Help Hub

Sleep, Eat, Physio, Play, Smile, Meditate, Repeat

What type of pain or condition do you experience?

Neck: arthritis, radiculopathy, cervicalgia, discal herniation
Shoulder: bursitis, tendinopathy, rotator cuff injury, acromio-clavicular joint disorder, capsulitis, dislocation
Elbow: epicondylalgia, sprain, fracture, dislocation, tendinopathy, nerve entrapment
Wrist/Hand: sprain, strain, fracture, carpal tunnel syndrome, DeQuervain tenosynovitis
Back: sacroiliac joint disorders, disc bulging, instability, sciatalgia, radiculopathy
Hip: FAI (femoro-acetabular impingement), osteoarthritis, trochanteric bursitis, ilio-psoas strain, piriformis syndrome, gluteus medius tendinopathy
Knee: ligament strain (ACL, MCL, PCL, MPFL), bursitis, meniscus tear, patellar instability, ITB syndrome, patello femoral pain syndrome (PFPS), patellar tendinopathy
Leg: stress fracture, calf strain, shin splint, compartment syndrome
Foot: ankle sprain, bone spur, plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, achilles tendinopathy, Mortons neuroma

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Should I wait to come see a physiotherapist? How long after my symptoms/injury?

No, do not wait. Come in as soon as possible. The earlier you seek a consultation, the faster you could recover. Early range of motion has shown greater recovery successes. Your therapist will adapt treatment depending on the stage of your injury or condition.
Is physiotherapy covered under my insurance plan?

Yes, physiotherapy treatment is usually covered under individually-purchased or employer-paid health benefits plans. Check your plan and contact your health benefits provider for coverage details. Your plan will indicate if your insurance requires you to have a doctor referral. And yes, we do provide direct billing! If you need a custom knee brace, most insurance companies will offer coverage under medical equipment. A prescription by your doctor will be necessary.
Do you provide Worksafe BC or ICBC coverage?

No, we do not provide WSBC or ICBC coverage.
Can the clinic bill my insurance company directly? (direct billing)

Yes, we are excited to bill most insurance companies for you. This is a simple process to make your life easier. Fill out the Direct Billing section of the intake form information, so we can prepare the billing before your appointment.
Do I need a doctor prescription to see a physiotherapist?

You do not need to have a doctor referral to consult with a physiotherapist, it is direct access therapy. However, some insurance companies require you to have a doctor referral for the reimbursement process.
What should I expect on my first visit?

On your first visit, we will listen to your story; ask you specific questions on your health history; and do a thorough assessment of your movement, strength, posture and nervous system. According to those findings, we will determine a game plan, together, that is realistic and fits your goals.
What should I bring for my first visit?

Please bring any test results or radiology reports (X-rays, CT scans or MRIs) you may have that are relevant to your injury or condition. You can get your results by phoning the medical clinic and then receive them by email or pick up in person at the Golden Medical Clinic. You can also access your imaging results on My health Portal: https://www.interiorhealth.ca/YourHealth/MyHealthPortal/Pages/default.aspx.
What do I do when I arrive?

You will fill out an intake form online before arriving for your initial appointment. When you arrive, wait in the waiting room. If you were unable to fill out the intake form online, please arrive a few minutes early. You will be able to fill it out online in the clinic before your appointment begins.
How many treatments will I need?

After the initial assessment, we will determine the frequency and amount of treatments needed. Our goal is to lead you to be independent, as fast as possible, so you don't need to keep coming back for an extended period. For an acute injury we typically expect about 6 weeks, and for a persistent injury, we typically expect about 8-12 weeks, varying from twice a week to every second week. However, every person and injury is unique and some persist for longer periods of time.
How should I dress for my first visit?

• If you have a knee or hip injury, bring shorts. • If you have a shoulder injury, bring a tank top or sleeveless shirt. • If you come for a running assessment, bring your running shoes and shorts. • If you come for a bike fitting session, bring your biking shoes, bike and shorts! • Stretchy, loose-fitting clothing is recommended.
What is dry needling?

This specialized technique is used to treat muscular pain and myofascial dysfunction. Dry needling targets specific muscles that may be contracted or shortened. These tight muscles can compress joints and nerves and cause pain, restriction of movement and referred pain. Releasing those points can greatly reduce tightness and pain and improve flexibility and function.
What is the difference between dry needling and acupuncture?

The main difference is the placement of the needles. In dry needling, it follows anatomical points (based on modern Western medicine) as opposed to acupuncture, which follows meridian energy channel points (based on ancient Chinese medicine). With dry needling the needles stay in the body for a few seconds, as opposed to acupuncture, which is sometimes up to 30 minutes.
What education does a physiotherapist have?

Marie-Michelle graduated from Laval University, where she followed an extensive four and a half year baccalaureate in physiotherapy, including extended practical training, anatomy cadavers laboratory, theoretical training and internships. Physiotherapists are required to continue seeking a higher level of education through professional development courses yearly, to stay up to date with science and research.
Is the treatment tax deductible?

Yes, physiotherapists are recognized by the Canada Revenue Agency as medical practitioners for the purposes of the medical expense tax credit.
Still have a question?

Give us a call at: 250-344-1866