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FAQ

1.    What is a physiotherapist / physical therapist?

A physiotherapist is a university educated health professional and a recognized member of your health care team. Physiotherapy in Ontario is now a Master’s level program. Physiotherapists work in many areas including: cardiorespiratory, orthopaedics, neurology, paediatrics, women's health, seniors' health, and sports. When you see a physiotherapist, a detailed assessment will be performed, consisting of your health history, screening for appropriateness of other services, evaluation of your movements and pain patterns, an examination of your nervous system and cardiovascular health. Like most health professionals, physiotherapists use relevant x-rays, laboratory tests, and medical records to provide comprehensive care. Based on the physiotherapist’s findings, a diagnosis and explanation are provided with options for care based on your goals. This is a collaborative process between the physiotherapist and yourself. Physiotherapy treatment may include therapeutic exercises, advanced manual therapy, acupuncture, electrical modalities (i.e. TENS or ultrasound), education and work hardening. Physiotherapists are drug-free health care providers. Many patients prefer physiotherapy when suffering from pain in the back or neck, or joint pain such as hips, knees, ankles, wrists, elbows or shoulders. Research has shown this to be effective in treatment and management of spine pain, headaches, arthritis, diabetes, stroke and numerous cardiovascular conditions. The ultimate goal of physiotherapy is to improve your health and resolve your current pain, while empowering you with ways to continue this on your own and achieve an optimal level of health and pain-free living.

2.    In what areas do physiotherapists practice?

In Ontario physiotherapist work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, home care, community-based clinics, schools, private practice clinics and primary care networks. Physiotherapy is regulated under the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA). Physiotherapists are licensed to practice by the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario (www.collegept.org). There are over 6,300 licensed physiotherapists in the province. Anyone who uses the title of physiotherapist or offers services by a physiotherapist from their clinic must be registered with the College.

3.    Who pays for physiotherapy?

Major changes have occurred to publically funded physiotherapy services over the past 15 years, with an erosion in publically funded care. Due to this, physiotherapy has become more privately funded. Patients will often self-pay or have some coverage through work extended benefit plan. Many access therapy through the Workers’ Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) for work-related injuries or through automobile insurers for Motor Vehicle Accidents (MVAs). Some employers also offer some funding for physiotherapy services directly.

4.    Do I need a Doctors referral?

No, physiotherapists are primary access practitioners in health care, meaning that you do not need to be referred by another health care professional. However, some extended benefits plans still require a doctor’s referral. Please always check the specifics of your plan to determine if this is the case. You may also require this if you are accessing care through WSIB or a motor-vehicle insurance company.

5.    Do I need to have an x-ray, MRI or other test before I see a physiotherapist?

No, only if your doctor specifically indicates that this would be advisable. If you are unsure, you should always ask your doctor. While special tests like x-ray are helpful in diagnosing your pain, they do not definitely tell you what is wrong or how to treat your pain. A physiotherapist is required to perform a detailed assessment regardless if you have had previous testing or results. Many ‘problems’ found on x-ray or MRI do not correspond with reasons for your pain and may be ‘normal’; these may not require treatment. For example, over 25% of people have a disc bulge in their back that is not causing pain. The difficulty with often waiting for tests like MRI, is the wait. The longer pain is around, the more difficult it can be to treat. During the physiotherapy assessment, patients are screened for the appropriateness of physiotherapy services. If a patient appears to require additional investigation before beginning therapy, the therapist will suggest additional consultation with the doctor and provide a written note detailing their findings. Often physiotherapists are able to find ways to relieve your pain while you are waiting for additional tests.

6.    What is the difference between physiotherapy and chiropractic?

The primary focus of chiropractic care relates to the spine, with the majority of disorders leading back to the spine. Chiropractors often ‘adjust’ the spine to correct positional faults. They do treat alignment problems in other areas of the body as well. Often a combination of adjustments, exercise and electrical modalities are used in treatment. A physiotherapist is an allied health professional whose primary focus is on the recovery of function and prevention of disease or injury. The ultimate goals are to improve movement and reduce pain, while educating the patient in how to continue to do this independently if needed. This may be done by a variety of techniques such as strengthening, stretching, electrical modalities, joint mobilization or manipulation (similar to an ‘adjustment’), and soft tissue work. Physiotherapist's treat people with a variety of conditions such as orthopaedic injuries (spine pain, after surgery or workplace injury), neurological disorders (stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease), cardiovascular disorders (heart attack, high blood pressure) and wound care (burns, lymphedema). Both professions treat patients of all ages through different means.

7.    I am currently receiving chiropractic care but I am interested in physiotherapy as well. Can I see both a physiotherapist and a chiropractor for the same problem?

Yes. As there are many areas of training where physiotherapists and chiropractors overlap, there are many differences as well. Some patients find that they benefit from a combined approach of physiotherapy and chiropractic. The decision is always yours in consultation with your doctor, physiotherapist and/or chiropractor. The goal is to improve your health and function but also to maintain your safety. It is necessary when ‘co-treating’ a patient to be able to communicate with your chiropractor as to what type of therapy you will be undergoing with physiotherapy and to determine what form of treatment that you are already receiving. We routinely receive referralsf for consultations from local chiropractors for such services. A combined approach should be seen as a way to complement chiropractic care, not to replace it and definitely not to duplicate it. Communication, understanding and collaboration is the key to success.

8.    How long will I have to wait to see a physiotherapist at Fairway Physiotherapy?

Typically we are able to book you in for an assessment within a week’s time. However, if there are specific times of day or a particular therapist that you wish to see, this time varies.

9.    Do you communicate with my Doctor, Massage Therapist or other members of my health team? Will my medical information and treatment records be handled confidentially?

Confidentiality is assured. We may only communicate with those health care professionals or others that you see fit. On your first day you will be asked to fill out a consent form, indicating whom we may communicate with regarding your care.

10.    Are you covered by OHIP?

No, OHIP only exists in Thunder Bay within the hospital. Some clinics access a government-funded alternate payment plan though for patients who do not otherwise have physiotherapy coverage.

11.    Do you have free parking?

Yes, parking is free and the building is wheelchair accessible.

12.    When do I pay for each session?

Some patients choose to pay after each session. Typically payment can be collected after 3-4 sessions. It is preferred that there is no outstanding balance on patient accounts by the end of a calendar month. These patients then submit to their benefits plans for reimbursement. We are happy to submit your extended health care forms (signed) for you, provided you make this known on your initial assessment? You can simply endorse the benefits cheque when your receive it.

13.    Is physiotherapy covered by my benefits at work?

Every extended health care plan is different. Most do provide coverage for rehabilitation services, including physiotherapy. However, it is the patient’s responsibility to check with their insurance provider as too the details of their plan. It is advisable to ask if a doctor’s referral is required? If there is a limit to your coverage? Does your coverage provide 100% coverage per session of therapy?

14.    My doctor gave me a referral to another physiotherapy clinic but I would rather come to your clinic. Can I choose what clinic I would like to go to?

The choice is always yours as to both the physiotherapist and/or clinic you choose to attend. A referral is universal and does not necessarily direct you to attend one clinic over another. This applies to referrals for massage therapy as well. Specific questions regarding the reason for specific referrals should always be addressed with your doctor.

15.    My insurance company (WSIB or Motor Vehicle Insurance) suggested another physiotherapy clinic but I would rather come to your clinic. Who decides?

The choice is always yours. Some insurance companies have preferred provider agreements with certain clinics. This should not affect your individual referral or where you access care. Legally, it is your right to choose the person and clinic who provides physiotherapy and massage therapy; this cannot affect the outcome of your claim.