FAQs
Does physiotherapy hurt?
In almost all cases - No. "No Pain - No Gain" is not true in most cases. We respect the level of sensitivity someone experiences and help you understand the signals you are getting from your body. It is important to know the difference between hurt and harm and be clear on when and how it is safe to move. When you begin to exercise, you might develop some more muscle soreness from working muscles that you haven't used in a while, but this generally does not last long.
Who chooses which physiotherapist I go to?
Often your physician will give you a recommendation or a listing of physiotherapists in your area. Sometimes your insurance company will guide you with regard to their favoured provider. Ultimately, however, the decision as to where you receive your care is up to you. If you have a specific request, you need to let your physician or insurance company know. We can assist you in receiving approval for coverage if necessary.
How do I arrange an appointment?
You do not require a referral to see a physiotherapist in Nova Scotia; however, some insurance plans stipulate a referral in order to receive reimbursement. If your physician gives you a referral to physiotherapy, or if you will see a physiotherapist directly, simply call our office for an appointment. Our clinic hours and location are explained on the location and hours page of this website. Our office staff will get all the necessary information from you and assist you with an appointment.
What is my responsibility in physiotherapy?
We are your partner in your recovery. Your physiotherapist cannot do it without you! We ask that all patients and clients cooperate by following through with their home exercise programs and instructions, as this is extremely important in expediting your recovery.
What should I bring with me?
For your first visit you will need your insurance card and any paperwork that was sent to you that needed to be filled out. If you have any operative reports, MRI, or X-ray results, you may bring those as well, but they are not necessary. Additionally, if you are utilizing any type of brace, splint, orthotics, or crutches, those should come with you.
Will my insurance cover physiotherapy?
Although most insurance companies do cover physiotherapy, specific coverage varies greatly. Please review our billing and insurance participation section on this website, and if you have additional questions regarding your specific insurance give us a call and we will be happy to assist.
What is the co-pay for physiotherapy?
Co-pays are dependent upon your individual insurance.
What should I expect on my first visit?
On your first visit, your physiotherapist will perform an examination to determine what deficits and/or problems you have that can be addressed in physiotherapy. The evaluation involves a thorough history, a systems review, and tests and measures that allow the physiotherapist to get a more complete understanding of your condition. Your physiotherapist will make a clinical judgment as to your diagnosis and prognosis. A treatment program will be developed aimed at resolving the problems identified as well as to attain the goals you set in conjunction with the physiotherapist.
What types of interventions may I receive?
The interventions you receive will depend on what the physiotherapist finds in the examination. Our intervention programs include coordination among all people involved in your care (other health care professionals, family, friends, caregivers, and others), communication to ensure a good exchange of information, thorough documentation of the care and services provided, and instruction to you and others involved in your care to promote and optimize our services. Most physiotherapy plans of care will include four categories of interventions: education regarding your condition and strategies for self-management; hands-on manual and movement therapy to improve mobility and decrease pain; therapeutic exercise; and functional training to improve your performance in work and other daily activities, including recreation or leisure pursuits.
How long is a typical treatment session?
Plan on an hour for your initial visit and after that an ongoing treatment lasts around 30 minutes. Each session is one-on-one with your therapist.
How long is a course of therapy?
It depends upon the diagnosis, the severity of your condition, and how dedicated you are to doing your part outside of treatments. Our goal is to not only get rid of your pain but to get you to the point where the likelihood of the pain coming back is significantly reduced.
How is my progress measured?
Because your physiotherapist will perform a meticulous examination/evaluation, quantifying and qualifying all the deficits and problems you are presenting with, re-examination to determine progress is possible. You will be reexamined based on your diagnosis as well as on the chronicity of the problem. Additionally, the physiotherapist always needs to be aware of follow-up visits with your physician, if you were referred by one, as a reexamination may be performed so that the physician can be updated at that time.
What if I have an increase in symptoms?
If you have increased symptoms, you are welcome to contact your physiotherapist. When you call the office, please be sure you explain to the office staff that you are having an increase in symptoms. We will review the information in your chart and will give you a call back that same day. After we discuss the case with you, we will be able to give you guidelines as to what would be appropriate to reduce your symptoms, whether you need to come to our office, or if you should contact or follow up with your physician. It is best to call us prior to calling your physician if a change in symptoms has occurred as it is important that we fax the physician a report so that she can be up-to-date on your care when you see her for a follow-up visit.
I have never had physiotherapy before, how do I know that my treatment is of good quality?
If you can do more at home or on the job with less pain and you are having a good time in the process, then the treatment is of good quality. If you dread going to your physiotherapy appointments, perhaps the overall quality of your experience could be improved.
Will I need follow-up or maintenance care?
The answer depends on both the physiotherapist's evaluation or your prognosis and on the goals you aim to achieve.
What if I need to return to physiotherapy?
If you have a recurrent problem after your discharge from physiotherapy, your return to physiotherapy will depend on a number of factors: if it was a re-injury of the same specific problem, how long it has been since you were last in physiotherapy, how long it's been since you saw the physician, and many other factors. In general, if you are discharged from physiotherapy and feel the need to return, you should contact the physiotherapist who treated you. He or she will review your chart and call back to discuss with you what should be done, depending on the problem you are having. If you have a new problem, it is helpful to work with the same team as long as you were satisfied with your previous experience.
Is it OK to ask my doctor about physical therapy?
Absolutely. If you have a problem that you think can be helped with physiotherapy, feel free to give us a call. After discussing with you the specific problem you present with, we can give you a better idea if it is something that is manageable with physiotherapy. You can also give your doctor a call. If your doctor is not sure, he or she is welcome to contact us as well. In today's healthcare, if you feel physiotherapy can be helpful to you, you will need to stress your feelings to the doctor you are seeing.
Are physiotherapists licensed?
Yes, all physiotherapists in Nova Scotia must be licensed by and in good standing with the Nova Scotia College of Physiotherapists.
What should I wear to my physiotherapy appointments?
In general, wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely to physiotherapy. If you are presenting with a problem of your cervical spine, upper back or shoulders, the therapist can provide you with a tank top as needed to expose these areas. If you are coming for a lower-extremity problem, shorts are also available. You can bring clothing with you if you want to change here. We have lockers equiped with locks for you to use to store your belongings during your appointment.
What is different about One to One Wellness Centre?
As you investigate some of our specific services, you will learn more about our unique approaches to treatment and training. Most importantly though, we aim to restore focus on the most important person in your care: you. Our goal at One to One is to empower you with information, guidance, and support to make sustainable lifestyle changes that help you look and feel your best. We recognize that your time is limited and that health and fitness advice you trust can be difficult to find. Our professionals work together as a team to offer you efficient and effective solutions.
What if I am already seeing another healthcare practitioner?
We are happy to consult with your current or past healthcare providers in order to better understand your situation and determine how we can work together. We do ask that you inform us of any treatment you are currently receiving so we can adapt your program if needed and track results more accurately.
Can I use your exercise equipment on my own?
All exercise sessions at One to One are supervised by your physiotherapist or personal trainer. We do not currently offer self-training because we aim to provide the ideal exercise session and this requires focused coaching to achieve maximum effort and ensure complete safety.
How much does it cost? Does MSI or my private health insurance plan cover your services?
Please refer to our payment options. As a private clinic, MSI does not provide any coverage for our services. Private health plans vary considerably, but most extended health plans provide coverage for physiotherapy and massage therapy. While few offer coverage for fitness training and nutrition counseling, many people increasingly have coverage for these services through flex benefits or health spending accounts. You may want to check with your manager or HR department to investigate these options.
Phone: (902) 425-3775
Fax: (902) 425-3774
ONE TO ONE WELLNESS CENTRE
1535 Dresden Row suite 210
Halifax, NS B3J 3T1
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