Samantha Gail Linea Playfair – Physiotherapist | Calgary, AB

Samantha Gail Linea Playfair is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Intern). Practicing at Strive Physiotherapy (Centre) in Calgary, AB, Samantha is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physical Therapists of Alberta (CPTA) standards. She provides 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. Samantha's approach emphasizes personalized care, ensuring each individual receives targeted interventions tailored to their unique needs and goals, whether recovering from an injury, managing chronic pain, or optimizing athletic performance.
With a strong foundation in physiotherapy principles, Samantha is dedicated to ongoing professional development and evidence-based practices. She aims to empower her patients through education and active participation in their recovery process. Her focus is on fostering a supportive environment where patients feel comfortable, informed, and motivated to achieve their health objectives. Samantha's commitment extends beyond treatment sessions; she actively encourages preventative strategies and long-term wellness to promote sustained health benefits.
Samantha offers care in English and adopts a holistic, patient-centered philosophy that promotes collaboration and shared decision-making. Her goal is to help individuals regain their independence, reduce discomfort, and enhance overall well-being through effective, evidence-informed physiotherapy interventions.

Samantha Gail Linea Playfair provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Back Neck Pain

• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Often age-related changes leading to pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs with walking (neurogenic claudication in lumbar stenosis) or in the arms/hands (cervical stenosis).
• 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.
• 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.

Common Msk

• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Difficulty with activities like reaching for objects, dressing, personal care, or carrying items due to underlying shoulder issues, which physiotherapy can help diagnose and treat.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Common injuries in active individuals, athletes, or resulting from accidents, leading to localized pain, swelling, bruising, and weakness in the affected muscle (e.g., hamstring, calf, quadriceps, groin, rotator cuff).
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Knee problems that limit your ability to stay active, perform daily tasks, or enjoy your hobbies, for which physiotherapy offers effective solutions.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: A 'rolled' or twisted ankle with subsequent swelling, tenderness, and difficulty putting your full weight on the foot.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Conditions like 'jumper's knee' (patellar tendinopathy), 'swimmer's shoulder' (rotator cuff tendinopathy), or 'tennis elbow' (lateral epicondylitis) caused by tendon issues that limit your ability to perform specific tasks.
• 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.

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

• 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.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Application of skilled soft tissue techniques to manage pain, stiffness, and improve function in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A complete assessment of your musculoskeletal system to pinpoint issues, set clear rehabilitation goals, and get you started on the path to recovery.
• 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.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Teaching you essential strategies and exercises to manage your symptoms independently, accelerate recovery, and prevent future problems.

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

• The path to recovery from an awkward gait or limping when I walk and achieving better managing flare-ups with personalized strategies and feeling more in control of their symptoms for competing effectively in your curling league games often starts with expert guidance. Samantha, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• Living with knee pain, especially when going up/down stairs or after a run doesn't have to be your norm. Samantha applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards moving more freely and with greater agility than they have in years, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of taking long photography walks to capture nature or cityscapes.
• When dealing with ongoing pain and stiffness after a car accident, like whiplash is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing carrying a backpack or shoulder bag comfortably, physiotherapy with Samantha can help you work towards seeing their child achieve developmental milestones with greater ease (for pediatric physio). The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.

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

Samantha practices at Strive Physiotherapy (Centre), situated in the NE: Tuxedo Park, Highland Park, Greenview neighborhood of Calgary. The clinic is conveniently located near Telus Sky and is accessible via Calgary Transit, including CTrain LRT, bus, and BRT services. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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, a process known as direct access. However, while a referral isn't legally required to initiate physiotherapy treatment, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to confirm their specific requirements.

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

Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) provides limited coverage for certain physiotherapy services, primarily after hospital discharge or for specific low-income individuals and seniors through targeted programs. Most outpatient private clinic physiotherapy services are not directly covered for the general population. Patients should verify their coverage details with AHCIP and consult their private insurance plans for comprehensive coverage options.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

While some physiotherapy techniques may cause temporary discomfort or soreness, it should not be excessively painful or intolerable. Samantha will discuss expected sensations during treatments and will adjust techniques and intensity to ensure your comfort while still providing effective therapy. Open communication about your comfort level is essential for optimal care.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial appointment involves a comprehensive assessment, where Samantha will review your medical history, current symptoms, and functional goals. This is followed by a physical examination, assessing range of motion, strength, posture, and specific movement patterns. Based on her findings, she will discuss her clinical impression, outline a personalized treatment plan, and may initiate some initial interventions or provide education and exercises to start your recovery.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of sessions varies depending on your condition, goals, and response to treatment. Some issues resolve quickly within a few visits, while others require longer-term management. Samantha will provide an estimated plan after your initial assessment and adjust it as needed during your course of care.

Is there parking available at or near Strive Physiotherapy (Centre)?

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside our building. Look for the designated patient spots. Additional street parking may be metered or available nearby. Please check local signage for restrictions and parking durations.

Strive Physiotherapy (Centre)
2715A Centre Street N
Calgary, AB T2E 2V5

Samantha Gail Linea Playfair is regulated by the Health Professions Act in AB and is a member of the College of Physical Therapists of Alberta (CPTA).

License #9835

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.