FAQ
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM MY PHYSIOTHERAPY TREATMENT?
On the first visit (to your physiotherapist), you will be assessed by the Physiotherapist. This includes questions about your condition, your goals, and a physical assessment. You will be required to show the injured body part to your therapist, so we ask that you dress appropriately e.g. for a knee injury wear shorts. (If you forget your own clothing, we always have loaners available.) The assessment takes approximately one hour.
After the assessment, you and your therapist will discuss her findings and together create a treatment program. The treatment program may include:
-Manual therapy
-Modalities including heat, cold, electrotherapy, ultrasound
-Acupuncture
-Individualized exercise program targeted to your condition and goals
Time permitting you may have some treatment, and will be provided with some exercises (at the time of the assessment). You will likely require (some) follow-up treatment appointments. You will discuss with your therapist the frequency and number of treatments (required). You will spend 30 minutes with your therapist at each treatment.
RETURNING CLIENTS
If you are a returning client and have been treated for the SAME CONDITION WITHIN THE LAST THREE MONTHS, you do not require a new assessment and can book for a treatment.
If it has been OVER THREE MONTHS since your last treatment, The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario requires that we reassess your condition. Please book for an assessment.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
A physiotherapy assessment takes approximately one hour. You can expect subsequent visits to be 30-45 minutes (30 minutes spent with Physiotherapist)
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely and allows you to expose the injured area e.g. shorts for a knee injury and a tank top for a shoulder injury.
DO I NEED A DOCTOR’S REFERRAL?
No. Physiotherapists are primary care practitioners and therefore do not require a referral. You may need to check with your insurance company, as some extended health care plans require a referral for reimbursement of fees.
WILL MY EXTENDED HEALTH BENEFITS COVER THE COST OF THE VISIT?
Most extended health plans cover all or a portion of the physiotherapy assessment and treatments. Please check directly with your plan for the exact amount your plan covers.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
Please bring your doctor’s referral (if you have one), a current list of medication, and comfortable clothing to wear that exposes your injured area i.e. shorts for knee and hip injuries, or a tank top for shoulder injuries.
HOW SOON CAN I BE SEEN FOR A NEW ASSESSMENT?
Please call or use our online booking link to find out the next available assessment.
Why would I choose an online appointment?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the biggest reason for choosing an online appointment is avoid physical contact and remove the risk of transmitting disease. It allows you to see and speak with your therapist so she can provide reassurance, advice and exercise progression. You may also choose to do an online appointment if you are feeling ill, or if you are unable to attend your appointment due to bad weather.
What do I need to do an online appointment?
You will need a computer or a device with a camera and microphone. Our program works best while using either Chrome or Firefox browsers. Prior to your appointment, your therapist will email you a link that will allow you to connect with her at your allotted appointment time. Please set up your computer or device in the area where you normally do your exercises, and make sure you can point the camera at yourself doing your exercises.
Are there any disadvantages to doing an online appointment?
If you choose an online appointment, your therapist will not be able to use some of the treatment modalities including manual therapy, acupuncture and shockwave.
The need to adhere to social distancing is new. As such, not all extended health benefits are covering online appointments. Our physiotherapy associations are lobbying for us to ensure you continue to have access to physiotherapy services during the pandemic, and asking providers to cover online services. You will need to check with your extended health benefits to make sure they cover “online, or virtual” appointments.