Michael Herman

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

Sports Injury

• Stress Fractures (Activity-Related - Conservative Management/Rehab): An overuse injury where the bone is unable to withstand repetitive mechanical loading, requiring a period of offloading and gradual rehabilitation guided by a physiotherapist for safe return to activity.
• 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.
• Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): Inflammation of the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue (periosteum) around the tibia, which requires rest, activity modification, and specific physiotherapy interventions for recovery.
• Ligament Sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL, PCL, Ankle Ligaments): Common joint injuries in athletes affecting stability, causing immediate pain, swelling, bruising, and functional loss, often requiring a structured rehabilitation program.

Common Msk

• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Pain affecting the hip joint and surrounding musculature, which can limit activities like walking, standing for long periods, rising from a chair, or lying on the affected side.
• 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.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or stiffness in the wrist, hand, or fingers, often resulting from overuse, repetitive tasks, arthritis, or specific conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or De Quervain's tenosynovitis.

Back Neck Pain

• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Neck, shoulder, and upper back discomfort, often accompanied by headaches or 'brain fog', after a sudden jerking motion of the head, such as in a rear-end collision.
• 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. Michael can assess your needs.

• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Ultrasound therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, often used to prepare tissues for manual therapy or exercise, or to manage acute and chronic soft tissue injuries.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Improving the mobility and health of your nervous system to reduce pain, restore sensation, and enhance overall function.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Using controlled isometric and isotonic muscle contractions, as directed by your Physiotherapist, to address joint restrictions and muscle imbalances effectively.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: A non-invasive electrotherapy modality aimed at reducing pain, muscle guarding, or swelling, and sometimes used for muscle strengthening, as part of your physiotherapy treatment.

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

• When recovering from a concussion and dealing with lingering symptoms like dizziness or headaches is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing feeling energetic enough to engage in social activities in the evenings, physiotherapy with Michael can help you work towards more comfortable and efficient movement when transitioning between positions (e.g., sit to stand). The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• With Michael's help, managing that persistent ache in my lower back that just won't quit to achieve resuming gardening, hobbies, or household tasks without strain or discomfort becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like playing a full game of recreational hockey with your friends.
• Don't let an old ankle sprain that never seems to fully heal and still feels weak dictate what you can and cannot do. Michael offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at improved overall mobility, making it easier to navigate their home and community, helping you reclaim attending concerts or theatre shows and sitting comfortably throughout and enjoy a more functional life.

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

Michael's practice is located at Encompass Sports Therapy in the Cranston neighborhood of southeast Calgary, specifically in the Mahogany and Auburn Bay area. The clinic is conveniently situated near WinSport Canada Olympic Park, home to ski jumps and bobsleigh facilities, making it easily accessible for active individuals and athletes. The location is well-connected by Calgary Transit, including the CTrain LRT system, buses, and BRT routes, ensuring straightforward access for patients commuting from various parts of the city. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible, and ample parking is generally available close to the entrance, providing convenience for all visitors.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiotherapist can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

Does Encompass Sports Therapy (Cranston) offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, Encompass Sports Therapy (Cranston) offers direct billing for most major private insurance companies such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, Blue Cross, etc. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. It is recommended to confirm your coverage with your insurer beforehand, as some plans may have specific restrictions or requirements. The clinic staff can assist with billing procedures to streamline your experience.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

While some physiotherapy techniques might feel uncomfortable or cause a temporary increase in soreness (similar to muscle soreness after a new workout), especially when working on stiff joints or tight muscles, it should not be excessively or intolerably painful. Your Physiotherapist will discuss what sensations you might expect with different treatments and will always aim to adjust the intensity and techniques to ensure you are as comfortable as possible while still achieving therapeutic benefits. Constant communication about your comfort level is very important.

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 process known as 'direct access.' However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to verify your insurance policy requirements before your appointment to ensure coverage.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. We recommend contacting your insurance provider before your first visit to understand your specific coverage, including annual maximums, per-visit limits, and whether a referral is necessary. If your plan allows, we can often bill your insurer directly, reducing your out-of-pocket expenses at the time of service. Please remember to bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment.

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

In Alberta, AHCIP provides limited coverage for some physiotherapy services, usually following hospital discharge or for specific low-income individuals and seniors through particular programs. Most outpatient private clinic physiotherapy is not directly covered by AHCIP for the general population. Patients are encouraged to rely on private insurance for coverage of outpatient physiotherapy services, and it's advisable to check current AHCIP details and your private plan for coverage options.

Encompass Sports Therapy (Cranston)
13, 90 Cranleigh Drive SE
Calgary, AB T3M 1J7

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

License #8124

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.