FAQ

#1. What is physiotherapy?
#2. What does a physiotherapy assessment involve?
#3. What does a physiotherapy treatment involve?
#4. How does acupuncture fit in?
#5. Do I need a doctor’s referral?
#6. Is physiotherapy covered by OHIP?
#7. Will you contact my doctor to discuss your findings?
#8. I was referred to another physiotherapy clinic by my doctor. Can I come to your clinic instead?
#9. I have sustained a workplace injury – do you treat people under the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB)?
#10. What is Lymphedema?
#11. How is Lymphedema treated?

#1. What is physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is a regulated health profession that fills a unique and vital role in our health care system. Physiotherapists work with individuals of all ages to break down barriers to physical function. As experts in their field, physiotherapists specialize in eliminating pain and physical limitations that arise from a wide variety of common injuries and conditions. These include:

acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries
repetitive strain injuries
spinal conditions
nerve impingements
chronic pain
postural dysfunction
neurological injury or condition such as stroke or Multiple Sclerosis
lymphedema or other associated conditions in individuals with cancer

Physiotherapy is available through private clinics, and is included under most extended health benefit plans.

#2. What does a physiotherapy assessment involve?

At your first visit a full assessment of your physical ailment will be undertaken. This will generally include:

a detailed history of your health and injury
functional limitations
gait assessment, if applicable
pain and movement patterns
muscle strength
joint range of motion
nerve conduction tests
relevant X-ray and imaging reports will be examined, if applicable

At Toronto Physiotherapy we always make sure to save time in the initial assessment visit to provide you with some form of treatment, be it hands-on techniques, exercise instruction, education on the “do’s and don’t’s” for symptom management, etc.

#3. What does a physiotherapy treatment involve?

A typical physiotherapy treatment program ranges from days to weeks in length, or could be longer (often with less frequent visits), depending on the chronicity of the issue and the nature of treatment program. Your physiotherapist will determine how often you should be seen for treatment, and will not have you come in for physiotherapy any longer than is necessary for your recovery.

Treatment techniques which may be used include:

manual therapy
ultrasound and other electrical modalities
exercise demonstration and home program development
acupuncture
return to work/sport/activity planning
gait analysis and facilitation for optimal patterning
balance and co-ordination re-training
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
education

At Toronto Physiotherapy we make it a priority to ensure our clients understand the root cause of their symptoms or disability, and we are happy to answer whatever questions you may have. Education is critical to ensure our clients have the tools to avoid future injury, prevent re-occurrence, and promote self-management over the long-term.

#4. How does acupuncture fit in?

Studies support a growing role for the use of acupuncture in Western medical practices, with next to no side-effects from its use. Certified physiotherapists can incorporate acupuncture into their treatment sessions, with the following therapeutic goals:

decrease pain
decrease inflammation
promote tissue healing and regeneration
restore optimal nerve and muscle function

Acupuncture can be incorporated into your physiotherapy treatment sessions, at no additional cost.

#5. Do I need a doctor’s referral?

You do not need a referral from your doctor prior to attending physiotherapy, as physiotherapists are considered primary health care providers. However, some insurance companies do require a referral from your doctor in order for you to be reimbursed for expenses.

#6. Is physiotherapy covered by OHIP?

No, Toronto Physiotherapy is not an OHIP clinic. In terms of publicly-funded physiotherapy in the private sector, as of April 2005, the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care only provides coverage for people under 19 or over 65 years of age, and only at one of the few designated OHIP-funded clinics in the province.

#7. Will you contact my doctor to discuss your findings?

With your permission, your physiotherapist will discuss their clinical findings with your doctor and/or other members on your health care team.

#8. I was referred to another physiotherapy clinic by my doctor. Can I come to your clinic instead?

Yes, you can receive physiotherapy at any clinic of your choosing. You should ensure that the person delivering your care is a physiotherapist registered with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.

#9. I have sustained a workplace injury – do you treat people under the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB)?

Yes, we would be happy to be your physiotherapy provider. However, we do not bill WSIB directly. Our policy for WSIB clients is that treatment fees are paid by the client at each visit, after which time the WSIB will reimburse the client directly.

#10. What is Lymphedema?

Lymphedema is the swelling of a body part, most commonly an arm or a leg, due to an accumulation of lymphatic fluid. This accumulation can occur when the lymphatic system is damaged or stressed. Primary lymphedema is the term used to classify those cases that occur with no known cause. There is often a hereditary predisposition to an impaired lymphatic system in individuals with primary lymphedema.

Secondary lymphedema is caused by an injury, scarring, or removal of the lymph nodes. This can occur in individuals who have had surgery and/or radiation of the lymph nodes in their armpits, neck, or groin, as part of their cancer treatment. Symptoms of secondary lymphedema can include swelling/increased limb size, a feeling of heaviness, discomfort or pain, and decreased range of motion. If the condition progresses untreated, the affected limb can become hardened, and there is increased risk of infection. Lymphedema can take weeks, months, or even years to appear following cancer treatment. Early detection is correlated with better outcomes, therefore it is important to recognize the symptoms so that early treatment can occur.

#11. How is Lymphedema treated?

Lymphedema is treated by specialists certified in Combined Decongestive Therapy. This therapy involves a technique called Manual Lymphatic Drainage. Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a specialized form of massage that can stimulate the lymphatic system and improve lymph vessel flow, re-directing fluid to alternative (unaffected) lymphatic pathways as needed. This results in decreased swelling in the affected limb or body region, and therefore decreased pain and increased function. Prevention of lymphedema and its management over the long-term are primary goals of this therapy.

Combined Decongestive Therapy involves:

Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Compression therapy via the use of compression garments and/or specialized bandages for the affected limb
Education on the lymphatic system and its function, self-massage techniques, instruction on the use/care of compression bandages and garments, and skin care
Exercise recommendations to promote function and achieve client goals