Q. How long is the first appointment?

Q. What do I need to bring for physical therapy?

Q. What should I expect from my first appointment?

Q. Do I need a doctor’s referral?

Q. Do I have to pay for parking?

Q. Is there childcare in the facility?

Q. What are my funding options?

Q. Is my information confidential?

Q. What do all those letters behind your names mean?

Q. What is a “Determination of Need” (DON) form?

Q. Are my visits “free”?

Q. What hours are you open?

Q. I was in a car accident. Is treatment free?

Q. Do you do acupuncture?

Q. Do you treat TMJ?

Q. Is physical therapy painful?

How long is the first appointment?
You should plan on one hour for the first session. This allows the Physical Therapist to do a thorough assessment and to commence treatment.                     Back to top


What do I need to bring for physical therapy?
On the initial visit, you will need your Alberta Health Care Card for registration purposes. We also ask you to bring in a pair of shorts, a tee shirt, and comfortable shoes.                                                                                                Back to top


What should I expect from my first appointment?
A thorough history and physical assessment will occur. Based on the assessment findings and your goals, you and your physical therapist will determine a treatment plan. Treatment may commence during your first appointment.               Back to top


Do I need a doctor’s referral?
A doctor’s referral is not necessary to access physical therapy services. If you have a doctor’s referral, please bring it with you. Some insurance companies may require you to submit a physician’s referral for reimbursement of treatment fees if you are not eligible for public funding.                                                               Back to top


Do I have to pay for parking?
Parking is free. There is ample parking in front of the complex.               Back to top


Is there childcare in the facility?
The Kids Den is a drop in babysitting service for children aged newborn to six for users of the Kinsmen Sports Centre. No registration is required. Check the City of Edmonton website for rates, activities, and child-to-staff ratio.                 Back to top


What are my funding options?
Several funding options are available:

Community Rehabilitation Program (CRP)
Limited funding is available through the Capital Health Authority CRP program. An assessment may be provided through CRP funding. CRP treatment funding is limited to those patients that have had a recent fracture or surgery, or the severity of the injury is rated high on the Determination of Need form. Special funding exists for those that qualify for low income status (under 16,000 per year). www.capitalhealth.ca

Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB)
For work related injuries, the initial assessment and treatment will be covered by WCB. However, further treatments must be approved by WCB. www.wcb.ab.ca

Motor Vehicle Accidents
Within 10 days of the collision, you must seek assessment and treatment from a primary care provider. (E.g. Physician, Physical Therapist) File the appropriate forms (AB-1 form) with your insurer. www.autoinsurance.gov.ab.ca

Extended Health Care
Private Insurance through work, your spouse, or you own insurance such as Blue Cross, has provisions for Physical Therapy. Check your plan to see what is covered. Some insurance plans require that you have a physician’s referral in order to claim your treatment costs.

If you have any questions regarding your funding options, please do not hesitate to contact one of our knowledgeable front office staff.                                Back to top


Is my information confidential?
Absolutely. Physical therapists are required to adhere to privacy legislations including the Health Information Act (HIA) and the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). Your privacy is valued and your personal information is protected.                                                                      Back to top


What do all those letters behind your names mean?
B.Sc. (P.T.) - Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy
B.P.E. - Bachelor of Science in Physical Education
MCPA - Member of the Canadian Physical Therapy Association
FCAMT - Fellow Canadian Academy of Manipulative Therapy
RCAMT - Resident Canadian Academy of Manipulative Therapy
Dip. Sport - Diploma in Sport Physical Therapy
Med. Ac. – Certification in Medical Acupuncture
IMS – Certification in GUNN Intra-Muscular Stimulation
CAFCI – Certification in Acupuncture Foundation Canadian Institute         Back to top


What is a “Determination of Need” (DON) form?
The DON form is completed by the physical therapist and determines your eligibility for Capital Health funding. If you are rated a certain level, you may be eligible for funding. If you are not eligible for funding, your insurance company may require the form when you submit your receipts.                                                     Back to top


Are my visits “free”?
Visits are not free. Funding sources include CRP, Automobile insurance (DTPR or Section B), WCB, private insurance, and you. See the Funding Options section of this FAQ.                                                                                                   Back to top



What hours are you open?
Monday to Friday, 6:45am to 7pm. We are closed on weekends and statutory holidays.


I was in a car accident. Is treatment free?
Your initial assessment may be covered by your automobile insurer. Several factors will influence your funding options. Your physical therapist or our front office staff will be happy to discuss this with you.                                                         Back to top


Do you do acupuncture?
Yes.                                                                                                   Back to top


Do you treat TMJ?
Yes.                                                                                                   Back to top


Is physical therapy painful?
Possibly. A physical therapy assessment involves the evaluation of mobility, strength, balance, and endurance. Depending on your condition, you may experience an increase in pain during the assessment. Your physical therapist will offer you options in managing this pain.                                                Back to top