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FAQ
Avenue Physio — Frequently Asked Questions
About Avenue Physio
What is physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is a science-based profession that helps people restore movement, manage pain, and improve strength, mobility, and function. It uses movement, exercise, education, and hands-on techniques to support recovery and prevent future injury.
Research shows that physiotherapy is one of the most effective ways to treat musculoskeletal conditions, reduce pain, and improve quality of life by helping people stay active, independent, and confident in their bodies.
What makes Avenue Physio different from other clinics?
At Avenue Physio, we take a one-on-one, evidence-based approach that puts you, not just your injury, at the center of care. Every session is with a registered physiotherapist who listens, assesses, and adapts your treatment based on how you are progressing.
We don’t rely on assistants or cookie-cutter programs. Instead, we combine advanced manual therapy, movement retraining, and education to help you understand your body and take control of your recovery.
Our approach is built around The Avenue Advantage — focused attention, genuine connection, and proven results. It’s how we’ve been helping Calgarians move better and live stronger since 1984.
Do you offer one-on-one physiotherapy sessions?
Yes, every appointment at Avenue Physio is completely one-on-one with a registered physiotherapist. We don’t use assistants or overlap patients, so you get our full attention every minute of your session.
This focused approach allows your physiotherapist to assess, treat, and progress your program based on how you’re doing that day. Research shows that one-on-one physiotherapy leads to faster recovery, better outcomes, and higher patient satisfaction.
What conditions do you treat?
We treat a wide range of muscle, joint, and movement-related conditions, from everyday aches and pains to complex injuries. Our physiotherapists are trained to assess and treat issues affecting the neck, back, shoulders, hips, knees, and more.
Common conditions include:
- Back and neck pain
- Shoulder, hip, and knee injuries
- Muscle strains and joint sprains
- Sports and overuse injuries
- Post-surgical rehabilitation
- Work and motor vehicle accident injuries
- Dizziness, concussion, and balance problems
- Arthritis and age-related movement changes
Whether your goal is to relieve pain, move more easily, or return to sport or work, we will create a personalized plan to help you recover and stay active.
What conditions do you treat?
We treat a wide range of muscle, joint, and movement-related conditions, from everyday aches and pains to complex injuries. Our physiotherapists are trained to assess and treat issues affecting the neck, back, shoulders, hips, knees, and more.
Common conditions include:
- Back and neck pain
- Shoulder, hip, and knee injuries
- Muscle strains and joint sprains
- Sports and overuse injuries
- Post-surgical rehabilitation
- Work and motor vehicle accident injuries
- Dizziness, concussion, and balance problems
- Arthritis and age-related movement changes
Whether your goal is to relieve pain, move more easily, or return to sport or work, we will create a personalized plan to help you recover and stay active.
What are your areas of expertise?
Our physiotherapists have advanced training in specialty areas and evidence-based programs that support recovery, prevention, and long-term health.
Our expertise and programs include:
- Manual therapy and advanced orthopaedic care (FCAMPT-trained therapists)
- TMJ (jaw) dysfunction
- Pelvic floor physiotherapy
- Chronic pain and complex conditions
- Concussion and vestibular rehabilitation
- Post-surgical and return-to-work programs
- Workplace injury (WCB) and motor vehicle accident (MVA) programs
- GLA:D™ Hip and Knee and GLA:D™ Back programs
- Physio Pilates
- Custom exercise and sport programs
We combine advanced clinical expertise with one-on-one care to help you move better, recover faster, and stay active for life.
How is Avenue Physio’s approach different?
At Avenue Physio, we take a one-on-one, evidence-based approach that puts you, not just your injury, at the center of care. Every session is with a registered physiotherapist who listens, assesses, and adapts your treatment based on how you are progressing.
We do not rely on assistants, cookie-cutter programs, or quick fixes. Instead, we combine advanced manual therapy, movement retraining, and education to help you understand your body and take control of your recovery.
Our approach is built around The Avenue Advantage, which means focused attention, genuine connection, and proven results. It is how we have been helping Calgarians move better and live stronger since 1984.
Your Appointment
Do I need a doctor’s referral to see a physiotherapist?
No, you can book directly with us anytime. Physiotherapists in Alberta are primary contact practitioners, which means you don’t need a doctor’s referral to start treatment.
However, some extended health insurance plans may require a referral or doctor’s note for reimbursement, so it’s a good idea to check your coverage before your first appointment. Our team is happy to help if you have questions about your benefits or direct billing options.
What happens during my first physiotherapy appointment?
Your first visit is a one-hour assessment. We take the time to listen to your story, understand your goals, and complete a detailed movement exam to find the root cause of your symptoms.
Your physiotherapist will explain their findings, outline a personalized treatment plan, and start treatment right away so you can begin moving and feeling better after your first visit.
How many treatments will I need?
It depends on your injury, goals, and how your body responds. Some people improve within a few sessions, while others need a longer program to restore full strength and mobility.
Because all sessions at Avenue Physio are one-on-one, your care is focused and continually adjusted to your progress. Research shows that patients who receive one-on-one physiotherapy recover up to 30 percent faster and are 40 percent more likely to complete their full treatment plan.
Your physiotherapist will explain what to expect and guide you each step of the way.
How long are physiotherapy sessions?
Physiotherapy assessments are one hour in length. This gives your physiotherapist time to complete a detailed assessment, explain their findings, and begin treatment during your first visit.
Follow-up physiotherapy treatments are 30 minutes, allowing for focused, one-on-one care and ongoing progress toward your goals.
Will I get treatment during my first visit?
Yes, you will receive treatment during your first visit. Your initial appointment is a one-hour assessment that includes time for your physiotherapist to listen to your story, complete a detailed movement and physical exam, and begin treatment right away.
What should I wear to my appointment?
Wear something you can move comfortably in, such as shorts or a tank top, so your physiotherapist can easily assess and treat the area we are working on.
If you are coming straight from work, do not worry. We keep shorts, T-shirts, and tank tops at the clinic so you will always have what you need for your session.
Where to find us
How do I find you?
We are located on the main floor of Stephen Avenue Place, right beside Tim Hortons.
📍 Avenue Physio
#130, 225 7 Ave SW
Calgary, AB T2P 2W3
You can reach us directly from street level or through the +15 walkway, which connects to Stephen Avenue Place. View on Google Maps →
Public Transportation
We are conveniently located between 1st and 3rd LRT stations in the downtown “free fare” zone.
Where should I park?
Street parking during quieter hours may be available along 2nd St, 6th Ave, and 9th Ave.
For parking lots there are many options downtown. Our top 3 recommendations are below. Your cheapest option is the Core Shopping Centre. It is free after 3:00pm and $6.00 for 1 hour parking.
Parking : The Core Shopping Centre (Indigo lot #059)
Street parking during quieter hours may be available along 2nd St, 6th Ave, and 9th Ave.
Access to clinic from the Core shopping parkade
Parking : Bow Parkade (Indigo lot C333)
Street parking during quieter hours may be available along 2nd St, 6th Ave, and 9th Ave – take this line out – it is at the top
Located at 255 6th Ave SW, accessed from 6th Ave (heading west)
Access to clinic from the Bow parkade
Billing and Coverage
Is physiotherapy and massage therapy covered by insurance or extended health benefits? (include massage)
Yes, most extended health plans include coverage for physiotherapy and massage therapy. We offer direct billing to many major providers, including Alberta Blue Cross, Canada Life, Manulife, Sun Life, Green Shield, Desjardins, and others.
If your treatment is related to a motor vehicle accident (MVA) or workplace injury (WCB), it is also covered under those programs. Our team can help with the forms and guide you through the process.
Because every plan is different, check your coverage with your provider before your first appointment. While we cannot see how much coverage you have, we are happy to help with any billing questions.
To whom do you direct the bill?
We offer direct billing to most major insurance providers for physiotherapy and massage therapy. This includes Alberta Blue Cross, Canada Life, Manulife, Sun Life, Green Shield, Desjardins, Empire Life, GroupHEALTH, Industrial Alliance, Johnson, Johnston Group, and many others.
If your treatment is related to a motor vehicle accident (MVA) or workplace injury (WCB), we can also bill directly to those programs.
Because every plan is different, we recommend checking your coverage details with your provider before your first appointment. Our team is happy to help with any billing questions you may have.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept Visa, Mastercard, debit, and cash for all services. Payment is due at the time of your appointment unless your visit is covered by direct billing or a third-party program such as WCB or MVA.
If your insurance provider allows direct billing, we’ll process that for you and let you know if there’s any remaining balance to pay.
Can my physiotherapy be paid for by Alberta Health Services (AHS)?
Physiotherapy at Avenue Physio is not covered by Alberta Health Services (AHS). AHS-funded physiotherapy is only available through specific community or hospital-based programs for certain conditions such as recent surgery, fractures, or very low income.
Our clinic is privately operated, which means treatments are billed directly to patients or through extended health benefits, motor vehicle (MVA), or workplace injury (WCB) coverage.
What should I do if I was injured in a car accident?
If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident, you can start physiotherapy right away. You don’t need to wait for a doctor’s referral.
At your first visit, we’ll complete an MVA assessment and help you fill out the necessary forms to begin your claim. We’ll then submit everything directly to your insurance company and bill them for approved treatments.
Our team will guide you through the entire process so you can focus on recovery, not paperwork. For more information, visit the Government of Alberta’s website on MVA coverage.
https://www.alberta.ca/automobile-collisions-insurance
What should I do if I was injured at work?
If you were injured at work, tell your employer right away so they can report it to the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB).
You can book with us immediately. You do not need a doctor’s referral to start physiotherapy. We will complete a WCB assessment, help with the paperwork, and submit your claim directly to WCB.
Our team works with your case manager and employer to support your safe and timely return to work. For more information, visit the Workers’ Compensation Board of Alberta.
https://www.wcb.ab.ca/
Clinic Policies
What is your cancellation policy?
Your appointment time is reserved just for you, and we care about your progress. That’s why we hold you accountable to your goals and to your time. Keeping your appointments helps you stay consistent and allows us to help other patients who need care.
We ask for at least 24 hours’ notice for any changes or cancellations. Appointments cancelled or missed with less than 24 hours’ notice will be charged a $50 fee.
Do you offer virtual or online physiotherapy appointments?
Yes, we offer virtual physiotherapy appointments for patients who prefer to connect from home, work, or while travelling. Sessions are one-on-one through a secure video link and are covered by most insurance plans.
Still Have Questions Or Want To Get Started
