FAQ

What should I expect on my first visit?

Bring a pair of shorts for lower extremity injury and back injuries. Bring a sleeveless t-shirt or tank top for an upper extremity injury. Be prepared for your appointment to last 45 minutes. Download and fill out the appropriate forms here.

What is physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is a regulated health profession that fills a unique and vital role in our health care system. Physiotherapists work with individuals of all ages to break down barriers to physical function. As experts in their field, physiotherapists specialize in eliminating pain and physical limitations that arise from a wide variety of common injuries and conditions. These include:

• Acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries
• Repetitive strain injuries
• Spinal conditions
• Nerve impingement
• Chronic pain
• Postural dysfunction
• Neurological injury or condition such as stroke or Multiple Sclerosis
• Women's health / Incontinence issues

Physiotherapy is available through private clinics, and is included under most extended health benefit plans.

What does a physiotherapy assessment and treatment involve?

Physiotherapy Assessment
At your first visit a full assessment of your physical ailment will be undertaken. This will generally include:

• A detailed history of your health and injury.
• Functional limitations.
• Biomechanical restrictions.
• Gait assessment, if applicable.
• Pain and movement patterns.
• Muscle strength.
• Joint range of motion.
• Relevant X-ray and imaging reports will be examined, if applicable.

At Sunshine Physiotherapy we always make sure to save time in the initial assessment visit to provide you with some form of treatment, be it hands-on techniques, exercise instruction and/or education on the "do's and don't's" for symptom management.

Physiotherapy Treatment
A typical physiotherapy treatment program ranges from days to weeks in length, or could be longer (often with less frequent visits), depending on the chronicity of the issue and the nature of the treatment program. Your physiotherapist will determine how often you should be seen for treatment, and will not have you come in for physiotherapy any longer than is necessary for your recovery.

Treatment techniques which may be used include:

• Manual therapy.
• Ultrasound and other electrical and anti-inflamatory modalities.
• Exercise demonstration and home program development.
• Acupuncture.
• Return to work/sport/activity planning.
• Gait analysis and facilitation for optimal patterning.
• Balance and co-ordination re-training.
• Education.
• IMS.
• Taping and/or bracing.
• Mechanical traction for lumbar and cervical spine.

At Sunshine Physiotherapy we make it a priority to ensure our clients understand the root cause of their symptoms or disability, and we are happy to answer whatever questions you may have. Education is critical to ensure our clients have the tools to avoid future injury, prevent re-occurrence, and promote self-management over the long-term.

Do I need a doctor's referral?

You do not need a referral from your doctor prior to attending physiotherapy, as physiotherapists are considered primary health care providers. However, some insurance companies do require a referral from your doctor in order for you to be reimbursed for expenses.

I was referred to another physiotherapy clinic by my doctor. Can I come to your clinic instead?

Yes, you can receive physiotherapy at any clinic of your choosing. You should ensure that the person delivering your care is a physiotherapist registered with the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta.

Will you contact my doctor to discuss the findings?

With your permission, your physiotherapist will discuss or send a report with their clinical findings to your doctor and/or other members on your health care team.

What are the Fees?

Fees vary with service required. Please contact us for details.

All of the services we provide are covered by extended medical plans that include physiotherapy. Payment is required at the time of service, but we provide official receipts that may be submitted to your insurance carrier for reimbursement.

For information on billing motor vehicle insurance companies, please contact our office. Having information from your insurance company regarding whether you are covered within the "Diagnostics and Treatment Protocols" or not, would be beneficial.

---

If you have any questions or concerns beyond those listed above, please do not hesitate to contact us.