Who Needs Physiotherapy?
Any individual who is suffering from musculoskeletal pain is likely to benefit from the assistance of a physiotherapist. Chances are if you are having pain, we can help. We can provide help for everything from sports injuries to headaches.

New Injury:
If you or someone you know has suffered from an injury, it is beneficial to have the injury assessed and treated as soon as possible to ensure a safe and speedy recovery.

Gradual Development of Aches and Pains:
If you or someone you know is experiencing muscle or joint aches or pains (including headaches), it is helpful to have those symptoms assessed by a physiotherapist to determine the nature of the discomfort. Many aches and pains are the victim of imbalances developed over time. If these imbalances are addressed, those aches and pains will likely decrease. If there is something that can be done, there is no point putting up with the pain.

Tingling, Pins and Needles:
Tingling or pins and needles indicate that there is a tissue that is not functioning as well as it should. That structure should be identified and its function improved. This usually indicates that a nerve is being pinched somewhere. Taking the pressure off of that nerve should provide welcome relief. A physiotherapist can also determine if the problem may require further follow up with a specialist such as a neurologist.

Injury Prevention, Improvement in Performance:
Many injuries can be prevented by identifying factors in your body that are putting you at risk for an injury. These factors may include muscle tension or weakness, posture issues, and repetitive movements in your sport or work. Improving these factors may also result in improved performance in your sport or work. If you are thinking of trying a new activity such as running, a visit to the physiotherapist first may give you the advice and exercises necessary to prevent injury in your new activity.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What should I expect my first physiotherapy appointment (initial assessment)?

During the initial assessment, your physiotherapist will review your health history and discuss with you in detail, the information related to your complaint or injury. They will then explain the process of the assessment and obtain your informed consent to assess and treat you.

 

The goals of the assessment are to:
a) Determine the source of your pain/compliant.
b) Determine the structures that are contributing to that pain complaint.
c) Make a diagnosis which will guide your treatment plan.
d) Discuss with you a reasonable treatment plan based on the findings/goals of the assessment, your personal goals and expectations.

 

If you are comfortable with the treatment plan then we will continue with your initial treatment which will be focused on reducing your symptoms and moving you towards recovery. Your treatment will likely include hands on manual therapy, education, some home exercises, electrical modalities such as ultrasound or interferential current.

 

You may also be offered acupuncture or other treatment techniques if you and your therapist agree that this will help get you better faster. All techniques will be discussed first and your consent obtained. Only the treatments you are most comfortable with will be administered. You will find our therapists very supportive and responsive to your needs.

 

 

What should I bring?

Comfortable Clothing
We encourage you to bring comfortable clothing that allows the therapist to see the problem area (eg. tank top for a shoulder injury or shorts for a knee injury). We can provide these if needed.

 

Doctor’s Referral/Diagnostic Reports
If you received a doctor’s referral for physiotherapy, please bring the referral script. It can be helpful to provide your therapist with any diagnostic reports related to your condition or injury (X-ray, MRI, CT scan, etc.) You can also sign a release of information consent form and we can request the reports directly from your doctor if necessary.

Health History & Consent Forms
We ask that you arrive approximately 15 mins. prior to your first appointment to complete the necessary paperwork prior to treatment.

Insurance Forms
Your insurance company may require a special form(s) to be filled out by your physiotherapist. Please inquire with your insurance company/benefits provider for more details.

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What is your cancellation policy?

We require 24 hours notice to cancel or change an appointment. There will be a fee applied to your account for any missed appointments or any appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours notice. If you need to change or cancel your appointment outside of our regular office hours, please call our office and leave a voicemail message notifying us of the change.

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Do I need a doctor referral?

No, you do not need a doctor’s referral to receive physiotherapy. However, some benefit plans (extended medical insurance) require a referral for coverage. Please check with your benefits provider if they require you to obtain one prior to your appointment.

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Do I need to fill out a health history form?

Yes. Prior to receiving your first physiotherapy treatment, you will be required to fill out registration, medical history and consent forms to ensure we can treat you safely and effectively. You will be asked to provide information regarding your previous injuries and medical history, any medications or treatments you are currently receiving, and the details of your current symptoms or complaints.

These forms will be emailed to you when you book your appointment. Alternatively, you may arrive 10 minutes early to your first appointment and fill the forms out in person.

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What are the prices for physiotherapy treatment?

Prices vary depending on the type of physiotherapy you need. Please check out our online booking site for prices.

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If I already received an assessment elsewhere, do I still need to get assessed again?

Yes. We are not affiliated with any other clinics, and we would need to do a full assessment to be able to create a treatment plan based on the findings/goals of the assessment, your personal goals and expectations. Please refer to the first question "What should I expect my first physiotherapy appointment (initial assessment)?" for more details.

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Is physiotherapy covered by provincial health care? Am I covered?

You may qualify for Alberta Health Services Funding if you have broken a bone (fracture), had a musculoskeletal surgery or qualify as low income. Please check with Alberta Health Services or call our office to see if you qualify. You can find out more information here. 

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Do you offer direct billing?

Yes. We are able to direct bill over 25 different insurance companies. Check the DIRECT BILLING tab to see a list of participating companies. If your insurance provider is not listed, you will need to pay for your appointment out-of-pocket and submit the receipt.

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What questions should I ask my benefits provider?

1. What is my coverage for physiotherapy?

2. Do you require a doctor’s referral for treatment?

3. Do you require the therapist to fill out any special forms?

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Other Questions? 

If you have any other questions about services offered at Richmond Physiotherapy, please contact us at 403-242-1111 and we will be happy help you however we can.

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