I have never been to a physiotherapist 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, which will provide your practitioner with important information about your health history.
Your first appointment will last an hour, during which you and your practitioner will discuss your areas of concern, complete a physical assessment, and begin treatment. Your rehab experience is a collaborative journey, so we encourage you to ask questions during your session. You should also bring any referral documents or test results to give your practitioner a full scope of how we can best support your recovery.
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 promotion of 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 pelvic health or pelvic floor physiotherapy, and when should I seek treatment?
A pelvic floor is a group of muscles located at the bottom of the pelvis. It is responsible for supporting the pelvic organs, controlling bladder and bowel function, and playing a role in sexual function. Pelvic health physiotherapy, also known as pelvic floor physiotherapy, is a specialized area that focuses on assessing and treating conditions related to the pelvic floor muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues.
If you are experiencing incontinence, constipation, prolapse, sexual dysfunction or pain or require pre or post-natal care, visiting a pelvic health physiotherapist can help.
Is an internal examination required during a pelvic floor assessment?
If an internal assessment isn't something you're comfortable with, have no fear - there are other assessments your pelvic health physiotherapist can perform to determine a successful treatment plan.
How long is an appointment, and how much does it cost?
Our initial assessments are an hour long. We discuss your health history in detail to ensure an accurate diagnosis and a successful treatment plan; we also begin treatment in the same session.
You can visit our online booking portal for a complete list of treatments and pricing.
Do you offer direct billing?
Yes, we do!
We offer direct billing through most insurance providers, so remember to bring your insurance details. Direct billing decreases the direct costs of a session for our clients and means less paperwork for everyone involved. We also accept payment in cash, debit, and credit (Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, and Discover).
Not all insurance plans can be directly billed, so if you are unsure of your coverage, please contact your provider in advance.
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 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 an accessible bathroom is located 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 located 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.
