Rafael Ramos de Burgos – Physiotherapist | Calgary, AB

Rafael Ramos de Burgos is a dedicated Physiotherapist practicing at Alpine Sports Therapy Centre in Calgary, AB. Rafael is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care in accordance with the standards set by the College of Physical Therapists of Alberta (CPTA). His approach emphasizes comprehensive assessment and individualized treatment strategies to address a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions. Rafael’s goal is to assist patients of all ages in restoring optimal function, managing pain effectively, and improving their overall quality of life through evidence-based physiotherapy interventions.

With a solid educational background and clinical experience, Rafael completed his degree in Physiotherapy and continuously pursues professional development to stay current with the latest practices and research. His expertise encompasses a diverse range of conditions, allowing him to tailor treatment plans that are both effective and aligned with each patient's unique needs. Rafael’s approach integrates manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and patient education to facilitate lasting improvements and promote long-term wellness.

Rafael believes in promoting preventative care and long-term health benefits for the Calgary community through proactive physiotherapy. He empowers his patients by providing clear education about their conditions and practical self-management strategies for sustained results. Rafael offers care primarily in English, ensuring effective communication and understanding throughout the treatment process.

Rafael Ramos de Burgos 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): 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): 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.

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.
• 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.
• Stress Fractures (Activity-Related - Conservative Management/Rehab): Localized bone pain that typically worsens with activity and is relieved by rest, often accompanied by tenderness to touch over the affected bone.

Back & Neck Pain

• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Sharp, shooting, electric-like, or burning pain that travels along the path of a nerve due to issues with intervertebral discs or other spinal structures.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Nerve compression symptoms due to a narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal or the small openings where nerves exit the spine (foramina), most commonly in the lumbar (lower back) or cervical (neck) regions.
• 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. Rafael can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): A systematic screening process, such as FMS™ or SFMA™ (if your Physiotherapist is certified), to understand how you move and guide preventative or corrective exercise programs.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A thorough evaluation by your Physiotherapist to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Detailed analysis of your static and dynamic posture, with tailored exercises, stretches, and advice to help you improve alignment and reduce strain on your body.
• 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.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Providing clear guidance on self-care techniques, activity modifications, and beneficial lifestyle adjustments for long-term well-being and injury prevention.

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

• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of loss of strength in one of my limbs after an injury? Rafael works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of less reliance on pain medication, trusting more in their body's ability to heal and function. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue or breathlessness.
• Many individuals seek help from Rafael, their physiotherapist, when soreness and tightness in my Achilles tendon, especially after exercise starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve increased endurance for walking, allowing for longer and more enjoyable outings, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and dexterity with ease.
• At Rafael's physiotherapy practice, individuals with my infant having a tilted head or a flat spot on their head (torticollis/plagiocephaly) are guided towards improved overall mobility, making it easier to navigate their home and community. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as attending concerts or theatre shows and sitting comfortably throughout.

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

Rafael practices at Alpine Sports Therapy Centre, situated in the SE: Acadia, Fairview, Willow Park East neighbourhood of Calgary. The clinic is conveniently located near Calgary Tower and is easily accessible via Calgary Transit, including CTrain LRT, bus, and BRT services. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible, with ample parking generally available close to the entrance, ensuring ease of access for all patients seeking physiotherapy care.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Alpine Sports Therapy Centre treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain (such as herniated discs, sciatica, radiculopathy), joint problems (arthritis, post-surgical recovery), sports injuries (muscle strains, ligament sprains, stress fractures), and nerve pain. They also address specialized areas such as pelvic health and perform services like manual therapy, personalized therapeutic exercise prescription, and functional movement screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified). The goal is to help patients restore function, reduce pain, and achieve their activity and health goals.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Your first physiotherapy appointment, which includes a detailed assessment and the development of your initial treatment plan, usually takes about 60 minutes. Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled for 30 to 45 minutes. The exact duration of each session will depend on the nature of your treatment and your Physiotherapist's plan to best support your progress.

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, while a referral may not be legally required to see a Physiotherapist, some private or extended health insurance plans do require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check with your individual insurance provider before your first appointment.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, physiotherapy plays a vital role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. By identifying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, or postural issues, and addressing them through targeted exercises, education, and activity modifications, physiotherapy can help reduce the likelihood of initial injury, re-injury, and chronic pain conditions.

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

Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) provides limited coverage for some physiotherapy services, typically after hospital discharge or for specific low-income individuals or seniors through specialized programs. Most outpatient physiotherapy services in private clinics are not directly covered by AHCIP for the general population. Patients are advised to verify their eligibility with AHCIP and check their private insurance plans for extended coverage.

Alpine Sports Therapy Centre
8500 Macleod Trail #168N
Calgary, AB T2H 2N1

Phone: (403) 259-2000

Rafael Ramos de Burgos is regulated by the Health Professions Act in AB and is a member of the College of Physical Therapists of Alberta (CPTA).

License #7337

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.