Precision Physiotherapy
FAQ
What should I expect during physiotherapy sessions?
Physical therapy sessions typically involve an assessment of your condition, manual techniques to improve mobility and flexibility, individualized exercises and activities to help you reach your goals, education on how to prevent further injury or pain, and instruction on proper posture, body mechanics and other lifestyle changes.
Do I need a referral from my doctor before attending Physical Therapy?
In Ontario, physiotherapists are considered primary health care practitioners, so a referral from a doctor is not necessary. However, if you have coverage for physiotherapy treatment through an extended health benefit plan, the insurance company may require a doctor’s referral.
What do I need to wear or bring with me?
Please bring any test reports or other medical documentation you feel may be helpful in your treatment planning to your appointments.
Is there anything I can do before my appointment to prepare?
Yes! Make sure you arrive for your session well-rested so that you can give it your full attention and energy. It is also helpful if you keep track of how much pain medication (if any) you take prior to the appointment so that the physiotherapist can adjust the intensity of treatment accordingly.
How long will my physiotherapy sessions last?
Sessions typically last 30-60 minutes depending on your condition and the types of techniques used. Your physiotherapist will give you an estimate when you first arrive for your appointment.
Are there any exercises I can do at home between appointments to help improve my condition?
Yes! Your physiotherapist may provide specific exercise recommendations for you to try in between visits, which will help speed up your recovery and progress faster toward reaching your goals. It’s important to follow these carefully and always check with your PT before starting a new exercise program if you have any questions or concerns.
What if I have questions after my physiotherapy session?
Your physiotherapist should be available to answer any questions or concerns you may have about your treatment plan before and after each visit. You can also contact the clinic directly for further assistance. We want you to get the most out of every session!
Will insurance cover my physiotherapy?
It depends on your insurance plan. Most plans cover some or all of the costs associated with physiotherapy, but you should check with your provider to determine coverage and any associated fees.
How often will I need to attend physiotherapy sessions?
The frequency of visits will depend on your individual goals and condition, but typically it is recommended that patients attend 2-3 times per week for a minimum of 4-6 weeks in order to maximize results. Your therapist will provide more details during your initial appointment.
How long will it take for me to see results?
Every person’s situation is unique; therefore the amount of time needed to reach goals varies. With commitment and dedication from both you and your physiotherapist, you can expect to start seeing results within a few weeks. The more positive lifestyle changes you make, the faster your progress will be!
Will my physiotherapist be able to answer any questions I have about my condition?
Yes! Your physiotherapist should be available to discuss any concerns or questions you have regarding your condition or treatment plan. Don’t hesitate to bring up any issues that may arise during the course of therapy.
What if I feel too much pain during a session?
If at any time during your physiotherapy session you experience increased pain, it’s important to let your therapist know so they can adjust the intensity or technique as necessary. Your therapist will work with you to make sure that treatment is comfortable and effective for you
How will I know when I no longer need physiotherapy?
Your physiotherapist should be able to provide guidance on when it is appropriate to stop attending physiotherapy sessions based on your progress, goals, and overall health status. It’s important to listen to your therapist and continue with treatment until they feel you are ready to move on.
Why choose Precision Physiotherapy?
From assessment to treatment, booking to billing, and intake to discharge, your experience with Precision Physiotherapy is our number one priority.
We have high levels of physiotherapy credentialing. Our treatment protocols are based on the latest research, and are consistently modified so we can continue providing the best outcomes to our clients.
Precision Physiotherapy is a client-centred environment, focused on customer care and speedy recovery. We will help you get better, quickly.
What is physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is the primary health care profession that promotes wellness, mobility, and independent function. Physiotherapy is also the title of the service that Registered Physiotherapists deliver in helping clients achieve these goals. Physiotherapists have advanced understanding of how the body moves, what keeps it from moving well, and how to restore mobility. We specialize in assessing and treating disorders of joints, nerves, and muscles.
Will physiotherapy be able to treat my problem?
We often help clients that have been unable to find their solution elsewhere. We welcome the opportunity to properly evaluate your condition to determine the root cause of the problem.
Does insurance cover it?
If you have extended health benefits, then you will likely have all of your treatment paid for. If you are using extended health benefits, check the details of your coverage in your Extended Health Manual, or speak with your Human Resources department. Please note that our services are not covered by OHIP. In the event of and Motor Vehicle claim, we do not bill the Insurance provider directly. You may be eligible for reimbursement, please consult with your adjuster.
What are my payment options?
Payment is due upon receipt of service. We accept Visa, MPrecisioncard, Interac/Debit, Cash and Cheque. An official receipt will be issued for reimbursement from your Extended Health Insurance Plan or for use with income taxes.
What happens during my first visit?
At your initial visit, your Physiotherapist will conduct an interview and a thorough physical evaluation. The Physiotherapist will discuss the following:
- Your medical history.
- Your current problems/complaints.
- Pain intensity, what aggravates and eases the problem.
- How this is impacting your daily activities or your functional limitations.
- Your goals with physiotherapy.
- Medications, tests, and procedures related to your health.
This will be directly followed by short treatment so you can immediately benefit from your experience at Precision Physiotherapy.
Treatment itself can vary depending on the type of injury that you are presenting with. This may involve education on your injury and how to optimize recovery, manual therapy, modalities (e.g. acupuncture), and an individual exercise program.
How should I dress?
You should wear loose fitting clothing so you can expose the area that we will be evaluating and treating. For example, if you have a knee problem, it is best to wear shorts. For a shoulder problem, a tank top is a good choice, and for low back problems, wear a loose fitting shirt and pants, again so we can perform a thorough examination.
How long does a treatment session take and how many appointments do I need?
New physiotherapy clients should expect to be in the clinic for approximately 1-hour and follow up treatments are scheduled for 30 minutes. All appointment times are one-on-one with your Physiotherapist.
The number of sessions you’ll need depends on your condition. All of our clients are individually evaluated. Your initial visit gives your Physiotherapist the information they require to assess your problem, determine a prognosis, and create a plan of care. Your Physiotherapist will discuss this with you at your initial assessment and provide you with a plan of care.
What do physiotherapists do?
You have probably heard of the profession of physiotherapy. Maybe you have had a conversation with a friend about how physiotherapy helped get rid of his or her back pain, or you might know someone who needed physiotherapy after an injury. You might even have been treated by a physiotherapist yourself. But have you ever wondered about physiotherapists–who they are and what they do? Many people are familiar with physiotherapists’ work helping clients with orthopedic problems, such as low back pain or knee surgeries, to reduce pain and regain function. Others may be aware of the treatment that physiotherapists provide to assist clients recovering from a stroke (e.g., assisting them with recovering use of their limbs and walking again).
The ability to maintain an upright posture and to move your arms and legs to perform all sorts of tasks and activities is an important component of your health. Most of us can learn to live with the various medical conditions that we may develop, but only if we are able to continue at our jobs, take care of our families, and enjoy important occasions with family and friends. All of these activities require the ability to move without difficulty or pain.
Because physiotherapists are experts in movement and function, they do not confine their talents to treating people who are ill. A large part of a physiotherapist’s program is directed at preventing injury, loss of movement, and even surgery. Physiotherapists work as consultants in industrial settings to improve the design of the workplace and reduce the risk of workers overusing certain muscles or developing low back pain. They also provide services to athletes at all levels to screen for potential problems and institute preventive exercise programs. With the boom in the golf and fitness industries, a number of physiotherapists are engaged in consulting with recreational golfers and fitness clubs to develop workouts that are safe and effective, especially for people who already know that they have a problem with their joints or their backs.
The cornerstones of physiotherapy treatment are therapeutic exercise and functional training. In addition to “hands-on” care, physiotherapists also educate clients to take care of themselves and to perform certain exercises on their own. Depending on the particular needs of a client, physiotherapists may also “mobilize” a joint (that is, perform certain types of movements at the end of your range of motion) or massage a muscle to promote proper movement and function. Physiotherapists also use methods such as ultrasound (which uses high frequency waves to produce heat), hot packs, and ice. Although other kinds of practitioners will offer some of these treatments as “physiotherapy,” it’s important for you to know that physiotherapy can only be provided by qualified physiotherapists or by physiotherapist assistants, who must complete a 2-year education program and who work only under the direction and supervision of physiotherapists.
Most forms of physiotherapy treatment are covered by your insurance, but the coverage will vary with each plan. Most states do not legally require clients to see their physicians before seeing a physiotherapist. Most of the time all you have to do is ask your doctor if physiotherapy is right for you.
Reference: APTA
Why are people referred to physiotherapy?
You and others may be referred to physiotherapy because of a movement dysfunction associated with pain. Your difficulty with moving part(s) of your body (like bending at the low back or difficulty sleeping on your shoulder, etc.) very likely results in limitations with your daily activities (e.g., difficulty getting out of a chair, an inability to play sports, or trouble with walking, etc.). Physiotherapists treat these movement dysfunctions and their associated pains and restore your body’s ability to move in a normal manner.
Who will see me?
You will be evaluated by one of our licensed and highly trained physiotherapists and he/she will also treat you during subsequent visits. Unlike some clinics, where you see someone different each visit, we feel it is very important to develop a one-on-one relationship with you to maintain continuity of care. Since only one physiotherapist knows your problems best, he/she is the one that will be working closely with you to speed your recovery.
What happens if my problem or pain returns?
Flare ups are not uncommon. If you have a flare up (exacerbation), give us a call. We may suggest you come back to see us, return to your doctor, or simply modify your daily activities or exercise routine.
Can my therapist provide me with a diagnosis?
Physiotherapists can make a muscoluskeletal diagnosis.
Physiotherapists are important members of your medical team. At this point in time, physicians are typically the health care providers that will provide you with a medical diagnosis.
What will I have to do after physiotherapy?
Some clients will need to continue with home exercises. Some may choose to continue with a gym exercise program. Others will complete their rehabilitation and return to normal daily activities. It is important that you communicate your goals to your therapist, so he/she can develop a custom program for you.
