The Most Common Questions We Get About Physiotherapy

Every week our front desk and clinical team field the same handful of questions about physiotherapy in Burlington. Here are honest, direct answers to the most common ones — no fluff.

Do I need a doctor's referral?

No. In Ontario, physiotherapists are primary care providers. You can book directly with us at OMNI without a doctor's note.

The exception: some extended health insurance plans require a doctor's referral for reimbursement. The treatment doesn't need a referral, but your insurer might. Check your benefits booklet, or call us at (905) 635-5711 and we'll help you sort it out.

How much does physiotherapy cost?

At OMNI Health & Rehab, our rates are:

• Initial assessment (60 minutes): $125
• 30-minute follow-up: $75
• Longer follow-ups (45 or 60 minutes) available — pricing confirmed at booking

Most patients pay little or nothing out of pocket because we direct bill major Canadian extended health insurers. We also handle WSIB claims and motor vehicle accident claims directly.

Will my insurance cover it?

Most extended health benefit plans in Canada cover physiotherapy. Coverage varies — some plans cover 80% per visit up to an annual cap, others have a specific visit count, others have a flat dollar amount.

We direct bill all the major insurers — Manulife, Sun Life, Canada Life, Greenshield, Desjardins, Industrial Alliance, and more. When you book, give us your insurance info and we'll verify your coverage before your first visit.

What's the difference between a physiotherapist and a chiropractor?

Both treat musculoskeletal problems. Both use hands-on techniques and exercise. The difference is in emphasis.

Chiropractors specialize in spinal and joint adjustments — restoring movement at specific joints to reduce pain and improve function. Physiotherapists lean more toward rehabilitation: progressive exercise, manual therapy, and movement re-training.

Many Burlington patients see both, which is why we offer them under one roof. We'll point you toward whichever one (or both) fits your situation best.

Does physiotherapy hurt?

Sometimes there's mild discomfort during certain hands-on techniques or when a tight area gets worked on, but treatment shouldn't be painful in a way that flares you up afterward. If something a clinician is doing is genuinely uncomfortable, tell them — that's not the goal.

Some exercises can produce mild post-treatment soreness, similar to a workout. That's normal and not a sign anything's wrong.

What does the first visit look like?

Your initial assessment is 60 minutes. The clinician will:

• Take a detailed history of your injury, symptoms, and goals
• Perform a physical exam — range of motion, strength, specific tests for your situation
• Explain what they think is going on and why
• Begin treatment in the same session
• Send you home with a clear plan and any home exercises

Wear something comfortable you can move in. Bring your insurance information, any imaging or reports you have, and arrive a few minutes early to fill out paperwork.

How many sessions will I need?

It depends on what we're treating, but here are realistic ranges:

• Minor strains and acute issues: 3-6 sessions
• Chronic conditions and post-surgical rehab: 8-12+ sessions
• Movement-pattern retraining and complex cases: longer, with intermittent sessions over months

Your physiotherapist will give you a realistic estimate at the first visit and adjust as you progress. The goal is always to discharge you with a clear plan for staying well — not to keep you coming back forever.

Can physio help with back pain?

Yes — and back pain is one of the most common things we treat. Modern physiotherapy uses movement-based assessment to find why your back is overloaded, then addresses the actual cause. The vast majority of back pain responds well to conservative care.