It's not uncommon for us to hear the question "What do Physiotherapists do?"
The profession has a very broad scope of practice, which can be confusing for patients. Physiotherapists can work in private practice, home care, hospitals, or universities, and the skills required vary greatly.
Sky Physiotherapy is a private practice and we focus on outpatient orthopaedics (musculoskeletal issues). Physiotherapists Erynne and Jodi treat acute injuries (new pain), chronic (old) pain, post surgical rehabilitation, balance and strength concerns, and stiffness...just to name a few.
It's important to research the clinic, to find the right fit for you! Sky Physio is a friendly neighbourhood clinic offering 1:1 treatment in private treatment rooms, with a shared gym space.
Here are some other Frequently Asked Questions:
Never hesitate to call the clinic 519-219-5400 to speak with a Physiotherapist directly, if you have questions before booking.
1. How long does it take to become a Physiotherapist?
Physiotherapists will have earned a 4 year undergraduate degree prior to moving on to the 2 year Physiotherapy program. Upon completion, graduates receive a Masters of Science degree in Physiotherapy. This is just the start however. Physiotherapy is a science AND an art, that needs to be worked on daily. The best Physiotherapists love their work enough to commit this time (and money) to extensive post graduate courses, mentorship, and skill refinement.
Erynne and Jodi are dedicated to being the best Physiotherapists they can be!
2. I have a bad back, should I go to a Chiropractor?
At Sky Physiotherapy, neck and low back pain are the two most common areas of concern that we treat. Physiotherapists are competent in assessing, diagnosing, and treating low back pain. Effective treatment includes a combination of manual therapy, which includes soft tissue work of the muscles and joint mobilizations or manipulations (the same ‘crack’ associated with a Chiropractic treatment), education, and exercise.
3. I already have a Massage Therapist. Would Physiotherapy be helpful in addition?
If regular massage therapy sessions are doing the trick, stick with it. This is the same advice if you are being seen by any other allied health profession (Chiro, Osteo etc). But, if you are finding the relief is temporary, you'd like a different treatment option, or have new goals you would like to work through, Physiotherapy is a perfect addition.
3. Will I get a lot of homework to do between appointments?
This is up to your specific needs and goals. If you are avoiding Physiotherapy in fear of adding more to your to-do list, rest assured that Sky Physio prides itself in tailoring treatment plans that are specific and effective. This is not the type of clinic where you will get hooked up to a machine or given a generic list of exercises to work through. Our treatments are a combination of hands on techniques, patient education, and specific movements and exercises to help maintain results between sessions.
4. Do you work with Kinesiologists or Physiotherapy Assistants?
No. At Sky Physio, all of your appointment time is spent 1:1 with your Physiotherapist. This helps us stay cohesive with your treatment plan, reassessing and modifying continuously for optimal results. We are a manual therapy based clinic, meaning our core approach focuses on hands on techniques, and active movement/exercise. This is not a clinic where you will be hooked up to a machine and given generic exercises.
5. Do you have before and after work hours?
The clinic has treating hours between 7:30am and 6:30pm, with both Jodi and Erynne offering early morning and after work options. Erynne (photo above) has more evening availability.
Although other clinics may have more extensive availability, we believe that maintaining hours that work for our therapists, help promote good life balance to ensure you are always receiving treatment from a Physiotherapist who is rested and happy. Because we are a small clinic, we do have flexibility and try our best to accommodate our patients needs as much as possible.
*Evening hours extend to 7 or 8pm for Massage Therapy
6. Do you offer direct billing?
No. We do not offer direct billing at this time. Receipts are provided after payment (printed or emailed) with all of the information required for reimbursement from extended healthcare providers, should you have benefits. Most patients receive reimbursement within 1-2 business days after submitting.
7. Do you treat sports injuries?
Yes! Our biggest demographic is teens and middle aged weekend warriors. We often focus on movement optimization, motor retraining and balance/proprioception, alongside the hands on joint and soft tissue manipulation needed depending on the area of concern. Other treatments could include acupuncture, therapeutic modalities, and taping or bracing. We create targeted home exercise programs, but if general fitness is the main goal, we will often refer to gyms or other trusted clinics with larger work out spaces.
8. Do you treat work related injuries (WSIB) or patients involved in motor vehicle accidents (MVA)?
No. We do treat lots of work related injuries, however, we do not treat patients with active WSIB claims. Our functional treatment approach is very effective in treating chronic pain, so we often have patients come to us who have a history of being involved in a past motor vehicle accident, but we do not book patients with active MVA insurance claims. Should you choose to receive care at Sky Physiotherapy, you would be paying privately or through extended health benefits.
9. What can I expect during my Physiotherapy appointment?
Wear comfortable clothing that is easy to move around in. At the start of each session we will have time for questions and clarifications from the previous treatment, and how you felt after the last appointment. This helps us modify our techniques, pressure, and plan as needed. We will look at your movement or monitor pain to take baselines, so that we can reassess the response to treatment. Soft tissue work (similar to massage techniques), mobilizations for joints that are stiff or sore, and supervised exercises, are most common. An exercise or movement may be given to do at home depending on your goals and response.
Other treatments provided within a Physiotherapy appointment could include:
-athletic taping
-education on bracing options and measurements
-acupuncture
-therapeutic modalities
-building a targeted exercise plan
-education on posture, lifting mechanics, work ergonomics, safe transfers from sit to stand etc
10. What other services are offered at Sky Physiotherapy?
Registered Massage Therapy
Clinical pilates
Acupuncture (booked and billed under Physiotherapy)
Custom knee bracing
11. Do you have a Pelvic floor Physiotherapist on staff?
We treat many patients during or after pregnancy, those who are concerned with core strength, or others who have specific pelvic related concerns. We focus on muscle and external approaches, and if we feel the needs go beyond our skill level, we refer to other clinics in the area that we trust.
12. Do you have a Bonefit certified therapist on staff?
Yes. Both Erynne and Jodi have the experience and knowledge to work with patients with Osteopenia or Osteoporosis. If this is what you are looking for, we will work with you to create a safe and effective exercise plan to promote bone health, strength, and fall prevention.
We are proud of the therapists at Sky Physio and the services they offer here. Feel your best and get a Physiotherapist on your team. Sky Physio offers attentive, individualized care to help you reach a meaningful recovery. #reachforbetter
Call 519-219-5400 or book online for an appointment. We can't wait to meet you!
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