Whether you have recently been injured and have mobility concerns, or pain that you are hoping to reduce, a physiotherapist can help. What is a physiotherapist and what does a physiotherapist do? Understanding what physiotherapists do can help you know what to expect during treatment and allow you to seek help from the right practitioner when you need it.

If you are an athlete of any kind, you are likely no stranger to sprains, pain, or injuries. Playing your hardest or pushing your body to its limits can sometimes result in injuries despite taking steps to prevent them. If you have been injured while playing a sport or training, you may not be sure who to turn to when seeking help with recovery. Both athletic therapists and physiotherapists can assist you in reducing pain, improving mobility, and getting back to what you love most. But what is the difference between athletic therapy and physiotherapy anyways?

Paying for personal medical expenses that are not covered by OHIP or other private insurance can quickly add up. But if you didn’t already know, you may be able to claim services such as physiotherapy on your income tax. Though it may not help to reduce the immediate cost of your physical therapy services, the ability to claim medical services on your income tax can make paying out of pocket more affordable in the long term.

If you’ve never obtained physiotherapy before, its natural that you might have questions about what your initial physiotherapy assessment will entail. Though all physiotherapists may operate their clinic differently, the initial assessment generally involves going over your medical history and collecting information about your injury or concerns. In some cases, this information will be obtained in advance of the appointment, though you’ll still need to review this information with your care provider.

Navigating the Ontario healthcare system can sometimes be confusing. Many medical professionals and specialists require a referral from a doctor before a person can access their services. However, knowing when you do or do not need a referral can be hard to know. Patients may look for a referral for physiotherapy services when seeking insurance coverage. However, a referral is not required to see a physiotherapist in Ontario.