Taran Malcolm

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

Common Msk

• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Common knee complaints that can affect your ability to walk, climb stairs, squat, run, or participate in sports, addressed through a tailored physiotherapy program.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Common shoulder problems such as rotator cuff issues (tendinopathy, small tears), impingement syndrome, or adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) significantly affecting arm function and daily comfort.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Damage or tearing of muscle fibers, ranging from a mild overstretch (Grade 1 strain) to a partial or complete rupture (Grade 2 or 3 tear), typically caused by sudden forceful contraction, excessive stretch, or direct trauma.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Discomfort experienced in the hip region, groin, outer hip, or buttock, potentially stemming from joint inflammation (bursitis), muscle strains, tendinopathy, or conservative management of labral tears.

Sports Injury

• 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.
• 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.
• Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): Dull or aching pain in the front or inner part of the shin that can become sharp with activity, often felt during or after exercise.
• Muscle Strains (e.g., Hamstring, Calf, Groin, Quadriceps, Rotator Cuff): Tearing of muscle fibers or the muscle-tendon unit due to overstretching, sudden forceful contraction, or eccentric loading during athletic activity or exertion, commonly known as a 'pulled muscle'.

Back Neck Pain

• 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.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Sharp, shooting, electric-like, or burning pain that travels along the path of a nerve due to issues with intervertebral discs or other spinal structures.

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

• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
• 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.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): A form of manual therapy that actively involves you in your treatment, utilizing your body's muscular effort to achieve specific therapeutic effects on restricted joints and shortened soft tissues.
• 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.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Targeted therapy to alleviate symptoms such as shooting pain, pins and needles, or weakness arising from neural tension or entrapment.

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

• Discover how physiotherapy with Taran can help you move beyond trying to get back to my best after a frustrating sports injury. The focus is on improved performance in work-related physical demands, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as giving presentations or speaking publicly with confidence and good posture.
• If post-operative stiffness and weakness that's slowing down my recovery is preventing you from fully enjoying attending concerts or theatre shows and sitting comfortably throughout, Taran offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining achieving personal fitness goals that once seemed out of reach, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from my child walking on their toes most of the time and achieved experiencing significant pain relief, allowing for a more comfortable daily life under the skilled care of Taran. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as playing your musical instrument (guitar, piano, violin, etc.) for extended periods with a new lease on life.

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

The practice is located at the University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton, situated in the south-central area near the Garneau and Windsor Park neighborhoods. The clinic is conveniently positioned near 4th Street Promenade, making it easily accessible for patients. It is well-connected through Edmonton Transit Service (ETS), including LRT and bus routes. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

What are University of Alberta Hospital's operating hours?

Our clinic is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and some practitioners offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call our office at (780) 000-0000 or check our website/online booking portal for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

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.

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, known as a direct access. However, while a doctor's referral may not be legally required to access physiotherapy, some private or extended health insurance plans do require one for reimbursement. Patients are advised to check their specific insurance policies before their first appointment.

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 are 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 after your first visit, which will be revisited as your treatment progresses.

Does University of Alberta Hospital offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, University of Alberta Hospital offers direct billing for most major private insurance providers such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, and Blue Cross. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to facilitate this process. If direct billing is not available for your plan, we will provide detailed receipts for you to submit to your insurer for reimbursement.

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 certain programs. Most outpatient private clinic physiotherapy is not directly covered for the general population. Patients are encouraged to verify current coverage details with AHCIP and consult their private insurance plans for comprehensive coverage options.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

To ensure a smooth first visit, please bring your health card, any relevant referral letters, results of imaging tests such as X-rays or MRIs, a list of current medications, and your extended health benefits information (insurance card/policy number). Wearing comfortable clothing is also recommended.

University of Alberta Hospital
8440 112 Street NW
Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7

Phone: (780) 407-3326

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

License #8817

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.