Physiotherapy is a health care profession which helps people to restore, maintain and maximize their strength, function, movement, and overall well-being through examination, evaluation, diagnosis and physical intervention. Physiotherapy includes rehabilitation, as well as prevention of injury, and promotion of health and fitness. The terms "physiotherapy" and "physical therapy" mean the same thing and are used interchangeably, as are the terms “physiotherapist” and “physical therapist”.

Physiotherapists are regulated health care professionals through the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario. Physiotherapists have in depth knowledge and understanding of anatomy, physiology and pathology of the body. They are specialized in hands on care to clinically assess, diagnose and treat symptoms of injury and dysfunction. Physiotherapists continue to enhance their skills through ongoing post graduate education.

When you arrive you will be asked to read our Welcome letter and fill out and sign a consent form. Your first appointment will be an hour long assessment. Your physiotherapist will ask you specific questions to get a detailed history of your condition and current symptoms. You then may be asked to change into appropriate clothing as needed. Your physiotherapists will complete a posture and movement assessment. This will consist of specific tests for your area of injury as well as identifying the underlying cause and contributing factors. After your assessment your physiotherapist will educate you on your condition and discuss your treatment plan. Your physiotherapist may provide you with hands on therapy, corrective exercises or a pain relieving modality depending on your assessment findings.

Each treatment following your initial assessment will be approximately 30 minutes in length. Your treatment will change depending on your injury or condition, but will consist of manual therapy, active exercises, postural or corrective taping and pain modalities as needed as well as education.

No, physiotherapy is not covered by OHIP at a private practice clinic. For more information on Physiotherapy and OHIP coverage please visit the link below.
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/publications/ohip/physiotherapy.aspx

No. However, if you have extended health insurance through your workplace it may require you to have a doctor’s referral for coverage. You may check by simply calling your extended health insurance or your employer.

Yes, we are able to bill directly for a number of insurance companies for physiotherapy and massage therapy services. Please contact us for further details.

Yes. Prior to attending your appointment you must report your injury to your employer and submit the appropriate WSIB paperwork. Please advise us at the time of booking if your injury will be billed through WSIB. Unfortunately, we cannot accept WSIB patients for massage therapy.

Yes. However, the law in Ontario is very particular when it comes to billing procedures for an MVA. If you have any extended health insurance benefits available to you, we are required to use all of those benefits before your car insurance company can be billed. For further clarification, please contact your car insurance claims adjuster. Please advise us at the time of booking if your injury is a result of a MVA.

Orthopaedic physiotherapy or manual therapy is physiotherapy in which a physiotherapist uses their hands to mobilize (specific technique to improve movement) the joints to reduce stiffness, relieve pain, increase movement and restore function. These techniques also include treating the soft tissue to improve length and strength. This includes a specific exercise program developed for your individual needs.

Your therapist will start by taking a detailed medical and social history to gain an understanding of your concern. Based on the information you provide, they will proceed with an objective exam that may include looking at the movement and strength in your low back, pelvis, and/or hips. Your therapist will then go through the process of an internal assessment with you. So long as you are comfortable, they will leave the room while you undress from the waist down. You will be provided with a blanket to cover yourself with during the assessment. Your therapist will then perform an internal vaginal and/or rectal assessment in order to fully evaluate the tension and strength of the pelvic floor muscles. At the end of your assessment, your therapist will explain all of their findings to you and discuss their proposed treatment plan. You will have a chance to ask any questions you have as you move through the assessment.

The short answer is no. Your physiotherapist will not do anything in your assessment or treatment sessions that you do not consent to or are not comfortable with. That said, the internal assessment provides a lot of valuable information about your complaints. Your physiotherapist is not able to fully assess your pelvic floor without doing an internal assessment and this may impact the effectiveness of your treatment. It is completely normal to be nervous about this portion of the assessment. It will be fully discussed with you and you will have a chance to ask any questions before proceeding.

Yes. Being on your period does not affect your physiotherapists ability to assess or treat your pelvic floor internally. However, if you are uncomfortable with the idea you have the option to have your physiotherapist treat externally or to change your appointment.

Of course! We are more than happy to have your baby in the treatment room with you. Your therapist will work with you to accommodate your baby.

Kegels are a part of pelvic physiotherapy for many patients but there is a lot more to it! Without an internal assessment there is no way to know if you are doing a kegel correctly or if it is the right exercise for you. Many people have tightness in their pelvic floor and need to focus on relaxing and lengthening their pelvic floor muscles instead of contracting them. Your physiotherapist is able to facilitate the relaxation of your pelvic floor and provide feedback to promote more effective strengthening. Your physiotherapist will also assess if other areas of your body are contributing to your pelvic floor dysfunction and will provide a holistic treatment plan to address all areas of concern.

Your treatments will be completed in a private room with you and your physiotherapist. You have the option to bring a support person to your appointment with you if it would make you more comfortable.

You do not require a referral from a doctor to access physiotherapy services of any kind. However, if you are billing your treatment through an extended health plan some insurance providers do require a referral in order to cover treatment.

Massage therapy is a hands-on-manipulation of the soft tissues of the body, specifically, the muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and joints. Massage Therapy treatment has a therapeutic effect on the body and improves health and well-being by acting on the muscular, nervous and circulatory systems. Physical function can be developed, maintained and improved and physical dysfunction and pain can be relieved or prevented through the use of massage therapy. At BodyTech our massage therapists use their knowledge of anatomy and physiology, combined with modern massage therapy techniques, exercise and other therapies, to treat their clients.

A Registered Massage Therapist is someone that is registered with the College of Massage Therapy of Ontario. This individual has been specifically trained and passed board certified examinations to meet a high standard of care. Massage therapy can be beneficial to people of all ages and conditions and is used to help obtain relief from a wide variety of problems.

Yes, massage therapy is appropriate for individuals of all ages, including infants, children, and the elderly; however, there are some conditions for which massage therapy is not appropriate. A qualified Massage Therapist (RMT or MT) is trained to recognize these cases.

No. Your comfort as a client is important, whether that is in the context of the clothing you wear or the treatment you receive. Massage Therapists can provide important treatment whether you choose to remove any, some, or all of your clothing. Our massage therapists are trained in proper draping procedures to ensure that your privacy is completely respected at all times during treatment. Your comfort and ability to relax is paramount to achieve effective treatment.

No. Massage therapy treatments are not covered under OHIP, regardless of whether the treatments are required by a physician. Most progressive extended health benefit plans do cover massage therapy treatments when provided by a Registered Massage Therapist and most do not require a physician's order to do so. Contact your employer for more information.

Massage therapy is most beneficial in acute conditions when used over a series of treatments and then followed up with maintenance or preventive treatments. Through mutual discussion, your Massage Therapist can help you establish a program which fits your physical needs and lifestyle. Your Massage Therapist is most interested in your recovery and in the maintenance of your health. Any recommendation for further treatment is being made by a qualified health professional and is made with your utmost care in mind.