frequently asked questions

No, you do not require a doctors referral to see a Physiotherapist. Physiotherapists are primary health care providers (like doctors and dentists). However, some private insurance providers may require a doctors referral before they will reimburse the cost of treatment. Check with your insurance provider to see if this is the case for you.

A Physiotherapist will assess you by getting a history of your illness/ injury. Then they will look at your range of motion, strength, muscle length, joint mobility, and do a neurological scan. Once they have done this they will educate you on what the problem is and advise you on what you should avoid. They will provide appropriate strengthening and stretching exercises for you at that time and will progress them throughout your rehabilitation. Depending on the injury, they may use modalities (Ultrasound, Interferential Current, T.E.N.S., or a Muscle stimulator), manual treatment (massage, mobilizations, muscle release, and/or taping). At Kenaston Common Physiotherapy there is gym equipment available for comprehensive rehabilitation.

Yes we bill to several insurance companies on your behalf. That way you only have to pay us the portion of treatment fee that the insurance company doesn’t cover. The following are insurance companies that we direct bill to: Blue Cross, Canada Life, Johnson Inc, Greenshield, Sirius, BHL, RWAM Insurance, Chamber of Commerce, Wawanesa, ContinYou and Canadian Sport Centre, Manitoba Public Insurance, Workers Compensation Board, DVA and CFB. Please note we are also able to bill through to some Manulife plans and SunLife plans.

Below is a list of companies that we CANNOT direct bill to: Equitable life, Standard Life, Maritime life, Empire life, Desjardins, Cooperators, Quebec Blue Cross, RWA and Wawanesa

Ice is used when you have a recent injury. It controls the swelling by decreasing the amount of blood to the area. If you have done an activity that has aggravated things, it is better to use ice to decrease the inflammation.

If the area is red, feels warm and is swollen ice should be used for the first 48 hours. It should be applied for 10-15 minutes.

HEAT

Heat is more commonly used with chronic injuries, sore muscles & stiffness. Heat increases the blood flow to the area and allows the blood vessels to open and remove inflammation. Heat can be used before exercise.

It should be applied for 10-15 minutes. Do not apply heat when you are going to sleep as it may result in a burn.

Test Features

•Measures player symptoms

•Measures verbal and visual memory, processing speed and reaction time

•Assists Doctors in making difficult return-to-play decisions

•Provides reliable baseline test information

•Produces comprehensive report of test results

ImPACT takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. The program measures multiple aspects of cognitive functioning in athletes, including:

•Attention span

•Working memory

•Sustained and selective attention time

•Response variability

•Non-verbal problem solving

•Reaction time

There are many things to look for in an athletic shoe. The first things is to look for a shoe that only bends where your foot bends (at the joint of the big toe). The shoe should be resistant to torsion. Therefore the shoe should not be able to be “wrung out”. The heel counter at the back of the shoe should be firm and you should have room for your toes in the front of the shoe (toe box). The shape of the sole of the shoe and the firmness of the sole is different for different types of feet. You should speak to a Physiotherapist to see what footwear would be best for your feet.

1-2 classes per week for a total of 6-8 weeks. Additional classes are available if required.    

* If you have had a total hip or knee replacement after January 1st 2023, you are eligible for Manitoba Health funding for 1 assessment and 9 classes.

All classes are supervised by a physiotherapist and an athletic therapist

Group classes cost $35 each visit – some insurance plans cover the cost of this and others do not.

*Please note if you have had a total hip replacement or total knee replacement after January 1, 2023, we are able to direct bill either 6 individual sessions  or 1 assessment and 9 group classes to Manitoba Health on your behalf.  Please note government funding for this program may end unexpectedly.

Yes, if you have had a hip or knee replacement after January 1, 2023 you are eligible for Manitoba Health Funding for either:
a.  An initial assessment and 5 individual physiotherapy sessions
b.  An initial assessment and 9 group exercise classes. 
Please note if you have private insurance for physiotherapy, as per Manitoba Health, you need to exhaust your private coverage first prior to using this funding and government funding may end unexpectedly.

During the class each person will go through exercises that are appropriate for them at their stage of healing. They will rotate through an exercise circuit.

The physiotherapist will briefly assess your improvements in range of motion, strength or gait.

There are 12 classes over a 6 week period.

The GLA:D™ program is NOT for:

– Individuals who are looking for a pre or post-operative hip and/or knee rehabilitation class or those preparing for replacement surgery

– Individuals with pain in their hip and/or knee that primarily stems from a condition outside of osteoarthritis (i.e. osteoarthritis is secondary complaint) such as rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue/pain

Educational sessions take place in person at the clinic

Exercise session will be conducted in person and further exercises may be completed at home after consultation with physiotherapist

Results from the GLA:D® program in Denmark have shown:

– 27% reduction in pain intensity at one year post program

– Over 30% increase in self-reported physical activity levels

– Reduced use of joint related pain killers at one year

– Reduced number of individuals on sick leave at one year post program