The Glen Sather Sports Medicine Clinic is offering free services to all Fort McMurray and Wood Buffalo residents who require physiotherapy, massage therapy or have musculoskeletal injuries/issues. The hope is to take on some of the patients who are currently relying on medical clinics for treatment.
"Our goal is to help Fort McMurray and Wood Buffalo residents as best we can during this tragic time, while alleviating some of the pressure off of medical and walk-in clinics," says Dr. Terry De Freitas, Director of Sports Medicine at the Glen Sather Clinic.
As a result of these free services, many individuals who require physiotherapy and other services on a regular basis will now be able to continue their treatment.
Injuries or conditions that require physiotherapy consist of sprains, and immobility and chronic pain of the joints, ligaments and muscles. Physiotherapy is also used as a rehabilitation method after surgery and traumatic injuries.
Musculoskeletal injuries consist of damage to the muscular or skeletal systems, usually caused by strenuous activity. The most commonly injured areas include the shoulders, elbows, hips, knees and ankles. Injuries can consist of sprains, strains and chronic issues such as osteoarthritis in the knee.
Normally, a patient would have to obtain a referral from a family physician in order to see a sports medicine doctor.
"At the Glen Sather Clinic, we assess sport and exercise-related injuries on a consulting basis; however, we recognize the circumstances of those from Fort McMurray and Wood Buffalo, and understand that obtaining a referral for an appointment at our clinic would be difficult at this time," says De Freitas.
If you are a Fort McMurray or Wood Buffalo resident and you would like to make an appointment at Glen Sather Clinic, please call 780-407-5160 ext. 3 for sports medicine and ext. 2 for physiotherapy and massage therapy. Physician services are covered under Alberta Health.
Please note that Glen Sather Clinic cannot refill narcotic prescriptions. More urgent injuries should be taken to emergency services immediately.
For more information, please contact Terry De Freitas, Director of Sports Medicine, Glen Sather Sports Medicine Clinic at 780-407-5160 or visit the clinic's website.