Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]

What is Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapists [also known as physical therapists] have an advanced understanding of how the body moves, what keeps it from moving well, and how to restore mobility. They manage and prevent many physical problems caused by illness, disease, sports injuries, work-related injuries, aging, and long periods of inactivity.

Can Physiotherapy Help Me?

Physiotherapists are skilled in the assessment and management of a broad range of conditions that affect the musculoskeletal, circulatory, respiratory, and nervous systems. Here are some of the ways physiotherapy can help:

  • Address physical challenges associated with back pain, arthritis, repetitive strain injury etc.
  • Attend to sports injuries and provide advice on prevention and recurrence
  • Get you back on your feet after surgery
  • Help you manage the physical complications of cancer and its treatment
  • Maximize your mobility if you have a neurological disorder such as stroke, spinal cord injury or Parkinson's disease
  • Oversee rehabilitation in your home after you have been ill or injured
  • Provide balance and strengthening exercises for seniors who are at risk of falling.
  • Provide pre- and post-natal care and attend to other women's health conditions
  • Treat neck and back pain and other joint injuries
  • Work with you to treat and manage respiratory and cardiac conditions

(Adopted from the Canadian Physiotherapy Association website at www.physiotherapy.ca)

What are the Qualifications of our Physiotherapists?

We retain highly qualified Physiotherapists for our clinic. Our Physiotherapists are specifically selected for their professional qualifications, knowledge, experience, and commitment to ongoing post-graduate education. Most importantly, our physiotherapists demonstrate an ability to communicate with patients in a caring, compassionate, and professional manner. We ensure that our physiotherapists are licensed to practice physiotherapy, possess a current registration certificate from the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario, and are also in good standing with the College. This ensures adherence to quality standards and codes of professional conduct governed by the college.

Do you accept Private Insurance, Motor Vehicle Accident or WSIB (Workplace Safety & Insurance Board) claims?

Yes. We can help you fund your treatment through a variety of means including:

  • Government Funded “Episodes of Care” to those who are eligible.
  • WSIB (Workman's Safety & Insurance Board).
  • Private Extended Health Insurance.
  • MVA (Motor Vehicle Accident Insurance).
  • Industrial/Employer Contracts. 

What is Government Funded "Episode of Care" [EOC]?

The Government provides "Episode of Care Funding" to designated Community Physiotherapy Clinics, which will fund physiotherapy for those who meet the eligibility requirements. We are proud to be a designated Community Physiotherapy Clinic, providing Government Funded Care in our community. An EOC can be initiated by a physician or nurse practitioner referral. It refers to all clinically-related health services used to treat one patient who has been diagnosed with distinct conditions arising from injury or health-related issues. An Episode of Care lasts from the physiotherapist’s assessment and diagnosis of the symptoms, and the delivery of treatment until the patient has reached their goals as indicated by the treatment plan and is discharged.

Adapted from the Ontario Ministry of Health website.

Who is eligible for publicly-funded physiotherapy [OHIP]?

To be eligible for publicly-funded physiotherapy services, a person must:

  • be referred by a physician or nurse practitioner based on the findings of an assessment that the person requires physiotherapy services, be an OHIP insured person under the Health Insurance Act  and be within one of the following categories:
    • aged 65 years and older;
    • aged 19 years and younger; or
    • recently discharged as an inpatient of a hospital and in need of physiotherapy clinic services that are directly connected to the condition, illness or injury for which the person was admitted to the hospital.

    OR

    • be referred by a physician or nurse practitioner based on the findings of an assessment that the person requires physiotherapy services and be eligible for funding of services under the Ontario Disability Support or Ontario Works programs.

SOURCE: Ontario Ministry of Health

Does the Government have a plan that will pay for my Physiotherapy Services?

Yes. The government funds your treatment through “Episodes of Care” for those who are eligible. Please see the FAQ, "Who is eligible for publicly-funded physiotherapy [OHIP]?" for eligibility.

What Can You Expect to Gain From Your Treatment Plan?

Physiotherapy or "Physical Therapy" can help you in the assessment and treatment of physical injury and dysfunction. Treatment can help to alleviate, improve or manage a variety of physical conditions including acute joint and muscle injuries, repetitive strain injuries, chronic pain disorders, arthritis, post-surgical rehabilitation, and sports injuries. Following a comprehensive assessment, your physiotherapist will develop a treatment plan that includes short and long-term goals, the prognosis for recovery, and the treatment schedule.

Our Physiotherapy philosophy promotes an individualized, "hands on" approach that is highly valued by patients. When a physiotherapist sees a patient for the first time, he or she examines that individual and develops a plan of care that fosters the ability to move, reduces pain, restores function, and prevents disability. The physical therapist and the patient then work side-by-side to make sure that the goals of the treatment plan are met.

Therapeutic exercise and functional training are the cornerstones of physiotherapy treatment. Depending on the particular needs of a patient, physical therapists will mobilize joints and muscles to promote proper movement and function. Physiotherapists may use other techniques such as electrotherapy, ultrasound (high-frequency waves that produce heat), hot packs, and ice in addition to other treatments when appropriate. Our Physiotherapists will also work with individuals to prevent loss of mobility by developing fitness- and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles.

What Should I Bring to My First Appointment?

  • Wear loose and suitable clothing so that we are better able to access the affected area of the body
  • Please come 15 minutes earlier to fill out our new patient intake form 
  • Please also bring any relevant information (MRIs, medical reports, X-Rays, etc...) 

Do I Need A Referral From a Doctor?

No, you do not need a referral (in general). However, a referral may be necessary in case an insurer requires it prior to funding treatment (the Employee Benefits Insurer may require this in order to be eligible). A physician/nurse practitioner referral is one of the eligibility requirements for Government Funded EOCs.  – see FAQ – [Who is eligible for Publicly-Funded Physiotherapy?]. You may call us to discuss this for more clarification.

How Many Visits Can a Patient Receive at a Physiotherapy Clinic?

The number of visits is determined mutually with the physiotherapist and patient. Some insurers will have a set amount of funding set aside for physiotherapy services. This can vary by insurance company. 

Government Funding does not have a pre-determined number of visits per Episode of Care for physiotherapy. The number and frequency of visits provided will be determined by the treating physiotherapist in consultation with the patient. It will be based on the physiotherapist’s professional skill and clinical judgment, and the patient’s individual needs.

Adapted from the Ontario Ministry of Health website.

Services Offered

  • Onsite (In-Clinic) Physiotherapy,
  • Virtual (Online) Physiotherapy,
  • In-Home Physiotherapy,
  • Occupational Therapy,
  • Sports Injury Rehabilitation,
  • Post Surgical Rehabilitation,
  • Pelvic Health Physiotherapy,
  • Neck and Back Pain Management,
  • Senior's Care,
  • Workplace Injury Management,
  • Motor Vehicle Injury Rehab,
  • Ultraviolet Light Treatment for Psoriasis,
  • Acupuncture.

Get in Touch

Uptown Physiotherapy
960 Tecumseh Rd E,
Windsor, ON N8X 2S6

+1-519-252-2752

Hours

Monday        7:30am-5:00pm
Tuesday        7:30am-5:00pm
Wednesday  7:30am-5:00pm
Thursday      7:30am-5:00pm
Friday            7:30am-2:00pm

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