Frequently Asked Questions
What is arthritis?
There are over 100 types of arthritic conditions. These conditions can involve inflammation of joints and other areas of the body. Inflammation, if not controlled, can result in irreversible damage, loss of function and disability. Arthritis is a chronic condition but with the right treatment it can be properly managed.
How can physiotherapy help my arthritis?
The right advice makes a big difference when it comes to your health. Seeing a Physiotherapist who has expertise in treating arthritis will help you better understand your condition, reduce your pain and improve your movement.
What is physiotherapy?
Simply put physiotherapy helps people move and feel better.
Your physiotherapist will conduct a detailed assessment and provide you with a physiotherapy diagnosis and treatment plan. Typically, sessions include some form of manual therapy, exercise and education to help you better understand your issue and how to best help yourself.
Is physiotherapy right for me?
If you have physical discomfort, physiotherapists can generally help. If we can’t, we will refer you to a medical professional who can.
How many sessions will I need?
This depends on the issue being treated. Your physiotherapist will be able to give you an estimated timeline after your initial assessment. Our goal is to help our patients achieve their physical goals in as few sessions as possible.
What is Intramuscular Stimulation or IMS?
IMS is an evidence based dry needling technique that is effective in treating chronic pain of neuropathic origin.
Sometimes pain can persist despite the original injury having healed. Muscle shortening can be the cause of this pain and by inserting a dry needle into a tight muscle the tension can be released.
If you are interested in IMS your physiotherapist will discuss the risks and benefits of this treatment prior to seeking your consent.
Do I need a doctor’s referral?
No, physiotherapists are primary health care practitioners and you don’t need a referral.
Is physiotherapy covered by my extended benefits?
Most extended health plans cover physiotherapy. Should you have questions about whether or not physiotherapy is covered by your benefits, please contact your insurance provider prior to receiving a treatment.
Do you offer direct billing?
Yes! We provide direct billing to most insurance companies. As insurance companies’ medical coverage differs based on policy, you are ultimately responsible for any balance from the service provided that is not covered. Here are the companies we currently bill directly to:
- Pacific Blue Cross
- Chamber of Commerce Group Insurance
- Sun Life Financial
- Canada Life (formerly Great West Life)
- CINUP
- Cowan
- Desjardins Insurance
- First Canadian
- Industrial Alliance
- Johnson Inc.
- Johnston Group Inc.
- Manulife Financial
- Maximum Benefit
Where do you offer mobile physiotherapy?
Most of the city of Vancouver. Please see our service area map. If you’re just outside the border, please email or call us prior to booking. Sometimes we may request that your appointment be adjusted to better suit driving distances.
Where can I park at your clinic?
Paid parking is available at the back of Artus Health Centre and accessible via the alley off of Laurel St.
Does your clinic have an elevator?
Yes, elevator access is available from our parking lot and through the BioPro Biologics Pharmacy next door during regular business hours M-F 8-5; come to the 2nd floor labelled physicians. After 5:00pm and on weekends the elevator is only accessible via our parking lot.
Your clinic doors are locked and I have an appointment. How do I get in?
For appointments after 5:00pm and on weekends please call the number posted on the front or back door and we’ll come let you in. If we don’t answer immediately it’s because we’re with another patient.
What is your cancellation policy?
Your appointment time is reserved just for you. A late cancellation or missed visit leaves a hole in the therapists' day that could have been filled by another patient. As such, we require 24 hours notice for any cancellations or changes to your appointment. Patients who provide less than 24 hours notice will be charged a $40 cancellation fee. Patients who no show will be charged the full cost of their appointment. There is a $25 fee for any NSF cheques. Please be aware that insurance companies will not pay for these charges.
