what is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy is a primary health care profession based on mobility and function. A Physiotherapist is a university-trained medical professional with an in-depth knowledge of how the body works. We utilize a hands-on approach to clinically assess, diagnose, and treat symptoms of pain and dysfunction. Our goal is to help restore, maintain, and maximize your quality of life.

is your service covered through insurance?

Private or Extended Health Plans: There is no direct billing to private health plans. All services are paid for at the time of treatment. Receipts are issued and can be submitted to your provider for reimbursement. Please check with your provider for more information.

Government Assistance: For clients that qualify for Premium Assistance with the Medical Services Plan, a total of 10 subsidized treatments are shared between physiotherapy, non-surgical podiatry, massage therapy, naturopathy, acupuncture and chiropractic.
For more information, visit www.health.gov.bc.ca/msp

ICBC: We accept ICBC claims for Physiotherapy if your coverage is approved. ICBC covers a portion of your therapy, but you are responsible for the user fees due at each treatment. ICBC may choose to reimburse you for these fees at the end of your claim. For more information regarding your coverage, please discuss with your adjustor.

WCB: We accept WCB claims for Physiotherapy if your coverage is approved. WCB typically covers the first 8 weeks of treatment. We directly bill WCB so you are not responsible for any fees. For more information, please discuss with your adjustor.

what is a functional screening assessment?

This assessment is a complete screening of the athlete’s strength, flexibility, and alignment. The assessment is individualized to the needs of the athletes’ particular sport.

Any areas of deficiency (e.g. lack of strength or mobility, asymmetries in strength or mobility, abnormal movement patterns) are identified.

Therapeutic exercises are prescribed to help correct these deficiencies and ultimately, aim to prevent injury and improve athletic performance.

This assessment is useful for any athlete (competitive or recreational) that is interested in injury prevention and optimal movement efficiency.

A functional screening assessment typically lasts about 1 hour.

what is K-taping?

K-Taping is a non-pharmaceutical taping method used for almost the entire spectrum of clinical conditions treated by a Physiotherapist.

This unique therapy is based on 2 main effects:

The first effect is the stimulation of skin receptors in order to reduce pain and aid proprioception. The second effect is based on the application of the tape, which raises the skin and surrounding tissues, creating more space in the damaged tissues for blood circulation and lymph flow. This ultimately stimulates the healing process.

Common conditions such as back pain, arthritis, tendonitis, migraine headaches, muscle strains, ligament sprains, runner’s knee, disc herniation, and even menstrual pain can be treated using the K-taping method.

Unlike traditional athletic tape, which is rigid, K-tape is designed to mimic the elasticity of human muscles, which enables comfort and longer wear.

Please call us or drop-by for further information.

do I need a doctor’s referral?

A doctor's referral is not required to see any of our therapists for private treatment. Some private insurance companies require a doctor's referral to be submitted to qualify for coverage. It is best to check your personal plan. For ICBC and WCB, a referral is necessary before payments will be released. Please call us if you need further assistance.

what should I bring to my appointment?

• CareCard (PHN number)
• Suitable attire (i.e. shorts, tank top)
• Doctor’s referral (if you have one)
• Diagnostic test results relevant to your injury (i.e. X-rays, CT scan, MRI results)
• ICBC/WCB clients – referral, claim number, CareCard, case manager’s name and number

what should I expect?

Please expect to be at the clinic between 30 to 60 minutes. The duration, frequency, and number of treatments will vary depending on the condition.

Your Physiotherapist will discuss the treatment plan with you.

what is bike fit?

The key to an enjoyable cycling experience is a proper fit, a balance between performance and comfort. It doesn’t matter whether you are a recreational rider or a professional racer, pain and discomfort is NOT just a part of cycling.

We will make the bike fit YOU!

A bike fit session includes:

• Q&A; session, physical/medical history, cycling history, and goals
• Physiotherapy assessment, which includes body measurements
• Bike assessment, which includes bike measurements
• Bike fitting, which includes optimal foot position, saddle position, shoulder position, hand position, and cleat adjustments.

A typical bike fit session lasts about 1.5 hours

what is spinal decompression?

Spinal Decompression is the therapeutic elongation or traction of the spine in a slow, gentle manner in order to relieve pressure on compressed vertebrae and discs.

This form of treatment is appropriate for those individuals who have low back pain or neck pain that is caused by herniated discs, degenerated discs and/or intervertebral joints. This type of pain is often, though not always, radiating into the limbs because of compression of the spinal cord and/or nerves. With Spinal Decompression, this pressure is alleviated.

The treatment is safe, virtually pain free and commonly provides immediate relief. The patient will have remote control of the machine through the duration of the treatment, enabling them to stop the treatment if even minimal discomfort arises. For your safety, spinal decompression is used only after a thorough assessment by your Physiotherapist. The treatment is combined with other types of Physiotherapy such as active exercises, manual therapy and electrotherapy in order to achieve the best results.