Shannon Deforge – Physiotherapist | Edmonton, AB

Shannon Deforge is a dedicated Physiotherapist practicing at Over the Rainbow Family Centred-Pediatric Services in Edmonton, AB. She is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care that aligns with the standards set by the College of Physical Therapists of Alberta (CPTA). Shannon’s approach emphasizes a thorough understanding of each patient's unique needs, ensuring that treatment plans are tailored to promote optimal recovery and functional improvement.

With a focus on comprehensive assessment and treatment, Shannon addresses a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions. She serves a diverse range of patients, including children, adolescents, adults, and seniors, helping them restore function, manage pain, and enhance their overall quality of life through evidence-based physiotherapy interventions.

Shannon completed her degree in Physiotherapy and has accumulated clinical experience that underscores her dedication to ongoing professional development. She stays current with the latest research and best practices in physiotherapy to ensure her patients receive the most effective and safe care. Shannon offers her services primarily in English, fostering clear communication and understanding with her patients.

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

Joint Pain

• 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.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Inflammation (tendinitis) or, more commonly, degeneration (tendinosis/tendinopathy) of tendons, leading to localized pain that typically worsens with activity or loading of the tendon.

Common Msk

• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Hip problems that interfere with your mobility, sleep, and daily comfort, which can be effectively managed with physiotherapy interventions.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Aching, burning, sharp pain, or a 'pins and needles' sensation in the wrist, thumb, or hand region, sometimes waking you at night.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Damage to the body's movement system, including issues like joint inflammation, ligament tears, or muscle overstretching, often requiring physiotherapy for optimal recovery.

Back Neck Pain

• 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.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Muscular pain, trigger points, and tension headaches resulting from habitual poor posture, which can be addressed with postural re-education, exercises, and ergonomic advice.
• 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).
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Symptoms resulting from a whiplash injury, which can vary in severity (WAD Grades I-III) and duration, requiring a comprehensive physiotherapy approach for recovery.

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

• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Using therapeutic ultrasound as an adjunct treatment to help reduce pain, decrease inflammation, break down scar tissue, and accelerate the repair of injured soft tissues.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: Utilizing therapeutic laser to enhance tissue regeneration, reduce pain signals, and manage inflammation as part of your comprehensive physiotherapy care.
• 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.
• 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): The therapeutic use of different electrical currents by your Physiotherapist to achieve specific physiological effects, such as improving muscle contraction, reducing atrophy, or enhancing functional movement.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): The application of cold packs, ice massage, or other cold modalities by your Physiotherapist to reduce swelling, inflammation, muscle spasm, and acute pain, particularly after an injury.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Shannon. 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 Over the Rainbow Family Centred-Pediatric Services, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Shannon frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Discover how physiotherapy with Shannon can help you move beyond pain in my shins when I try to run or be active (shin splints). The focus is on enhanced recovery from post-surgical procedures with fewer complications, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as playing a full game of recreational hockey with your friends.
• Physiotherapy with Shannon can be a transformative turning point for those affected by managing stiffness, tremors, and movement challenges with Parkinson's disease. The shared goal is achieving enjoying cycling or swimming regularly without pain or limitation, paving the way for you to enjoy working at your desk all day without developing back or neck stiffness and a more active, vibrant life.
• At Shannon's physiotherapy practice, individuals with dealing with pelvic pain or bladder/bowel control issues (for both men and women) are guided towards much better balance overall, reducing the risk of stumbles or falls. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as travelling more comfortably on planes, trains, or in cars for longer durations.

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

Shannon practices at Over the Rainbow Family Centred-Pediatric Services, situated in the S Central: Bonnie Doon, Idylwylde neighborhood of Edmonton. The clinic is conveniently located near the Living History Museum and is accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS), including LRT and bus routes. 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 is not legally required to *attend* physiotherapy, some private and extended health insurance plans may require a doctor's referral for reimbursement. It is advisable for patients to verify the specific requirements of their insurance policies before their first appointment to ensure coverage.

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, mainly after hospital discharge or for specific low-income individuals and seniors through designated programs. Most outpatient physiotherapy services in private clinics are not directly covered by AHCIP for the general population. Patients are encouraged to check current AHCIP details and consult their private insurance plans for comprehensive coverage.

Is there parking available at or near Over the Rainbow Family Centred-Pediatric Services?

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside the clinic. Look for designated patient spots. Additional street parking and nearby public lots are also available, but patients should check local signage for restrictions and hours of operation.

Does Over the Rainbow Family Centred-Pediatric Services offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, the clinic offers direct billing for most major private insurance companies such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, and Blue Cross. Patients should bring their insurance card and policy details at each visit. If direct billing is not available for a specific insurer, the clinic provides detailed receipts that can be submitted for reimbursement. Patients are advised to confirm their coverage and any applicable limits directly with their insurance provider.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

The initial appointment is primarily an in-depth assessment. Shannon will discuss your specific concerns, medical history, and treatment goals. She will perform physical tests to evaluate your movement, strength, and areas of concern. The goal is to develop a personalized treatment plan, which may include manual therapy, education, and home exercises to facilitate recovery and improve function.

Over the Rainbow Family Centred-Pediatric Services
9616 96 Ave NW
Edmonton, AB T6C 2E4

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

License #1554

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.