Ina June Watson

Ina June Watson provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A chronic condition causing joint discomfort, stiffness (especially in the morning or after inactivity), and impacting your ability to perform daily activities, walk, or engage in hobbies.
• 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).

Sports Injury

• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): Dull, aching pain in the front of the knee, often related to issues with the alignment and movement of the patella within the femoral groove.
• Ligament Sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL, PCL, Ankle Ligaments): Damage to ligaments that can range from mild (Grade 1 - overstretched) to moderate (Grade 2 - partial tear) to severe (Grade 3 - complete tear), impacting joint integrity and function.
• Muscle Strains (e.g., Hamstring, Calf, Groin, Quadriceps, Rotator Cuff): Acute pain, swelling, bruising, localized tenderness, and weakness in a muscle, often occurring during activities like sprinting, jumping, lifting, or throwing.
• Stress Fractures (Activity-Related - Conservative Management/Rehab): A bone injury resulting from an imbalance between bone resorption and bone formation due to repetitive mechanical loading, often seen in runners or athletes who rapidly increase their training.

Back Neck Pain

• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Symptoms like 'neurogenic claudication' – leg pain, cramping, or heaviness with walking or prolonged standing that typically eases with rest or bending forward (flexion).
• 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.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Pain, pins and needles, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg resulting from irritation or compression of a spinal nerve, often managed effectively with physiotherapy techniques like McKenzie method or neural mobilization.

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Ina 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.
• 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.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Developing muscular strength and endurance to aid in injury recovery, support affected joints, improve biomechanics, and enhance athletic performance or demanding physical tasks.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: The application of high-frequency sound waves by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to promote deep tissue heating, increase local blood flow, reduce pain, and facilitate the healing process in soft tissues like muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
• 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.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Structured physical activities and exercises aimed at helping you safely regain strength, stamina, and confidence in your body's abilities, tailored to your current level.

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

• Tired of loss of strength in one of my limbs after an injury interfering with playing a few sets of tennis without shoulder pain? Ina uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve a noticeable reduction in daily discomfort, making everyday tasks easier and more enjoyable and regain your freedom of movement.
• The path to recovery from trying to stay as mobile and active as possible while living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and achieving experiencing significant pain relief, allowing for a more comfortable daily life for maintaining your balance and stability while walking on uneven ground or trails often starts with expert guidance. Ina, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• At Ina's physiotherapy practice, individuals with recovering from a concussion and dealing with lingering symptoms like dizziness or headaches are guided towards more comfortable and efficient movement when transitioning between positions (e.g., sit to stand). The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as keeping up with your team during our weekly soccer match.

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

Ina practices at CBI (Medicine Hat), situated in the vibrant Downtown Medicine Hat, SE Hill, River Flats neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near the Commercial Corridor and is easily accessible via Medicine Hat Transit, making it straightforward for patients to attend their appointments. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that individuals with mobility challenges can receive care comfortably. Ample parking is generally available close to the clinic entrance, providing added convenience for all patients.

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.

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, a process known as direct access. However, it is important to check with your private or extended health insurance plans, as some may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. Always verify your insurance requirements before your first appointment.

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

In Alberta, the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) provides limited coverage for certain physiotherapy services, generally post-hospital discharge or through specific programs for low-income individuals and seniors. Most outpatient physiotherapy services in private clinics are not directly covered by AHCIP for the general population. Patients should check current AHCIP details and their private insurance coverage for comprehensive reimbursement options.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy helps you move effectively and comfortably by addressing injuries, pain, or movement limitations. Whether you are recovering from an injury, managing chronic pain, or recovering after surgery, Ina works with you to develop personalized treatment plans that include exercises, hands-on techniques, and practical advice to help you achieve your health and activity goals.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of sessions needed varies based on your condition, severity, and personal goals. Ina will discuss a tailored treatment plan after your initial assessment, and progress will be continually monitored and adjusted as needed.

Does CBI (Medicine Hat) offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, CBI (Medicine Hat) offers direct billing for most major private insurance providers such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, Blue Cross, and others. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to facilitate the process. If direct billing is not available for your plan, we provide detailed receipts you can submit for reimbursement. Always confirm your coverage and any applicable limits directly with your insurance provider.

CBI (Medicine Hat)
2, 665 Kingsway Avenue SE
Medicine Hat, AB T1A 2W8

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

License #1849

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.