Choosing a new health care provider can feel overwhelming. Here are some of the questions new patients have asked us. If your question is not addressed here, please contact us directly and we will be happy to provide further information or clarification.
Do I need a doctor’s referral in order to see a physiotherapist?
- No, a doctor’s referral is not required to see a physiotherapist. Physiotherapists in Ontario are primary healthcare providers, and therefore do not require a physician’s referral. If you have extended health benefits, your insurance providers may require a referral which you can request from your doctor.
What can I expect from my first appointment?
- Your initial appointment and assessment will typically last 60-75 minutes. The physiotherapist will take a thorough approach and ask you detailed questions about your history and current symptoms. We will ask questions to better understand your condition, uncover any other factors that may be contributing to your diagnosis and overall recovery, and discuss what your goals for physiotherapy are.
- Next your physiotherapist will complete a physical assessment to diagnose your condition. It is recommended to wear comfortable clothing that you can easily move in; shorts, a t-shirt or tank top are often good options. This also allows the physiotherapist easy access to see and palpate the area(s) associated with your issue.
- Once a diagnosis is made, your physiotherapist will discuss and explain to you what they have found, educate you on your diagnosis, and determine the treatment plan with your goals in mind. Your physiotherapist will outline what treatments are suggested, discuss how long your rehabilitation may take, and begin your personalized treatment plan. If appropriate, treatment will occur at your first appointment as well.
What is involved in my physiotherapy treatments?
- Each treatment is individualized, and tailored to your goals. Most treatments will include manual therapy, progressions to your exercise program, and education. As appropriate, your physiotherapist may also use adjunctive treatment options such as acupuncture, cupping, or k-taping.
- Treatment sessions are typically booked for 30 minutes, but you may have a session as long as 45 minutes depending on which treatments you are receiving (ie. acupuncture).
How will physiotherapy in my home work (or differ), from a traditional clinic setting?
- Receiving physiotherapy in your home (or wherever you choose) from WellNest Physiotherapy’s experienced therapists will be no different than the care you receive in a clinic setting – other than being more convenient for you! Our physiotherapists will bring all of the equipment and necessary tools to give you comprehensive and evidence-based assessment and treatment to help you achieve your goals.
- All we need you to do is have an open area where we can put our treatment bed & allow us the ability to move around a bit.
- The added benefit of completing your physiotherapy at home is we use your own environment to truly tailor your exercises and treatment to you – we find the more functional treatment is, the better the outcomes we can see.
Do you provide direct billing to my insurance?
- Yes! We are happy to offer direct billing to most insurance providers on your behalf. We always want to make receiving physiotherapy care as convenient as possible for you. Direct billing is a free service. If you are unsure about your coverage or if you are eligible for direct billing, please contact your provider to inquire.
Do you accept OHIP, auto insurance (MVA) or WSIB claims?
- At this time we do not accept MVA or WSIB claims.
- We do not provide physiotherapy treatment through OHIP.
Can I still receive physiotherapy care in my home if a Doctor has referred me to another physiotherapy clinic or service?
- Absolutely! Our regulatory bodies and Ontario law state that every client is entitled to choose their own provider for physiotherapy.
Will you discuss my findings with my Doctor or other health care professionals?
- With your consent, we are happy to discuss and liaise with anyone who is part of your health care team. We will never communicate with anyone without your consent. We will discuss during your initial assessment, and as needed, if you would like us to communicate with any other health care providers.
Do I need to have an internal exam for pelvic floor physiotherapy?
- The short answer is, no. A pelvic floor physiotherapist can assess some of the muscles that attach to the pelvis externally, as well as a thorough joint assessment. This can give a sense of what is causing your pain or dysfunction. We will always work respectfully within your comfort zone to determine the best treatment plan for you.
- However, it is important to understand that since we cannot feel the pelvic floor muscles externally, an internal exam is the gold standard of care to understand how these muscles are influencing your problem. A vaginal and/or rectal exam is used to assess muscle strength, tone, tension, coordination, and overall functioning of the pelvic floor. We would only assess internally with your consent, and you can withdraw your consent at any time as well.
- Every measure is taken to make you comfortable during any internal or external exam. We want to make your experience with us as comfortable as possible, so please feel free to ask any questions to make this a positive experience for you!