Physiotherapy Costs Explained: Factors, Coverage, and Options

The REAL question you should be asking is what is the cost of not going to physiotherapy?

I think that you would find it surprising that just one in ten Canadians seek the advice of a physiotherapist. Yes only 10% of the population are seeking out the professional advice of a physiotherapist.

I am a physiotherapist and the owner of Avenue Physio. Avenue Physio has been Changing Lives with Movement for our 30 years. We have proudly helped over 15,000 patients get out of pain and achieve their movement goals.

I bet that you have a close friend or relative who is in pain. Or you yourself have shoulder pain when you reach up to the top shelf. Or back pain when you bend over to pick up your child. Or knee pain when you are hiking or when you cross the finish line.

The facts are that Canadians are no stranger to pain

Every year Eleven million Canadians (over the age of 12 years) suffer with a musculoskeletal problem

Five million Canadians have osteoarthritis

Six million Canadians report a form of chronic pain

…….AND Canada’s population is aging. Seniors are more numerous than children in Canada

What is the value of physiotherapy?

Strong evidence exists to support physiotherapy for treatment.

Physiotherapy contributes to improved physical function, allowing you to return to healthy living, including return to work and recreational activities.

Physiotherapy will help you reach up to that top shelf, bend over to pick up your child, hike a mountain and finish the race.

The Benefits of Physiotherapy

• Reduce Pain, swelling and stiffness
• Reduce the need for opiods
• Improve mobility and movement
• Shorter recovery periods after an injury
• Injury prevention
• Manage Chronic illnesses
• Avoid Surgery
• Improve the quality of life

“You were Born to Move and Physiotherapists were Born to Help you Move!”

Why are you not seeking the Advice of a Physiotherapist? 

Is it the cost? The cost can be a concern for many. But with many options to get free physiotherapy and the many benefits of seeing a physiotherapist you should not let any obstacles get in your way of your health. Here is the ultimate guide to help you manage physiotherapy fees. The pain in your knee should not be greater than the pain in your wallet.

1. Am I covered for Physiotherapy? – Motor Vehicle Accidents Injury

If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident (MVA) in Alberta, you are entitled to accident benefits coverage under the Motor Vehicles Act, regardless of whether you were at fault. The amount of coverage that you receive will depend on the type of injury that you have sustained.

If you have been in a car accident you should contact your insurance company to let them know. Then book an appointment immediately with a physiotherapist to get an early assessment.

The good news is that you don’t have to seek approval of the insurer to get an assessment. The physiotherapy clinic will bill the automobile insurer directly so you can focus on recovering and not on administrative hassles.

Treatment length is usually 10 – 12 weeks for car accident injuries. There is a large variance and you may only require a couple of visits or you may require years of treatment depending on the extent of your injuries. Under Section B Accident Benefits your insurance company is required to cover all reasonable expenses incurred within 2 years from the date of the accident for necessary physiotherapy and other medical services that are essential for rehabilitation.

2. Am I covered for Physiotherapy? – Workers Compensation Board Injury

Injured at work? Then you may be eligible to have your entire treatment covered by WCB. If you have injured yourself at work you and your employee need to fill out a WCB claim. You can then go for an assessment at an approved WCB physiotherapy clinic. The initial physiotherapy examination and first treatment will be paid for by WCB.

Further physiotherapy treatment is only approved once the claim is accepted. If approved, the WCB may authorize physiotherapy treatment for up to six weeks. That means you won’t be required to pay anything out of your own pocket and your treatment will be free.

3. Am I covered for Physiotherapy? – Alberta Healthcare Services

There is limited coverage from Alberta Health Services for physiotherapy.

An assessment at a clinic that provides provincial funding is required to determine if you are eligible. Avenue Physio does not have a contract with AHS for government funding for physiotherapy. To find AHS-funded physiotherapy services, visit Alberta Health Service’s website and search for “physiotherapy.”

This program provides early, limited intervention (3-7 visits) for clients that have had a recent decline in their function following musculoskeletal (i.e. muscle/joint) injury or surgery. Physiotherapy treatment and teaching will be offered to help decrease pain, increase strength and flexibility and manage daily activities.

4. Am I covered for Physiotherapy ? – Employer Insurance Benefits

Physiotherapy is normally included in employer or purchased health benefit plans. Coverage varies from plan to plan and can range from $500 to unlimited so you need to look into the details of your health coverage. Some insurers require a referral from a doctor to access your physiotherapy coverage.

Avenue Physio offers direct billing so we will manage the administration of reimbursement for you so you can focus your efforts on your treatment instead of managing paperwork.

What is direct billing?

Direct billing is Avenue Physio taking on the tedious task of submitting your claim to your insurance company for you!

Take advantage of this service. It is a huge time saver for you and you won’t have to submit claims after every visit. The insurance company pays our clinic directly for your treatment. Depending on your health care coverage only part of your treatment may be covered so you will need to pay for the portion that the insurance doesn’t pay for.

5. What is the price of physiotherapy? – Out of Pocket

If none of the above funded options are available to you then you will have to pay out of your own pocket. Prices will vary depending on the type of assessment, injury and time that is required. Physiotherapists that have taken additional education and require certification for specialized skills will charge more per visit.

Assessments can range from: $105 to $180

At Avenue Physio your first visit will be an hour of one – one time with your therapist. At the end of the assessment you will have a clear understanding of your condition and a structured treatment plan to full recovery. You will also receive treatment to get you going on the right track right away. The assessment cost for the hour assessment and treatment is $150.

Treatment costs vary in range from $75 – $140 and are dependent on the direct time the therapist spends with you

At Avenue Physio we give you our undivided attention for your full 30 minute treatment time to ensure success with your treatment in the least amount of time possible. The cost of our treatments are $110

You will always be told the cost of the services when you book your first appointment and then the therapist will give you a detailed treatment plan including expectations and timelines to full recovery.

What is the value of your health?

According to Stats Canada the average Canadian household spends 3% of their total expenditure on healthcare.

What else do Canadians spend their money on?

Recreation equipment (1%),
Household furnishings (1.1%)
Personal care (1.5%)
Tobacco and alcohol (1.7%)
Going out for dinner (over 3%).

Camping, new pillows, a haircut, a glass of shiraz and a night out with friends for dinner are all great life experiences but if you don’t take care of your physical health you won’t be able to enjoy them. A physiotherapist will get you moving and keep you moving so you can do the things that you love.

So is it worth not seeking out a physiotherapist?

If you are not sure that you would benefit from the advice of a physiotherapist you should call our Physio Hotline and speak directly with a Physiotherapist at 403-234-9004