Janine Dawn Ankenmann – Physiotherapist | Calgary, AB

Janine Dawn Ankenmann is a dedicated Physiotherapist practicing at Downtown Sports (Bow Valley) in Calgary, AB. Janine is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the College of Physical Therapists of Alberta (CPTA). Her approach is rooted in a genuine desire to support each individual’s journey toward improved health, mobility, and well-being. With a focus on comprehensive assessment and personalized treatment, Janine strives to help her patients regain function, manage pain, and enhance their overall quality of life.
Janine's role as a Physiotherapist involves working with a diverse range of patients across all ages and activity levels. Whether addressing acute injuries, chronic conditions, or movement dysfunctions, she offers tailored interventions that incorporate evidence-based practices. Her goal is to empower her patients through education, self-management strategies, and hands-on techniques that promote lasting recovery. Janine's compassionate approach ensures that every patient feels heard, supported, and actively involved in their rehabilitation process.
With a solid foundation in physiotherapy, Janine completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has accumulated clinical experience that fuels her ongoing professional development. She is dedicated to staying current with the latest advancements in her field, ensuring her patients benefit from the most effective and innovative treatments available. Janine offers care in English and is passionate about helping her patients achieve their health and movement goals with empathy and expertise.

Janine Dawn Ankenmann provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Sports Injury

• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): A common overuse injury in active individuals and athletes, sometimes referred to as 'runner's knee' or 'anterior knee pain', often related to biomechanical issues in how the kneecap tracks.
• 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.
• IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): Sharp or burning pain on the outer side of the knee that often starts gradually and worsens with continued activity, sometimes radiating up the thigh or down the leg.
• Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): Dull or aching pain in the front or inner part of the shin that can become sharp with activity, often felt during or after exercise.

Common Msk

• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Damage to the body's movement system, including issues like joint inflammation, ligament tears, or muscle overstretching, often requiring physiotherapy for optimal recovery.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: A 'pulled' muscle, often occurring during activities like sprinting, jumping, lifting, or sudden changes in direction, causing immediate pain and difficulty using the muscle.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Pain, weakness, or restricted movement in the shoulder joint, often experienced with overhead activities, lifting, reaching behind your back, or sleeping on the affected side.

Back Neck Pain

• 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): Symptoms resulting from a whiplash injury, which can vary in severity (WAD Grades I-III) and duration, requiring a comprehensive physiotherapy approach for recovery.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Often age-related changes leading to pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs with walking (neurogenic claudication in lumbar stenosis) or in the arms/hands (cervical stenosis).
• 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. Janine can assess your needs.

• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Education and instruction on effective and safe stretching techniques to help you maintain or improve your body's flexibility and joint mobility.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: A progressive program designed to build a strong and stable core, improving your body's foundation for all movements and reducing strain on other structures.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Development of a tailored therapeutic exercise program by your Physiotherapist, focused on your specific rehabilitation needs, strength goals, flexibility improvements, balance, and overall conditioning.
• 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.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Graded exercise programs designed to improve your overall physical fitness, endurance, strength, and functional capacity, especially beneficial after illness, surgery, or periods of prolonged inactivity.
• 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.

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

• Rediscover your ability to working at your desk all day without developing back or neck stiffness without the constant burden of widespread muscle pain and fatigue that my doctor thinks might be fibromyalgia. Janine focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to resuming gardening, hobbies, or household tasks without strain or discomfort, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Tired of my baby/child having trouble with their motor skills, like delayed rolling, sitting or walking interfering with engaging in volunteer work that might have physical demands? Janine uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve understanding how to prevent future flare-ups and manage their condition long-term and regain your freedom of movement.
• Are you finding that feeling like my posture is hunched or rounded, causing discomfort stops you from enjoying simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around your neighborhood for fresh air? Janine is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve improved breathing mechanics and capacity through postural correction through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.

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

Janine's practice is located at Downtown Sports (Bow Valley), situated in the Downtown West End, Eau Claire neighborhood of Calgary. The clinic is conveniently positioned near historic buildings and is easily accessible via Calgary Transit, including CTrain LRT, bus, and BRT services. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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

In Alberta, patients can typically access physiotherapy services directly without a physician's referral, a practice known as direct access. However, while a referral is not legally required to see a Physiotherapist, some private and extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. Patients are encouraged to verify the specific requirements of their insurance policies before their first 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, such as after hospital discharge or for specific low-income individuals and seniors through particular programs. Most outpatient private clinic physiotherapy services are not directly covered by AHCIP for the general population. Patients should check current AHCIP details and their private insurance plans for coverage options.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques used by a Physiotherapist to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This includes joint mobilization, joint manipulation where appropriate, soft tissue techniques like massage or myofascial release, and neural mobilization. The primary aim is to reduce pain, improve mobility, restore joint mechanics, and promote tissue healing.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy helps you move more effectively and comfortably by addressing injuries, pain, or movement limitations. It involves personalized exercises, hands-on techniques, and education to promote recovery and prevent future issues. Whether recovering from surgery, managing chronic pain, or improving mobility, physiotherapy supports your active lifestyle.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

During your initial visit, the Physiotherapist will evaluate your condition through discussion and physical assessment. They will identify the cause of your symptoms, discuss your goals, and develop a tailored treatment plan. You may receive education, exercises, or hands-on treatment to start your recovery.

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

Please bring your health card, relevant medical reports, imaging results, list of medications, and insurance information if applicable. Wear comfortable clothing suitable for assessment and movement.

How can I book an appointment at Downtown Sports (Bow Valley)?

You can book by calling the clinic directly at (403) 243-7557 during business hours. Many practitioners also offer online booking via the clinic's website. The friendly staff will assist you in scheduling an appointment with the appropriate Physiotherapist based on your needs.

Downtown Sports (Bow Valley)
310, 205 5 Avenue SW
Calgary, AB T2P 2V7

Phone: (403) 243-7557

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

License #5702

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.