Meghan Longmore

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

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Inflammation (tendinitis) or, more commonly, degeneration (tendinosis/tendinopathy) of tendons, leading to localized pain that typically worsens with activity or loading of the tendon.
• 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.

Common Msk

• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Pain, discomfort, or stiffness in the lumbar spine region, whether it's a sudden onset or a long-lasting issue affecting your daily life.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Pain, swelling, clicking, locking, or instability in or around the knee joint from various causes like ligament sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL), meniscal tears (managed conservatively), or patellofemoral (kneecap) pain.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Aching, soreness, or sharp pain experienced in the neck, which may include muscle spasms, trigger points, or reduced flexibility.

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.
• 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): 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.
• 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.

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

• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Gentle, specific movements and mobilizations designed to address nerve-related pain (like sciatica or carpal tunnel symptoms), tingling, numbness, or restrictions by improving the nerve's ability to glide freely and reducing irritation.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Application of skilled soft tissue techniques to manage pain, stiffness, and improve function in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
• 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.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Manual treatments specifically designed to improve joint mechanics, alleviate discomfort, reduce stiffness, and enhance your range of motion in the spine or limbs.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Meghan. 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 Longmore Physical Therapy, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Meghan frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Meghan frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of swelling in my arm or leg, possibly lymphedema, after surgery or treatment. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets restoring normal movement patterns essential for everyday tasks and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like keeping up with your team during our weekly soccer match.
• Patients struggling with that grinding or crunching feeling in my knee or shoulder can find dedicated and compassionate support from Meghan. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving getting back to enjoying life's simple pleasures without physical limitations, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as safely meeting the lifting requirements at your workplace.
• Many find that post-operative stiffness and weakness that's slowing down my recovery significantly impacts their ability to dancing the night away at social events and family celebrations. Meghan helps patients target the ability to sit for longer periods (e.g., at a desk, in a car) without significant discomfort with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.

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

Meghan practices at Longmore Physical Therapy, situated in the Downtown Medicine Hat area within the SE Hill, River Flats neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near Saamis Teepee, making it easy for patients to find and access. It is well-connected via Medicine Hat Transit, providing public transportation options for those who prefer not to drive. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy refers to specialized hands-on techniques used by a Physiotherapist to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This can include joint mobilization (gentle, rhythmic gliding movements), joint manipulation (skilled, high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts, where appropriate and within the therapist's scope and with your consent), various soft tissue mobilization techniques (like massage, myofascial release, trigger point release), and neural mobilization (gentle techniques to improve nerve movement). The primary goals are to reduce pain, improve range of motion, restore optimal joint mechanics, reduce muscle tension, and enhance tissue repair and function.

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 some physiotherapy services, typically 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 are advised to check current AHCIP details and consult their private insurance plans for coverage options.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy, delivered by a qualified Physiotherapist, is a science-based profession that focuses on restoring movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness, or disability. It can also help reduce future health risks. Techniques such as therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, education, and advice are used to empower individuals to manage their health and achieve their physical goals.

How can I book an appointment at Longmore Physical Therapy?

You can book an appointment by calling the clinic directly at (403) 977-4656 during business hours. Many practitioners also offer online booking through their website. The friendly reception team will assist in finding a suitable time with the appropriate physiotherapist for your needs.

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 recommended to check your insurance policy before your first visit.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not be an ordeal of pain. While some discomfort or a stretching sensation may be experienced during certain treatments, it is rarely painful in a harmful way. Meghan will guide you through each step, adjusting treatments to your comfort and ensuring a positive experience focused on your recovery.

Longmore Physical Therapy
Suite 2, 202 5th Ave SE
Medicine Hat, AB T1A 2P8

Phone: (403) 977-4656

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

License #8059

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.