Let’s answer some Common Questions
We’ve put together these FAQs by listening closely to the questions our awesome clients ask most often. Think of them as your go-to guide for quick and friendly answers to the things you’re curious about!
Regular Physio FAQs
What happens during the initial physiotherapy assessment?
The physiotherapist will ask you some questions about the reason for your visit and any relevant parts of your health history that might impact your treatment (e.g., previous surgeries or medical conditions). The physiotherapist will then conduct an objective examination of the area that is injured or in pain. Based on their assessment findings, the physiotherapist will recommend a course of treatment and discuss with you a treatment plan. Often after the first visit you will be sent home with some exercises to help you on your road to recovery. With your consent, your therapist will provide a written report of the findings and send to your referring physician.
What should I bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?
- If you were given a physiotherapy referral from your physician or specialist, please bring that with you to your appointment (you do not require a referral to see a physiotherapist).
- A list of previous surgeries and any medications you are currently taking.
- If you were involved in a motor vehicle accident, please bring the following with you to your first appointment:
- case manager/insurance adjuster’s contact information
- pink Motor Vehicle Insurance Certificate
- private insurance/extended health benefits information
- claim number for your auto insurance claim
- any other documentation that was provided to you by your auto insurer
How long is the initial assessment and subsequent visits?
The initial assessment is approximately sixty minutes and subsequent visits are twenty to thirty minutes.
How many times will I need to come for treatment? How often?
The physiotherapist will discuss your individualized plan of care with you at your first appointment. The frequency and total number of physiotherapy treatments that you require is dependent on the physiotherapist’s assessment findings. We usually advise patients to book a few visits ahead of time to allow more flexibility in scheduling.
How long should I wait after having surgery to schedule a physiotherapy appointment?
This depends on your surgery and the surgeon’s recommendations. Often your surgeon will provide you with a referral stating any limitations and instructions regarding when you should begin physiotherapy. Please speak with your referring specialist or review the pre/post-op materials given to you by your surgeon. If you are still unsure, don’t hesitate to call our office and we may be able to help you decide when you should begin physiotherapy treatment.
Do I need a doctor’s referral?
A doctor’s referral is not required to see a physiotherapist, however, your insurance company/extended health benefits may require one. It is important for you to know the details of your benefit plan (how much coverage is available per visit and maximum per year) and how to submit to your insurance company.
Your office is on the lower level. Is it wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately, our office on the lower level is not wheelchair accessible at this time. When you call our office, please advise our receptionist of your needs and we will make arrangements to see you on the main level in the offices of the Newcastle Medical Associates where you can enter the building using the accessibility ramp.
Do you accept WSIB patients?
Unfortunately, at this time we are not accepting patients who require their treatment to be funded through WSIB.
Is this physiotherapy covered under OHIP?
Unfortunately, we cannot accept OHIP funding. Only certain clinics in Ontario are registered to bill OHIP directly and this funding is generally only available to persons under the age of 19 and over 65+ years of age.
Do you bill directly to my insurance company?
Payment is required at the end of the visit. If you require assistance, we will attempt to help you to submit the receipt on your own to your insurance company. Please contact your insurance company to find out what you need, group numbers, amount of coverage and how you would submit your invoice.
What type of payment do you accept?
We prefer contactless payments through your Jane account. We are still accepting cheque, Interac Debit, e-transfer, Mastercard, Visa and cash payments.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel an appointment, we require at least 24-hours of notice. We kindly request that you honour our cancellation policy in respect for the physiotherapist’s time as well as for those on our waiting list who are patiently awaiting an appointment.
If you need to cancel less than 24-hours due to COVID-19 type symptoms, you will not be charged. Please call the office and we will re-book your appointments.
Do you offer Virtual Physiotherapy?
Yes we do. If you are a new patient, you will receive online forms to complete ahead of time to allow your physiotherapist to understand your medical history. During your appointment they will conduct a thorough subjective and objective evaluation to determine the issues and develop a Plan of Care to help meet your goals and individual needs. Education around your condition, behaviour modifications, exercises, self-directed manual techniques are a just a few of the modalities your physiotherapist will use during these appointments. All this from the comfort of your own home. Please wear comfortable clothing to these appointments and have some space around you for movements.
Pelvic Physio FAQs
What happens during the initial pelvic assessment?
Prior to coming to your appointment, we request that you complete a questionnaire which includes some information that will be discussed during your visit. Depending on the reason for your appointment, the physiotherapist may do any or all of the following:
- Assess your posture
- Check for Diastasis Recti – abdominal separation
- Check your lower back, pelvis and hips for movement and function
- Do an external assessment of abdomen, pelvis, vulva and surrounding area for scars, prolapse, etc.
- Conduct an internal vaginal and/or rectal examination to assess the pelvic floor muscles internally and provide you with information/feedback regarding muscle strength and activation
- Depending on the information gained during the assessment will dictate the course of treatment. This will be discussed with you and your therapist and a plan of care will be implemented
How many times will I need to come for pelvic physiotherapy treatment?
The plan of care is important to follow in order to maximize your recovery. Treatment sessions are thirty minutes in length and most people will need approximately six to eight visits (though more complex cases may require more extensive treatment). We advise our patients to book their treatment visits a few weeks ahead of time to allow more flexibility in your schedule. If you need to cancel an appointment, we require at least 24 hours of notice.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
- NVP Symptom Monitor Form (download and bring to your first appointment)
- NVP Initial Intake Form (download and bring to your first appointment)
- List of previous surgeries and any medications you are taking
- Referral (if you have one) from your doctor
How long is the initial assessment and subsequent visits?
The first visit is approximately one hour and subsequent visits are thirty minutes.
Do I need a doctor’s referral?
A doctor’s note is not required to see a physiotherapist but your insurance company/extended health benefits through your work may require one. It is important for you to know what your benefits are (how much per visit and maximum per year) and how to submit to your insurance company.
Do you bill directly to my insurance company?
Payment is required at the end of each visit. We will provide you with a receipt which you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. We strongly recommend that you contact your insurance company to inquire about your individual coverage and any annual or per session maximum amounts.
Do you treat men and how do you assess?
Yes, we treat men. The pelvic physiotherapist are trained to access the pelvic floor either externally and/or internally.
Can I still come in for pelvic physiotherapy treatment and/or assessment if I am menstruating?
As long as you are comfortable doing so, you can still attend your appointments during menstruation. As pelvic physiotherapists, we routinely work with women during all points in their cycle and menstruation does not affect the work that we do.
Can I bring my baby with me?
Yes, you are welcome to bring your baby with you to your appointments, however, if the baby is restless it is hard for the mother to be focused and present throughout assessment and treatment. If you suspect that your child may have difficulty settling, it may be best to make alternate child care arrangements.
How long after giving birth should I wait to schedule an appointment?
You are welcome to schedule a pelvic physiotherapy assessment or treatment as soon as you’d like following childbirth (if you require assessment for diastasis recti or pelvic pain) but the physiotherapist may initially perform only an external assessment.
We recommend waiting until at least six weeks post-partum for an internal assessment of the pelvic floor muscles.
Please do not hesitate to make an appointment or contact our office 905-987-4533 if you have questions or concerns.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel an appointment, we require at least 24-hours of notice. We kindly request that you honour our cancellation policy in respect for the physiotherapist’s time as well as for those on our waiting list who are patiently awaiting an appointment. Kindly understand that you will be charged 50% of your service fee if you cancel without adequate notice or do not attend a scheduled appointment.