No referral needed. Patients who have been instructed by a physician or surgeon to begin physiotherapy after 12 weeks are encouraged to speak with the clinic about eligibility.
Do I need a referral for physio in Alberta?
No, because physiotherapists are considered primary care providers in Alberta, you do not need a referral from a doctor to see a physiotherapist.
Should I see a doctor before a physiotherapist?
Doctors seem to be a common first port of call when a person injures themselves or requires management of pain. However, physiotherapists are first contact practitioners for musculoskeletal (muscle and joint) pain and injuries. So, to answer the question – either is acceptable.
Can anyone see a physiotherapist?
Because physiotherapists are considered primary health care providers and are able to diagnose conditions, you do not require a referral.
How long does it take to get referred to a physiotherapist?
If the referral is routine they will be sent a letter asking them to telephone the relevant physiotherapy department to make a convenient appointment. Urgent referrals should be assessed within 14 working days. Routine referrals should be assessed within six weeks.
Do I have to pay for physiotherapy in Alberta?
In Alberta, under the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan, physiotherapy is not an insured service. Albertans can choose to pay out of pocket or use third-party benefits to access the physiotherapy service provider of their choice.
What will a physio do on first appointment?
Your initial consultation will last up to 45 minutes depending on your needs. The physiotherapist will ask you a range of questions about your problem, as well as complete a thorough physical assessment, which could include looking at your movement and strength.
Can I go directly to physiotherapy?
This means that you do not need a doctor’s referral to use their services. There will be cases when your doctor may refer you to a physiotherapist; for example, if you have persistent aches, pains and muscle soreness. But a referral is not necessary if you have been in an accident or have sustained a sports injury.
What is the difference between a physical therapist and a physiotherapist?
The answer, you may be shocked to learn, is that physical therapy and physiotherapy are exactly the same! There is, in fact, no difference between the two terms and each term can be used interchangeably. They are synonyms.
When should you seek a physiotherapist?
10 signs you need to visit a physiotherapist at the earliest
- pain that keeps recurring.
- lack of balance.
- experiencing pain while sitting at your desk.
- experiencing mobility issues.
- urinating in an uncontrollable manner.
- neurological disorders.
- prescribed medications don’t work as intended.
- if surgery is the other alternative.
What are the 4 types of physiotherapy?
Some of the modes of treatment in physiotherapy are:
Manual therapy. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy. Magnetic therapy. Dry needling and acupuncture.
What conditions do physiotherapist treat?
When is physiotherapy used?
- bones, joints and soft tissue – such as back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain and sports injuries.
- brain or nervous system – such as movement problems resulting from a stroke, multiple sclerosis (MS) or Parkinson’s disease.
- heart and circulation – such as rehabilitation after a heart attack.
Can a physiotherapist refuse to treat a patient?
Clients can expect that they will be informed of the options, risks, and benefits of proposed services; asked to provide their consent; and that the physiotherapist will respect their right to question, refuse options, and/or withdraw from services at any time.
Can I self refer for back pain?
Self-referral is particularly suitable for people with relatively simple conditions such as joint pain, strains or other injuries. If you have more complex needs – for example, you have movement problems caused by a stroke or multiple sclerosis (MS) – you may still need a referral from a doctor.
How long does it take for physio to help back pain?
The number of treatment sessions required will depend on how quickly your low back pain responds to the treatment. The average number treatments for low back pain is 4-6 sessions. We will track your progress carefully, as it’s important to fully rehabilitate your problem.
How many sessions do you need with a physio?
Minor injuries you might expect 2-3 sessions of physiotherapy; soft tissue injuries you would be looking more towards 6 – 8 weeks, as this is roughly how long it takes for soft tissue to heal in most cases; and more chronic or serious conditions taking 2 or more months of treatment depending on the level of progress
Is therapy covered by Alberta Health Care?
The Alberta government provides funding to Alberta Health Services to deliver hospital services, mental health and addiction services, physiotherapy, midwifery services, cancer services, home care and more.
Is physio free on medical card?
Where available from the HSE, physiotherapy services are free of charge to medical card holders and people who have a Health Amendment Act Card.
How much do physios make in Alberta?
Source
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Starting | $32.05 | $35.85 |
| Overall | $36.00 | $44.73 |
| Top | $45.00 | $49.90 |
Do you have to remove clothes for physiotherapy?
You’ll be asked to undress down to your underwear, so suitable underwear is recommended. You may choose to wear shorts, as long as they are not too restrictive. Knee and lower leg pain: Generally, only exposure below the waist is required so shorts are advisable.
How many times a week should I do physio?
For a patient to achieve optimum benefits soon after diagnosis, most clinicians initially prescribe three visits per week. Your physical therapist will advise you as to the appropriate number of visits after your initial assessment.