Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is a primary health care profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disorders of the neuromusculoskeletal system. Physiotherapy focuses on optimizing strength and mobility via manual therapy, exercise based treatment and home exercise prescription, balance, gait retraining, and education. The principles of physiotherapy can be applied to treat any muscle, joint or nerve related condition throughout the whole body. Physiotherapy care maintains, improves, restores and enhances patient wellbeing.
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What types of conditions do physiotherapists treat?
Physiotherapists treat any conditions related to the muscles, joints and nerves in the entire body.
This includes areas such as:
• upper back, lower back, pelvic floor, neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, ankle, foot,
and headaches
Symptoms resulting from the following conditions may also respond well to physiotherapy
treatment:
• arthritis, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, muscle tightness or strain and fibromyalgia
• sports injuries
• work related injuries
• motor vehicle accident related injuries, such as whiplash
What type of education do you need to become a Physiotherapist?
To become a Physiotherapist in Ontario you must have completed a University Undergraduate Degree, as well as a 24 month Master of Science in Physical Therapy at an accredited university. Subsequently, you must pass a written Physiotherapy Competency Exam, as well as an oral Ontario Clinical Exam. Physiotherapy education never ends as practitioners must complete postgraduate courses to stay current on the latest scientific research.
What should I expect at my initial physiotherapy visit?
After filling out a comprehensive initial health history package the physiotherapist will perform a thorough interactive history and physical examination. The results of this process will be discussed with the patient and a plan of treatment recommended. Physiotherapy treatment will be provided on the initial visit unless the physiotherapist determines that this is not in your best interest. The initial visit and treatment lasts approximately 60 minutes.
Do I have to disrobe for a physiotherapy visit?
During the initial examination the physiotherapist will need to view certain anatomical structures and/or area of injury in order to properly assess your condition. If you are asked to disrobe you will be provided with a patient gown and/or shorts. Plan to wear loose clothing for your comfort and easy access to injury areas.
What should I expect at a subsequent physiotherapy visit?
Treatments differ for each patient and for the condition being treated. Treatments may involve joint mobilizations, cupping, passive stretching, soft tissue therapy, adjunctive modalities and/or taping. Patients will most likely be provided with a home exercise program in order to optimize their rehabilitation.
What adjunctive modalities does your physiotherapist use?
Modalities used include therapeutic cold laser (TCL), interferential current (IFC), electrical muscle stimulation (EMS), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), microcurrent (MC), ultrasound (US), cryotherapy and thermotherapy. These modalities are used to enhance the function or healing of an injury by applying a mechanical or electrical force to the area of the body being treated.
What techniques does your physiotherapist use?
Our physiotherapist performs joint mobilizations, soft tissue mobilization, cupping, passive stretching, adjunctive modalities, and Kinesio taping.
What is cupping?
Cupping involves placing small cups on troubled areas of the body and creating suction to pull the tissue up. This may help relax muscles and tissues, relieve pain, stimulate blood flow and trigger the body's natural healing processes. The cups can be applied on individual areas as treatment or the physiotherapist may apply oil to the skin and move the cups with weak suction creating a massaging effect.
What is pelvic health physiotherapy?
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a specialized area of practice that provides assessment and treatment for individuals experiencing urinary or fecal incontinence, pelvic pain, pregnancy/ postpartum, pain or discomfort with sexual activities, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, PCOS or interstitial cystitis. With informed consent, your pelvic floor physiotherapist will perform a complete physical assessment of the joints and tissues affecting this area. This may include internal and external examinations to identify the affected tissues that may be contributing to your symptoms. Your therapist will then be able to provide you with tailored treatment that may include things like: targeted manual therapy, bladder training, pelvic floor down-regulation/relaxation exercises, and pelvic floor strengthening exercises, breath training, deep core training, functional training and education. If you have more questions a phone consultation with our physiotherapist can be arranged free of charge.
How long will I need physiotherapy care?
Every patient is unique and your physiotherapist will be able to recommend a plan of care, including an expected timeline, following your initial assessment. Some patients rely on physiotherapy to help manage acute injuries. Others include physiotherapy as part of a plan of ongoing wellness. How long you benefit from care is up to you.
Do I need a prescription to see a Physiotherapist?
No. Anyone can see a physiotherapist. Extended health care policies are always changing so it is still recommended that you inquire with your plan to see if they have special requirements to ensure coverage.
Can Physiotherapists write prescriptions?
No. Physiotherapists cannot write prescriptions for medications. A physiotherapist may provide you with an exercise prescription as part of your plan of care. They can also make recommendations for useful therapeutic equipment such as braces.
Can Physiotherapists write notes for work?
Yes. Physiotherapists can write a note advising employers of an employee’s inability to perform their job duties or to be off work due to injury. They can fill out a functional abilities form (FAF) making recommendations for modified duties or graduated hours and they can write a note for an employee to return to work. Some long term disability claims may require a Medical Doctor to fill out the forms so it is advisable to inquire with your claims carrier in this situation.
Does OHIP cover physiotherapy?
Yes, however there are few clinics that offer OHIP covered physiotherapy and there are strict eligibility criteria that must be met. However, Worker Place Safety and Insurance Board, Motor Vehicle Accident Insurance and most Extended Health Care Plans may cover all or a portion of your treatment costs. The physiotherapist at this clinic is registered under the Ontario Physiotherapy Association.
Do Physiotherapists treat children?
Yes. Physiotherapy is safe for all ages. Physiotherapy treatment techniques are adjusted appropriately to the size and age of the child.
PHYSIOTHERAPY FEES SCHEDULE
Initial Examination and Treatment - 60 min
Physiotherapy $110.00
Pelvic Physiotherapy $135.00
Subsequent Treatments - 30 min
Physiotherapy $80.00
Pelvic Physiotherapy $90.00
Missed Appointment Fee $45.00
Physiotherapy Related Websites