Do I need a referral to see a Physiotherapist?
In most cases, no referral is required to book an appointment with a physiotherapist. However, some extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement. We recommend checking with your insurance provider if you're unsure.
What type of appointment should I book?
When should I book a physiotherapy initial assessment appointment instead of a follow-up?
If you're seeing a physiotherapist for the first time, have a new injury or concern, or haven't seen your physiotherapist in more than 3 months, please book a 45-minute Initial Assessment. This gives your physiotherapist enough time to complete a thorough assessment, discuss your goals, and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
If, during your visit, your physiotherapist determines that a shorter appointment would have been sufficient, your appointment can be adjusted accordingly. It's always better to book enough time initially to ensure your condition is properly assessed rather than risk not having enough time.
What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?
Your initial appointment includes a detailed discussion of your medical history, symptoms, lifestyle, and goals. Your physiotherapist will perform a physical assessment to evaluate your movement, strength, flexibility, posture, and function before creating a personalized treatment plan.
What treatments do physiotherapists use?
Your treatment plan may include:
- Hands-on manual therapy
- Therapeutic exercises
- Stretching and strengthening programs
- Joint mobilization
- Soft tissue techniques
- Dry needling (if offered and appropriate)
- Acupuncture (if provided by a qualified physiotherapist)
- Education and injury prevention strategies
- Postural and ergonomic advice
- Balance and mobility training
Treatment recommendations are based on your individual condition and goals.
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How many physiotherapy sessions will I need?
The number of visits depends on your injury, symptoms, overall health, and recovery goals. Some conditions improve within a few appointments, while more complex or chronic issues may require ongoing treatment over several weeks or months.
What should I wear to my appointment?
Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy movement and access to the area being treated. Athletic clothing, shorts, and tank tops are often recommended depending on your injury. If you plan to use the gym equipment before or after your appointment, please bring a clean pair of indoor athletic shoes, as outdoor footwear is not permitted in the clinic or gym area.
Can I use the gym before or after my physiotherapy appointment?
Yes. Physiotherapy patients are welcome to use the gym for up to 30 minutes before or after their scheduled appointment. This allows you to complete your prescribed exercises or warm up as recommended by your physiotherapist. Please note that outdoor footwear is not permitted in the clinic or gym area, so if you plan to use the equipment, be sure to bring a clean pair of indoor athletic shoes.
Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries?
Yes. Physiotherapy isn't just for recovery. It can also identify movement limitations, muscle imbalances, and areas of weakness that may increase your risk of injury. Preventive treatment can improve strength, flexibility, balance, and overall performance.
Can physiotherapy help with chronic pain?
Yes. Physiotherapy is commonly used to help people manage chronic pain by improving mobility, building strength, reducing muscle tension, and teaching strategies to better manage symptoms over the long term.
Do I need imaging before starting physiotherapy?
Not necessarily. Physiotherapists are trained to assess musculoskeletal conditions without requiring X-rays or MRI scans in many cases. If additional imaging or medical assessment is needed, your physiotherapist will discuss the next steps with you.
Will I receive exercises to do at home?
Yes. Home exercises are an important part of recovery. Your physiotherapist will provide a personalized exercise program to help improve your strength, flexibility, mobility, and overall function between appointments.
Can physiotherapy help after surgery?
Absolutely. Post-operative physiotherapy can help reduce pain and swelling, restore mobility, rebuild strength, improve function, and support a safe return to daily activities, work, or sport.
What should I bring to my physiotherapy appointment after surgery?
To help us provide the safest and most effective care, please bring the following to your first post-surgical physiotherapy appointment:
- Your surgeon's post-operative protocol or rehabilitation guidelines (if you were given one). These instructions help us tailor your treatment to your surgeon's recommendations and any precautions you need to follow.
- Your physiotherapy referral or prescription, if you received one. While a referral is not always required, it can provide helpful details about your surgery and recovery plan.
- A list of your current medications, including pain medications, blood thinners, anti-inflammatory medications, and any other prescriptions or supplements you take.
- Any imaging reports or operative notes that you have been provided, if applicable.
- Your brace, sling, walking boot, crutches, walker, cane, or other mobility aids that you are currently using.
- Comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the surgical area. For example, wear shorts for knee or hip surgery or a loose-fitting shirt for shoulder surgery.
- Supportive, clean, indoor footwear, unless you've been instructed to wear a specific post-operative boot or brace.
- Your health insurance information, if your plan covers physiotherapy and you would like us to process direct billing (where available).
It's also helpful to come prepared with any questions about your recovery, activity restrictions, work, exercise, or returning to sports. If you're unsure whether you should bring something specific, feel free to contact our clinic before your appointment—we're happy to help.
Is physiotherapy covered by insurance?
Many extended health benefit plans include physiotherapy coverage. Coverage varies depending on your provider and policy, so we recommend checking your benefits before your appointment.
Please review our Payment Policies to review our direct billing options.
Can physiotherapy help with sports injuries?
Yes. Physiotherapists assess and treat acute and overuse sports injuries while helping athletes safely return to training and competition. Treatment also focuses on reducing the risk of future injuries through strength, mobility, and movement training.
What can I do to get the best results from physiotherapy?
Following your home exercise program, attending scheduled appointments, staying active within your physiotherapist's recommendations, and communicating any changes in your symptoms all contribute to better outcomes.
Why choose One Wellness for physiotherapy?
At One Wellness, our physiotherapists take a personalized, evidence-informed approach to care. We focus on identifying the root cause of your symptoms—not just treating the pain. By combining hands-on therapy, individualized exercise programs, education, and collaboration with our multidisciplinary team when appropriate, we help you move better, recover confidently, and achieve your long-term health goals.
