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What is physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is an independent health care profession dedicated to enhancing and restoring mobility. This profession is unique by its advanced understanding of diagnosis and treatment of movement disorders. The goal of physiotherapy is to promote functional independence and to improve quality of life.

What is a physiotherapist?

A registered physiotherapist is a university educated health professional with a Baccalaureate of Science or a Master Degree in Physiotherapy. The physiotherapists at Ancaster Sports Medicine are accredited by the College of Physiotherapy of Ontario. The College establishes ethical and professional conduct standards and assures that all members meet safety and professional expectations within the community.

How can a physiotherapist help me?

Physiotherapists offer valuable treatment techniques to assist you in achieving your specific physical goals, which may include:

Restoring mobility after surgery
Managing and reducing pain
Treating sports-related injuries
Improving overall coordination and balance
Improving the physical complications of cancer and its treatment
Managing physical limitations or disabilities associated with degenerative diseases (i.e. osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, spinal stenosis)
Preventing and treating repetitive strain injuries, bursitis, ligament sprains, dislocations, pulled muscles and joint strains
Rehabilitation following motor vehicle accidents

Do I need to see my doctor prior to starting physiotherapy?

Although it is not necessary to see a doctor prior to receiving physiotherapy treatment, in some circumstances your therapist may ask you to see your doctor for further medical investigation. A referral to your doctor may also be warranted if your condition does not progress typically with physiotherapy intervention.

How do I get an appointment?

In most cases, you do not require a referral from your doctor (check your insurance policy to see if a referral is a requirement). Simply contact us and set up an appointment with a therapist for a time that suits you.

Will my insurance cover the costs?

This will all depend on your policy and insurance provider. Confirm these details before you establish a treatment plan.

Two notes specific to Ancaster Sports Medicine:

1. We do not provide direct billing except in the cases of motor vehicle accident patients, Vetterans and military personnel covered by Blue Cross.

2. We do treat individuals covered by Workers' Compensation Board (WCB).

What can I expect from my first visit?

Please see the section entitled Your visit.

What should I bring?

Comfortable clothes that will allow the therapist to see the area to be treated (i.e. for leg, foot or lower back bring a pair of shorts; for upper back, chest or shoulder bring a tank top or sports bra). If applicable, footwear and custom made orthotic inserts.
Your physiotherapist referral, if you saw your doctor prior to coming to physiotherapy.
Copies of relevant medical test results (i.e. x-ray, MRI reports).

What treatments are available?

Physiotherapy treatment sessions may involve a variety of techniques. For a full list and descriptions, please visit the Treatments page.

How often will I need to be treated?

Treatment results are usually rapid. While some patients get immediate results, others require anywhere from 3 to 18 treatments before they achieve their desired therapeutic goals.

Treatment results may vary depending on the body´s natural healing rate and on the nature, onset and severity of the condition being treated. Generally, the less severe and more recent the condition, the fewer treatments are required.

It is perfectly normal to experience a temporary increase in your symptoms after your initial assessment and / or to wait three to four sessions before feeling an improvement in your symptoms.

It is usually recommended that you come in for two to three visits for the first few weeks, following this period once or twice a week is usually sufficient.

How often will I need to be treated?

Each session typically lasts 30 to 90 minutes depending on your treatment plan.

At Ancaster Sports Medicine we are sensitive to your time demands. Following your assessment your physiotherapist will be able to develop an individual treatment plan tailored to your condition and schedule.

What is a sport injury?

We define a sport injury as any injury or condition that prohibits you from participating in your regular sport, fitness or recreational activity. The injury may or may not have occurred while participating in your activity. This does not include work-related injuries or motor vehicle accidents.

Who can attend the Sport Medicine Clinic?

The Sport Medicine Clinic strives to keep active people active. Although many of our patients are elite athletes, the greatest number of patients are recreational enthusiasts in pursuit of general good health and fitness. Patients range in age from 6 - 86 and participate in a variety of activities from walking programs to more physically aggressive activities such as football and hockey. If your injury is impeding your ability to participate in your regular activity program then you are a candidate for the Fowler Kennedy Sport Medicine Clinic.

If I need an appointment should I go my family physician first, or just call the clinic?

Orthopaedic Surgeon Appointment – 3M Centre, University of Western Ontario

No, Patients are not required to have a referral to come to the Sport Medicine Clinic to see a Sport Medicine Physician. However, the Primary Care Physicians would like to encourage Patients and Family Physicians to use the referral process more often.

To make the most of the patients visit to the clinic we would like to encourage Family Physicians to use the referral process. We prefer not to treat patients in isolation of their Family Physician. Family Physicians have often done tests or have pertinent history that would be very helpful to have prior to the Patients visit. When patients are referred we then are able to coordinate results and recommendations with the Family Physician for the appropriate treatment plan. As well the Family Physician receives comprehensive note and results from any further diagnostic testing regarding the assessment and plan. Without the referral many patients undergo repeat testing and evaluations that may have already been done but we do not have the information nor will the Family Physician receive any information regarding the visit.

Physiotherapy Appointment

Although you do not need a referral for Physiotherapy most extended benefit packages will require a referral by a Physician in order to have the treatment covered. You may have the referral faxed to our Clinic or call and book the appointment bringing the referral to the appointment.

What is an acute injury?

An acute injury is an injury that has occurred within 24 hours. A Chronic injury is an injury that may have occurred weeks, months or years in the past. By quickly managing an injury in the acute stage, chronic complications can sometimes be avoided.

What is a sport medicine physician?

A Sport Medicine Physician is a physician who has a family medicine or emergency medicine background. In addition to their basic medical training they have displayed an interest in sport medicine and have completed a 1 or 2 year sport medicine fellowship and successfully completed the requirement for the Diploma in Sport Medicine offered by the Canadian Academy of Sport Medicine.

Are services at the clinic covered by my Ontario Health Card?

Most medical services at the Fowler Kennedy Sport Medicine Clinic are covered by your Ontario Health Card. However, one service that is not covered is physiotherapy. Most physiotherapy clinics (other than hospital physiotherapy services) operate on a fee for service basis. Patients pay for the service and then submit their receipt to their Extended Health Insurance Plan. The procedure is similar to that used when purchasing prescription drugs.

How do I know if I am covered by extended health care?

Contact your Employee Benefits or Human Resource Department to determine what extended health care benefits are available to you. Ask specific questions to determine the extent of your coverage. Most plans include an annual deductible or co-payment amount that must be paid by the employee.

How can I make and appointment for physiotherapy?

Although patients can book an appointment directly with a physiotherapist, most insurance companies will not pay your extended health claim if you are not referred to physiotherapy by a physician. Therefore, your first appointment at our clinic is usually with a Primary Care Sport Medicine Physician. The Sport Medicine Physician will send you for x-rays or additional tests if necessary, diagnose your injury and refer you to physiotherapy if appropriate.

How long are the physiotherapy treatments?

Your initial physiotherapy treatment usually takes 45 to 60 minutes. Subsequent treatments can last between 30 to 45 minutes.