Category: Blogs

At Strive Physiotherapy, we’re always exploring new ways to enhance care, reduce administrative burden, and improve the experience for both patients and staff. One of the ways we’re doing that is by integrating AI tools into our workflow, specifically Heidi and Janeapp AI Scribe. 

Heidi: AI-Powered Transcription for Clinicians 

Our team now uses Heidi, an AI transcription service, to streamline clinical documentation. It allows our staff to dictate notes quickly and accurately, reducing the time spent typing and charting after appointments. By making documentation more efficient, Heidi gives our clinicians more time to focus on what matters most: patient care. 

This use aligns with the CPTA Documentation Standard of Practice, which emphasizes timely, accurate, and complete clinical records. Heidi helps physiotherapists maintain high-quality documentation while easing the administrative load. 

Janeapp AI Scribe: Smarter Notes in Real Time 

We’ve also implemented Janeapp AI Scribe, a tool that works during patient sessions to generate draft clinical notes in real time. It captures key information while allowing the physiotherapist to stay focused on your session. 

Importantly, all AI-generated notes are reviewed and approved by the physiotherapist before becoming part of the official health record. This aligns with the CPTA Technology in Practice Standard, which supports the use of digital tools, so long as clinical reasoning, professional judgment, and patient safety are maintained. 

Privacy, Security, and Compliance 

We understand that protecting patient information is absolutely essential. That’s why we’ve chosen these tools based on their strong commitment to privacy and security. 

• Heidi is fully PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act) and HIPA (Health Information Protection Act – applicable in Saskatchewan) compliant. Data is encrypted during transmission and storage, and all information is handled in accordance with Canadian healthcare privacy standards. 

• Janeapp AI Scribe, part of the Jane platform we already use at Strive, is also PIPEDA and HIPA compliant. All data is securely stored in Canada, encrypted, and only accessible by authorized personnel. 

These measures fully support the CPTA Privacy/Confidentiality Standard of Practice, which requires physiotherapists to ensure personal health information is protected and only shared with appropriate consent or legal authority. 

Why It Matters 

At Strive Physiotherapy, we believe in using technology to support, not replace, quality care. By reducing time spent on administrative tasks, AI tools like Heidi and Janeapp AI Scribe allow us to be more present, more responsive, and more efficient, while staying fully aligned with CPTA Standards of Practice. 

 

Have questions about how these tools are used in your care, or how your privacy is protected?
We’re always happy to chat. Reach out to your clinic team anytime.  

Booking your first physiotherapy appointment can feel like a big step, but at Strive Physiotherapy in NW Calgary, we’re here to make it a comfortable and empowering experience. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing chronic pain, or simply looking to move better, your first visit is designed to give you the clarity, confidence, and care you need to start feeling like yourself again. Here’s what you can expect during your first physiotherapy appointment in Calgary and how we’ll help you get back to doing the things you love.

Why Physiotherapy Matters

Physiotherapy isn’t just about recovery, it’s about prevention, education, and empowerment. Research has shown that physiotherapy is effective in treating musculoskeletal conditions, reducing hospital visits, and improving quality of life. Currently, 15% of Canadians receive physiotherapy annually, and this has helped to reduce the economic burden of illness by $232 million per year (Deloitte, 2023, p. 42). With an aging population and rising healthcare costs, physiotherapy is more relevant than ever.

What Happens During Your First Physiotherapy Appointment

If it’s your first time visiting a physiotherapist, you might be wondering what exactly happens during the session. At Strive Physiotherapy in Calgary, we take a thorough and personalized approach to help you feel supported, informed, and completely at ease, every step of the way. Here’s what you can expect at your first physiotherapy appointment in Calgary at Strive.

 

1. A Warm Welcome at Reception

As soon as you arrive at our Calgary clinic, you’ll be greeted by our friendly front desk team. We’ll help you check in, answer any quick questions, and make sure you feel at ease right from the start. No waiting in a busy hallway, just a calm, supportive space from the moment you walk in.

2. One-on-One Time with Your Physiotherapist

Once you’re settled, you’ll be brought into a private assessment room where you’ll meet your physiotherapist. They’ll explain everything step-by-step and take time to get to know you, not just your injury.

That includes:

• Your daily activities and lifestyle
• Any past injuries or surgeries
• What goals you have for your health and movement

This conversation helps us understand the full picture so we can create a plan that works specifically for your body and your life.

 

3. A Physical Assessment of Your Condition

Next, your physiotherapist will perform a gentle, guided physical assessment. This may include movement tests, strength checks, range-of-motion exercises, or palpation (hands-on examination) to help identify the source of pain or dysfunction. The goal? To understand what’s going on beneath the surface and get to the root cause of your symptoms, not just treat where it hurts.

4. A Custom Treatment Plan Built Around You

No cookie-cutter care here. Your physiotherapist will outline a personalized plan that may include:

• Hands-on manual therapy
• Therapeutic exercises and stretches
• Postural or movement coaching
• Acupuncture or dry needling (if appropriate)
• Shockwave treatment (if appropriate)
• A take-home exercise program to support your recovery

5. Space to Ask Questions and Be Heard

Throughout your appointment, you’re encouraged to ask anything. Not sure what a certain exercise is for? Curious about how long recovery might take? Want to understand how your pain developed in the first place? We’re here to listen, explain, and support you with evidence-based care every step of the way.

 

Watch our video walkthrough:

 

Why Book a Physiotherapy Appointment in Calgary?

At Strive Physiotherapy, our team supports patients from all walks of life:

• Athletes recovering from sports injuries
• Desk workers managing back, neck, or shoulder tension
• Individuals with workplace or car accident injuries
• People living with chronic pain or mobility limitations

With two locations at Hanson Ranch Plaza and Centre Street, we’re proud to serve our community with longer one-on-one appointments, hands-on care, and modern rehab techniques that get results.

Your Recovery Starts with a Conversation

We know starting physiotherapy can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Our team is here to make your first visit simple, comfortable, and effective. If you’re ready to manage pain, improve mobility, or just feel better in your body, book your first physiotherapy appointment in Calgary today.

Book Now

References

• (2023). The economic impact of physiotherapy in Canada. Prepared for the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. https://physiotherapy.ca/app/uploads/2024/04/Deloitte-report_EN.pdf

Tension headaches. A stiff neck. That tight, achy feeling between your shoulder blades. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Stress and posture-related muscle tension in the neck and upper back is one of the most common complaints we hear at Strive Physiotherapy in Calgary. Whether you’re spending long hours at a desk, looking down at your phone, or juggling the day-to-day stresses of life, your body often bears the weight of it. The good news is, you don’t have to live with that discomfort. Physiotherapy can help.

Why Stress Affects Your Neck and Upper Back

Stress triggers a physiological response in the body. Your muscles tense up as a protective mechanism, especially around your neck, shoulders, and spine. If that tension becomes chronic, it can lead to reduced mobility, tightness, and even tension headaches. The American Psychological Association (2024) explains that muscle tension is a reflex reaction to stress. With chronic stress, this tension doesn’t fully release, which can contribute to long-term pain conditions like tension-type headaches and musculoskeletal discomfort in the upper back and shoulders.

Stress and Physical Pain Are Closely Linked

Psychological stress is not just emotional — it plays a direct role in the onset and persistence of physical pain. Studies show that people who experience chronic stress or anxiety often carry it physically, particularly in the upper trapezius and neck area (American Psychological Association, 2024). Left unaddressed, this stress can lead to muscle guarding, poor movement patterns, and reduced overall well-being. Physiotherapy helps interrupt this stress–tension–pain cycle by combining movement, manual therapy, and education to release tension and promote healthier function (Verhagen, 2021).

How Physiotherapy in Calgary Addresses Muscle Tension

At Strive Physiotherapy, we don’t just treat symptoms. We identify what’s causing your discomfort and create a personalized plan to improve it. This often includes:

• Manual therapy to release tight muscles
• Stretching and strengthening exercises to improve posture and mobility
• Movement education to help reduce tension and prevent it from returning
• Stress-informed care that supports your overall wellness

3 Physiotherapist-Approved Exercises to Relieve Tension

These three simple exercises are designed to target key areas of neck and upper back tightness. They’re easy to do at home and take just a few minutes each day.

1. Chin Tucks

This subtle movement helps improve head and neck alignment, especially if you tend to crane your neck forward.

How to do it:

1. Sit or stand tall with your shoulders relaxed.
2. Gently tuck your chin straight back, as if you’re creating a “double chin.”
3. Hold for 3 to 5 seconds, then relax.
4. Repeat 10 times.

Tip: Your eyes should stay level. Avoid tilting your head up or down. You should feel a stretch at the base of your skull and some activation in the front of your neck.

2. Thoracic Wall Rotations

This exercise improves mobility in your upper back and helps counteract stiffness caused by sitting or hunching forward.

How to do it:

1. Stand next to a wall and place your right hand on the wall at shoulder height.
2. Step forward slightly with your inside leg.
3. Rotate your torso toward the wall, reaching your left arm across your body and toward the wall behind you.
4. Hold for 3 seconds, then return to start.
5. Repeat 10 times per side.

Tip: Keep your hips facing forward and let the rotation come from your upper spine, not your lower back.

3. Side Flexion Neck Stretch

This stretch targets the muscles along the sides of your neck, which often tighten up from stress or poor posture.

How to do it:

1. Sit or stand tall with your shoulders relaxed.
2. Gently tilt your head toward one shoulder, as if you’re trying to touch your ear to your shoulder.
3. Hold for 20 to 30 seconds. You can gently deepen the stretch by applying light pressure with your hand.
4. Slowly return to centre and switch sides.

Tip: Avoid shrugging your shoulders. Keep them relaxed and down throughout the stretch.

When to See a Physiotherapist

While these exercises can be a great starting point, persistent or recurring neck and upper back tension may need professional attention. If you’re dealing with:

• Chronic tightness or stiffness
• Headaches that start at the base of your neck
• Limited movement when turning your head or looking up or down
• Discomfort that worsens with stress or screen time

It may be time to book an appointment. At Strive Physiotherapy in Calgary, we’ll guide you through a customized treatment plan to relieve tension, restore mobility, and build long-term habits that support your well-being.

Watch the Exercises in Action

Check out our video below for a quick demo of each movement!

 

Try Physiotherapy in Calgary for Lasting Relief

Managing neck and upper back tension doesn’t have to be a daily struggle. With targeted support, experienced guidance, and consistent care, physiotherapy in Calgary can help you reduce stress-related tension, restore your mobility, and feel more in control of your well-being.

Book your appointment with Strive Physiotherapy today and take the next step toward lasting relief.

References

• American Psychological Association. (2024, October 21). Stress effects on the body. https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/body
• Verhagen, A. (2021). Physiotherapy management of neck pain. World Physiotherapy. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/348095727_Physiotherapy_management_of_neck_pain