What is a Physiotherapist?

A physiotherapist is a university educated health professional and a recognized member of your health care team.

Physiotherapists work in many areas including: Cardiorespiratory, orthopaedics, neurology, paediatrics, women’s health, seniors’ health, and sports.

When you see a physiotherapist, he or she will complete an extensive assessment that may include your health history, evaluation of pain and movement patterns, strength, joint range of motion, reflexes, sensation and cardiorespiratory status. In addition, the physiotherapist examines relevant xrays, laboratory tests, medical records and surgical notes. Based on this assessment the physiotherapist establishes a diagnosis and works in partnership with you to develop individualized goals and treatment programs.

Physiotherapy treatment can include therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, acupuncture, electrical modalities such as TENS or ultrasound, and work hardening. A physiotherapist promotes independence. Emphasis is placed on what you can do for yourself and on education to prevent future injuries or disability.

Benefits of Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy can make a difference in an individual’s ability to live an active, healthy lifestyle. For many seniors, disabled or chronically ill people, physiotherapy is the key to restoring and maintaining a level of physical function that permits independent living. Physiotherapy is one way to successfully push physical limitations to secure the Freedom to Function™.

Physiotherapy benefits include decreasing pain, improving joint mobility, increasing strength and coordination and improved cardiorespiratory function. Everyone can benefit from physiotherapy whether you are living with a chronic illness, recovering from a work injury or suffering after that weekend hockey game.

Physiotherapy increases your independence and gives you the freedom to function in your home, workplace or your favorite leisure activity. Physiotherapy offers a range of specialized services of benefit to patients with heart and lung disease, traumatic, workplace and athletic injuries, amputations, arthritic joints, stroke, brain injury, spinal cord and nerve injury, cancer and pre- and postsurgical needs.

How do I Access Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapists are primary care practitioners. This means that people have direct access to physiotherapy services without the need for a physician referral. However, in order for physiotherapy services to be covered under OHIP or by some extended health insurance plans, you may require a doctor’s referral.

Physiotherapy in hospitals may be provided to in-patients staying in hospital or in an out-patient clinic. Many out-patient clinics provide rehabilitation programs for people who have had surgery, are recovering from strokes or heart attacks. Not all hospitals in Ontario have out-patient physiotherapy programs or ones that will meet your specific needs. Check with your local hospital for what services are available in your area.

Long Term Care Homes may have a physiotherapist on staff or contract with local physiotherapists to provide the services . Some residents, or their families, obtain physiotherapy services through private means.

Physiotherapy services may be delivered in your home through a Community Care Access Centre or CCAC. CCAC’s have eligibility criteria for patients to receive physiotherapy and may have limits on the number of physiotherapy treatments available. To see if you qualify for CCAC delivered physiotherapy in your home contact your local CCAC directly.

“The Ontario Physiotherapy Association can help you locate the
registered physiotherapist nearest you.”

The majority of physiotherapy services available in the community are delivered through private physiotherapy clinics. To find a private clinic in your area contact the Ontario Physiotherapy Association.