General Physiotherapy & Appointments

Physiotherapy is the primary health care profession that promotes wellness, mobility, and independent function. Physiotherapists have advanced understanding of how the body moves, what keeps it from moving well, and how to restore mobility.

 

Physiotherapy can help manage back and neck pain, sports injuries, muscle strains, joint pain, mobility limitations, and certain chronic musculoskeletal conditions. It can also support rehabilitation following surgery or a motor vehicle accident. Your physiotherapist will assess your condition and recommend an individualized treatment plan.

No referral is necessary to participate in physiotherapy treatment. However, if you are on an ICBC claim, work related claim than you will need a referral from doctor. Extended health coverage patients are advised to check the details of their extended health benefits as some plans may require a physician's referral in order to get treatment costs reimbursed.

New physiotherapy patients have about 45 Minutes initial session and follow up treatments are 30-minutes. All appointment times are one-on-one with your physiotherapist.

The number of sessions you'll need depends on your condition. The initial visit gives your therapist the information they need to assess your treatment course. Your therapist will discuss this with you after your initial assessment

At your initial visit, your physiotherapist will conduct an interview and a physical evaluation. This will be followed by your first treatment so you can immediately benefit from your experience at our facility.

Treatment itself can vary depending on the type of injury that you are presenting with. This may involve education on your injury and how to optimize recovery, manual therapy (hands on treatment), physical modalities (e.g. ultrasound treatment, laser treatment, mechanical traction, electrical muscle stimulation), and an exercise program.

What should I bring to my appointment?

Bring comfortable clothing, relevant medical reports or imaging results, a list of medications if applicable, and your insurance or ICBC claim information. Please arrive a little early if you need to complete intake forms.

Yes! Physio First offers a free 10-minute consultation by phone or in person. You can discuss your concerns, ask questions, and learn more about the services that may suit your needs.

Insurance, ICBC & Billing

Many extended health insurance plans provide physiotherapy coverage. Your benefits depend on your provider, policy limits, and treatment type. Contact your insurer to confirm your coverage.

Yes. Physio First welcomes patients recovering from motor vehicle accidents and offers physiotherapy and rehabilitation services. Eligible ICBC claims may qualify for treatment coverage, subject to ICBC requirements.

Yes. Physio First offers direct billing to ICBC for eligible accident-related treatments, helping simplify the claims process. Coverage and any patient responsibility depend on your claim and the applicable ICBC rules.

Please contact our reception team to confirm whether direct billing is available for your specific insurance provider and treatment. Coverage and reimbursement vary by policy.

Please contact our clinic to confirm current WorkSafeBC claim acceptance and any required authorization before booking.

Treatments & Rehabilitation Services

Physiotherapy focuses on assessing movement problems, managing injuries, and restoring physical function through rehabilitation exercises, manual therapy, and other treatment techniques. Massage therapy primarily uses hands-on soft-tissue techniques to address muscle tension, discomfort, and relaxation. Depending on your needs, both services may complement each other.

Yes! Physio First offers acupuncture as part of our range of healthcare services. Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine needles at specific points and may help manage certain types of pain and musculoskeletal discomfort. Your practitioner can discuss whether this treatment is suitable for you.

Kinesiology and active rehabilitation use personalized exercise programs to improve strength, balance, flexibility, endurance, and functional movement. These programs may be beneficial following injuries, accidents, or periods of reduced physical activity. Our spacious rehabilitation gym provides an environment for guided therapeutic exercises.

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic pressure waves to stimulate tissue responses. It may be recommended for certain persistent tendon and soft-tissue conditions, such as plantar fasciitis or some tendinopathies. Your physiotherapist will determine whether shockwave therapy is appropriate for your condition.

Dizziness and vertigo are among the most common reasons why people see their doctors. Often medication is prescribed that may or may not help, MRIs or CT scans are negative, or patients are sent to specialists only to be told that nothing can be done. Many of these problems come from dysfunction of the vestibular organ, which is a small structure in your inner ear that helps with balance, coordination, and positioning. When the vestibular organ is impaired, patients experience spinning, dizziness, nausea, imbalance, and light-headedness, among other symptoms.

Generally, most patients only require 1-3 treatments to correct vestibular disorders. Treatment sessions typically involve manual hands-on treatment, an exercise program, or a combination of both. Please don't try treatment on your own if you have not been properly diagnosed, as this may actually make your condition worse

What is trigger point dry needling or intramuscular stimulation (IMS)?

Dry needling involves inserting fine needles into selected muscle or soft-tissue areas as part of a treatment plan. It may be used to help manage certain musculoskeletal pain conditions. Availability and suitability should be confirmed with your treating practitioner.

 

Yes! Physio First offers custom orthotics and bracing solutions to support comfort, mobility, and joint stability. Custom orthotics may help address certain foot-related concerns, while braces can provide additional support for affected joints. Our team can explain the available options and assessment process.

 

Yes! Physio First offers counselling services to support mental and emotional well-being. Counselling can help individuals navigate stress, anxiety, emotional challenges, trauma, and major life changes. Our goal is to provide a respectful, confidential, and supportive environment.

Booking & Contact

How can I book an appointment at Physio First?

You can book through our online appointment system or contact the clinic directly. If you're unsure which service to choose, ask about our free 10-minute consultation.

Our friendly team is happy to help with questions about treatments, appointments, insurance, and rehabilitation services. Contact Physio First Physiotherapy to learn more or schedule your visit.

Ask us a Question

Feel free to ask any physical therapy related questions over the phone, or get send your question via this form below. Your message will be dispatched directly to our staff who will answer as soon as they can.