FAQ

1. What is physiotherapy?
2. What does a physiotherapy initial assessment involve?
3. What does a physiotherapy treatment involve?
4. How does acupuncture fit in?
5. Do I need a doctor’s referral?
6. Will you contact my doctor to discuss your findings?
7. I was referred to another physiotherapy clinic by my doctor. Can I come to your clinic instead?
8. I was involved in a workplace injury or motor vehichle accident. Do you treat people with Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB) or Auto Insurance claims?

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 initial 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. 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.

7. 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.

8. I was involved in a workplace injury or motor vehichle accident. Do you treat people with Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB) or Auto Insurance claims?

Yes, we would be happy to be your physiotherapy provider. We are able to bill WSIB or your auto insurance provider directly for your treatment.