Top 8 Physiotherapy Questions

Tricia Hayton, Registered Physiotherapist
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I thought that I would spend today answering some of the most common questions that we get about physiotherapy.   If you have a question, please feel free to comment below or reach out to one of our staff.

1. Is physiotherapy covered by OHIP? 

The medical services at Physio Sport Med of Oakville are the only services that are covered by OHIP.   This means that if you are booked in to see one of our medical doctors (not chiropractors), we are able to bill the provincial services.   If you need an injection, there will be a charge as we cannot bill OHIP for the cost of the medication.
 
There are some physiotherapy clinics in Ontario that are covered for qualified patients.  However, they have a different model of service and you will not get the quality one on one time with your physiotherapist.   For more information, please go to:  http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/programs/physio/pub_clinics.aspx
 
2. Do I need a referral?

Our physicians are specialists, and although it is not mandatory, it is preferred that you get a referral from your family doctor to see them.   This helps with communication between professionals and makes sure that our physicians have all the information they need to give you the best quality care.
 
Our other professionals do not need a referral.  However, please note that your insurance may require a referral for it to be covered.   Please check your personal plan or with your human resources department to determine if a referral is needed for insurance coverage.
 
3. How does billing the insurance work?
At Physio Sport Med, we can bill many insurance companies directly for you, as long as your plan allows it.   This means that you are only pay the co-payment at the time of your visit.  
 
4. How do I know that physiotherapy/chiropractic will work for me?
The physiotherapists and chiropractors at Physio Sport Med are experts in injuries and illness of the bones, joints, muscles and how they work together.   If you have any problems with the musculoskeletal system, there is probably something that we can do to help.  However, if you are still uncertain, we ask you to book a free 15-minute consult where we can discuss your concerns directly.
 
5. What can I expect from the first treatment?
Your first appointment should take almost a full hour, your therapist will look at your range of motion, strength and movement patterns.   A range of special tests will be done to determine which structures are damaged and what is causing the damage.   A complete assessment will involve the joints below and above the pain and may also look at joints far from the injury.    After the assessment is complete, you will start your treatment right away.
 
6.Do I need to wear special clothes?
You might.  We do need to have access to the joint that is sore, and usually that means being able to get right to the skin.   This means that if it is your shoulder or arm that is sore, a loose t-shirt or tank top is preferred.   Shorts are necessary to treat your knees and hips.   Do not worry if you forget, if have a small supply of items that you can borrow if you need to.
 
7. Will it hurt?
Some people find that the assessment is a little unpleasant.   We do need to determine what structure is sore and what movements cause the pain.  However, if you provide your therapist with a lot of feedback and let them know as soon pain starts, your discomfort will be minimal. 
 
There are some treatments that can be tender.   Again, feedback to your therapist is necessary to keep this to a minimum.    Remember that you are in charge.  All treatment, including risks, will be discussed with you before they begin.   If you are not okay with it, just let your therapist know and an alternative will be found.
 
8.What if I don’t want to get acupuncture needles?
That is okay.   The risks and benefits of all treatments, including acupuncture, will be discussed before treatment begins.  If you are not comfortable, then just let us know and we will seek another tool.   With over 50 years of combined practice, we have a lot of experience to draw from.