Susan Jane Reynolds

Susan Jane Reynolds provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Common Msk

• 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.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Neck problems that interfere with your sleep quality, ability to work comfortably (especially at a desk), or perform everyday tasks without pain.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: A 'rolled' or twisted ankle with subsequent swelling, tenderness, and difficulty putting your full weight on the foot.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Aching, sharp pain, a feeling of the knee 'giving way', or difficulty fully bending or straightening your knee.

Back Neck Pain

• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): A range of neck and related symptoms including pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and sometimes arm pain or cognitive difficulties, following a rapid acceleration-deceleration injury to the neck, most typically from a motor vehicle accident.
• 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.

Sports Injury

• Stress Fractures (Activity-Related - Conservative Management/Rehab): An overuse injury where the bone is unable to withstand repetitive mechanical loading, requiring a period of offloading and gradual rehabilitation guided by a physiotherapist for safe return to activity.
• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): Dull, aching pain in the front of the knee, often related to issues with the alignment and movement of the patella within the femoral groove.
• IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): A common cause of lateral knee pain in athletes, often linked to training errors, muscle imbalances (e.g., weak hip abductors), or poor biomechanics, which physiotherapy aims to address.

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

• 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.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Evidence-based exercise programs designed by your physiotherapist, including instruction and progression, to optimize your recovery and enhance your physical well-being.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Identifying and addressing habitual postures (e.g., from desk work, phone use) or ergonomic factors that may be contributing to your pain or dysfunction.
• 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.
• 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 Susan. 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 Susan Reynolds Physiotherapy, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Susan frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• At Susan's physiotherapy practice, individuals with recovering from a painful and limiting work-related injury (WCB/CNESST/WorkSafe claim) are guided towards feeling more positive, capable, and optimistic about their physical health. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain.
• The journey to being active again without the constant worry of pain or re-injury when faced with persistent recovering my strength and energy after being very sick (like with pneumonia or Long COVID) is made smoother and more effective with Susan's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like engaging in detailed crafting, sewing, or knitting hobbies for hours.
• Patients struggling with difficulty getting out of a chair or bed due to stiffness or pain can find dedicated and compassionate support from Susan. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving a feeling of being 'unstuck' and more supple, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as engaging in volunteer work that might have physical demands.

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

Susan practices at Susan Reynolds Physiotherapy, situated in the NE Crescent Heights and Ranchlands neighborhood of Medicine Hat. The clinic is conveniently located near the Cultural Centre, which includes the Library and Theatre, making it easy for patients to access a variety of community amenities. The practice is accessible via Medicine Hat Transit, providing public transportation options for those who prefer not to drive. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

The first physiotherapy session is primarily an in-depth assessment. Expect to spend time talking with your Physiotherapist about your specific issue, its history, and your overall health background. your therapist will then perform various physical tests to assess your movement, strength, and any areas of concern. The main goal of this first visit is to understand your condition fully so that a tailored and effective treatment plan can be developed collaboratively with you. You might also receive your first set of home exercises or some initial hands-on care to start the healing process.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Susan Reynolds Physiotherapy treat?

Susan's Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain (including Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD/3PD)), joint problems such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery, sports injuries like tendinitis or ligament sprains, and nerve pain. Treatments often involve comprehensive assessments, manual therapy, exercise prescription, and patient education to support recovery and functional goals.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

It’s difficult to say exactly how many sessions you’ll need without a thorough assessment, as everyone’s situation and recovery path is unique. Some acute conditions might resolve in just a few sessions, while more chronic, complex, or significant issues may require a longer period of care to achieve lasting results. Your Physiotherapist will provide an estimated treatment timeline and plan after your first visit, and this will be revisited as your treatment progresses.

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

In Alberta, patients can typically access physiotherapy services directly without a referral, a process known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a physician’s referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider before your appointment to understand their specific requirements.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows the Physiotherapist to easily access and assess the area being treated, and permits you to move freely for any exercises or movements. For example, shorts are ideal for knee, hip, or ankle issues, while a tank top or loose t-shirt works well for shoulder, neck, or upper back problems. Athletic wear or gym attire is generally a good choice. You may also be provided with a gown if needed.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. We recommend you contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand the specifics of your plan. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor’s referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If our clinic offers direct billing and your plan permits it, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance not covered by your plan at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and all necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.

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 recommended to check current AHCIP details and your private insurance plan for coverage options.

Susan Reynolds Physiotherapy
947 Cottonwood Street SW
Medicine Hat, AB T1B 4R4

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

License #2421

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.