If you’ve been injured or are dealing with muscle pain and joint stiffness or have mobility issues, you can benefit from physiotherapy. Also referred to as physical therapy, physiotherapy uses mechanical forces and movements, specific exercise and other therapeutic modalities such as electrotherapy, massage and acupuncture to restore function and mobility.
Why do people need physiotherapy?
Generally, people visit a physiotherapist after sustaining an injury or to deal with overused muscles. For instance, if you are a baseball player and your position is pitcher, you will be overusing the muscles and joints in your pitching arm. After a while you may find that arm sore and your performance on the mound is suffering. By visiting a physiotherapist you can restore arm function and ensure that you do not further injure yourself. Furthermore, people who have been injured in motor vehicle accidents also visit physiotherapists to get them back on their feet again and moving without pain. Also, senior citizens benefit from physiotherapy because it allows them to remain mobile well into their golden years.
Does a doctor refer me to a physiotherapist in Ontario?
The province of Ontario considers registered physiotherapists as primary access practitioners. This means that you do not need a doctor’s referral to use their services. There will be cases when your doctor may refer you to a physiotherapist; for example, if you have persistent aches, pains and muscle soreness. But a referral is not necessary if you have been in an accident or have sustained a sports injury. Because a doctor’s referral isn’t needed, you can make an appointment at a clinic as you see fit.
However, if your health insurance provider covers physiotherapy, they may require that a doctor refer you to a physiotherapist in order to provide reimbursement. If you are in need of long-term physiotherapy, it may be covered by OHIP and for that you will need a doctor’s referral.
Where to find a physiotherapist
Since you do not need a referral to visit a physiotherapist you will need to do your homework to find the right one. In order to practice in Ontario, physiotherapists must be registered with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario and have passed two qualifying exams, one written and one practical.
Please contact us for more information about our physiotherapy services. At Dynamic Physiotherapy we only employ service providers that are trained, professional and regulated by the province of Ontario.
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