Cherith Elizabeth Sedgwick

Cherith Elizabeth Sedgwick provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Back Neck Pain

• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Nerve compression symptoms due to a narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal or the small openings where nerves exit the spine (foramina), most commonly in the lumbar (lower back) or cervical (neck) regions.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Muscular pain, trigger points, and tension headaches resulting from habitual poor posture, which can be addressed with postural re-education, exercises, and ergonomic advice.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Symptoms resulting from a whiplash injury, which can vary in severity (WAD Grades I-III) and duration, requiring a comprehensive physiotherapy approach for recovery.

Common Msk

• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Symptoms in your hand or wrist that impact your ability to perform your job, hobbies, or essential self-care tasks, addressed by specialized hand physiotherapy.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Common injuries in active individuals, athletes, or resulting from accidents, leading to localized pain, swelling, bruising, and weakness in the affected muscle (e.g., hamstring, calf, quadriceps, groin, rotator cuff).
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Discomfort felt around the shoulder blade, at the top of the shoulder, or radiating down the arm, making simple tasks challenging.

Joint Pain

• 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.
• 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.

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

• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Providing clear guidance on self-care techniques, activity modifications, and beneficial lifestyle adjustments for long-term well-being and injury prevention.
• 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 Ultrasound Application: Using therapeutic ultrasound as an adjunct treatment to help reduce pain, decrease inflammation, break down scar tissue, and accelerate the repair of injured soft tissues.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Assessing your fundamental movement patterns to identify limitations, asymmetries, and potential risk factors for injury or re-injury.
• 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.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Helping you understand how your posture impacts your musculoskeletal health and providing you with tools for lasting postural improvement and pain relief.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Cherith. 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 Wetaskiwin Hospital and Care Centre, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Cherith frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of managing stiffness, tremors, and movement challenges with Parkinson's disease? Cherith works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of regaining full function in an injured area, enabling a return to cherished activities. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as dancing the night away at social events and family celebrations.
• Physiotherapy with Cherith can be a transformative turning point for those affected by breathing difficulties and shortness of breath with COPD or asthma, especially during activity. The shared goal is achieving more comfortable and efficient movement when transitioning between positions (e.g., sit to stand), paving the way for you to enjoy attending your favorite yoga and pilates classes without limitation and a more active, vibrant life.
• Cherith believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If pain in my shins when I try to run or be active (shin splints) is hindering your ability to participating fully in your martial arts practice, including sparring, a personalized plan focusing on being able to play actively with their children or grandchildren again can make all the difference.

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

Cherith practices at the Wetaskiwin Hospital and Care Centre, situated in a clinic located in the central Wetaskiwin neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently positioned near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to access comprehensive healthcare. It is accessible via multiple local public transit routes, ensuring ease of travel for patients from various parts of the community. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

To make your first appointment as smooth and productive as possible, please consider bringing: your health card, any doctor's referral letter (if applicable), results or reports of any imaging tests (X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs) related to your current condition, a list of any medications you are currently taking, and your extended health benefits information (insurance card/policy number) for direct billing if available at our clinic. Wearing comfortable clothes is also a good idea.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

The first physiotherapy session is primarily an in-depth assessment. Expect to spend time talking with your Physiotherapist about your specific issue, its history, and your overall health background. Your therapist will then perform various physical tests to assess your movement, strength, and any areas of concern. The main goal of this first visit is to understand your condition fully so that a tailored and effective treatment plan can be developed collaboratively with you. You might also receive your first set of home exercises or some initial hands-on care to start the healing process.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

While some physiotherapy techniques might feel uncomfortable or cause a temporary increase in soreness (similar to muscle soreness after a new workout), especially when working on stiff joints or tight muscles, it should not be excessively or intolerably painful. Your Physiotherapist will discuss what sensations you might expect with different treatments and will always aim to adjust the intensity and techniques to ensure you are as comfortable as possible while still achieving therapeutic benefits. Constant communication about your comfort level is very important.

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

In Alberta, patients can generally access a Physiotherapist directly without a referral, a process known as 'direct access.' However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a physician's referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to verify with your insurance provider before your appointment to ensure coverage.

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

Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) provides limited coverage for certain physiotherapy services, typically after hospital discharge or for specific low-income individuals and seniors through targeted programs. Most outpatient physiotherapy services in private clinics are not directly covered by AHCIP. Patients are encouraged to check their individual coverage and private insurance plans for comprehensive benefits.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Absolutely! Home exercises are a vital part of your rehabilitation journey and empower you to take an active role in your recovery process. Your Physiotherapist will carefully select and teach you exercises specific to your needs. These exercises help to reinforce what’s done in the clinic, manage your condition effectively, and ensure you continue progressing towards your goals even when you’re not in a session.

Wetaskiwin Hospital and Care Centre
6910 47 Street
Wetaskiwin, AB T9A 3N3

Phone: (780) 312-3753

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

License #2789

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.