June 2020
PT Alberta
COVID-19 Pandemic
Guidance for Resuming Physiotherapy Practice During a Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic represents an unprecedented challenge to health-care providers and society at large. Physiotherapy Alberta recognizes the critical role that physiotherapists play in the health and wellbeing of Albertans. Whether working in a private practice clinic, a hospital, or any other setting where direct patient care is provided, we applaud the efforts that physiotherapists are making to serve patients and adhere to the instructions of public health experts.

We recognize that the situation is changing rapidly, which leads to uncertainty and anxiety, and sometimes makes it difficult to know what to do. Physiotherapy Alberta is committed to providing guidance to help physiotherapists address this challenge.

FAQ: Masks and Physiotherapy
With the announcements from Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH), Dr. Hinshaw, that health professionals delivering close contact in-person services must wear masks continuously and that members of the public should wear masks when in public spaces and unable to maintain two-meter physical distancing, Physiotherapy Alberta has received an increased number of calls regarding mask use.

Access to Provincial Repository

As health professionals, physiotherapists know that the phased re-opening plan does not mean that the risks posed by COVID-19 have passed. Instead, re-opening signifies that measures are now available to mitigate the risks of COVID-19 and slow its spread. As such, we know that ongoing use of precautionary measures, including continuous masking, frequent hand hygiene, and enhanced environmental cleaning and disinfection will be in place for months to come. However, as with all emergency response situations, supports provided by government agencies will decrease as time passes.

Physiotherapy Alberta has received notification that access to the Government of Alberta provincial repository will be discontinued for all community-based health professionals, effective June 30, 2020.

Visit Physiotherapy Alberta's website for up-to-date announcements and information.
Research in Focus: Telerehabilitation is Non-inferior to Usual Care Following Total Hip Replacement
Total hip replacement (THR) is a common orthopedic surgery, with more than 6,014 THRs completed in Alberta in 2016-17 (the last year for which data is available). Standard post-operative care includes physiotherapy; however, the optimal post-discharge rehabilitation is unknown, with a wide range of treatment interventions and timing to commence post-operative intervention reported in published research.

Continuing Competence: Managing the Self-Selected Activity During COVID-19
Physiotherapy Alberta has received questions on how to best manage the Self-Selected Activity requirements.

Member Spotlight: Serving with the Canadian Armed Forces

This month, Physiotherapy Alberta shines our spotlight on Major Adam Hannaford, Physiotherapy Officer with the Canadian Armed Forces. Adam is currently posted at Canadian Forces Bases Edmonton and agreed to provide some insight into life as a physiotherapist in the Canadian Armed Forces.

NEW: Introducing the Medications Guide for Alberta Physiotherapists

This document clarifies the role and boundaries of the scope of practice of physiotherapists in the provision of medication management-related services including medication assistance, medication reconciliation, and medication advising.

2020 Awards

Do you have a colleague who strives to improve quality of care and/or service delivery?

Do you know of a physiotherapist who shows excellence in practice and/or promotion of the profession?

Is there a physiotherapist student you know who demonstrates leadership?

The nomination deadline is midnight July 20, 2020.

Reconceptualizing the Management of Rotator Cuff Injuries: Physiotherapy as Plan “A” to “Z”

Date: June 18, 2020
Time: 8:00 a.m.

Historically, physiotherapy has been framed as “plan A” for managing rotator cuff injuries, with surgery as “plan B”. However, research increasingly identifies physiotherapy as the strategy to manage these injuries. This session will cover:
  • The current evidence regarding the management of rotator cuff injuries.
  • Clinical practice guidelines to inform practice.
  • Tips for progressing patients for return to usual functional activities.
  • A discussion of how conceptualizing surgery as plan B may set patients and physiotherapists alike up for failure, and how to reframe these conversations.

Presenter: Judy Chepeha, PT, PhD
Physiotherapy Alberta | 780.438.0338 | info@physiotherapyalberta.ca | www.physiotherapyalberta.ca