Physiotherapists in Ontario must be registered with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario they assist people to restore, gain or maintain function strength or mobility. It might involve injury prevention as well as rehabilitation after an injury or disease.

Physiotherapy treatments involve movement exercise, manual therapy, education and advice. The goals are to allow individuals to remain as independent as possible.

No, you can access physiotherapy without a Doctor’s referral.   

You can expect a respectful and professional experience with our physiotherapists. The physiotherapist will need to ask some questions about your problem and may need to understand other health issues you might have that could impact recovery. They will try to understand what your goals are, they will explain how they will assess you. After the assessment, the physiotherapist will explain what physiotherapy can help you with, how long it might take and the expected outcome from the treatment. 

It depends on the type of pain or movement difficulty you are having. We recommend coming into our clinic and having an assessment with any of our therapists and they will direct you to the appropriate avenue to help you overcome your pain and/or injury. All of our therapists have a different approach to helping you. All are registered members of regulatory bodies (colleges) in Ontario. They have met training requirements and are held to professional standards.

Both are trained, registered with a regulatory body and self-regulated professionals. There are many similarities between the two professions and both treat a variety of similar conditions. Chiropractors are known for a greater focus on treating spinal conditions and physiotherapists will treat spinal conditions as well as other conditions.

You should arrive 5-10 minutes prior to your appointment time to fill out paper work which includes a health history and consent form. Your therapist will review the forms with you, as well as discuss your reason for treatment and any goals or expectations you have. A physical assessment may be performed to help evaluate your condition. Once the therapist determines massage therapy is appropriate they will work with you to develop a plan for this treatment and an ongoing treatment plan if necessary. Stretches and/or exercises may also be incorporated during the treatment time or as homecare if needed.

Your therapist will advise you on what items of clothing can be removed but you should only undress to the level you are comfortable with. The therapist will work around any items of clothing you choose to leave on. You will also be covered by a sheet and blanket during treatment and only the area of the body being worked on will be exposed. 

The therapist will also leave the room and give you privacy while you are dressing and undressing. 

Everything is done within your tolerance. Your therapist will discuss with you prior to treatment on the level of pressure you would like. At any point during the treatment you can always ask for more or less pressure. 

There are some techniques that can be painful and/or uncomfortable as well as some areas of the body that are more sensitive. Your therapist will advise you before performing any of these techniques.  

It is normal for patients to experience muscle soreness 1-2 days after a massage. This may increase if there was more pressure being used or it has been awhile since your last treatment. 

During your first appointment your therapist will design a treatment plan which will include the frequency of treatments. This will be dependent on your injury/condition, goals and what is realistic for your schedule. 

You do not need a doctor note to receive a massage therapy treatment. However, some extended heath insurance companies require a doctor’s notes in order to cover the treatment. 

An adjustment is a highly-skilled and precise movement usually applied by hand to the vertebrae of the spine or other joints of the body. Adjustment to the joint restores proper movement and improves function. When a joint is adjusted, an air bubble may escape causing a popping noise, similar to when you crack your knuckles.  Depending on the nature of the problem, your chiropractor may also utilize joint mobilization, muscle release techniques, muscle stimulation and therapeutic exercises to relieve your pain and get you moving again.

No.  A patient does not need a referral.  Chiropractors are legislated as primary contact healthcare professionals in every province in Canada.  This means that patients can consult them directly.

X-rays can play an important role in diagnosis and are taken only when a need has been determined after taking a patient’s case history and conducting a physical examination. Governments in every province have recognized the training and competence of chiropractors to take and interpret X-rays and have granted them this right.

To an extent: We offer billing on behalf of the patient (if the insurance company allows for it), however we do require payment up front. Insurance companies will then reimburse our patients directly. 

If you are unsure of what your health care plan covers, please call the insurance company to check what you qualify for under your plan.