About
Cathy Deanne Dixon is a dedicated Physiotherapist practicing at From Play to Words in Spruce Grove, AB. Cathy is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the College of Physical Therapists of Alberta (CPTA). Her approach centers on providing comprehensive assessment and tailored treatment plans to address a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions. Cathy’s goal is to support individuals of all ages in restoring function, managing pain, and enhancing their overall quality of life.
With a solid educational foundation and extensive clinical experience, Cathy completed her degree in Physiotherapy and continually pursues ongoing professional development to stay current with evidence-based practices. Her expertise allows her to serve a diverse range of patients, from those recovering from injuries to those seeking preventative care or managing chronic conditions. Cathy’s compassionate and attentive approach ensures that each patient receives personalized care designed to meet their unique needs and goals.
Her practice philosophy emphasizes a patient-centered, collaborative approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Cathy promotes preventative care and long-term wellness through education and proactive physiotherapy strategies. She offers care primarily in English, ensuring clear communication and understanding throughout the treatment process.
Cathy Deanne Dixon provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:
Back Neck Pain
- Postural Back/Neck Pain: A common cause of persistent back and neck pain due to the cumulative strain of prolonged sitting, standing, or performing tasks in non-ideal positions.
- Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Back or neck pain accompanied by associated limb symptoms (pain, sensory changes, weakness) due to a constricted spinal canal, which physiotherapy can help manage conservatively.
Common Msk
- Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Acute or chronic pain originating from various musculoskeletal sources, such as a pulled muscle (strain), inflamed tendon, or irritated bursa.
- Neck Pain and Stiffness: Aching, soreness, or sharp pain experienced in the neck, which may include muscle spasms, trigger points, or reduced flexibility.
Joint Pain
- Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Inflammation (tendinitis) or, more commonly, degeneration (tendinosis/tendinopathy) of tendons, leading to localized pain that typically worsens with activity or loading of the tendon.
- Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.
This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Cathy can assess your needs.
- Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Employing different types of electrotherapy to support your rehabilitation goals, including promoting tissue healing or improving motor control.
- Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: LLLT or 'cold laser' therapy to stimulate your body's natural healing processes, provide pain relief, and improve function in conditions like tendinopathies, arthritis, or soft tissue injuries.
- Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: The use of specific electrical stimulation devices (IFC or TENS) by your Physiotherapist to provide pain relief, reduce muscle spasm, decrease swelling, or promote muscle activation and re-education.
- Therapeutic Heat Application: A comforting physiotherapy modality that helps to soothe tight muscles, decrease pain perception, and improve the flexibility of soft tissues.
- Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Cold therapy techniques applied by your therapist to effectively alleviate acute pain, reduce inflammation, and manage muscle soreness or spasm.
- Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Ultrasound therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, often used to prepare tissues for manual therapy or exercise, or to manage acute and chronic soft tissue injuries.
Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Cathy. 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 From Play to Words, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Cathy frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- Struggling with the frustration of trouble performing repetitive tasks at work without pain? Cathy develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving a noticeable reduction in daily discomfort, making everyday tasks easier and more enjoyable. This is key to helping you get back to doing taking energetic, long walks with your dog every day with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
- Through personalized physiotherapy at Cathy's clinic, common concerns like that nagging tennis elbow (or golfer's elbow) that flares up with activity are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of sleeping more soundly through the night due to reduced pain and discomfort. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like working at your desk all day without developing back or neck stiffness.
- The journey to greater ease in performing overhead activities or reaching when faced with persistent difficulty coordinating my movements, feeling clumsy is made smoother and more effective with Cathy's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like playing a full game of recreational hockey with your friends.
Your personalized physiotherapy plan, developed with Cathy, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.
Cathy practices at 'From Play to Words,' located in the Spruce Grove City neighborhood of Spruce Grove, AB. The clinic is conveniently situated near the Major East-West Arterial, making it easily accessible for residents in and around the area. Patients can reach the clinic via Spruce Grove Transit, which offers local and commuter routes to Edmonton. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.
- Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapist in AB?
- In Alberta, patients can generally see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral, a process known as direct access. However, while a referral is not legally required to *see* a Physiotherapist, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check the specific requirements of your insurance policy before your first appointment to ensure coverage.
- Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?
- Physiotherapy should not be an ordeal of pain. While some discomfort or a stretching sensation may be experienced during treatment, especially when working to regain movement or strength, it is rarely painful in a distressing way. Your Physiotherapist will guide you, modify treatments to your comfort, and ensure that the overall experience promotes healing and well-being.
- What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?
- Some temporary soreness after treatment can be normal, similar to after a workout. However, if your pain worsens significantly, or if new concerning symptoms develop, it is important to contact your Physiotherapist promptly. They can provide guidance and adjust your treatment plan as necessary to support your recovery.
- Does From Play to Words offer direct billing to private insurance companies?
- Yes, our clinic offers direct billing for most major private insurance providers, including Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, and Blue Cross. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. If direct billing is not available for your plan, we will provide detailed receipts for you to submit for reimbursement. Always confirm your coverage and any limitations directly with your insurer, as plans vary. You are responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.
- What are From Play to Words' operating hours?
- Our clinic is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Some practitioners also offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Hours may vary depending on the practitioner and day, so please call our office at (contact number) or check our website for the most current schedule and specific practitioner availability.
- What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?
- The initial session involves a thorough assessment, including discussion about your health history and current concerns, followed by physical tests to evaluate movement, strength, and areas of pain or dysfunction. This helps your Physiotherapist develop a personalized treatment plan. You may also receive initial hands-on care and home exercises to facilitate your recovery.
- Is physiotherapy covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?
- In Alberta, AHCIP offers limited coverage for certain physiotherapy services, typically after hospital discharge or for specific low-income or senior programs. Most outpatient physiotherapy services in private clinics are not directly covered by AHCIP for the general population. It is recommended to verify your eligibility with AHCIP and check your private insurance coverage for full details.
From Play to Words
125, 20 Westwind Drive
Spruce Grove, AB T7X 0Y5
Cathy Deanne Dixon is regulated by the Health Professions Act in AB and is a member of the College of Physical Therapists of Alberta (CPTA).
License #3619
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.