You do NOT need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist. Physiotherapists are considered primary healthcare providers, allowing you to access their services directly without a referral.

Your first physiotherapy (physical therapy) appointment will focus on assessing your condition and creating a personalized treatment plan. Here’s a detailed overview of what you can expect:

1. Initial Consultation

- Health History: The physiotherapist will ask about your medical history, including past injuries, surgeries, existing medical conditions, current medications, and any relevant family health history.

- Symptoms: You’ll discuss your current symptoms, such as pain, stiffness, weakness, or mobility issues. You’ll be asked about the onset, duration, and intensity of these symptoms.

2. Physical Assessment

- Posture and Movement: The physiotherapist will observe your posture and how you move. They may ask you to perform certain movements or tasks to assess your range of motion, strength, flexibility, and functional abilities.

- Palpation: The physiotherapist will feel (palpate) the affected areas to identify any areas of tenderness, swelling, or abnormalities.

- Special Tests: Specific tests may be conducted to assess the function of muscles, joints, and nerves. These tests help in diagnosing the cause of your symptoms.

3. Diagnosis and Treatment Plan

- Diagnosis: Based on the consultation and examination, the physiotherapist will provide a diagnosis of your condition.

- Treatment Plan: A personalized treatment plan will be created, outlining the goals of therapy, the recommended frequency and duration of visits, and specific treatments and exercises tailored to your needs.

4.. Initial Treatment

- Manual Therapy: This may include techniques such as massage, joint mobilization, dry needling (IMS) or manipulation to improve mobility and reduce pain.

- Exercise Prescription: The physiotherapist may teach you specific exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and function. These exercises are usually designed to be continued at home between sessions.

5. Education and Advice

- Self-Management: The physiotherapist will provide advice on how to manage your condition, including posture correction, ergonomic recommendations, and activity modifications.

- Home Exercise Program: You’ll receive instructions on exercises to perform at home to support your recovery.

6. Discussion of Next Steps

- Follow-Up Appointments: The physiotherapist will discuss the frequency and scheduling of follow-up appointments.

- Progress Monitoring: You’ll be informed about how your progress will be monitored and when to expect re-evaluation.

Tips for Your First Appointment

- Wear Comfortable Clothing: Choose clothes that allow easy movement and access to the affected areas.

- Bring Medical Records: If you have relevant medical records or imaging studies, bring them to your appointment.

- List of Questions: Prepare any questions you have about your condition, treatment options, and what to expect from physiotherapy.

- Arrive Early: Arriving a few minutes early can allow time for any necessary paperwork.

The first physiotherapy appointment is crucial for establishing a clear understanding of your condition and setting the foundation for effective treatment.

Manipulation, also known as spinal manipulation or adjustment, is generally considered safe when performed by a trained and licensed chiropractor or physiotjerapist. However, like any medical procedure, it carries some risks and considerations. Here are some key points:

Benefits

• Pain Relief: Many people find relief from back pain, neck pain, and headaches through chiropractic manipulation.

• Improved Mobility: It can help improve the range of motion in joints and muscles.

• Non-Invasive: Chiropractic manipulation is a non-invasive treatment option that doesn't involve surgery or medication.

Risks

• Minor Side Effects: Some people may experience mild soreness, stiffness, or a headache after an adjustment. These side effects typically resolve within a few days.

• Serious Complications: Although rare, there are potential serious complications, such as:

  • Irritation of nerves in and near the spinal column.

Precautions

• Medical History: Inform your chiropractor about your full medical history, including any underlying conditions, medications, and previous injuries. We know patients have been told manipulations can cause stroke. The research indicates that in the vast majority of casses where a stroke has been associated with manipulation, the patients were already experiencing signs and symptoms related to a stroke. This why a care and thorough screen during your initial appointment is essential.

• Red Flags: Certain conditions, such as severe osteoporosis, cancer in the spine, increased risk of stroke, or severe spinal instability, may make chiropractic manipulation unsafe.

Alternatives

• Other Therapies: There are many ways to treat your symptoms. If you are uncomfrtable with manipulation, dont worry. Your chiropractor will not adjust you. Instead they will utiize massage, joint mobilizations and targeted exercise.

Chiropractor:

During your first chiropractic appointment, you can expect several steps aimed at understanding your health history, assessing your condition, and beginning treatment if appropriate. Here’s a detailed overview of what typically happens:

1. Initial Consultation

• Health History: The chiropractor will ask about your medical history, including any injuries, surgeries, existing medical conditions, current medications, and family health history.

• Symptoms: You'll discuss your current symptoms, such as pain, stiffness, or discomfort, including their location, duration, and intensity.

2. Physical Examination

• Posture and Range of Motion: The chiropractor will assess your posture, range of motion, and physical condition.

• Neurological and Orthopedic Tests: These tests help evaluate nerve function, muscle strength, and joint health.

• Palpation: The chiropractor will feel your spine, muscles, and other areas to identify any areas of tension, pain, or abnormalities.

3. Diagnosis and Treatment Plan

• Diagnosis: Based on the consultation and examination, the chiropractor will diagnose the issue.

• Treatment Plan: A personalized treatment plan will be created, outlining the recommended frequency and duration of visits, as well as specific treatments and exercises.

4. Initial Treatment

• Chiropractic Adjustment: If appropriate, you may receive your first chiropractic adjustment during this visit. This involves manual manipulation of the spine or other joints to improve alignment and function.

• Additional Therapies: Other treatments such as heat or cold therapy, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, or soft tissue massage may also be used.

5. Education and Advice

• Post-Treatment Care: The chiropractor may provide advice on posture, ergonomics, exercises, and lifestyle changes to support your treatment.

• Next Steps: You’ll discuss the next steps, including follow-up appointments and any self-care recommendations.

Tips for Your First Appointment

• Wear Comfortable Clothing: Choose clothes that allow easy movement and access to your spine.

• Bring Medical Records: If you have relevant medical records or previous imaging studies, bring them to your appointment.

• Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask questions about the diagnosis, treatment plan, and what to expect from chiropractic care.

Overall, the first chiropractic appointment is an opportunity to establish a clear understanding of your health issues and develop a comprehensive plan to address them.

Your first massage appointment is an opportunity to address your needs and concerns while experiencing the benefits of therapeutic touch. Here’s a detailed overview of what you can expect:

1. Initial Consultation

- Health History: The massage therapist will ask about your medical history, including any existing conditions, past injuries, surgeries, and current medications. This helps them understand any potential contraindications and tailor the session to your needs.

- Goals and Preferences: You’ll discuss your goals for the session, such as relaxation, pain relief, stress reduction, or addressing specific areas of tension. The therapist will also ask about your pressure preferences (light, medium, or deep).

2. Preparation

- Private Room: You’ll be taken to a private room where you can undress to your comfort level. Most people undress their underwear, but it’s important to do what makes you feel comfortable.

- Draping: You’ll lie on a massage table and be covered with a sheet or towel. Only the part of your body being worked on will be exposed at any time, ensuring your comfort and privacy.

3. The Massage Session

- Relaxing Environment: The room will likely have soft lighting, calming music, and a soothing atmosphere to help you relax.

- Communication: Throughout the session, the therapist will check in with you to ensure the pressure is comfortable and that you’re feeling okay. Don’t hesitate to speak up if you have any discomfort or if you prefer more or less pressure.

- Techniques: The therapist will use a variety of techniques based on your needs and preferences. This may include Swedish massage (for relaxation), deep tissue massage (for muscle tension), sports massage (for athletic performance), or other specialized techniques.

4. Post-Massage

- Feedback: After the massage, the therapist may ask for your feedback on how you feel and if there were any areas that needed more attention.

- Self-Care Advice: The therapist might provide advice on self-care practices, such as staying hydrated, stretching, or using heat or cold packs on any sore areas.

- Follow-Up: You can discuss the frequency of future sessions based on your goals and the therapist’s recommendations.

Tips for Your First Appointment

- Arrive Early: Arriving 5-10 minutes early allows time for any necessary paperwork and to start the session on time.

- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water before and after the massage to help flush out any toxins released during the session.

- Communicate: Be open about your needs, preferences, and any areas of concern. Effective communication ensures a more satisfying and beneficial experience.

- Relax and Breathe: Try to relax and take deep breaths during the massage to enhance its effects.

Your first massage appointment should be a relaxing and therapeutic experience, designed to address your specific needs and promote overall well-being.

What should I wear?

If you are coming in for a physio or chiropractic appointment, wear clothing that you feel comfortable moving in. Ideally athletic wear and comfortable running shoes. Tank tops or shorts can be helpful when assessing upper or lower extremities.

What should I bring?

Please bring your extended health insurance information, Personal Health Number or ICBC/WorksafeBC Claim numbers.

When should I arrive?
Please arrive around 5 minutes before your appointment. If this is your initial appointment and you haven’t had the chance to fill out your intake form, please arrive around 10-15 minutes before your appointment time.

What extended health companies can you submit for?

Pacific Blue Cross, Sunlife, Chambers of Commerce, Canada Life, Group Health, Chambers of Commerce are a few common insurance companies we direct bill for. If you have a question regarding your extended health insurance, please take a look at this link or call us at 250-363-9707.

Does your clinic take ICBC claims?

Yes, we currently direct bill ICBC claims for both physiotherapy and chiropractic services.

Are there any additional costs to the patient with ICBC claims?

No, there are no additional patient fees with your ICBC appointment.

Does your clinic take WorksafeBC claims?

Yes, at this time, we currently direct bill WSBC claims for physiotherapy services only.

Are there any additional costs to the patient for WorksafeBC claims?

No, there are no additional patient fees for WSBC patients!

Does your clinic bill for MSP Supplementary Benefits?

Yes we do. MSP Supplementary Benefits covers $23 per visit for physiotherapy, massage therapy and chiropractic services up to a total 10 visits each calendar year. Patients are responsible for the remaining cost of the appointment.

If you would like to use your MSP Supplementary Benefits, please provide your personal health number (PHN) and date of birth at your initial visit.

For more information regarding MSP Supplementary Benefits and eligibility please click here.

How come I have to pay full price for my appointment when I have insurance coverage?

There can be a number of reasons. Sometimes there is a deductible at the beginning of the calendar year or you may have reached your maximum benefits.

Occasionally insurance companies will place a claim on hold or reject our submission because they require further processing or ask the patient to submit the claim manually along with the original receipts. In this case, we ask that you pay in full for the visit and submit the claim manually on your end.

To find out more about your benefits, coverage and to submit a claim yourself, log in to your member account via your insurance company’s website.

We follow the local school advisory—if they decide to close, so do we. Please be sure to plan ahead and let us know if you think you won't be able to make it to your appointment.