Melissa Spina – Physiotherapist | Lethbridge, AB

Melissa Spina is a dedicated Physiotherapist practicing at Palliser School Division in Lethbridge, AB. She is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the College of Physical Therapists of Alberta (CPTA). Melissa's approach emphasizes individualized treatment plans, focusing on restoring optimal movement, alleviating pain, and enhancing overall function for her patients. Her practice serves a diverse range of individuals, from athletes recovering from sports injuries to seniors managing chronic conditions, ensuring that each person receives tailored support to meet their unique health goals.

Melissa completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has accumulated valuable clinical experience through her years of practice. She is dedicated to ongoing professional development, staying current with the latest evidence-based techniques and advancements in physiotherapy. This commitment enables her to provide effective interventions that are grounded in the best available research, ensuring her patients benefit from the most up-to-date care strategies.

Her philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness within the Lethbridge community. Melissa believes in a collaborative, patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. She offers care in English and strives to empower her patients to take an active role in their recovery and ongoing health management.

Melissa Spina 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): 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).
• 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.

Sports Injury

• Ligament Sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL, PCL, Ankle Ligaments): Injuries like a 'twisted ankle', 'knee ligament injury', or 'shoulder separation' (AC joint sprain) sustained during athletic activity or accidental falls.
• Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): Pain and tenderness along the inner edge of the shinbone (tibia), often resulting from running, jumping, or other repetitive impact activities, especially with sudden increases in training intensity or volume.

Back Neck Pain

• 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.
• 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).
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Pain and muscle tension related to ergonomic factors at work or home, muscle imbalances, and suboptimal body mechanics or movement habits.

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

• Therapeutic Heat Application: Application of therapeutic heat to prepare tissues for exercise, manual therapy, or stretching, or to manage chronic muscle soreness and joint stiffness.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Application of various forms of electrical stimulation, such as Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) for muscle strengthening and re-education, or Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) to assist with movement, as prescribed by your Physiotherapist.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: LLLT or 'cold laser' therapy to stimulate your body's natural healing processes, provide pain relief, and improve function in conditions like tendinopathies, arthritis, or soft tissue injuries.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: The use of specific electrical stimulation devices (IFC or TENS) by your Physiotherapist to provide pain relief, reduce muscle spasm, decrease swelling, or promote muscle activation and re-education.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Using therapeutic cold to manage the initial stages of an injury (e.g., sprains, strains) and control inflammatory responses, helping to limit tissue damage.
• 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.

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

• Patients struggling with recovering from a concussion and dealing with lingering symptoms like dizziness or headaches can find dedicated and compassionate support from Melissa. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving enhanced ability to participate in social and community events, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as being able to perform deep cleaning tasks around the house.
• With Melissa's help, managing that burning pain between my shoulder blades from too much computer work to achieve enhanced recovery from post-surgical procedures with fewer complications becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like participating fully in your martial arts practice, including sparring.
• The path to recovery from feeling unsteady on my feet or experiencing dizziness and balance problems and achieving improved performance in work-related physical demands for getting back to golfing 18 holes without your back acting up often starts with expert guidance. Melissa, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.

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

Melissa's practice at Palliser School Division is situated in the North Lethbridge neighborhood of Lethbridge, AB. The clinic is conveniently located near Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden, making it easily accessible for local residents. Patients can reach the clinic via Lethbridge Transit, with multiple stops nearby, offering convenient public transportation options. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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 services are not directly covered by AHCIP for the general population. Patients are advised to check current AHCIP details and their private insurance plans for coverage options.

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

Patients in Alberta can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral, a process known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a doctor's referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to verify the specific requirements of your insurance policy before your appointment.

What are Palliser School Division's operating hours?

Our clinic is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with some practitioners offering Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Hours may vary depending on the practitioner and day. Please call the clinic at (phone number) or visit our website for the most current hours and availability.

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

For your first visit, please bring your provincial health card (e.g., AHCIP card), any relevant medical information such as a referral note, recent imaging reports, and a list of medications. Wear comfortable clothing suitable for assessment and movement. If you plan to use private insurance, bring your insurance card or policy details.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy, delivered by a qualified Physiotherapist, is a science-based profession focused on restoring movement and function affected by injury, illness, or disability. It involves therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, education, and advice to help individuals manage their health and achieve their functional goals.

Palliser School Division
3305 18 Avenue N
Lethbridge, AB T1H 5S1

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

License #5685

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.