Client FAQ
How long will my first appointment be?
Your first visit for physiotherapy will usually take 45 minutes to one hour to complete, and you will receive an assessment and a treatment during your appointment.
How long do follow up treatments take?
Your treatment will take approximately 30 to 60 minutes to complete. The time it takes depends on your condition and treatment needs.
Do I need a Doctor’s referral?
No, you do not require a doctor’s referral to attend physiotherapy. However, your insurance carrier may require a referral when you submit your treatment receipts.
Does treatment hurt?
Most treatments are not painful. Your therapist will discuss any expected or possible pain related to treatment, what pain may mean, and how long it may last.
Do the therapists run on time?
Yes, it is our goal to stay on time so that we can deliver treatment within your appointment time.
Why do I have to bring a T-shirt and/or shorts?
It allows the physiotherapist to observe and treat the affected area easily. You may need the shorts and T-shirt to exercise in the gym, and it saves your day clothes from getting crumpled and wrinkled.
How many times will I have to come for physiotherapy?
Following your assessment, the physiotherapist will discuss your problem and treatment plan with you. Usually acute injuries need to be treated two to three times weekly and are coupled with an exercise routine. Chronic problems may need to be treated less frequently over a longer time frame.
Why does the government pay for “some” physiotherapy?
Currently, funding for physiotherapy has been reduced. Funding is only available for people who have had a fracture, surgery, or who qualify for low-income status.
For more information on public funding from Alberta Health Services, visit the following link:
What is a WAD?
WAD stands for Whiplash Associated Disorder. Whiplash occurs when the impact of an accident thrusts the head backward and then jerks it forward. As a result, the soft tissues in the neck and upper spine are stretched and torn by the jerking motion, causing inflammation, pain, and/or sensations of numbness in the neck and shoulders. The category is typically related to motor vehicle accident injury classification systems.
What if I do not have health benefits?
You can pay privately or contact Alberta Health Services to find out if you are eligible for funding.
For more information on public funding from Alberta Health Services, visit the following link:
Do you have a gym?
Yes, we have gyms in both of our clinics.
For more information on client gym use at THE Downtown Sports Clinics visit the following link:
Do I always see the same therapist?
Yes, unless your physiotherapist is ill or on vacation. In that case we will recommend another therapist in our organization for you.
Do you communicate with my doctor?
If your physician referred you for treatment, your progress and discharge reports will be sent to him or her. If your assessment reveals medical concerns, your therapist will ask your permission to communicate with your doctor.
Are my treatment records and medical information confidential?
Our staff and clinicians abide by the standards in the Alberta Health Professions Act 2011, the Physical Therapists Profession Regulation, and the Privacy Information & Protection Act (PIPA).
For more information on the Alberta Health Professions Act visit the following links:
I have a referral from my doctor for another physiotherapy clinic but I would rather come to your clinic. Is this possible?
Yes. It does not matter which physiotherapy clinic you go to, as long as the physiotherapists in the clinic you choose are licensed by Physiotherapy Alberta College + Association. At THE Downtown Sports Clinics, all of our physiotherapists are licensed with the college and provide the highest quality care.
What is Physical Therapy / Physiotherapy?
For more information visit the following link:
How do I get started?
For more information visit the following link:
Client FAQ
How long will my first appointment be?
Your first visit for physiotherapy will usually take 45 minutes to one hour to complete, and you will receive an assessment and a treatment during your appointment.
How long do follow up treatments take?
Your treatment will take approximately 30 to 60 minutes to complete. The time it takes depends on your condition and treatment needs.
Do I need a Doctor’s referral?
No, you do not require a doctor’s referral to attend physiotherapy. However, your insurance carrier may require a referral when you submit your treatment receipts.
Does treatment hurt?
Most treatments are not painful. Your therapist will discuss any expected or possible pain related to treatment, what pain may mean, and how long it may last.
Do the therapists run on time?
Yes, it is our goal to stay on time so that we can deliver treatment within your appointment time.
Why do I have to bring a T-shirt and/or shorts?
It allows the physiotherapist to observe and treat the affected area easily. You may need the shorts and T-shirt to exercise in the gym, and it saves your day clothes from getting crumpled and wrinkled.
How many times will I have to come for physiotherapy?
Following your assessment, the physiotherapist will discuss your problem and treatment plan with you. Usually acute injuries need to be treated two to three times weekly and are coupled with an exercise routine. Chronic problems may need to be treated less frequently over a longer time frame.
Why does the government pay for “some” physiotherapy?
Currently, funding for physiotherapy has been reduced. Funding is only available for people who have had a fracture, surgery, or who qualify for low-income status.
For more information on public funding from Alberta Health Services, visit the following link:
What is a WAD?
WAD stands for Whiplash Associated Disorder. Whiplash occurs when the impact of an accident thrusts the head backward and then jerks it forward. As a result, the soft tissues in the neck and upper spine are stretched and torn by the jerking motion, causing inflammation, pain, and/or sensations of numbness in the neck and shoulders. The category is typically related to motor vehicle accident injury classification systems.
What if I do not have health benefits?
You can pay privately or contact Alberta Health Services to find out if you are eligible for funding.
For more information on public funding from Alberta Health Services, visit the following link:
Do you have a gym?
Yes, we have gyms in both of our clinics.
For more information on client gym use at THE Downtown Sports Clinics visit the following link:
Do I always see the same therapist?
Yes, unless your physiotherapist is ill or on vacation. In that case we will recommend another therapist in our organization for you.
Do you communicate with my doctor?
If your physician referred you for treatment, your progress and discharge reports will be sent to him or her. If your assessment reveals medical concerns, your therapist will ask your permission to communicate with your doctor.
Are my treatment records and medical information confidential?
Our staff and clinicians abide by the standards in the Alberta Health Professions Act 2011, the Physical Therapists Profession Regulation, and the Privacy Information & Protection Act (PIPA).
For more information on the Alberta Health Professions Act visit the following links:
I have a referral from my doctor for another physiotherapy clinic but I would rather come to your clinic. Is this possible?
Yes. It does not matter which physiotherapy clinic you go to, as long as the physiotherapists in the clinic you choose are licensed by Physiotherapy Alberta College + Association. At THE Downtown Sports Clinics, all of our physiotherapists are licensed with the college and provide the highest quality care.
What is Physical Therapy / Physiotherapy?
For more information visit the following link:
How do I get started?
For more information visit the following link: