Information for New Patients
New to physiotherapy? Here’s a quick outline of what to expect when you book a treatment with Pinpoint.
Your Initial Assessment
Your first session at Pinpoint consists of a thorough assessment, education on your condition, and a discussion as to how physiotherapy may be useful to you.
What happens during the assessment?
We will take a thorough history of your condition, followed by a physical exam specific to your complaint. This often includes range of motion measurements, muscle length tests, and provocation tests in order to try to understand the true source of your problem.
How long are initial assessments?
You can expect to spend about 45 minutes with your therapist during your initial assessment. For pelvic floor physiotherapy services, your initial assessment will be 60 minutes.
Will I receive hands-on treatment?
The assessment will be tailored to meet your needs. Often, hands-on treatment such as IMS or manual therapy is given during your initial assessment, but not always. You will likely be taught exercises to complete at home.
Subsequent Treatments
After your initial assessment is complete, your subsequent treatments will focus on physical treatment and progression of exercises.
What techniques are used during my sessions?
Our physiotherapists utilize a variety of techniques which differ from individual to individual as all cases are different. We will guide your recovery, and it is even possible all you need is a little education and exercise!
How long are subsequent treatments?
Subsequent treatments are typically 30 minutes in length, but this may vary depending on the specific treatment.
How many subsequent treatments will I need?
This is a difficult question to answer, as everyone’s condition and rate of healing varies. However, it is our goal to empower you to recover without our help as soon as possible.
FAQs for New Physiotherapy Patients
How much does physiotherapy cost?
Pricing varies between initial assessments and subsequent treatments, the length of the treatment, and in some cases the type of treatment.
Please see our Rates & Policies page for up-to-date details about the cost of physiotherapy treatments at Pinpoint.
What do I need to prepare before my session?
Before your initial assessment session we need you to fill out and sign our intake forms.
After booking you’ll receive an email with a link to create a profile and fill out the necessary paperwork. It’s easy to do and should take you less than 10 minutes.
If you prefer, you can fill out your forms in-clinic, at the time of your assessment, using a tablet or on paper.
What should I wear to my sessions?
Wear clothing that makes it easy to access the part of your body that needs attention.
We recommend bringing a loose pair of shorts, no matter what you’re being seen for. Ladies should bring a tank-top that shows as much of the shoulder blade as possible.
Which therapist should I book with?
We recommend that you browse the bios of the talented physiotherapists at Pinpoint to get an idea of who you connect with.
You can also read what our clients have written on the testimonials page, or contact the clinic and ask for a recommendation. We want you to be comfortable with your physio!
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Should I bring in X-rays, referrals, or my surgeon’s protocols?
Yes, please! While we can look up certain imagery, it is best for you to bring in any paperwork that has been provided to you that might relate to your injury or surgery.
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Do I need a referral to see a physiotherapist?
No. A doctor’s referral is not required to see a physical therapist in British Columbia. You may need a doctor’s referral to claim physiotherapy expenses on your extended benefits. Please check with your provider.
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Do I have to keep coming to physiotherapy forever?
Absolutely not! Our goal is to understand your goals, figure out everything that might be contributing to your injury, educate you and treat you appropriately, and then discharge you from care. You are certainly always allowed to come back to us, but our ultimate goal is to give you the tools to self-manage if at all possible.
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Do I have to pay for physiotherapy in BC?
Yes. Physiotherapy in British Columbia is primarily a privately paid service, and the most common source of payment is through any extended benefits you might have through your work. If you do not have extended benefits you pay for the services directly out of pocket.
There is funding for specific groups like RCMP members, Veterans, and those injured in car or workplace accidents. Some individuals qualify for a reduced rate, partially funded by the government, but you will need to provide your birthdate and BC Services Card (CareCard) number for us to check on this.
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Are Status Indigenous peoples covered for physio?
Unfortunately, no. We keep looking, but so far have not found any Federal or Provincial programs we can access that provide private physiotherapy services to First Nations people. It is possible that your individual band might provide you with coverage. For us to check we would need policy information from you. This would be your insurance company (such as Blue Cross) and your policy number and identification number. Please check with your band office for this information if you don’t have it.
Often Indigenous peoples do qualify for a small discount partially funded by MSP. To check on this benefit, the reception staff requires your birthdate and your Personal Health Number (PHN) which is found on your BC Services Card (aka CareCard).
Have A Question?
View our FAQs page for more answers, or contact us directly for help.
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