What is Physiotherapy

What is Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is treatment to restore, maintain, and make the most of a patient’s mobility, function, and wellbeing. Physiotherapy helps through physical rehabilitation, injury prevention, and health and fitness. Physiotherapists get you involved in your own recovery.

When to See a Physiotherapist

Physiotherapists study the science of movement and learn how to pinpoint an injury’s root causes. They focus on both prevention and rehabilitation. Treatment can be for problems caused by injury, disease or disability.

This may include but is not limited to:

• Neck and back pain caused by problems in the muscles and skeleton
• Problems in the bones, joints, muscles and ligaments, such as arthritis and the after-effects of amputation
• Lung problems such as asthma
• Treatment following a heart attack or stroke
• Post surgical treatment, for example a hip or knee replacement
• Pelvic issues, such as bladder and bowel issues related to childbirth
• Loss of mobility because of trauma to the brain or spine, or due to diseases like Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis
• Fatigue, pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of muscle strength, for example during cancer treatment, or palliative care

Depending on your circumstances, a doctor or nurse practitioner may refer you to physiotherapy. Otherwise you can seek physiotherapy services independently.

If you are planning to use health insurance, remember to visit your insurance company’s website to make sure the physiotherapist is covered. If the physiotherapist is not covered by that insurance company, you will not be able to use your benefits and will need to pay the full cost of treatment.

What to Expect from Physiotherapy

When you see a physiotherapist for the first time you want to feel informed and have the information you need to make good decisions about your health.

Your session will be unique because it’s all about you and your needs. In general, here’s what happens:

• The physiotherapist learns about your medical history

• The physiotherapist assesses and diagnoses your condition

• You work with your physiotherapist to set goals and receive a treatment plan

• You are prescribed exercises and assistive devices as needed

Before your appointment, consider asking your physiotherapist the following questions:

1. What should I expect during my first visit?
2. How long will my appointment be?
3. What should I wear?
4. Will it hurt?
5. How many appointments will I need to get better?
6. How much will it cost? And how will I need to pay?

Be sure to look the person up on the Public Register before your appointment to ensure they are registered to practice as a physiotherapist in Ontario.

Virtual Physiotherapy

Virtual physiotherapy is when physiotherapy services are delivered from a distance using telecommunication or videoconferencing technology.

Your physiotherapist must follow the same rules when providing virtual care as they would if they were treating you in person. This includes rules related to privacy, fees and billing, and keeping and providing patient health records. When used properly, virtual care is safe and effective in helping you reach your physiotherapy goals.

Consider virtual care as an option if:

• You’re at increased risk of complications if you contract respiratory illnesses

• You’re not feeling well (for example you have cold symptoms) but would still like to complete a physiotherapy session

• You live in a remote community where access to services may be limited

• There are other circumstances that impact your ability to attend an appointment in person

Here is what you can expect from your physiotherapist:

• They will use their professional judgement to decide if virtual care is an option for you.
• They will get consent from you to deliver care virtually. They cannot decide to provide care virtually without your consent.
• They will give you technology instructions before your appointment, communicate clearly while delivering virtual care, and help to troubleshoot technology issues.
• They will make sure your personal health information is protected.
• They will have a plan in place if you experience an emergency during the session.
• They will have liability insurance that covers virtual care.
• They will provide an invoice that clearly says the session was provided virtually. Your patient chart will also note when care was provided virtually.

Here are some tips to help you prepare for the appointment:

• Carefully review the instructions from your PT ahead of time. You may need to download an app or software, and there may be paperwork to complete.
• Make sure you have all the equipment you need including a laptop, tablet or smartphone, a good internet connection and headphones. Test your audio and camera before your session to make sure everything is working.
• Find a quiet space with few distractions and good lighting – you and your PT should be able to see and hear each other clearly.
• You may need to wait for your PT to join the appointment – this is normal.
• Come prepared with details about your health history and any questions you have. Open communication is important and will help your physiotherapist understand your needs and goals.
• Consider having a partner, caregiver or trusted family member or friend join your appointment. They can help with technology, raise concerns that might be missed or take notes for you.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions during and after the appointment.

Ontario Health has a checklist that your physiotherapist may use to help prepare for your virtual appointment or decide if virtual care is an option for you.

Your Rights as a Patient

As a patient seeing a physiotherapist, you have the right to:

• The delivery of safe, effective and ethical care

• Confidentiality

• Understand the type of treatment you will receive and your treatment options

• Give permission before treatment or refuse treatment you’re not comfortable with

• Be asked for and give your ongoing agreement for the care plan

• Talk with other health professionals about your care when needed

• Be treated with respect and courtesy

As a partner in care, your physiotherapist will encourage you to:

• Ask questions and share your concerns
• Follow through on the goals that you and your physiotherapist agree on
• Provide correct and up-to-date information
• Respect other patients and staff
• Follow the policies related to your care, including attending sessions and paying fees

Read the Patient Declaration of Values for Ontario to learn more about your rights when receiving healthcare.

Patient and Caregiver Help Team

The Patient and Caregiver Help Team is a safe place for patients, caregivers and others to ask questions about physiotherapy practice. This service is free and can be anonymous. We have staff who can answer your questions in English and French, as well as access to real-time translation services if you prefer to receive the information in another language.

Si vous désirez communiquer avec une conseillère en français, veuillez appeler directement Mary-Catherine au
1-800-583-5885 ou au 416 591-3828, poste 294.

If you have questions about how to find a physiotherapist, or about your physiotherapy experience including patient records, consent, privacy or other topics, please get in touch with the Patient and Caregiver Help Team. They are happy to speak with you, help answer your questions or refer you to physiotherapy and health related resources.

In rare instances, the information presented may indicate that a person is at risk or fraudulent business practices are happening. In these cases, the information may be shared with others. The team will let you know if the information is being shared, why it is being shared, and any next steps.

We look forward to hearing from you!