Hugh Hanson Simson

Hugh Hanson Simson provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Joint Pain

• 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.
• 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).

Back & Neck Pain

• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Neck, shoulder, and upper back discomfort, often accompanied by headaches or 'brain fog', after a sudden jerking motion of the head, such as in a rear-end collision.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Back or neck pain that often radiates into an arm or leg, potentially with numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning sensations, due to a spinal disc problem (herniation, protrusion, or bulge) compressing or irritating a nearby nerve root (radiculopathy). Sciatica specifically refers to radicular pain down the leg.

Common Musculoskeletal Issues

• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Lower back issues that restrict your ability to bend, lift, sit for long periods, or enjoy your usual activities without discomfort.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Injury to muscle tissue that limits your strength, range of motion, and ability to perform specific movements or activities, requiring careful rehabilitation.

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

• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized programs incorporating various stretching techniques (e.g., static, dynamic, PNF) to alleviate stiffness, increase tissue extensibility, and promote better posture.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A complete assessment of your musculoskeletal system to pinpoint issues, set clear rehabilitation goals, and get you started on the path to recovery.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: A progressive approach to rebuilding your physical condition, allowing for a safe return to daily activities, work demands, and hobbies you enjoy.
• 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.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Customized strength training to address specific weaknesses identified in your assessment, helping to correct imbalances, improve movement efficiency, and achieve your physical objectives.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Targeted exercises focused on strengthening the deep abdominal, back, pelvic floor, and diaphragm muscles to provide better support for your spine, improve posture, enhance balance, and increase movement efficiency.

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

• Many individuals seek help from Hugh, their physiotherapist, when trouble with a constantly stiff and sore neck, making turning my head a pain 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 taking energetic, long walks with your dog every day.
• With Hugh's help, managing numbness, tingling, or weakness in my hands, arms, feet, or legs to achieve enjoying less stiffness in the mornings and throughout the day becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like participating in light recreational activities like bowling or mini-golf.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Hugh can help you move beyond a noticeable curve in my child's spine or uneven shoulders (scoliosis concerns). The focus is on feeling more positive, capable, and optimistic about their physical health, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as managing shopping trips and carrying bags without excessive fatigue or pain.

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

Hugh practices at One Wellness in Canmore, situated in a modern clinic located in the heart of the central Canmore neighborhood. The clinic's convenient location makes it easy for community members to access high-quality physiotherapy services. It is close to local community resources such as pharmacies and other health services and is well-connected via local public transit routes. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Your first physiotherapy appointment, which includes a detailed assessment and the development of your initial treatment plan, usually takes about 60 minutes. Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled for 30 to 45 minutes. The exact duration of each session will depend on the nature of your treatment and what your Physiotherapist has planned for that specific visit to best help you progress.

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 down within a day or two, please call 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.

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 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.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. It is recommended to contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand your plan's specifics. Key considerations include your annual maximum, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor’s referral is required, and if the clinic can bill your insurer directly. If direct billing is available and approved by your plan, Hugh’s clinic can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion, with you responsible for any remaining co-payment. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment.

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, known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement. It is advisable to check your insurance policy beforehand to ensure coverage and avoid surprises.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

The first session mainly involves a comprehensive assessment. Hugh will discuss your specific concerns, medical history, and overall health background. He will perform physical tests to evaluate your movement, strength, and areas of concern. The goal is to understand your condition thoroughly so that a tailored treatment plan can be developed collaboratively. You may also receive initial exercises or hands-on treatment to begin your recovery.

One Wellness (Canmore)
177 Kananaskis Way
Canmore, AB T1W 0A3

Phone: (403) 679-7179

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

License #5998

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.