Cindy Durham – Physiotherapist | Edmonton, AB

Cindy Durham is a dedicated Physiotherapist practicing at Lifemark (Edmonton Meadowlark) in Edmonton, AB. She is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the College of Physical Therapists of Alberta (CPTA). With a focus on performance and athletic rehabilitation, Cindy specializes in helping active individuals and athletes recover from injuries, optimize their movement, and enhance their physical performance. Her approach emphasizes individualized assessment and tailored treatment plans to ensure each patient achieves their specific goals efficiently and effectively.

Cindy's role extends beyond injury treatment; she aims to empower her patients through education and strategic interventions that promote long-term wellness and injury prevention. She serves a diverse range of patients, from competitive athletes to weekend warriors, and individuals recovering from surgery or managing chronic musculoskeletal conditions. Her goal is to restore function, reduce pain, and facilitate a swift return to peak performance in sports and daily activities.

With a solid foundation in evidence-based physiotherapy practices, Cindy completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has accumulated valuable clinical experience. She is dedicated to ongoing professional development, ensuring her methods incorporate the latest advancements in sports and performance physiotherapy. Cindy offers care exclusively in English, emphasizing clear communication and collaborative goal-setting with her patients.

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

Sports Injury

• IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): An overuse injury resulting from repetitive friction of the IT band over the lateral femoral epicondyle (at the knee) or greater trochanter (at the hip).
• Ligament Sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL, PCL, Ankle Ligaments): Stretching or tearing of ligaments (the strong, fibrous bands that connect bones to each other at joints) due to sudden force, twisting, overstretching, or impact. Common in sports involving jumping, cutting, pivoting, or collisions. Examples include ACL/MCL tears in the knee or common ankle sprains.
• Stress Fractures (Activity-Related - Conservative Management/Rehab): Tiny cracks or severe bruising within a bone caused by repetitive force, overuse, or cumulative stress, common in weight-bearing bones of the lower leg (tibia, fibula), foot (metatarsals, navicular), or hip in athletes involved in high-impact sports.

Back Neck Pain

• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Symptoms of nerve compression originating from the spine, such as a 'slipped disc' or 'pinched nerve', causing radiating pain, altered sensation, or muscle weakness in a limb.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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

• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Injuries to ankle ligaments, typically from twisting or 'rolling' motions, leading to pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. Can result in recurrent sprains and chronic instability if not properly rehabilitated.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Common back problems that can impact your posture, ability to perform daily activities, and overall mobility, addressed with targeted physiotherapy.

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

• Therapeutic Heat Application: Application of therapeutic heat to prepare tissues for exercise, manual therapy, or stretching, or to manage chronic muscle soreness and joint stiffness.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: The application of specific wavelengths of light energy (cold laser) by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and accelerate tissue repair and regeneration at a cellular level.
• 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: A non-invasive physiotherapy modality that uses sound energy to stimulate cellular activity, enhance circulation, and support tissue recovery from injury or inflammation.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Using therapeutic cold to manage the initial stages of an injury (e.g., sprains, strains) and control inflammatory responses, helping to limit tissue damage.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Cindy. 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 Lifemark (Edmonton Meadowlark), physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Cindy frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Many individuals seek help from Cindy, their physiotherapist, when feeling generally stiff, achy, and less mobile than I used to be starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve restored joint function, leading to smoother and more coordinated movements, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like performing self-care tasks like hair washing or reaching your back.
• Physiotherapy with Cindy can be a transformative turning point for those affected by recovering from surgery to my hand or wrist. The shared goal is achieving a noticeable reduction in daily discomfort, making everyday tasks easier and more enjoyable, paving the way for you to enjoy doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain and a more active, vibrant life.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Cindy's clinic, common concerns like dealing with pelvic pain or bladder/bowel control issues (for both men and women) are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of building the necessary muscle support for their joints, reducing the risk of re-injury. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like using garden tools effectively and without pain.

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

Cindy's practice at Lifemark (Edmonton Meadowlark) is situated in the W Central: Crestwood, Parkview neighborhood of Edmonton. The clinic is conveniently located near the Fringe Festival Area, making it an accessible choice for active individuals and performers alike. Easily accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS), including LRT and bus routes, the clinic is designed to accommodate busy schedules. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

This is very individual and depends on many factors. After your comprehensive initial assessment, your Physiotherapist will be able to give you a better idea of the anticipated number of sessions and the frequency of visits needed to achieve your specific goals. We believe in open communication and will regularly review your progress with you, adjusting the treatment plan as you improve and as needed.

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.

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

Yes, in Alberta, AHCIP provides limited coverage for some physiotherapy services, typically after hospital discharge or for specific low-income individuals and seniors through particular programs. Most outpatient private clinic physiotherapy is not directly covered by AHCIP for the general population. Patients are advised to check current AHCIP details and consult their private insurance plans for coverage options.

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

Some temporary post-treatment soreness can be normal, much like after a good workout. However, if your pain significantly worsens, if you develop new concerning symptoms, or if the discomfort doesn't settle within a day or two, please contact us. Your Physiotherapist would want to know so they can offer guidance and make any necessary adjustments to your care plan. Open communication is key to your successful recovery.

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

In Alberta, patients can typically access a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral—this is known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to verify the requirements of your insurance policy before your first appointment to ensure coverage.

Lifemark (Edmonton Meadowlark)
154 Meadowlark Centre
Edmonton, AB T5R 5W9

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

License #1730

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.