Siji Punnan Kuruvilla

Siji Punnan Kuruvilla provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.
• 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.

Sports Injury

• Ligament Sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL, PCL, Ankle Ligaments): Damage to ligaments that can range from mild (Grade 1 - overstretched) to moderate (Grade 2 - partial tear) to severe (Grade 3 - complete tear), impacting joint integrity and function.
• IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): Pain, typically sharp or burning, located on the outside (lateral aspect) of the knee, or sometimes the hip. Common in runners, cyclists, and other endurance athletes, caused by irritation or inflammation of the iliotibial (IT) band as it rubs over bony prominences.
• Muscle Strains (e.g., Hamstring, Calf, Groin, Quadriceps, Rotator Cuff): Damage to muscle tissue that can range from minor micro-tears to more significant partial or complete tears, impacting strength, power, and range of motion.
• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): Knee discomfort frequently experienced by runners, cyclists, and those involved in activities with repetitive knee bending, which physiotherapy can effectively manage through exercise and biomechanical correction.

Back Neck Pain

• 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: 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.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Symptoms of nerve compression originating from the spine, such as a 'slipped disc' or 'pinched nerve', causing radiating pain, altered sensation, or muscle weakness in a limb.

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

• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Developing muscular strength and endurance to aid in injury recovery, support affected joints, improve biomechanics, and enhance athletic performance or demanding physical tasks.
• 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.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Development of a tailored therapeutic exercise program by your Physiotherapist, focused on your specific rehabilitation needs, strength goals, flexibility improvements, balance, and overall conditioning.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Education and instruction on effective and safe stretching techniques to help you maintain or improve your body's flexibility and joint mobility.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: A progressive program designed to build a strong and stable core, improving your body's foundation for all movements and reducing strain on other structures.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Comprehensive exercise plans developed by your Physiotherapist to combat deconditioning, enhance overall physical well-being, and promote an active lifestyle.

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

• When trouble with a constantly stiff and sore neck, making turning my head a pain is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing playing a full game of recreational hockey with your friends, physiotherapy with Siji can help you work towards waking up feeling more refreshed with considerably less pain and stiffness. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Patients often come to Siji feeling defeated by recurrent dislocations or a feeling of instability in my shoulder or knee. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving improved performance in work-related physical demands and resuming getting back to golfing 18 holes without your back acting up becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Patients struggling with dealing with ongoing pain and stiffness after a car accident, like whiplash can find dedicated and compassionate support from Siji. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving improved joint health and a slowing of degenerative processes through better biomechanics, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as sitting comfortably through a movie at the cinema or a play.

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

Wetaskiwin Physical Therapy is situated in the central Wetaskiwin neighborhood of Wetaskiwin, AB. The clinic is conveniently located near local community services and pharmacies, making it easy for patients to combine their physiotherapy appointments with other errands. Accessible via local public transit routes, the clinic is designed to accommodate patients with varying mobility needs. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of physiotherapy sessions required varies greatly from person to person. It depends on several factors, including the nature and severity of your condition, how long you've had the issue (acute vs. chronic), your individual treatment goals, your body's unique response to therapy, and how consistently you are able to follow your prescribed home exercise program and self-management advice. Your Physiotherapist will discuss a proposed treatment frequency and estimated duration after your initial assessment and will continually re-evaluate your progress with you.

What is Wetaskiwin Physical Therapy's appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice (or one business day) for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients who may be waiting for care. A fee of 50% of the service cost or a set amount (e.g., $50) may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments (no-shows) without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

It's not uncommon to experience some temporary soreness or a mild increase in symptoms after certain physiotherapy treatments, especially in the initial stages or if you're starting new exercises. This usually subsides within 24-48 hours. However, if you experience a significant or sharp increase in pain, new or worsening neurological symptoms (like numbness, tingling, or weakness), or if your soreness lasts longer than expected, it's important to contact Wetaskiwin Physical Therapy or your Alberta healthcare provider directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Wetaskiwin Physical Therapy treat?

Siji treats a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain (including herniated discs), joint problems (arthritis, post-surgical recovery), sports injuries (ligament sprains, muscle strains), and nerve pain (sciatica). The clinic also offers specialized care in areas such as performance optimization and injury prevention, often involving manual therapy, exercise prescription, and patient education to help achieve functional goals.

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 is not directly covered by AHCIP for the general population. It is advisable to check current AHCIP details and consult your private insurance provider for coverage options.

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

Patients in Alberta can typically see a Physiotherapist 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 recommended to verify the requirements of your insurance policy before your appointment.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

The first physiotherapy session mainly involves an in-depth assessment. Siji will discuss your medical history, current symptoms, and treatment goals, followed by physical tests to evaluate movement, strength, and joint function. The goal is to develop a personalized treatment plan collaboratively, which may include hands-on therapy, exercise prescription, and education to support your recovery and performance goals.

Wetaskiwin Physical Therapy
5106A 50 Avenue
Wetaskiwin, AB T9A 0S6

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

License #5591

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.