Services
Expert Services From Vernon’s Top Health Clinic
Progression Muscle, Bone and Joint Clinic is a full-service clinic providing an integrated and collaborative approach to musculoskeletal health. We offer a comprehensive assessment, followed by a treatment plan for issues related to muscle, bones and joints.
Our approach is evidence based, innovative, adheres to clinical practice guidelines, conducted only by certified practitioners.
The staff at Vernon, BC’s Progression Muscle, Bone and Joint Clinic will work closely with you to help you return to your full and desired functional level – whether that is walking around the block, curling, or skiing double black diamonds at the ski hill.
Our Services
Orthopaedics or Orthopaedic Surgery
Massage Therapy
Hand Therapy
Physiotherapy
Rehabilitation Programs
Splinting And Bracing
Injectables
Occupational Therapy
Pedorthics/Orthotics
Kinesiology
Physiatry
Orthopaedics or Orthopaedic Surgery
The word Orthopaedic is derived from the Greek words orthos, meaning “straight” and paidos, meaning “child”. Quite literally, the early use of the word applied to the practice of fixing deformity in children including scoliosis, club feet, torticollis and post-traumatic limb deformity. Therefore, early orthopaedists exclusively treated children.
Orthopaedics today has a much broader application. Orthopaedics (or Orthopaedics Surgery) focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and prevention of diseases of the musculoskeletal system including those of bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, tendons and nerves. We employ medical, physical rehabilitation and surgery to restore normal function. Our patients are not exclusively treated surgically; up to half of an orthopaedic surgeon’s practice may be dedicated to non-operative management.
Our surgeons are experts in treating all types of diseases of the musculoskeletal system. From chronic conditions such as arthritis or acute injuries, such as fractures (broken bones) and torn ligaments, our surgeons will help you get on the road to recovery. Treatment options from an Orthopaedic surgeon can include both non-operative options and surgery – depending entirely on what the condition is and how we think we can help you best.
Services offered include consultations and diagnostic expertise, non-operative treatment, injections, surgery and rehabilitation. Our surgeons have a diverse range of specialty interests.
Some of the typical diseases and conditions treated by PBJ’s Orthopaedic Surgeons include:
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is a service aimed to improve a person’s quality of life by restoring movement, adding ability, planning for safe, physical activity, and increasing overall health and wellness. Our PTs are trained in movement science that will enhance or restore function. The sessions will incorporate the most appropriate range of physical and physiological therapeutic interventions.
At Progression MBJ the physical modalities that you may be offered by your physiotherapist include:
We can also provide:
Specific Therapeutic Exercises
Dizziness/Balance Treatment
Dry Needling
Manual Therapy
Manual therapy, or manipulative therapy, is an integral part of most PT treatment sessions at Progression. Manual therapy is the use of hands-on mobilisation of restricted joints and tight muscular/fascial tissue. We use many forms of manual therapy, including joint mobilisation and manipulation, myofascial release (MFR), active release (ART), and muscle energy techniques (MET).
Research has demonstrated that manual therapy techniques can have a significant short-term effect in restoring movement to joints and muscle and in providing pain relief. This creates a window of opportunity to re-establish better and pain free movement, enabling further improvement as part of a therapeutic exercise program.
At the Clinic we understand the need to follow up this short-term improvement in muscle and joint function with the incorporation of very specific therapeutic exercise to maintain this movement increase and establish joint stabilisation. All of the Physiotherapists at PBJ have undergone extensive postgraduate training and certification in various forms of manual therapy.
Acupuncture
Our physiotherapists may offer acupuncture for pain management and relaxation of overactive musculature in muscle, joint and nerve problems. Physiotherapists at the Clinic are certified by Acupuncture Canada. They use acupuncture entirely within the scope of their practice – treating nerve, joint and muscular problems e.g. back pain, neck pain, joint problems, muscle problems, headaches, and sports related injuries.
IMS
This is a type of acupuncture where chronically tight musculature/trigger points are stimulated directly by using an acupuncture needle. This can be done by inserting a needle into the muscle directly or into the spinal segment that supplies the muscle. At the Clinic we do not use acupuncture / IMS in isolation – this will be part of your comprehensive physiotherapy treatment plan (which might include manual therapy and specific therapeutic exercises).
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles at the base of your pelvis that form a sling/support structure for your pelvic organs. They run from the pubic bone in the front to the tail bone at the back. The pelvic floor muscles are important for proper bowel and bladder function, supporting the internal pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, bowel), sexual response during intercourse, and working with the muscles of the back and abdominal wall to support the low back.
The pelvic floor is like any other muscle in the body, we can relax, strengthen, and exercise it. These muscles, however, can be weakened due to aging, stretched during childbirth, or become hypertonic due to stress, all of which can lead to pelvic floor dysfunction. Our Progression PTs will discuss what symptoms you may be experiencing (urinary incontinence, chronic pelvic pain, constipation, painful bladder syndrome, tail bone pain, pain during intercourse, discomfort in your pelvic floor, etc). Note of these are normal pelvic floor physiotherapy can help.
What should you expect during an initial pelvic floor physiotherapy visit?
Our appointments are one-hour in length and one-to-one. We take a detailed history to help better understand your medical history, history related to your current condition, preferred activities and lifestyle, and your desired goals. We may complete an external exam where our physiotherapist will look at your posture and muscles of the back, core, pelvis, and hip. Optionally, an internal exam can give information on pelvic floor muscle tone, strength, power, endurance, and pain. Following this examination, our physiotherapist will review the assessment findings and discuss a treatment plan that integrates your goals
Injectables
At Progression Muscle, Bone and Joint Clinic, injections are typically added to another treatment program. Your Progression team will work with you to come up with a customized plan to address your condition, organize private or group sessions with qualified Physiotherapists and Kinesiologists to help guide your rehabilitation, and ongoing modification of your program with updated activity and exercise to improve your overall condition. If Injection Therapy is recommended it can help with:
Primary Pain Relief
Functional Improvement
What Injections Are Available at Progression?
- Cortisone
- Viscosupplementation
- Platelet Rich Plasma
- Prolotherapy
How Will I Know Injection Therapy is Right For Me?
One of PBJ’s doctors will meet with you and explain and discuss your diagnosis (note: the cost is covered by the BC MSP). Together, you will review what you have tried in the past to manage your symptoms. The doctor will explain if injection therapy is right for you and review your options.
Why Should I Come to Progression for My Injection?
Our goal is the very highest standard of excellence in non-surgical musculoskeletal (muscle, bone and joint) medicine. We have a state of the art accredited and maximally sterile facility. We have highly trained doctors to do precise injections using ultrasound guidance.
Kinesiology
Kinesiologists are “human movement specialists”. At the Progression Muscle, Bone and Joint Clinic, our kinesiologists provide unique and valuable services contributing to your health care and treatment. They will assist you in the prevention and rehabilitation of an injury, disease, and another physiological conditions. They are also trained to work with you if you are looking to enhance your performance in a sport.
Our kinesiologists can help to:
prevent and treat illness or injury through appropriate exercise testing and prescription;
prevent and treat illness or injury through appropriate exercise testing and prescription;
oversee the implementation of your individual health care plan;
assess workplace demands and provide workplace design services (ergonomics) in prevention and recovery from injury; and
provide support in rehabilitation and wellness management.
Our kinesiologists work as part of your overall treatment team at Progression to ensure you receive the very best care.
Massage Therapy
Massage Therapy can help to address common or persisting musculoskeletal injuries and complaints. Our registered massage therapists can help reduce soft tissue pain and increase your optimal movement. Our accredited, Registered Massage Therapists in BC can help with:
If you have been in a car crash, our Registered Massage Therapist services are now covered under ICBC’s new care-based insurance model as of May 2021. ICBC customers are able to access 12 pre-authorized massage therapy sessions within the first 12 weeks from the date of their crash without ICBC approval.
Rehabilitation Programs
The rehabilitation programs at Progression are comprehensive, multidisciplinary activity and education programs. Research has established the effectiveness of a combination of exercise and education in treating a very wide range of muscle, bone, nerve and joint problems. These programs are specifically designed to get you back to your best functional and pain free level possible. They incorporate a tailor-made program of specific progressive exercise and education including topics such as pain, soft tissue healing process and the role that exercise science plays in rehabilitation.
Lower Back Pain
Postural Strain
Headaches
Whiplash
Sports injuries
Pregnancy conditions
We offer 3 rehabilitation programs:
i) Occupational Rehabilitation
Occupational Rehabilitation is the science and practice of returning injured workers to a level of daily work activity that is appropriate to their functional and cognitive capacity. At the Progression Muscle, Bone and Joint Clinic, the occupational rehabilitation team may include physiotherapists, occupational therapists, kinesiologists, physicians and psychologists. Our team will work with you to develop a plan of rehabilitation that will help maximise your return to optimum occupational function. Return to work planning and support during a jobsite visit can also be provided.
Our treatment plans may include:
- activities to promote mobility,
- strength and cardiovascular conditioning
- real or simulated work activities,
- medical or psychological support,
- education on soft tissue healing and recovery,
- the value of exercise and pain management.
ii) Disability Management Program
Disability Management Program Recovering from an injury or returning to work with an injury or illness can be challenging. Our comprehensive Disability Management Program can help ensure that employees with work-related or non-work related injuries or illnesses are able to either remain at work or return to work and restore to their best quality of life as timely and safely as possible.
Disability Management is a detailed, consultative process during which a multi-disciplinary team lay the groundwork for a successful outcome for all parties. The most important elements of our Disability Management program are awareness, disability prevention and treatment, health promotion and an effective Return to Work (RTW) program or strategy.
Contact our team at The Progression Muscle, Bone and Joint Clinic for a Functional Ability Evaluation, in-depth work site evaluations, comprehensive return-to-work programs, and support for both employees and employers. Disabilities, illnesses and injuries do not have to be barriers to return to work and return to a higher quality of life
iii) The GLA:D program
The GLA:D program is an evidence-based treatment intervention for patients with symptomatic knee and/or hip osteoarthritis. This physiotherapist-supervised, group-based exercise program uses the principles of neuromuscular training to educate participants on correct movement patterns, address muscle imbalances and facilitate pain free strengthening.
The GLA:D program is recognized internationally in the research for improving a participant’s joint-related pain management and increasing self -reported physical activity levels. These benefits allow for positive and meaningful change in a patient’s health related quality of life while promoting engagement in a physically active lifestyle.
Contact us to learn more about how the GLA:D program at the Progression Muscle, Bone and Joint Clinic This could be your opportunity to take control of your joint pain and participate in exercise that is safe, effective and fun!
Occupational Therapy
What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapists (OTs) support you after injury, illness, and disability while addressing both acute and long-term needs. These needs include physical rehabilitation goals, supporting mental health and well-being, adapting the home and work environment, and more! By focusing on meaningful activity, the OTs at Progression support you in your roles (e.g. parent, worker, athlete), assist you in identifying the best technology and equipment, and enable your employer, loved ones or family to support you as you choose. From work, bathing, meal preparation, driving, sleep, financial management, to leisure pursuits, let our OTs help you reach your goals of full participation.
Our Services
Progression currently offers the following occupational therapy services under WorkSafeBC contracts, and may also accept referrals for private or third-party services: Our OTs provide a wide variety of independent services to support injured, ill or disabled clients with physical dysfunction and mental health needs, including:
Home- and job-site visits with the goal of facilitating independence in personal care, home maintenance, mobility, work and other activities of daily living,
Recommendations for adaptive equipment or modifications to enable independence at home and work, and return to work planning and support.
OTs also work as part of our multidisciplinary team in an Occupational Rehabilitation program to prepare and support injured workers with their return to work.
Some of our current OTs’ special interests and expertise include seating assessments, home modifications, ergonomics, job demands analysis, low vision, mental health, learning support, and sensory intelligence for adults and teens.
Note: We do not currently offer FCE’s or pediatric services.
Physiatry Services At Progression Muscle, Bone and Joint Clinic
A physiatrist is a medical specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation – an expert in the brain, spinal cord, nerves, muscles, bones, joints, ligaments and tendons who treats injuries or ilnesses that affect how a person moves or functions.
The physiatrists at PBJ will:
Progression currently offers the following occupational therapy services under WorkSafeBC contracts, and may also accept referrals for private or third-party services: Our OTs provide a wide variety of independent services to support injured, ill or disabled clients with physical dysfunction and mental health needs, including:
Diagnose and treat pain or dysfunction as a result of an injury, illness, or disabling condition,
Focus on treating the whole person and develop a comprehensive plan to improve function,
Collaborate with other medical professionals including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, orthotists, and prosthetists to enhance patient care, and
Work with other physicians including family physicians, neurologists, rheumatologists, orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, and many others.
Certified to Assist You With Injections For Relief And Therapy
Our physiatrists have specialized training to diagnose and perform injections for management of joint, tendon, or nerve-related pain. These injections may include:
Peripheral joint and soft tissue injections including:
- Corticosteroid
- Dextrose/prolotherapy
- Viscosupplementation (i.e. Durolane, Cingal)
- Platelet rich plasma (PRP)
Our Electromyography (EMG) Services
Depending on the illness or injury, your physiatrist may perform electromyography (EMG) / nerve conduction tests. These will show peripheral nerves are functioning and are typically completed to assess conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, pinched nerves in the neck/back, etc.
The first portion of the test is called “nerve conduction studies”
- The doctor will deliver a small electrical stimulus over the nerves and record how fast and strong the nerves function
The second portion may or may not be required and is called “needle EMG”
- The doctor will insert a small acupuncture-size needle into the muscles to determine how the nerves communicate with the muscles
Hand Therapy
Hand Therapy is provided by Certified Hand Therapists (CHTs) at the Progression Muscle, Bone and Joint Clinic. A CHT is a Registered Occupational or Physical Therapist, who has successfully passed a comprehensive test of advanced clinical skills and theory in upper extremity rehabilitation through the Hand Therapy, Certification Commission. They are required to recertify every five years, to demonstrate competency and ongoing professional development. Hand Therapists work closely with surgeons to help facilitate the transition from medical management to full recovery.
A wide range of conditions are assessed and treated, which can include arthritis, post traumatic injuries, burns, nerve and tendon repairs, fractures, sprains/strains and anything that can impact the arm, wrist and hand. Treatment is tailored to individual needs and is similar to that provided within physiotherapy, but can also include scar management, custom and non-custom splint fabrication/fitting for the hand, wrist and elbow, fitting of compression garments for burns or lymphedema, wound care and swelling management.
Splinting And Bracing
The Progression Muscle, Bone and Joint Clinic offers professional bracing solutions for your specific injury, goals, activity and budget. With hundreds of knee braces on the market, it is important to have the right specialist that understands the brace market and the specifics about your injury. We provide bracing solutions for ankles, knees, wrists and elbows. These braces can be used to provide functional support during the recovery phase and return to sport for ligament injuries (ACL/PCL/MCL), meniscus injuries, and repetitive injuries to tendons. We can also provide orthotics and shoes, fitted to you exactly.
Our bracing practitioners (Caitlin, Perez and Aidan) will discuss with you and the entire treatment team the best options for your specific functional needs. We will ensure that the brace is appropriate for your requirements. Off-the-shelf bracing will be fitted at the PBJ Clinic; as well if needed, custom-made bracing can be measured and ordered. We also have 2 Physiotherapists who are Hand Therapists who do wrist and hand braces and finger splints. Our specialists will also explain if you can get the cost of the bracing reimbursed by your insurance.
Pedorthics/Orthotics
At Progression Muscle, Bone and Joint, our pedorthic services focus on assessing, designing, and modifying custom foot orthotics and braces to improve mobility and reduce pain. Our Canadian Certified Pedorthist specializes in addressing foot and lower limb conditions, helping clients recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions, and enhance overall movement efficiency.
Whether you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis, arthritis, sports injuries, or diabetic foot concerns, our team provides expert guidance and personalized solutions to support your active lifestyle. Let us help you move better—step by step.