Metabolic rehabilitation is a concept pioneered by Adam Brown (Physiotherapist and Co-founder of Cornerstone Physiotherapy) that draws together the knowledge of several health professions (Physiotherapy, Medicine, Occupational Therapy, Dietitians and Mental Health Clinicians) to take a rehabilitation approach to the reversal, management and prevention of metabolic disease.
It requires a deep understanding of all factors contributing to metabolic disease to create a targeted plan to improve or reverse the process. Our team-based interdisciplinary approach ensures a ‘whole person point of view’ rather than the usual generic advice that people find difficult to apply. We pair this with cutting-edge technology from wearable devices to gain further insight and provide targeted guidance. It does not take a heroic effort to change one’s metabolic health. Rather it requires small, sustainable changes that compound over time to have a large impact.
Cornerstone’s Interdisciplinary Metabolic Rehabilitation Program is not a fitness program, or a weight loss program. Improved fitness and weight loss are a consequence of improved metabolic health, but we are focused on rehabilitation of a disease state.
It begins with a review of your health history, and the following factors that influence metabolic health.
The results of your assessment will inform the recommended composition of your team. We have clinicians with specialized training in metabolic health from the following professions;
We will also work closely with your existing team to ensure a unified approach and excellent communication.
Cornerstone has a long history of using wearable technology as a powerful tool to assist in rehabilitation. We have developed our own proprietary platform (on iOS and Android) that allows patients to share data from the most common wearables and apps called “Cornerstone Connect”. Through this secure platform your team can access a treasure trove of data, presented in a meaningful way to help guide you to improved health. Cornerstone Connect will bring together information on your daily activity, biometrics, habits, blood and body markers to gain unparalleled insight, helping us guide your transformation.
At Cornerstone we firmly believe in measuring your progress and adjusting the plan to meet your goals. We will bring together all of your pertinent metabolic health data and track changes over time.
Cornerstone clinicians know that rapid and disruptive changes are not sustainable. We consult with you to select one strategy at a time, and coach you to implement them in a way that fits your lifestyle. There are many paths to better metabolic health. We help you to find the one that is sustainable and enjoyable.
The care I’ve received from the Cornerstone Metabolic Clinic has made an incredible difference to my well-being and quality of life. I was struggling with elevated blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol, was overweight, constantly tired, and slept poorly. A year on, my blood sugar is back to normal, blood pressure and cholesterol levels are significantly improved, I’m sleeping better and exercising nearly every day. I’ve lost almost 40 pounds! I truly don’t think I could have done it without Cornerstone and the timely, thoughtful, accessible and comprehensive care they provided.
The length of the program depends upon your current state of health and your goals. In order to make sustainable changes we help you to implement stratgies for consistent and sustained improvement. In general people can expect the transformation to take a year.
Appointments will occur biweekly with a member of the rehabilitation team. While your primary contact may be a physiotherapist, the appointment schedule may shift to include other specialists (e.g., a Registered Dietitian, Occupational Therapist, or Psychotherapist), depending on your needs. This ensures you have comprehensive support throughout your program.
The program is primarily delivered through telehealth, allowing you to attend appointments from the comfort of your home. However, if you are located near a Cornerstone Clinic, where our metabolic rehabilitation team members are located, we can offer the option of in-person appointments.
At a minimum, you’ll need a smartwatch—preferably Apple or Garmin. If you have additional gym equipment (ie. resistance bands, treadmill, exercise ball, dumbbells) or a gym/fitness membership, let your therapist know so they can integrate that in your exercise program.
If you use an iPhone, an Apple Watch is the top recommendation. For Android users, Garmin is preferred. Fitbit devices are compatible but not a top choice.
If you meet a specific set of criteria, and you would like additional medical support, we will have you seen by the endocrinologist. They conduct an in depth assessment of your metabolic and physical health including advanced testing and lab work as well as interpretation and medical support where needed. The endocrinologist will follow you for a year.
Your insurance coverage would apply by profession. For example, if you have coverage for Physiotherapy it would be used for the visits with the physiotherapist leading the program for you. We may talk to you about including other professionals such as a dietician, or OT. We would discuss it with you when we make the recommendation and you could assess your coverage for their services at that time. Every patient’s team is curated to meet their individual needs. Most patients have some involvement from the dietician and everyone has a physiotherapist.
No – in fact our endocrinologist sometimes prescribes GLP-1’s such as Ozempic. In fact if you are taking Ozempic, it is ideal to be in the program to ensure that you lose the right kind of weight (e.g. retain lean muscle).
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Choosing the right clinic can be a big decision. We’re dedicated to answering any questions you have to help you make the best choice. Contact us today and ask us anything!
Call us at (416) 238-6749
