Physiotherapy is a primary care, autonomous, client-focused health profession dedicated to improving quality of life by:

• Promoting optimal mobility, physical activity and overall health and wellness;
• Preventing disease, injury, and disability;
• Managing acute and chronic conditions, activity limitations, and participation restrictions;
• Improving and maintaining optimal functional independence and physical performance;
• Rehabilitating injury and the effects of disease or disability with therapeutic exercise programs and other interventions;
• Educating and planning maintenance and support programs to prevent re-occurrence, re-injury or functional decline.

Physiotherapy is anchored in movement sciences and aims to enhance or restore function of multiple body systems. The profession is committed to health, lifestyle and quality of life. This holistic approach incorporates a broad range of physical and physiological therapeutic interventions and aids. Physiotherapy services are those that are performed by physiotherapists or any other trained individuals working under a physiotherapist’s direction and supervision.

Physiotherapy treatments can include the following:

• Personalized exercise programs designed to improve your strength, range of motion, and function
• Massage
• Joint mobilization and manipulation to reduce pain and stiffness
• Hot and cold packs and modalities to relieve pain, reduce swelling, speed up the healing process, improve movement and function
• Management of incontinence including pelvic floor re-education
• Functional activity and tolerance testing and training
• Prescription, fabrication and application of assistive, adaptive, supportive and protective devices and equipment
• Environmental change, focusing on removing barriers to function

Payment and Referral:

• For many Canadians, health insurance providers cover all cost or a portion of the cost of physiotherapist care. Some extended health insurance plans may require a physician’s referral in order to reimburse you for physiotherapist service, but it’s not always necessary. Call your health insurance provider to confirm your level of coverage beforehand and to determine whether or not you require a physician referral for reimbursement.
• Physiotherapist’s fees range can vary with practice conditions.
• The Carleton Sports Medicine Clinic does not provide OHIP coverage for physiotherapy or massage. However, Physician/medical services are covered under OHIP.

[Courtesy of: CPA]