Megan Anne Ahlstrom – Physiotherapist | Lethbridge, AB

Megan Anne Ahlstrom is a dedicated Physiotherapist practicing at The Bridge (Lethbridge) in Lethbridge, AB. Megan is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the College of Physical Therapists of Alberta (CPTA). Her practice focuses on providing comprehensive assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions, helping patients of all ages restore function, manage pain, and enhance their quality of life. Megan’s approach emphasizes personalized care plans tailored to each individual's specific needs, whether they are recovering from injury, managing chronic pain, or optimizing athletic performance.

With a solid educational foundation and a wealth of clinical experience, Megan completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has continuously committed to professional development. She stays current with the latest evidence-based practices to ensure her patients receive the most effective therapies. Megan's ongoing learning and practical expertise enable her to address complex conditions with confidence and precision, fostering swift recovery and functional improvements.

Her practice philosophy centers around empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Megan adopts a collaborative approach, working closely with her patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. She believes in evidence-based practice, continuous professional learning, and fostering a supportive environment for optimal recovery. Megan offers care in English, ensuring clear communication and understanding throughout the treatment process.

Megan Anne Ahlstrom provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Back Neck Pain

• 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.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): A range of neck and related symptoms including pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and sometimes arm pain or cognitive difficulties, following a rapid acceleration-deceleration injury to the neck, most typically from a motor vehicle accident.

Sports Injury

• 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.
• 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.

Joint Pain

• 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.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Commonly known as 'wear-and-tear' arthritis, this condition affects various joints, often worsening with age, overuse, or previous injury, and can significantly impact daily function.

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Megan 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.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Targeted exercises using resistance (such as bodyweight, resistance bands, free weights, or gym equipment) to build muscle strength, power, and endurance, tailored to your specific rehabilitation needs or performance goals.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: An in-depth examination to fully understand your specific condition, allowing your Physiotherapist to create an effective and personalized rehabilitation plan.
• 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: A carefully selected set of exercises specific to your condition and abilities, aimed at restoring function, reducing pain, improving movement, and preventing future issues.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.

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

• Patients struggling with dealing with ongoing pain and stiffness after a car accident, like whiplash can find dedicated and compassionate support from Megan. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving improved coordination for complex movements and fine motor tasks, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as walking your children to school or the park.
• It's truly rewarding for Megan to witness patients conquer numbness, tingling, or weakness in my hands, arms, feet, or legs and experience feeling more resilient and less vulnerable to minor strains or injuries. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in maintaining your balance and stability while walking on uneven ground or trails again.
• The journey to feeling less fatigued during physical activities and throughout the day when faced with persistent wrist pain and tingling, possibly from carpal tunnel syndrome, especially at night is made smoother and more effective with Megan's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like participating in community events and social gatherings more actively.

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

Megan practices at The Bridge in downtown Lethbridge, situated in the South Lethbridge East neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near Nicholas Sheran Park, a popular community spot, and is easily accessible via Lethbridge Transit. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves skilled, hands-on treatments performed by your Physiotherapist as part of your overall physiotherapy plan. These techniques are designed to assess and treat your joints, muscles, and nerves to decrease pain and improve your mobility and function. Examples include specific joint mobilizations to improve movement, soft tissue release techniques to address muscle tightness or scar tissue, and sometimes manipulations (adjustments) if indicated and appropriate for your condition and your therapist's qualifications.

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.

How can I book an appointment at The Bridge (Lethbridge)?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic during business hours or through our online booking system available on our website. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, in almost all cases, you will receive a customized home exercise program. These exercises are carefully chosen by your Physiotherapist to specifically target your issues and help you achieve your functional goals faster and more effectively. Performing them as recommended is very important for your progress and for maintaining the improvements you make during your clinic visits.

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, which is known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

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 referral letters, relevant imaging reports, a list of medications, and your insurance information for direct billing. Wearing comfortable clothes is also recommended.

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

In Alberta, AHCIP provides limited coverage for physiotherapy services, typically after hospital discharge or for specific low-income individuals and seniors through certain programs. Most outpatient private clinic physiotherapy is not directly covered for the general population. It's best to verify your eligibility and check your private insurance plans for coverage options.

The Bridge (Lethbridge)
40 420-40 St South
Lethbridge, AB T1J 4Z5

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

License #9264

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.