How Can Physio for Life help me?

Physio for Life provides treatment, training, education and advice for clients who:

  • are injured e.g. car accidents, work or sports-related injuries
  • have pain, numbness, tingling, stiffness, weakness, headaches, dizziness or other such symptoms
  • would like to improve mobility, posture, alignment, movement, and physical performance
  • would like their exercise program reviewed, corrected and progressed
  • would like to learn a safe and healthy ways to exercise, stay fit and healthy
What Types Of Settings Do You Work In?

The most common setting is a patient’s house; however, we can provide our services in a hospital, long term care home, assisted or independent living facility. We are open to providing treatments at the workplace, sporting arena, in the park, at a gym, hotel and any setting where such a service is permissible.

Can I go to any physiotherapy center?

Of course you can. But Physio for Life is no ordinary, conventional physiotherapy center. We don’t apply machines, leave you there with a bell, give you generic exercises and then tell you to come back in a few days.

Our approach is very much to listen, understand and analyze your problem to pinpoint:

  • what exactly caused and contributed to it.
  • which personalized, one-on-one, hands-on treatments would give you the greatest short and long-term improvement.
  • what you can do to accelerate and maintain progress.
  • ways to avoid the problem in future.
  • lifestyle changes that would enhance your health and wellbeing.

We use the ABC approach, which is to align, balance and center your body to sit, stand and move in the most optimal and anatomically correct way possible.

Do I need a doctor’s referral to receive treatment?

No, generally you do not need a doctor’s referral unless your insurance company requires it.

The only time a physician prescription is needed is for ICBC.

How can I schedule an appointment?

Scheduling an appointment at Physio For Life in Vancouver is easier than ever! There are 3 ways to book:

Our scheduling is easy, and we offer a convenient location and appointment times for you. We have morning and evening appointments available to meet the demands of your busy schedule. Call or text us today at 778-245-9746 or click here to request an appointment.

How Long Are The Sessions?

Howe Street Clinic

It is recommended to book a 60-minute appointment for the initial visit. But if this is not available, we offer 30-minute initial and follow up visits.

Virtual Sessions

These tend to take less time since you are the one who does the treatment. Initial and follow up sessions can be 45 min or 30 min long.

Home Visits

Usually it is recommended to book an initial 60 min appointment and follow up with 45 min or 60 min sessions.

The length of time will be determined by your unique needs, the complexity of the problem and number of areas that need treatment. The initial assessment is performed by a physiotherapist who will either provide treatments on subsequent visits or refer you to a physiotherapy assistant for follow up visits. You will probably see your therapist once or twice a week, with your appointments becoming more spaced out as you proceed through treatment.

What is your cancellation policy?

To continue offering the best care possible and to be mindful of everyone’s time, we’ve made a small update to our cancellation policy:

  • Cancellations made within 24 hours of your appointment may be subject to the full amount of your missed appointment.

We understand that life happens, and plans sometimes change. This policy helps us make the most of our schedule and offer available times to other patients when possible. By keeping your scheduled appointments, you’re also supporting your own care and helping us run smoothly for all.

What should I expect during the initial evaluation?

The initial physiotherapy visit includes:

QUESTIONS RELATING TO:

  • Goals of the treatment
  • Your symptoms
  • Cause, behaviour, history, area in the body
  • Medical history
  • Any Xrays, MRI, Ultrasound scan that have been taken

OBJECTIVE TESTS TO DETERMINE:

  • Posture
  • General Alignment
  • Biomechanics
  • Muscle length and strength
  • Movement patterns
What kind of clothing should I wear for appointments?

Tank top, t-shirt, shorts, leggings and stretchy pants are best.

What office policies should I be aware of?
  • Cancellations made within 24 hours of your appointment may be subject to the full amount of your missed appointment.

We understand that life happens, and plans sometimes change. This policy helps us make the most of our schedule and offer available times to other patients when possible. By keeping your scheduled appointments, you’re also supporting your own care and helping us run smoothly for all.

What Are your Fees?

In-Clinic or Virtual Visits

Non-Seniors (ages 10 – 64)PHYSIOTHERAPYREHAB ASSISTANT (SUBSEQUENT SESSION ONLY):
60 minutes (Initial)$200$130
45 minute$155$100
30 minute$105$70
Seniors (ages 65 and older)PHYSIOTHERAPYREHAB ASSISTANT (SUBSEQUENT SESSION ONLY):
60 minutes (Initial)$180$115
45 minute$140$90
30 minute$95$65

Home Visits

Non-Seniors (ages 10 – 64)PHYSIOTHERAPYREHAB (performed by a physiotherapy assistant)
60 minute$200$130
45 minute$155$100
Seniors (ages 65 and older)PHYSIOTHERAPYRehab Assistant (Subsequent session only):
60 minutes (Initial)$180$115
45 minute$140$90

We offer a sliding scale for clients of low income and who do not have extended health insurance. Please call 7782459746 to inquire.

How can I pay for each session?

Cash, check, e-transfer, and a credit card are all accepted.. It is our policy to collect payment at the time of service.

What if I don’t have insurance?

If you don’t have insurance, you will have to pay the sessions out of pocket. We do offer affordable follow up sessions with a skilled and experienced physiotherapy assistant. All our physiotherapy assistants have a degree in physiotherapy from a foreign university but are not yet registered in Canada. As such, they are already highly educated in physiotherapy, have years of clinical experience from their home countries and are supervised by the physiotherapist.

Please check out our rates FAQ for current fees.

Will my insurance cover the cost of treatment?

We understand that dealing with insurance can be complicated; therefore, Physio For Life would gladly assist you in contacting your insurance carrier and assessing your coverage depending on your specific policy.

Insurance will, in most situations, pay a significant amount, if not all, of your treatment costs.

Visit our insurance plans page for additional information, and please do not hesitate to contact our (local) physiotherapy office. For your convenience, we provide a variety of payment alternatives.

What do physiotherapists do?

Our physiotherapists evaluate and treat all types of discomfort and pain as well as improve posture, alignment, movement and physical performance. Our team is composed of movement experts who have the knowledge and training to diagnose, evaluate, and treat any musculoskeletal condition that comes their way.

We play a leading role in preventing, reversing, and managing injuries that are old and new. We do this using manual (hands-on) therapy, massage, exercise, posture and movement training, education and advice. Every program is designed based on your individual needs. We use objective measurements to determine the severity of your injuries and build your program accordingly.

Can I benefit from Physiotherapy treatments?

You certainly can! Everyone can benefit from physiotherapy. We can discuss your options and help you decide if physiotherapy is the right choice for you by working with you and your doctor. Contact us today to learn more about how PT can help you and make an appointment with one of our dedicated staff members.

Do Physiotherapy treatments hurt?

Physiotherapy is intended to relieve pain, not cause it. However, there is a chance that your pain levels will fluctuate as you regain mobility. You may experience some temporary soreness as a result of massage and using weakened or recovering muscles. Rest assured that this is a normal reaction to physiotherapy treatment and should not be interpreted as a cause for concern. Post treatment soreness should not last longer than 2 days,

Communication with our therapist will help to reduce any discomfort you may feel during your physiotherapy treatments. We want you to be pain-free and back to your normal activities as soon as possible.

What should I know about physiotherapy?

It’s critical to understand that the overall goal of physiotherapy is to restore pain-free mobility and function while also preventing the injury or pain from recurring.

Our physiotherapists assess your movement patterns, determine the source of your pain, and work with you to manage or eliminate it completely.

Physiotherapists are highly trained medical professionals who specialize in musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. They collaborate with physicians to ensure that your treatment plan is as effective and efficient as possible. Physiotherapy is a medical, hands-on approach to pain relief and function restoration.

While each patient’s condition and pain are unique, our physiotherapist will use a variety of gentle hands-on techniques, exercises, and equipment to quickly relieve pain and restore function.

Where can I find a physiotherapist?

Our Vancouver physiotherapy center takes pride in providing a positive, encouraging environment with well-trained, friendly staff. We are confident in our ability to assist you in achieving your goals and leading a pain-free life.

You have the right to seek physiotherapy at any facility of your choosing. You will receive the highest quality care while achieving the results you seek at Physio For Life.

What credentials and training does the physiotherapist have?

You can be confident that our therapists are well-trained to assess and treat your condition.

Our physiotherapists are registered and have graduated from accredited physiotherapy programs with a bachelor, master’s or a doctorate level degree, depending on the university.

Physiotherapists have received years of university-level education in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology (the study of joint movement), neurology, and many other medical sciences. You’re in capable hands!

How is my progress measured?

Tracking your pain and mobility levels as you go through your physiotherapy program is the most objective approach to gauge your improvement and progress. You should notice a significant improvement in your discomfort and ability to perform meaningful tasks as you progress through your rehabilitation exercises.

If I Want To Continue With Rehab Sessions After My Pain Is Gone, Can I Do So?

Yes, our team of physiotherapy assistants can work with you on a weekly basis to run through your exercise program, provide massage, stretching, posture, and gait training, as well as take you outdoors for community walking, stair climbing, going up and down ramps and negotiating curbs and obstacles.

After you have finished your therapy sessions, our physiotherapist will go over your at-home continuing therapy program with you.

We can also arrange to meet you at your gym to work with you on determining what equipment and exercises would be beneficial in your continued recovery.

Why Choose in-home physiotherapy Over Going Into A Private Practice For Therapy?

COVID-19 seems to be reason enough! We help older adults minimize the risk of COVID-19 by following safety guidelines and providing patients the ease of mind that comes with being treated at home. Our therapists are highly specialized in working with older adults over the age of 65.

Our clients also do not have to worry about driving or getting a ride to the clinic. It is more effective for therapists to see the limitations and problems older adults face in their home environment rather than try to simulate those settings in an outpatient clinic.

What does at-home physiotherapy look like?

At Physio For Life, we understand that some patients find it difficult to leave the house to attend physiotherapy. That’s why we offer at-home physiotherapy services to help you regain your functionality in the comfort of your own space.

Whether you are unable to leave the house or simply desire a private physiotherapy session in your home, our therapists will travel to you. You can receive high-quality care with Physio For Life without ever needing to leave your home. Get started today.

What platforms do you use for online consultations?

We mostly use janeapp online appointments which can be set up and tested ahead of time. It is easy to use and works best using Google Chrome. We can also use Zoom, Google Meet, Whats App, Facetime and Skype.

How should I set up the camera?

The important thing is good lighting and a white background such as a door or wall. The camera should be centered and positioned (with the light source facing you) directly in front, side or back of you so that your posture can be assessed accurately without any shadows, skewed or blocked vision. It is best to be able to see your entire body from head to toe in shorts, tank top and barefoot with room to stretch and move.

Is Physio For Life The Best Choice For Seniors?

Yes. Physio for Life has a division called Physio for Seniors. Physio for Seniors is specific to older adults, so we are the best choice as we understand the unique challenges that seniors face and are able to modify the treatment accordingly.

For example, a senior might only tolerate light massage and exercise, and may need frequent rest breaks and an exercise sheet to remind them of their home exercise program. It is important to take into consideration underlying medical conditions and side effects of medications, along with past surgeries and periods of hospitalization.

How does physiotherapy differ for older adults?

Age-related changes in strength, flexibility, and balance increase the risk of falls. At our Vancouver clinic, we will work together with you to investigate your medical history and determine what factors may be contributing to your fall risk.

At Physio For Life, we understand that as we age, our bodies become more susceptible to certain health risks. Our bodies begin to notice the “wear and tear” that has developed throughout the years, causing us to slow down and putting us at risk for health conditions.

Luckily, physiotherapy can help soothe some of the health conditions that your body may experience with age. If you are looking for pain relief, Physio For Life can help! Call our office today for more information.