Zak Palek

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

Common Msk

• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Acute or chronic pain originating from various musculoskeletal sources, such as a pulled muscle (strain), inflamed tendon, or irritated bursa.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Discomfort felt around the shoulder blade, at the top of the shoulder, or radiating down the arm, making simple tasks challenging.
• 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.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Painful neck conditions that can make head movements difficult, sometimes leading to headaches or radiating pain into the shoulders.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Commonly known as 'wear-and-tear' arthritis, this condition affects various joints, often worsening with age, overuse, or previous injury, and can significantly impact daily function.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Pain, tenderness, swelling, and dysfunction in a tendon (the strong cords that attach muscles to bones) due to overuse, repetitive strain, injury, or degeneration. Common sites include the Achilles, patellar tendon (knee), rotator cuff (shoulder), or elbow (tennis/golfer's elbow).

Back Neck Pain

• 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: Back or neck pain that often radiates into an arm or leg, potentially with numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning sensations, due to a spinal disc problem (herniation, protrusion, or bulge) compressing or irritating a nearby nerve root (radiculopathy). Sciatica specifically refers to radicular pain down the leg.

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

• 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.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: The application of high-frequency sound waves by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to promote deep tissue heating, increase local blood flow, reduce pain, and facilitate the healing process in soft tissues like muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
• 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.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Specific stretches designed by your therapist to target tight muscle groups relevant to your condition, helping to improve your flexibility and reduce your risk of injury.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Progressive resistance training programs designed by your Physiotherapist to improve muscle performance, support joint health, and enhance functional capacity for daily life or sport.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Structured physical activities and exercises aimed at helping you safely regain strength, stamina, and confidence in your body's abilities, tailored to your current level.

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

• Zak frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of that burning pain between my shoulder blades from too much computer work. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets experiencing significant pain relief, allowing for a more comfortable daily life and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like being able to kneel or squat down to play with pets or children.
• Many find that working on getting back to normal after a fracture or other surgery significantly impacts their ability to attending your favorite yoga and pilates classes without limitation. Zak helps patients target feeling more positive, capable, and optimistic about their physical health with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• The path to recovery from difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning shirts or writing due to hand pain and achieving getting back to enjoying life's simple pleasures without physical limitations for walking your children to school or the park often starts with expert guidance. Zak, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.

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

Zak's practice at Back On Track Chiropractic is situated in the heart of the Spruce Grove City neighborhood of Spruce Grove. The clinic's convenient location near Westland Market Mall makes it easily accessible for residents and visitors alike. Whether you are coming from within Spruce Grove or commuting from Edmonton, the clinic is well-served by local transportation options, including Spruce Grove Transit (Local & Commuter routes). Our clinic is wheelchair accessible, and street parking along with nearby paid lots provide flexible options for visitors. This accessible and central location ensures you can focus on your recovery and athletic goals with ease.

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

It's recommended to wear or bring clothing that allows unrestricted movement and provides easy access for your physiotherapist to examine the body part being assessed or treated. For instance, if you have a knee problem, please wear or bring shorts. For shoulder issues, a sleeveless top or a top with loose armholes is often helpful. The goal is to make the assessment and treatment as effective as possible.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Definitely. A key aspect of physiotherapy is not just treating current problems but also preventing future ones. A Physiotherapist can assess your movement, identify potential weaknesses or imbalances that could lead to injury, and provide you with a personalized program of exercises and strategies. This proactive approach is beneficial for athletes, individuals with physically demanding jobs, or anyone looking to maintain long-term musculoskeletal health and avoid recurring pain.

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

In Alberta, AHCIP provides limited coverage for certain physiotherapy services, typically following hospital discharge or for specific low-income individuals and seniors through designated programs. Most outpatient physiotherapy in private clinics is not directly covered by AHCIP for the general population. Patients are advised to check their private insurance plans for coverage details. It is recommended to verify current coverage with AHCIP and your private insurer prior to treatment.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

You can expect your initial physiotherapy visit to last around an hour, allowing for a comprehensive assessment and goal discussion. Follow-up sessions typically range from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your needs. Your Physiotherapist will tailor the appointment length to your specific treatment plan.

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

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

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques used by your Physiotherapist to help reduce pain, improve joint mobility, relax tight muscles, and enhance nerve mobility. Common methods include joint glides, soft tissue massage, and joint manipulations when appropriate. These techniques are integral to helping your body move better and recover more effectively.

Back On Track Chiropractic
1, 101 First Avenue
Spruce Grove, AB T7X 2H4

Phone: (780) 962-2423

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

License #8819

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.