What to Expect
Initial Appointment
When you come to the clinic for your initial appointment the therapist will spend 45 minutes with you to assess your problem. Your therapist will spend some time asking you questions about your problem and your medical and social history to learn as much as possible about your health and your current concern. If you have any special test results (e.g. CT scan, Xrays, Specialist Consultation Notes) please bring them with you to your appointment for your therapist to review. It can be helpful to jot down a few notes about your condition before you come to the appointment so that you don’t forget to tell the therapist something that may be important.
After discussing your problem the therapist will do a physical assessment that will include tests for the joints, muscles, nerves and the way that you move to determine a physical therapy diagnosis. We combine our physical findings with the information that we have gathered from your history to determine the cause of your pain and dysfunction.
Your therapist will discuss the assessment findings with you and set up an appropriate treatment plan. If time permits, treatment will be started on the same day, but if your problem involves multiple areas of the body or is complex or chronic in nature it may be necessary to spend the whole first visit on assessment and commence treatment on the next visit.
Please arrive 15 minutes early for your initial appointment so that you have time to fill out our admission forms and register with the reception staff.
Follow up Visits
Follow up visits for most orthopedic complaints will be 30 minutes in duration, however sometimes your therapist may recommend longer appointments if your problem is complex. Clients with neurological problems will generally require longer appointments of 45 or 60 minutes. Your appointment time is generally one on one with your therapist. Your session may involve any of the treatment modalities listed in our services section. The treatment that is best for you will be determined by your assessment findings and preferences.
If you are not comfortable with the treatment plan that your therapist lays out for you, please advise your therapist so that he/she can collaborate with you to determine an alternative plan. You can withdraw consent from any treatment that your therapist proposes at any time if you change your mind.
What to Bring
- Assessment Form if you have filled out in advance
- Your referral if you are referred by a doctor
- Your claim number if the problem is related to a motor vehicle collision (ICBC)
- Your Care Card
- Any specialist reports, imaging reports (e.g. X-ray or MRI etc)
- Any footwear that may contribute to your symptoms (e.g. running shoes, work boots, orthotics)
- Stretchy shorts that don’t cover your knees (we have some you can borrow if you forget)
- A full coverage normal bra that does not cover your spine or a spaghetti strap tank top for women (most important for clients with pain in the shoulders, neck or mid back)