I have never been to a physiotherapist or chiropractor before. What should I expect during an initial assessment?

Once you have booked your appointment through our online portal, you will be prompted to complete an intake form to provide your practitioner with important information about your health history. We encourage you to bring any referral documents or test results when you visit the clinic.

Your first appointment will run an hour as you and your practitioner discuss your areas of concern and the best course of action. During this time, they will perform a complete assessment and begin treatment. This is a collaborative effort, so we encourage you to ask questions during your session.

What is the difference between physiotherapy and chiropractic?

There are more similarities than differences based on today's standards.

Physiotherapists and chiropractors treat conditions related to the spine, muscles, joints and nervous system. They use exercise rehabilitation, soft tissue techniques, acupuncture, exercise plans, and education while treating your condition. The primary difference is that chiropractors have additional education regarding adjusting.

Clients are welcome to seek care from either practitioner for their conditions, and if you have questions, you can contact the clinic at 905-467-1440.

What is the difference between physiotherapy and sports physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy assists in restoring mobility, strength, function and movement. It includes not only rehabilitation of existing injuries through manual therapy but also injury prevention and promoting health and fitness.  

Sports physiotherapy is performed by advanced-level physiotherapists certified by Sport Physiotherapy Canada (SPC) and the International Federation of Sports Physical Therapy (IFSPT) (for professional level athletes). They specialize in sports medicine and injury management, providing on-field coverage and clinical expertise.

Sports physiotherapy focuses on optimizing athletic performance and preventing injuries; it is vital in assessing an athlete's readiness to safely return to their sport, monitoring progress, and minimizing re-injury risk. A sports physiotherapy session may include referring to a Sports Medicine Physician or developing a return to play program.

What is an adjustment?

Chiropractors use their hands to apply controlled pressure to your joint and guide it through a range of motion. Sometimes, there will be an audible popping noise, which happens when the pressure build-up is released within these joints. This action helps to restore your joint’s natural movement, improves its function and decreases pain.

Will I need to be adjusted if I visit for a chiropractic treatment?

No, not all conditions require adjustments to see results. After your assessment, your chiropractor will explain your recommended treatment options based on your situation. If warranted, an adjustment might be proposed as a part of your care plan; however, if you do not feel comfortable including adjustments, other methods can be used to obtain beneficial results.

How long is an appointment, and how much does it cost?

Our initial assessments, regardless of practitioner, are an hour long. We get into the "nitty-gritty" of your health history to ensure we can provide you with an accurate diagnosis and a successful treatment plan and begin treatment in your first session.

You can visit our online booking portal for a complete list of all our treatment session lengths and prices.

Do you offer direct billing?

Yes, we do! We offer direct billing through most insurance providers, so don't forget to bring your insurance details. Direct billing decreases the direct costs of a session for our clients (and creates less paperwork). Not all insurance plans can be directly billed, so if you are unsure of your coverage, please get in touch with your provider in advance.

We also accept payment in cash, debit, and credit (Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, and Discover).

Is Great North Physiotherapy an OHIP-approved clinic?

No, we do not offer OHIP coverage at this time. If you require an OHIP-approved clinic for your recovery needs, you can view the list of all approved clinics in the Hamilton, Niagara, Haldimand, and Brant areas here.

What appointment options do you offer?

We aim to be flexible to meet our client's needs. We offer in-person treatments at our clinic, virtual assessments, and athletic event coverage (we travel to your game or tournament).

If you have questions or extenuating circumstances, we encourage you to contact us at info@greatnorthphysio.ca or call 905-467-1440 for more information.

What amenities does Great North Physiotherapy offer?

Parking at Great North Physiotherapy is free of charge and fully accessible. Our large treatment rooms provide ample access for wheelchairs and walkers, and clients also have access to a fully accessible bathroom in the medical building.

We offer free Wi-Fi, complimentary beverages, and excellent reading materials. We genuinely try to make your visit as welcoming and comfortable as possible!

Where is Great North Physiotherapy located?

Great North Physiotherapy is in Niagara-on-the-Lake at 1882 Niagara Stone Road (in the same medical facility as the Niagara North Family Health Team and Simpson's Pharmacy). Our entrance is on the left-hand side of the building as soon as you enter the parking lot. 

We are primed to service clients across the Niagara Region, including Niagara-on-the-Lake, St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, Thorold, Welland, Pelham, Fonthill, and Fort Erie.