FAQ
What is physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy aims to restore movement and function to those with physical limitations, pain, injury, illness or disease. This is achieved through a variety of techniques with a heavy emphasis on movement and exercise. You don't need to be injuried to visit a physiotherapy, we also do preventative and maitenance work as well as support for those wishing to start being active.
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Physiotherapists have the protected right to provide diagnosis.
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Physiotherapy has a lot of overlap with RMT / massage, chiropractors and osteopaths. Major differences is the variety of available treatment techniques, use exercise in the practice and ability to diagnose.
Do I need to see a doctor first?
No! You do not need a prescription from your GP to come to physiotherapy. If I feel you need imaging or a specialist referral I will advise you to see a doctor.
Do you direct bill?
I direct bill to most major health insurance companies. For additional information on prices and billing please visit my Clinic & info page
What should I bring to my appointment?
1. Your extended health information (if you have it)
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2. appropriate clothing for the appointment. I need you to be able to freely move and I need to see what I'm working with so for issues involving the low back, hip, leg or foot please wear or bring shorts. If your problem involves the neck, mid back or shoulder please bring or wear a tank top or sports bras as I will likely ask you to remove your top.
I have an ICBC claim. What next?
Once you have your injury claim has been accepted and you have your claim number you are able to book an appointment and start with treatment! I suggest starting physio as soon as possible. ICBC will pay $84 dollars per session for 25 physiotherapy sessions in the first 12 weeks of your accident. Due to my prices being $85 per session you are responsible for that additional $1. After the initial 12 weeks ongoing care has to be pre-approved. I will give you a heads up when that is coming and when I'm putting in an extension request.
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ICBC also pre-approves RMT (massage), chiropractics and kinesiologists. I highly recommend making use of these other practitioners during your recovery.
What is dry needling?
Dry needling utilizes the same small needles as acupuncture but uses a different technique that aims directly at a trigger point or tight area in a muscle. Dry needling and IMS are essentially the same thing just have different theories behind why they work.
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Rather than place the needles and leave them in for a period of time, dry needling utilizes one needle at a time and is only inserted for 1-2 seconds as the physio moves the needle around to release the muscle around the entry point. Some therapists will use electrical stimulation through the needles, I do not. You may experience pain, soreness or twitching while the needle is inserted. Though not the most comfortable, the treatment is very quick and effective for many different muscular issues and improvements are felt within a couple days.
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Needling is not appropriate for those with an allergy to metal, fear of needles or pregnant women.
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I'll be posting a blog soon going into greater detail of dry needling!
