Below are a number of Frequently Asked Questions. To view the answer, please click on the question to reveal it. If your questions were not answered here, please Contact Us.
Locally owned and operated, PhysioWorks Physiotherapy aims to provide quality service and care to you. Our experienced therapists care about you and your well being. With longer appointment times, PhysioWorks provides a one to one approach that you won’t find everywhere. With 2 convenient locations, direct billing options and friendly, experienced staff, we are sure PhysioWorks will meet your needs.
During your first visit you can expect the following:
You will provide us with your prescription for physical therapy if you were provided one. If not, no worries, we can still see you.We will copy your insurance card.
You will be seen for the initial evaluation by the therapist.
Your therapist will discuss the following:
Your medical history.
Your current problems/complaints.
Pain intensity, what aggravates and eases the problem.
How this is impacting your daily activities or your functional limitations.
Your goals with physical therapy.
Medications, tests, and procedures are related to your health.
Your therapist will then perform the objective evaluation which may include some of the following:
Palpation – touching around the area of the pain/problem. This is done to check for the presence of tenderness, swelling, soft tissue integrity, tissue temperature, inflammation, etc.
Range of Motion (ROM) – the therapist will move the joint(s) to check for the quality of movement and any restrictions.
Muscle Testing – the therapist may check for strength and the quality of the muscle contraction. Pain and weakness may be noted. Often the muscle strength is graded. This is also part of a neurological screening.
Neurological Screening – the therapist may check to see how the nerves are communicating with the muscles, sensing touch, pain, vibration, or temperature. Reflexes may be assessed as well.
Special Tests – the therapist may perform special tests to confirm/rule out the presence of additional problems.
Posture Assessment – the positions of joints relative to ideal and each other may be assessed.
Your therapist will then formulate a list of problems you are having, and how to treat those problems. A plan is subsequently developed with the patient’s input. This includes how many times you should see the therapist per week, how many weeks you will need therapy, home programs, patient education, short-term/long-term goals, and what is expected after discharge from therapy. This plan is created with input from you, your therapist, and your doctor.
Make sure you bring your physical therapy referral provided to you by your doctor (if applicable) and your payment information. If you are covered by Workers’ Compensation, bring your claim number and your case manager’s contact information. For Motor Vehicle Accident claims please bring your claim and/or policy number and any contact information for your insurance company that you may have. If your insurance company requires the clinic and/or the therapist to fill out any froms, bring along the insurance form.
With direct access to physiotherapy in Alberta, a doctor’s referral is not necessary to receive treatments at PhysioWorks. However, the physiotherapist may suggest that you consult a doctor for their opinion or to get further tests done. Note that some extended health benefits plan insurance companies still require a doctor’s referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy treatments. It is your responsibility to check your coverage. You do not require a referral for motor vehicle accidents or most work related injuries.
You should wear loose fitting clothing so you can expose the area that we will be evaluating and treating. For example, if you have a knee problem, it is best to wear shorts. For a shoulder problem, a tank top is a good choice, and for low back problems, wear a loose fitting shirt and pants, again so we can perform a thorough examination.
This varies. You may need one visit or you may need many. It depends on your diagnosis, the severity of your impairments, your past medical history, etc. You will be re-evaluated on a regular basis. When you see your doctor, we can provide you with a progress report with our recommendations.
Physiotherapy will help any individual with problems affecting the level of functionality of the musculoskeletal system, including but not limited to back pain, neck pain, ankle sprain, shoulder pain, carpal tunnel. Physical Therapists are skilled in the fields of sports and physical fitness.
Our physiotherapists apply various techniques to treat you such as manual therapy, soft tissue work, modalities and progression through exercise, etc.
Our patients can expect to improve their balance, their endurance, their flexibility, their strength, and their coordination, which will help them stay active every day. Physiotherapy is offered in all of our clinics.
You are responsible for the payment of your treatments. As a courtesy, we do offer direct billing to many extended health care plans, WCB, and insurance companies for motor vehicle accidents. Please contact us for more information on your provider or situation.
Some patients will need to continue with home exercises. Some may choose to continue with a gym exercise program. Others will complete their rehabilitation and return to normal daily activities. It is important that you communicate your goals to your therapist, so he/she can develop a custom program for you.
To see how quickly you can get an appointment, please call our office, or book your appointment online.
