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Thinking About Physiotherapy? Your Most Common Questions Answered
Starting physiotherapy often comes with questions, especially if it is your first time or if you have had mixed experiences in the past. Many people are unsure what to expect, whether physiotherapy is right for them, or how the process works.
At Avenue Physio, we hear the same questions every day.
Do I need a referral?
What happened on my first appointment?
How many sessions will I need?
Is physiotherapy covered by insurance?
This blog answers the most common physiotherapy questions we are asked, so you can feel informed, confident, and prepared before booking your first visit.
What Is Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy helps you move better, feel stronger, and get back to doing the things that matter to you, whether that means getting out of pain, returning to activity, or simply moving with more confidence day to day.
Physiotherapists are university trained healthcare professionals with advanced education in anatomy, movement science, pain, and rehabilitation. They are licensed, regulated, and trained to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of movement and musculoskeletal conditions.
Physiotherapy uses a combination of hands on treatment, targeted exercise, movement retraining, and education to support recovery and reduce the risk of future injury. The goal is not just short term symptom relief, but helping you understand your body, build confidence in movement, and stay active over the long term.
Do I Need a Doctor’s Referral to See a Physiotherapist?
No. You can book directly with us at any time.
Physiotherapists in Alberta are primary contact practitioners, which means you do not need a doctor’s referral to start treatment.
Some extended health insurance plans may require a referral or doctor’s note for reimbursement, so it is a good idea to check your coverage before your first appointment. If you have questions about insurance, direct billing, or benefits, our front desk team is always happy to help.
What Makes Avenue Physio Different From Other Clinics?
At Avenue Physio, we believe great care starts with how you are treated, not just how you are treated physically.
Every appointment is one on one with a registered physiotherapist. We do not use assistants and we do not overlap patients. This means your physiotherapist is fully present, listening carefully, and adapting your care in real time based on how you are feeling and progressing that day.
Our approach combines advanced manual therapy, movement retraining, and individualized exercise programs, all grounded in current evidence. Just as important is how we deliver that care, with empathy, respect, and a genuine commitment to helping you move forward with confidence.
We take accountability seriously. Your goals guide the plan, your progress guides each session, and we expect a lot from ourselves because your recovery matters.
As downtown Calgary’s longest standing physiotherapy clinic, we have been helping people move better since 1984. Patients continue to choose Avenue Physio not only for our experience and results, but because they feel heard, supported, and cared for at every visit.
What Happens During My First Physiotherapy Appointment?
Your first visit is a one hour assessment focused on understanding how your body moves and what is getting in the way of your goals.
Your physiotherapist will begin by listening to your story. This includes what brought you in, what you are struggling with, what feels painful or limiting, and what you want to be able to do more comfortably.
The Movement and Physical Examination
The movement and physical examination helps us understand how your body moves, what feels painful or difficult, and where things are not working as well as they should.
Your physiotherapist will look at movement in several different ways. This may include watching how you move on your own, how your body moves when it is guided or supported, and how specific muscles, joints, and systems are contributing to your movement.
This often includes:
- Active movement to see how you move and which movements bring on symptoms
- Guided or passive movement to understand joint mobility and stiffness
- Strength and control testing to see how well muscles are supporting you
- Functional movements related to daily activities, work, or sport
- Stability and coordination testing to see how your body manages load and balance
- Nerve or sensitivity testing when symptoms suggest the nervous system may be involved
By putting these pieces together, we can identify painful movements, areas of weakness or restriction, and movement patterns that may be contributing to your symptoms.
Throughout the assessment, your physiotherapist will explain what they are seeing and how it connects to your goals, so you understand what is going on and why it matters.
You will also leave with guidance on what you can start working on right away. We do not believe in waiting to help you feel better. Progress begins on day one.
Will I Get Treatment During My First Visit?
Yes.
Your initial appointment includes treatment focused on what matters most to you right away. Once your physiotherapist understands what is driving your symptoms and what your goals are, they will begin addressing those priorities during your first visit.
That may include guided movement, targeted exercises, education, activity modification, or hands on techniques. The focus is on helping you take meaningful steps forward right away, based on what matters most to you, not following a preset formula.
How Long Are Physiotherapy Appointments?
Initial physiotherapy assessments are one hour in length. This allows time for a thorough assessment, clear explanation, and meaningful progress during your first visit.
Follow up physiotherapy treatments are 30 minutes, providing focused, one on one care and ongoing progression toward your goals.
How Many Physiotherapy Sessions Will I Need?
The number of sessions you need depends on your injury, your goals, and how your body responds to treatment.
Some people notice improvement within a few sessions, while others need a longer program to restore strength, mobility, and confidence in movement.
Because all sessions at Avenue Physio are one on one, your care is 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.
Is Physiotherapy Covered by Insurance or Benefits?
In most cases, yes.
Most extended health insurance plans include coverage for physiotherapy, and we offer direct billing to many major providers, including Alberta Blue Cross, Canada Life, Manulife, Sun Life, Green Shield, Desjardins, and others.
If your injury is related to a motor vehicle accident or a workplace injury, physiotherapy is also covered under those programs. Our team will help with the paperwork and guide you through the process so you can focus on recovery.
What About Alberta Health Services?
Physiotherapy at Avenue Physio is not covered by Alberta Health Services.
AHS funded physiotherapy is only available through specific clinics that hold a contract with Alberta Health Services. These programs are typically limited to certain situations, such as recent fractures, post surgical rehabilitation, or specific publicly funded pathways.
Avenue Physio is a privately operated clinic. This means physiotherapy services here are paid for through extended health benefits, motor vehicle accident coverage, workplace injury coverage, or out of pocket.
If you are looking for an AHS funded physiotherapy clinic, Alberta Health Services maintains a public list of clinics that hold AHS contracts. You can find more information here: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/rehab/page17783.aspx
Because every insurance and funding situation is different, we recommend reviewing your coverage or funding options in advance. While we cannot see your specific benefits, our team is always happy to help answer billing questions and guide you to the right option for your situation.
What Should I Wear to My Appointment?
Wear something comfortable that allows you to move easily, such as shorts or a tank top, so your physiotherapist can properly assess and treat the area being addressed.
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.
Do You Offer Virtual Physiotherapy Appointments?
Yes. We offer virtual physiotherapy appointments for patients who prefer to connect from home, work, or while travelling.
Virtual sessions are one on one with a registered physiotherapist, delivered through a secure video platform, and covered by most extended health insurance plans.
Virtual care can be a great option for certain conditions, follow ups, or when in person visits are not possible.
Still Have Questions?
Our admin team is happy to help, or we can arrange a phone call with one of our physiotherapists to talk things through and answer any remaining questions.
Book your one on one physiotherapy assessment today and start your Avenue toward lasting results.
