or falls and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like playing fetch with your dog in the park for an extended time.
Your personalized physiotherapy plan, developed with Catherine, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.
Located in the heart of Drayton Valley's central neighborhood, Reflective Physical Therapy offers accessible and welcoming care. Situated within a modern clinic in the central part of Drayton Valley, the practice is conveniently close to local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to integrate physiotherapy into their routines. The clinic is accessible via local public transit routes, ensuring transportation options for many patients. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.
- Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?
- It's difficult to say exactly how many sessions you'll need without a thorough assessment, as everyone's situation and recovery path is unique. Some acute conditions might resolve in just a few sessions, while more chronic, complex, or significant issues may require a longer period of care to achieve lasting results. Your Physiotherapist will provide an estimated treatment timeline and plan after your first visit, and this will be revisited as your treatment progresses.
- Will I be given exercises to do at home?
- Yes, a personalized home exercise program is a crucial and integral component of most physiotherapy treatment plans. Your Physiotherapist will prescribe specific exercises tailored to your condition, abilities, and goals. These exercises are designed to complement your in-clinic treatment, help you manage your symptoms effectively between sessions, accelerate your recovery, and empower you with tools for long-term self-management. Your active participation in your home program is key for optimal results.
- How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?
- Initial assessment appointments are generally longer to allow for a thorough evaluation and discussion, typically lasting between 45 to 60 minutes. Subsequent follow-up treatment sessions are usually shorter, often ranging from 30 to 45 minutes. However, the duration can vary depending on your specific needs, the complexity of your condition, the type of treatment being provided, and the treatment plan designed by your Physiotherapist.
- Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapist in AB?
- In Alberta, patients can typically access physiotherapy directly without a physician's referral, a process known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to confirm coverage requirements.
- Is physiotherapy covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?
- In Alberta, AHCIP provides limited coverage for some physiotherapy services, typically after hospital discharge or for specific low-income individuals and seniors through certain programs. Most outpatient physiotherapy at private clinics is not directly covered by AHCIP for the general population. Patients are encouraged to verify their eligibility and check with their private insurance plans for coverage details.
Reflective Physical Therapy
5204 52 Avenue
Drayton Valley, AB T7A 1R6
Catherine Michelle Janke is regulated by the Health Professions Act in AB and is a member of the College of Physical Therapists of Alberta (CPTA).
License #6519
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.
