Appointments
Do I need an appointment?
It is strongly recommended that you make an appointment for Physiotherapy. Although we do accept walk-ins, it is not always possible that you will be seen immediately. Our goal is to accommodate people as soon as we can. We are open extended hours to serve you better, come in before work, at lunch or after hours in the evening.
When you contact us to make your appointment have a time and date in mind that is convenient and we will do our best to accommodate you. You will be provided with valuable information, the date, time, location, directions and what you will be required to bring with you.
Do I need a doctor's referral?
In Canada patients have direct access to physiotherapy services. This means you will not have to see a physician first before seeing a therapist. Many of our patients are referrals from physicians and specialists but this is not essential.
A doctor's referral is no longer required to see a physiotherapist in private practice. As physiotherapists we work closely with your doctor and will refer you for medical assessment if your condition falls out of our scope of practice or is not responding to treatments in a reasonable timeframe.
Do you take patients on time?
Being a city practice we realize how busy all of our patients' lives are, so yes we try to be on time for your appointment.
When are you open?
We are open from 6.30 am until 6.30 pm Monday to Friday.
What if I need to cancel my appointment?
Please be advised that unattended appointments and late cancellations within 24 hours of a scheduled time will incur a full treatment fee. We can schedule email and SMS reminders of every appointment if you wish.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Tower accepts payment by Interac debit, Visa, Mastercard, cash, and cheque.
Your Treatment
What will I likely get at physiotherapy?
All of our physios are university qualified, and are Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA) members. You're guaranteed to receive their special personalised treatment.
Your treatment will vary depending upon your age, sex, sport, work requirements or lifestyle. Assessment is the cornerstone of treatment and your assessment will therefore be very thorough. You will be instructed on specific exercises and stretches for you to undertake at home to assist in your rapid recovery.
We'll also offer you some helpful advice to help ease your pain, such as the appropriate resting positions or whether to use heat or ice and exactly for how long. Electrotherapy such as ultrasound, laser, interferential etc may be utilised to assist pain relief and facilitate your healing rate.
The end result is prompt pain reduction, quicker natural healing and your successful return to full activity, whether it be work or sport, as soon as possible.
How long will my appointment last?
The initial consultation consists of a thorough review of the patient's medical history leading up to the injury. A comprehensive examination is performed, and includes the assessment of posture, joint mechanics, range of motion, strength, muscle integrity, and flexibility. Following the evaluation we will be able to determine and inform you:
- What exactly is the problem
- Why you are experiencing pain or dysfunction
- What can be done to correct it
- How long it will take to recover
- How to prevent a future recurrence
Your personal physiotherapist will design a specific treatment program for you. Your treatment may include hands-on treatment, such as joint manipulation, mobilisation or massage, and preventative rehabiliitaive exercises that only highly qualified physiotherapists can perform.
The initial assessment will probably last up to one hour and subsequent treatment sessions will typically last between thirty and forty-five minutes. We perform a medical assessment and fully explain a recommended course of treatment.
Why do I need to come several times per week at the beginning?
It is important to get the body into a routine and this is optimally accomplished with a physiotherapy frequency of two to three times per week. Our goal is to be as efficient as possible so you will quickly attain your 100% rehabilitation potential.
Do I need to bring a change of clothes?
We recommend you wear appropriate clothing - either exercise gear or shorts and a t-shirt, whichever you feel most comfortable in. Your physiotherapist will need to be able to see and feel your injured area in order to treat you successfully.
Do we treat your specific conditions?
Some of the conditions we treat are:
- Sports injuries
- Back and neck care
- Muscle and joint pain
- Overuse injuries due to ergonomic and postural dysfunctions
- Motor vehicle accidents
Am I Covered?
We're often asked about coverage for physiotherapy and massage treatments. Everyone's situation is different however there are some general guidelines that apply when determining what types of services might be covered.
Extended Health Benefits
Many of our clients have coverage for both physiotherapy, chiropractor and massage through their extended benefits providers. If you do have coverage there are usually yearly maximums in addition to percentage limits per visit. Be sure to confirm your limits and coverage amounts with your provider and/or human resources department. The usual procedure is to pay after each visit and then submit your receipts for reimbursement. We do not provide "direct billing".
Workers' Compensation Board (WCB)
We are not a WCB Provider. We will try and assist you in locating an accredited Physical Therapy Provider that can complete assessments, treatments and "Return to Work" plans according to WCB protocols. See the Workers' Compensation Board web site for more information.
Motor Vehicle Insurance
If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident it is probable that you will have coverage for both physiotherapy and massage treatments. Sometimes Insurers will require a prescription from a medical doctor prior to authorizing treatment. There are also a couple of different routes that coverage might take so it's important to maintain communication with your adjuster to ensure coverage is in effect and exactly what has been authorized. We will assist you in confirming your coverage and will contact your Insurer whenever this will facilitate treatment. Insurance companies will often authorize direct billing so you are not required to make payments "up front". In some instances your Insurers may require you to pay and submit your receipts for reimbursement. Regardless, it is important to make sure you are aware of any treatment limits and we will assist you in this regard. We require the name of your insurer, a phone and fax # and your claim/policy#. See the Alberta Government's automobile insurance web site for more information.
Am I eligible for physiotherapy funded by Alberta Health Services?
Tower Physio does not have funding from Alberta Health Services (AHS). The AHS has limited funding only for patients who have a fracture, are post surgical or, who qualify for low income status (under $16,000 per year). See the Alberta Health Services web site for more information.
