Frequently Asked Questions About Physical Therapy
Affinity Physiotherapy & Wellness offers answers to some frequently asked questions about physical therapy, patient expectations, and appointments.What is physical therapy/rehabilitation?
Physical therapy is a health care profession that helps individuals whose movement and function are adversely affected by aging, injury, disease, or environmental factors. Together with the help of physical therapists, these patients work toward the goals of relieving pain, as well as developing, maintaining, and restoring maximum movement and functional ability.
The cornerstones of physical therapy treatment are therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, and functional training. Physical therapy, which has many specialties such as sports medicine, industrial, orthopaedic, and paediatrics, is available in many settings: outpatient clinics, offices, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, extended care facilities, private homes, schools, hospitals, industrial workplaces, and fitness centers.
The cornerstones of physical therapy treatment are therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, and functional training. Physical therapy, which has many specialties such as sports medicine, industrial, orthopaedic, and paediatrics, is available in many settings: outpatient clinics, offices, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, extended care facilities, private homes, schools, hospitals, industrial workplaces, and fitness centers.
What do physical therapists/physiotherapists do?
Physical therapists/physiotherapists are experts in restoring movement and function. After examining patients, therapists create comprehensive programs focused on total body care, injury prevention, as well as safe and timely returns to work, life, or sports. Depending on the needs of a particular patient, physical therapists may mobilize a joint, provide soft tissue work to a muscle, or perform a corrective exercise to restore normal movement patterns and function.
In addition to this hands-on care, physical therapists educate patients on preventing injury and performing home exercises.
In addition to this hands-on care, physical therapists educate patients on preventing injury and performing home exercises.
How do I receive physical therapy?
You do not need a doctor's referral to attend our clinic for any of our services. You simple walk-in and visit with us. In some cases, your insurance company will guide you to the "in network" providers like Affinity Physiotherapy & Wellness. The final decision as to where you receive rehabilitation care is up to you. However if you are submitting your invoices to your insurance company they may require that you have a doctor?s prescription for services such as Massage Therapy and Physiotherapy. This prescription however can be obtained after your first visit to our clinic. Depending on the insurance plan, a prescription may be needed for custom orthotics.
Do I have to pay for services up front?
If you are in a motor vehicle accident, no payment is due as the insurance company pays for all treatment provided. Each visit must be paid for on the day that the service is provided. To be reimbursed by your insurance company, you must first pay for the visit and then submit your paid invoice along with any other form your insurance company requires.
Can you bill my insurance company directly?
Green Shield is the only extended health care company that we can bill directly. Patients with Green Shield are only required to pay their co-pay and or deductable up front. We will submit the balance to Green Shield electronically.
Does OHIP cover any of your services?
No, Affinity Health & Wellness Centre is not an OHIP clinic.
I was referred to another practitioner or clinic for treatment. Can I come to your facility instead?
Yes, no matter where your doctor refers you are able to choose any facility you like. It is important to choose a clinic that provides care by practitioners who are license and registered in their profession (i.e. College of Physiotherapists of Ontario).
What steps do I take to receive treatment after being in a car accident?
It is important to make a report and a claim with your auto insurance company. They will give you a claim number and the name of an adjustor at their company who will be handling your claim. Then you are able to come to our clinic for an assessment and treatment, and we will take care of the rest. All your treatment will be covered at no cost to you.
If I have been in a motor vehicle accident do I have to pay for treatment?
No, our practitioners
will create a treatment plan specific to you and your injuries. Once treatment
is approved you are not required to pay for any services included on the
treatment plan. The insurance company is billed directly.
Do you accept patients with workplace injuries? (WSIB)
Yes we treat many patients with workplace injuries. Once you report the incident to your employer and file a report with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board we will provide quality treatment to get you back to work as quickly as possible. Payment for treatment is taken care of by WSIB so there is no out of pocket expense for you.
Physical therapy is valuable in the treatment of many diagnoses, so it's always a good idea to ask your medical doctor to prescribe physical therapy before other methods such as prescription medication. If you are unsure whether or not physical therapy can help you, contact us at Affinity Physiotherapy & Wellness for a consultation.
Physical therapy is valuable in the treatment of many diagnoses, so it's always a good idea to ask your medical doctor to prescribe physical therapy before other methods such as prescription medication. If you are unsure whether or not physical therapy can help you, contact us at Affinity Physiotherapy & Wellness for a consultation.
What can I expect as a patient?
Affinity Physiotherapy & Wellness' well-trained, professional staff leads with a forward-thinking Patients First philosophy that is applied to all aspects of our operations. This way of practice demonstrates the commitment from our dedicated caregivers to the people they work for YOU.
What does this mean exactly?
* We ensure that YOU will have access to information you need to make the best health care choices for you and your family.
* We listen attentively to YOUR needs, while calming any worries or uncertainties.
* We understand that life is difficult after an injury, and will provide YOU exceptional support for the daily challenges involved during recovery.
* We promise open, honest communication with YOU and other members of your health care team.
* We inform and educate YOU about treatment options and the course of care.
* We make decisions based on the best interests of YOU and your family. And we involve YOU in these decisions.
* We are focused on improving YOUR health, YOUR well-being and, most of all, YOUR quality of life.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Affinity Physiotherapy & Wellness has morning and evening appointments available to meet the demands of your busy schedule.
Appointments can be made through Scheduling at (289) 648-1717.
Will the physical therapist communicate with my health care provider?
Affinity Physiotherapy & Wellness recognizes that open, honest communication among the members of your health care team (you, your therapist, your health care provider, etc.) is essential to making your rehabilitation experience a success. As a result, the physical therapist will send your health care provider a complete written report that includes the findings of the initial evaluation, the assessment of the injury, and a detailed description of the treatment plan.
The physical therapist will continue to update your health care provider with written progress reports each time you are re-evaluated and before each follow-up appointment (so it's important to let your therapist know if you have an upcoming appointment with your health care provider).
Additionally, the therapist will not hesitate to contact your provider by phone if he/she has a specific concern or question. At the end of your treatment, the physical therapist will send a final report to your health care provider with information regarding your status at the time of discharge from physical therapy.
The physical therapist will continue to update your health care provider with written progress reports each time you are re-evaluated and before each follow-up appointment (so it's important to let your therapist know if you have an upcoming appointment with your health care provider).
Additionally, the therapist will not hesitate to contact your provider by phone if he/she has a specific concern or question. At the end of your treatment, the physical therapist will send a final report to your health care provider with information regarding your status at the time of discharge from physical therapy.
What type of follow-up is offered?
At Affinity Physiotherapy & Wellness, our well-trained, professional staff emphasizes the importance of continuing your treatment with a home exercise program. Your therapist will design an at-home program for you and provide detailed instructions. This will allow you to continue the progress you made while in therapy and avoid further injury.
We are partners in your recovery; so even after discharge, if you have questions, call us and we will be more than happy to help you with any questions or needs you may have.
We are partners in your recovery; so even after discharge, if you have questions, call us and we will be more than happy to help you with any questions or needs you may have.