Frequently Asked Questions
Click or tap the headings below to find anwers.
Do I need a doctors referral to come into Physio?
You do not need a doctors referral to come to physiotherapy. That being said, your health plan may request a doctors referral to cover the treatment. Please check with your plan to determine if you need a referral.
What can I expect on the first day?
Your therapist will take a complete subjective history of your medical history and of your specific injury. They will complete a complete biomechanical evaluation to determine not only the tissue(s) at fault but the cause of the injury. Normally there is time to begin treatment which may include education of what your injury is and what you can do to begin treatment along with a treatment of the biomechanical injury itself. You can anticipate to be there for 45 minutes to an hour on your first visit and 30 to 45 minutes on treatment dates thereafter.
Sessions are generally done in an open environment although curtains are used when necessary and private treatment rooms are available if you desire. Please feel free to request this if it will make you feel more comfortable.
What do I need to bring?
It is helpful if you bring attire to change into to make your area of concern visable to the therapist. This may include a tank top and/or shorts. If you have anything else that may be related to the injury including shoes, orthotics, etc. that can be helpful to the therapist.
Please ensure that you have completed the online form prior to attending as per your introduction email.
Can I direct bill my Health Plan?
Yes, at NHSPT we can direct bill with most benefit plans. Please call if you have any questions regarding your specific plan.
Does Physiotherapy hurt?
The role of a physiotherapist is to determine what tissue is causing you pain. In doing so we are required to do tests that often cause some pain. The pain will be momentary and is not our goal but is a necessary evil. Treatments themselves often also cause pain to the affected area but again we do our best to limit the pain and it is for a good reason. No Pain, No Gain right?!
Do you treat WCB (work related injuries)?
Yes, at NHSPT we are contracted with WCB as a primary care provider. You can see one of our Physiotherapists as an initial assessment to initiate a claim.
Do you treat Motor Vehicle Injuries?
In Alberta, anyone that has been injured in a motor vehicle accident is entitled to receive treatment for their injuries, regardless of who is at fault for the accident. A referral from a doctor is not required. You can choose any clinic for your rehabilitation (does not have to be your insurer's preferred clinic).
Treatments will be billed to your insurance company according to the protocols of the Alberta Insurance Act Regulations.
Do you have the contract with Alberta Health Services for post surgical and low income?
No. There was a contract offered to Physiotherapy clinics a number of years ago that included limited treatments for post surgical patients, low income patients and post fracture patients. We declined the contract as we felt that several parts of the contract were not appropriate for us as a health clinic. This included determining the low income status of a patient by requiring clients to show us their T4. They also made the contract extremely low paying. This has resulted in many clinics that accepted the contract to jeapordize the profession in my opinion and treat patients in group sessions often with a Kinesiologist only. We hold the importance of quality very high in our clinic and as a result were not willing to sacrafice the quality of care for having the contract. For a List of Clinics
