Question 1

Do I need a doctor referral to see a physiotherapist in Ontario?

Accepted Answer

No, you do not need a doctor referral to book an appointment with me in Ontario. You can schedule directly. However, some extended health insurance plans might require a referral for reimbursement. It is always a good idea to check your specific plan details. If you are unsure, please feel free to ask when booking, and I can help guide you or direct you to the right information.

Question 2

What should I wear to my appointment?

Accepted Answer

Comfortable, athletic-style clothing is ideal – anything that allows you to move freely and lets me easily access the area I need to assess or treat (e.g., shorts for knee issues, a tank top for shoulder issues). Your comfort is the priority; I can always adapt the assessment and treatment if you prefer certain areas to remain covered.

Question 3

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy visit?

Accepted Answer

Your first visit is dedicated to thoroughly understanding you and your situation.

Conversation: We will have a detailed discussion about your current symptoms, your goals for physiotherapy, your daily activities and lifestyle, and your relevant health history. This includes past injuries or conditions, surgeries, as well as any medications you are currently taking. Understanding this full picture is crucial for ensuring your safety and developing the most effective treatment plan for you.

Assessment: I will propose an assessment approach, explain what it involves, and then evaluate your movement, strength, joint mobility, and muscle control relevant to your concern.

Plan: Based on the findings, I will discuss my assessment of the issue (or potential causes) and collaboratively create an initial treatment plan with you.

Importantly, every step is based on your informed consent. I will explain the assessment and treatment options, their benefits, and any potential risks. You are always in control, and there is absolutely no obligation to proceed with any part of the process you are uncomfortable with. I encourage you to ask questions and voice any concerns at any time. To help you digest everything, I will send a follow-up summary outlining the key assessment findings and our agreed-upon plan.

Question 4

Will I receive treatment during my first session, or is it just an assessment?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, your first session includes both assessment and the start of treatment, always with your explicit consent for each part. A thorough assessment is crucial for effective treatment. If your situation is complex, I will prioritize understanding the core issues first before diving deep into treatment. You always have the right to focus only on assessment or to decline any proposed treatment.

Question 5

What if I have multiple areas of pain or complex issues?

Accepted Answer

It is quite common for pain or dysfunction in one area to be linked to others. I will start by addressing your most significant concern while assessing the whole picture to understand how different areas might be connected. Your treatment plan will be structured holistically to address the root causes, not just isolated symptoms.

Question 6

I am not sure if physiotherapy is the right choice for me. Can I ask some questions before booking?

Accepted Answer

Of course! If you are uncertain whether physiotherapy, or my approach specifically, is the best fit for your needs, please feel free to reach out. I am happy to answer brief questions via phone or email to help you make an informed decision before you commit to an appointment.

Question 7

How many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

The number of sessions varies depending on your specific condition, your recovery goals, and how your body responds to treatment. After your initial assessment, I will provide a clear, personalized treatment plan outlining the expected timeline and milestones. I will focus on an evidence-based strategy designed to get you results efficiently – no vague promises or unnecessary sessions.

Question 8

What is manual therapy, and will it be part of my treatment?

Question 9

Do you offer dry needling?

Question 10

Do you offer cupping therapy?

Question 11

What about techniques like Graston Technique®? Do you offer that?

Question 12

Will I be treated by you directly throughout my care?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You will work one-on-one with me for the entire duration of every session. I do not use assistants or aides for treatment delivery. Your appointment time is dedicated solely to your assessment, treatment, and progression.

Question 13

I have tried physiotherapy before and it did not help. How is your approach different?

Accepted Answer

It is really understandable to feel that way if you have not had the results you hoped for in the past. Finding the right therapeutic relationship and approach is key, as different styles work better for different people and conditions. While I cannot speak to your specific previous experiences, I can share what I focus on in my practice:

Dedicated Time & Attention: I structure my schedule to ensure I can dedicate the entire appointment time to you, one-on-one. My aim here is simply to allow enough focused time for us to thoroughly explore your concerns, conduct assessments without feeling rushed, and carefully work through treatment strategies together.

Looking Holistically: I try my best to understand the bigger picture. This often involves looking beyond the immediate area of pain to consider related body regions, how you move during meaningful activities, and listening closely to your history to understand potential contributing factors. The goal is collaborative problem-solving to find potential root causes.

Emphasis on Education and Active Participation: A core part of my philosophy is helping you understand what might be going on and why. While I use hands-on techniques when appropriate (and always with your informed consent), I place a strong emphasis on active strategies – finding the right exercises and movements for you, and equipping you with knowledge for self-management. My hope is this empowers you long after our sessions end.

Partnership in Goal Setting: We work together to define what success looks like for you. Whether it is reducing pain, improving function for a specific hobby, or increasing confidence in movement, your goals guide the plan. Your feedback is essential in adjusting our approach along the way.

Ultimately, my commitment is to provide thoughtful, individualized care and work collaboratively with you. If you decide to proceed, I hope you will recognize this approach as helpful.

Question 14

Do you give exercises? What if I struggle to keep up with them?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Targeted exercise is often key. I focus on quality over quantity, ensuring you understand the exercises and feel comfortable performing them. If you struggle, we modify the plan together. Your feedback is crucial.

Question 15

Is physiotherapy treatment painful?

Accepted Answer

While some techniques might cause temporary discomfort, treatment should not be acutely painful. Pain is never the goal. I will always explain what to expect, check in frequently, and immediately modify or stop any technique if you feel uncomfortable or wish to pause. Open communication is essential, and your comfort and safety are paramount.

Question 16

What happens if my progress stalls or I am not improving as expected?

Accepted Answer

Progress is not always linear, and pain levels are not the only measure. Together, we will track objective improvements in strength, range of motion, function, and your ability to perform meaningful activities. If progress stalls despite you following the plan:

I Reassess Thoroughly: I do not just keep doing the same thing. I will step back and systematically reassess to understand why things might not be changing as expected.

We Adjust the Strategy: Based on my findings and our discussion, I will modify the treatment plan with you.

I Collaborate and Advocate: If needed, and always with your permission, I will communicate with your doctor or other providers. Furthermore, I firmly believe that effective care includes supporting you beyond our clinic walls. If you face obstacles or feel unsupported elsewhere in the healthcare system, I am committed to helping you navigate those challenges. This might involve assisting you in formulating questions for other providers, helping to ensure your concerns are taken seriously, or facilitating appropriate referrals. My role is to support your overall well-being and advocate for the care you need to find the best path forward.

Question 17

How do you decide which specific treatments or techniques to use?

Accepted Answer

Treatment decisions are always collaborative and evidence-informed. They are based on:

- Findings from your detailed assessment
- Your specific goals and preferences
- How your body responds to different interventions
- The best available scientific evidence

I discuss the rationale for each approach with you, ensuring you understand the why behind your plan.

Question 18

What if I have received conflicting advice from another healthcare provider?

Accepted Answer

That happens sometimes, and it is okay. Different providers may have different perspectives or focus on different aspects of your health. My role is to help you understand your current situation based on my assessment. We will focus on what makes sense for you now, integrate useful information from others where appropriate, and build a clear path forward together. My focus is on clarity and collaboration, not contradiction.

Question 19

What kind of environment do you try to create for your patients?

Accepted Answer

Creating an environment where you feel genuinely heard, truly respected, and completely safe is not just a goal—it is fundamental to how I practice. Because I understand firsthand how vulnerable and challenging it can feel to seek healthcare, and how crucial it is to feel genuinely supported, I am deeply committed to:

Listening Attentively: Ensuring you have the uninterrupted time and space needed to share your story, concerns, and goals.

Communicating Clearly & Honestly: Explaining my findings and our plan in straightforward language, ensuring you understand the why behind every step.

Empowering You: Making certain you feel fully in control of your care. This means knowing you have the right to ask anything, voice concerns, understand your options, and decline any part of assessment or treatment at any time, without hesitation or judgment. My aim is for you to feel like an informed, respected, and active partner throughout your entire care journey here.

Question 20

What makes your assessments distinct?

Accepted Answer

My assessments go beyond just identifying the painful area. I look at how your body moves as a system, often under load or during functional tasks, to understand the underlying biomechanical factors contributing to your issue. The aim is not just to tell you what hurts, but to help you understand why it is happening and outline a clear strategy to address it.

Question 21

Will I actually understand what is wrong and what we are doing about it?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Patient education is fundamental to my approach. I believe that understanding your body and your treatment plan empowers you to take an active role in your recovery. I explain concepts clearly, check for understanding, and encourage questions. This includes understanding your right to consent to or decline any part of care.

Question 22

How involved will I be in creating my treatment plan?

Accepted Answer

Very involved! Physiotherapy is a partnership. I provide the clinical expertise and guidance, but your goals, lifestyle, preferences, and feedback are essential in shaping a plan that is both effective and realistic for you. We make decisions together every step of the way.

Question 23

Can I come for injury prevention, performance enhancement, or tune-ups, even if I am not currently in pain?

Question 24

Is strength training part of physiotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Yes, appropriate strength training is often a crucial part of physiotherapy. Building strength helps protect joints, improve bone density, enhance balance, prevent injuries, and maintain functional independence as we age. I integrate tailored strength and conditioning principles into treatment plans, whether your goal is to lift groceries without pain, return to sport, learn foundational exercises like squats and deadlifts safely, or simply build confidence in your physical abilities.

Question 25

Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. If having a partner, friend, family member, or primary caregiver present helps you feel more comfortable or supported, they are welcome to join you. This can be especially helpful for those who may need assistance with communication, understanding treatment instructions, or simply prefer having additional support during their healthcare journey. Please just let me know when you book your appointment.

Question 26

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

I kindly request at least 24 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. This allows the time slot to be offered to another patient in need. I recognize that unexpected things happen; if you need to cancel last minute due to an emergency or illness, please let me know as soon as possible. I aim to be flexible and understanding, especially for isolated incidents.

Question 27

Do you offer direct billing to insurance companies?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Direct billing is offered for most major extended health insurance providers. Please bring your insurance card/information (policy and group numbers) to your first appointment, and direct billing can typically be processed for you at the clinic. If you have questions about the process, please do not hesitate to ask, but remember to check with your insurer about your specific coverage details.

Frequently Asked Questions

KinetiKare Physiotherapy