Ruthanne Wittke – Physiotherapist | Lethbridge, AB

Ruthanne Wittke is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Intern). Practicing at The Bridge (Lethbridge) in Lethbridge, AB, Ruthanne is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physical Therapists of Alberta (CPTA) standards. She specializes in providing comprehensive assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions to help patients of all ages restore function, manage pain, and improve their quality of life. Ruthanne’s approach emphasizes a performance and athletic-oriented philosophy, focusing on optimizing movement efficiency and functional capacity to support active lifestyles.

With a solid educational foundation in physiotherapy and ongoing clinical experience, Ruthanne is dedicated to professional development and evidence-based practices. She serves a diverse range of patients, from weekend warriors to competitive athletes, ensuring tailored interventions that meet their unique performance goals. Ruthanne believes in empowering her patients through education, proactive strategies, and customized treatment plans designed to enhance long-term wellness and prevent future injuries.

Her practice philosophy revolves around promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Lethbridge community through a proactive physiotherapy approach. Ruthanne actively involves patients in their treatment planning and goal setting, emphasizing education about their conditions and practical self-management strategies to achieve lasting results. She offers care in English, ensuring clear communication and understanding throughout the treatment process.

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

Common Msk

• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Aching, sharp, or deep pain in the hip that may worsen with activity, specific movements, or even at rest.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): A broad term for common injuries affecting muscles, tendons (tendinitis/tendinopathy), ligaments (sprains), joint capsules (capsulitis), and bursae (bursitis), leading to pain, inflammation, and functional limitations.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: A 'pulled' muscle, often occurring during activities like sprinting, jumping, lifting, or sudden changes in direction, causing immediate pain and difficulty using the muscle.
• 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.

Back Neck Pain

• 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.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Post-traumatic neck pain, restricted movement, and associated issues common after car accidents, which benefit from early and appropriate physiotherapy intervention.
• 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).
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Back or neck pain that often radiates into an arm or leg, potentially with numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning sensations, due to a spinal disc problem (herniation, protrusion, or bulge) compressing or irritating a nearby nerve root (radiculopathy). Sciatica specifically refers to radicular pain down the leg.

Sports Injury

• Muscle Strains (e.g., Hamstring, Calf, Groin, Quadriceps, Rotator Cuff): Common athletic injuries affecting major muscle groups such as the hamstrings, calves, groin (adductors), quadriceps, or rotator cuff muscles of the shoulder.
• 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.

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

• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Empowering you with a clear understanding of your condition, its causes, and practical tools for effective self-management and lasting relief.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Helping you understand how your posture impacts your musculoskeletal health and providing you with tools for lasting postural improvement and pain relief.
• 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.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: A variety of hands-on methods such as therapeutic massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and active release style techniques to reduce muscle tension, break down scar tissue, improve circulation, and enhance tissue flexibility.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Hands-on physiotherapy focused on mobilizing restricted joints and soft tissues to promote healing, restore normal biomechanics, and alleviate pain.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: Detailed physical assessment of your joints, muscles, nerves, and movement patterns to identify the root cause of your symptoms and guide your treatment.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Ruthanne. 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. Ruthanne frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of difficulty getting out of a chair or bed due to stiffness or pain? Ruthanne works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of improved hand and wrist function for tasks requiring dexterity. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as going on birdwatching outings in various terrains.
• At Ruthanne's physiotherapy practice, individuals with my infant having a tilted head or a flat spot on their head (torticollis/plagiocephaly) are guided towards effectively managing chronic pain and reclaiming an active lifestyle. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as playing in your competitive volleyball league again.
• Tired of clicking, popping, or pain in my jaw (TMJ issues) when I eat or talk interfering with engaging in volunteer work that might have physical demands? Ruthanne uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve moving more freely and with greater agility than they have in years and regain your freedom of movement.

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

Ruthanne practices at The Bridge (Lethbridge), situated in the vibrant Downtown Lethbridge area within the South Lethbridge East neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden, making it an easily accessible destination for active individuals in the community. Accessible by Lethbridge Transit, the clinic offers a straightforward route for public transit users. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at The Bridge (Lethbridge) treat?

Ruthanne's practice treats a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain, joint problems such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery, sports injuries including hip pain, shoulder injuries, and ligament sprains, as well as nerve pain like sciatica. She also provides specialized care for conditions such as herniated discs, whiplash, and sports-related injuries. Treatments often involve patient education and self-management strategies, postural assessment and correction, manual therapy, and tailored exercise programs to help patients achieve their functional 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 what your Physiotherapist has planned for that specific visit to best help you progress.

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 for the general population. It is recommended to check current AHCIP details and your private insurance coverage to understand your benefits. Many extended health plans do offer coverage for physiotherapy in private clinics, so verifying your plan is advised.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

The first physiotherapy session primarily involves an in-depth assessment. You can expect to discuss your specific issue, its history, and your overall health background with Ruthanne. She will perform various physical tests to assess your movement, strength, and areas of concern. The goal is to gather comprehensive information to develop a tailored treatment plan. You may also receive initial hands-on care and home exercises to start your recovery process.

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

You can book an appointment by calling the clinic during business hours. Many of Ruthanne's colleagues also offer online booking through the clinic’s website. The friendly reception team will assist you in finding a suitable time with the right physiotherapist to meet your needs.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The required number of sessions varies depending on your specific condition, its severity, your goals, and your response to therapy. Ruthanne will discuss a treatment plan during your initial assessment and will continually evaluate your progress, adjusting the schedule as needed. Consistent participation in prescribed home exercises significantly influences recovery duration.

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

In Alberta, patients can typically access physiotherapy directly without a physician’s referral, known as direct access. However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your insurance policy details before your appointment to ensure coverage.

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

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

License #9852

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.