How will I feel after my massage therapy session?
Most people leave their sessions feeling very at ease and relaxed. Many individuals report that after their massage, long-term aches and pains have lessened in severity or gone away completely.
If you had a deep tissue massage, you might be a little sore the following day. This is nothing to worry about and usually feels like you just had a good workout at the gym! A hot shower or a soak in the tub can help relieve any muscle soreness you may experience.
What does occupational therapy treat?
Occupational therapists can treat various conditions and help patients regain and maintain muscle strength needed to perform daily tasks of living.
Occupational therapy can help with:
- Mental health
- Driving
- Environment
- Feeding, eating, swallowing
- Low vision
- School systems
- Amputations
- Depression and anxiety
- Arthritis
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Dementia
- Alzheimer’s
- Burns
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Dupuytren’s contracture
- Tendinitis
- Hip or Knee Replacements
- Huntington’s Disease
- Motor Neurone Disease
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Orthopaedics
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Scar Management
- Spinal Injury
- Stroke
What is your approach to occupational therapy?
We take a whole-body approach to therapy and focus on overall potential and function. Once your occupational therapist at Choice Health Centre in Bedford, Dartmouth, Fall River & Halifax, Nova Scotia understands what demands are being placed on your body, they can develop an exercise program that will strengthen affected joints, increase mobility, and hopefully make everyday life much easier for you.
The first thing an occupational therapist will do during treatment is to evaluate your strength, mobility, flexibility, and range of motion. From there, they will create a customized treatment plan that is aimed at helping you regain and maintain your strength.
How can occupational therapy help me?
People of all ages can benefit from occupational therapy, ranging from children with disabilities in school and social settings to elders needing help improving their physical and cognitive health.
Our occupational therapists focus on each patient's functional needs by providing exercises and activities that enhance physical and mental health. We put in a lot of effort to assist people in recovering from injuries and regaining functioning skills.
What is occupational therapy?
Occupational therapy is a type of treatment that uses ordinary activities to assist people of all ages to participate in the tasks they want and need to do (occupations). Occupational therapy, unlike other professions, helps people operate in all of their surroundings (e.g., at home, at work, at school, in the community) and addresses the physical, psychological, and cognitive elements of their well-being through activity.
! What office policies should I be aware of?
If you are unable to make it to your appointment due to illness or another emergency, our clinic requests that you call us at least X hours before your scheduled appointment time to let us know. Any missed appointments that have not been rescheduled at least X hours in advance will result in a non-refundable charge of X dollars.
We also ask that if you have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus, please reschedule your appointment with our front desk so that we can maintain a safe, healthy environment for our patients and employees.
Can I continue seeing a therapist even when I feel better?
Yes, after you have finished your therapy sessions, our therapist will go over your at-home continuing therapy program with you.
We can also arrange to meet you at your gym to work with you on determining what equipment and exercises would be beneficial in your continued recovery.
When will I start noticing relief?
Because each patient's diagnosis is unique, our therapist will work with you and your referring physician to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
During your first visit, your physiotherapist will determine your treatment plan and the number of visits required. If you have any questions about the duration of your treatment plan, don’t hesitate to reach out to your physiotherapist. Our team is here to support you and answer your questions.
Do you treat my condition at your clinic?
You can be confident that our therapists are well-trained to assess and treat your condition.
Our physiotherapists are state-licensed and have graduated from accredited physiotherapy programs with a master's or a doctorate level degree, depending on the university.
Physiotherapists have received years of university-level education in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology (the study of joint movement), neurology, and many other medical sciences. You're in capable hands!
What should I know about physiotherapy?
It's critical to understand that the overall goal of physiotherapy is to restore pain-free mobility and function while also preventing the injury or pain from recurring.
Our physiotherapists assess your movement patterns, determine the source of your pain, and work with you to manage or eliminate it completely.
Physiotherapists are highly trained medical professionals who specialize in musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. They collaborate with physicians to ensure that your treatment plan is as effective and efficient as possible. Physiotherapy is a medical, hands-on approach to pain relief and function restoration.
While each patient's condition and pain are unique, our physiotherapist will use a variety of gentle hands-on techniques, exercises, and equipment to quickly relieve pain and restore function.
Do PT treatments hurt?
Physiotherapy is intended to relieve pain, not cause it. However, there is a chance that your pain levels will fluctuate as you regain mobility. You may experience some temporary soreness as a result of using weakened or recovering muscles. Rest assured that this is a normal reaction to physiotherapy treatment and should not be interpreted as a cause for concern.
Communication with our therapist will help to reduce any discomfort you may feel during your physiotherapy treatments. We want you to be pain-free and back to your normal activities as soon as possible.
What is the difference between physiotherapy and occupational therapy?
Physiotherapy and occupational therapy are often confused with one another. Physiotherapy helps patients cope with:
- Discomfort
- expand the range of motion
- improve endurance
- strengthen gross motor skills.
Occupational therapy focuses more on the following:
- how clients accomplish activities such as getting dressed, driving, bathing, and more.
- roles that are most important in their daily lives, like performing their jobs
Can I go to any occupational therapists I choose?
Typically, your doctor will refer you to an occupational therapist. Your insurer sometimes requires a doctor's referral. You could see anyone in the network, depending on your insurance.
Is it necessary for me to be completely undressed?
You should undress to your level of comfort. Most people undress entirely for a full-body massage. However, it is perfectly fine to leave your underwear on if that will make you more comfortable during the session,
Your massage therapist will allow you to undress and get comfortable on the table in private.
How long do massage sessions last?
A massage session usually lasts up to 90 minutes, but you can reap the benefits of massage in as little as 30 minutes.
What will my massage be like?
Your massage experience will depend on what condition you are being treated for and on the expert advice of your massage therapist. You may experience a traditional massage to relax the muscles on the surface of the skin or a deep tissue massage used to target the muscles deep beneath the skin.
What can I expect from my first massage therapy session?
You may be asked to fill out a health history form by your massage therapist. Following that, your therapist will ask you general questions about what areas need attention and if there are any conditions that need to be addressed. This will help them determine whether medical massage is appropriate for you.
What does a registered massage therapist do?
A registered massage therapist is a licensed massage therapist who treats medical conditions that a doctor has diagnosed. Registered massage therapists have advanced training and experience, allowing them to provide care aimed at healing injuries, improving function, or increasing circulation.
Medical massages help reduce pain and stress, especially for patients with cancer, fibromyalgia, or who are in hospice.
Is chiropractic treatment safe?
Yes. Chiropractic care is widely regarded as a safe and non-invasive way to treat neuromusculoskeletal complaints. Although chiropractic has an excellent safety record, no health treatment is completely risk-free. However, the risks that are associated with chiropractic care are minimal and uncommon.
Occasionally, patients can experience mild soreness, stiffness, or aching following chiropractic treatment, similar to how one feels after exercising. According to current research, minor discomfort or soreness after spinal manipulation usually goes away within 24 hours. Most patients, however, leave their chiropractor's office feeling immediate relief!
Why do joints pop during chiropractic adjustments?
When you adjust or manipulate a joint, it sometimes results in the release of a gas bubble between the joints, which produces a popping sound. A typical example of this is when you "crack" your knuckles. A change in pressure within the joint, resulting in gas bubbles' release, causes the noises you hear. There is usually little to no discomfort involved in this process.
Is chiropractic treatment ongoing?
Yes, you will likely have to visit your chiropractor's office multiple times before resolving your issue. This treatment style is different from a medical doctor's course of treatment, which typically involves a predetermined plan that is carried out at home (i.e., taking a course of antibiotics once a day for a couple of weeks).
A chiropractor may provide acute, chronic, and/or preventive care performed within a certain number of visits. If you have any questions about how long your treatment will last, don't hesitate to ask your chiropractor for their estimate.
What conditions do chiropractors treat?
Chiropractors commonly treat low back pain, neck pain, and headaches. Chiropractic care is an excellent tool for pain management. Chiropractors use their knowledge to examine whether the muscles around the joints are working properly.
Chiropractors can also help with the function of arthritic joints. A chiropractor may use gentle manipulation to increase range of motion and reduce muscle spasms.
What is a chiropractor?
A chiropractor is a medical professional that focuses on the neuromusculoskeletal system, which includes the bones, nerves, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
A chiropractor can help you manage back and neck pain with spinal adjustments to keep your spine in good alignment. To become a chiropractor in the United States, you must earn a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, pass a national exam, and obtain a state-specific license.
Can I benefit from PT treatments?
You certainly can! Everyone can benefit from physiotherapy. We can discuss your options and help you decide if physiotherapy is the right choice for you by working with you and your doctor. Contact us today to learn more about how PT can help you and make an appointment with one of our dedicated staff members.
Where can I find a physiotherapist?
Our Bedford, Dartmouth, Fall River & Halifax, Nova Scotia physiotherapy clinic takes pride in providing a positive, encouraging environment with well-trained, friendly staff. We are confident in our ability to assist you in achieving your goals and leading a pain-free life.
You have the right to seek physiotherapy at any facility of your choosing. You will receive the highest quality care while achieving the results you seek at Choice Health Centre.
How does physiotherapy differ for older adults?
Age-related changes in strength, flexibility, and balance increase the risk of falls. At our Bedford, Dartmouth, Fall River & Halifax, Nova Scotia clinic, we will work together with you to investigate your medical history and determine what factors may be contributing to your fall risk.
At Choice Health Centre, we understand that as we age, our bodies become more susceptible to certain health risks. Our bodies begin to notice the “wear and tear” that has developed throughout the years, causing us to slow down and putting us at risk for health conditions.
Luckily, physiotherapy can help soothe some of the health conditions that your body may experience with age. If you are looking for pain relief, Choice Health Centre can help! Call our office today for more information.
Can my physiotherapist diagnose me?
When you arrive for your first appointment at Choice Health Centre, your physiotherapist will conduct a physical evaluation to determine the severity of your injury or illness. Through a thorough assessment, your therapist will be able to pinpoint precisely what is causing your pain.
Your physiotherapist may work with your physician to diagnose you. This will ensure your diagnosis is accurate and takes your medical history into account.
What do physiotherapists do?
Our physiotherapists evaluate and treat all types of discomfort and pain. Our team is composed of movement experts who have the knowledge and training to diagnose, evaluate, and treat any musculoskeletal condition that comes their way.
We play a leading role in preventing, reversing, and managing injuries that are old and new. Every program is designed based on your individual needs. We use objective measurements to determine the severity of your injuries and build your program accordingly.
What should I do to prepare for my first appointment?
There are a few things we ask all patients to bring with them on their first visit to our office.
- Please fill out patient forms online that have been emailed to you after booking.If you cannot do this or do not have access to a computer, please allow for extra time to fill these out upon your arrival.
- Please arrive 15 minutes early to complete any remaining paperwork so that you can maximize your time in your evaluation.
- Please wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your problem areas.
- Insurance information.
- A prescription (if needed) from your referring physician, ARNP, or PA.
- In case of a motor vehicle accident or worker’s compensation claim, bring any case manager or insurance adjuster's contact names, phone numbers, and claim number.
What office policies should I be aware of?
If you cannot make it to your appointment due to illness or another emergency, our clinic requests that you call us at least 24 hours before your appointment time to let us know. Any missed appointments that have not been rescheduled at least 24 hours in advance may be charged a fee.
We also ask that if you have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus, please reschedule your appointment with our front desk so that we can maintain a safe, healthy environment for our patients and employees.
What if I don’t have insurance?
If you don’t have insurance, that’s okay. Our clinic will never turn a patient away for this reason! For patients who do not have insurance, we offer a discounted fee due at the time of service. Please contact our Bedford, Dartmouth, Fall River & Halifax, Nova Scotia clinic and speak to our front desk about costs and setting up payment plans.
Will my insurance cover the cost of treatment?
We understand that dealing with insurance can be complicated; therefore, Choice Health Centre would gladly assist you in contacting your insurance carrier and assessing your coverage depending on your specific policy.
Insurance will, in most situations, pay a significant amount, if not all, of your treatment costs.
Visit our insurance plans page for additional information, and please do not hesitate to contact our (local) physiotherapy office. For your convenience, we provide a variety of payment alternatives.
How long is each appointment going to be?
Although every patient is different, the initial session usually lasts 1 hour. After that, each session could last 30-60 minutes.
The length of time will be determined by your unique needs, which our therapist will discuss with you. You'll probably see your therapist once or twice a week, with your appointments becoming more spaced out as you proceed through treatment.
How can I make an appointment?
Scheduling an appointment at Choice Health Centre in Bedford, Dartmouth, Fall River & Halifax, Nova Scotia is easier than ever! Our scheduling is easy, and we offer a convenient location and appointment times for you. We have morning and evening appointments available to meet the demands of your busy schedule. Call us today at 902-404-3668 or click here to request an appointment.
How is my progress measured?
Tracking your pain and mobility levels as you go through your physiotherapy program is the most visible approach to gauge your improvement and progress. You should notice a significant improvement in your discomfort and range of motion as you progress through your rehabilitation exercises.
Do I need a doctor’s referral to receive treatment?
The ability to visit a physiotherapist without a prescription or referral is called Direct Access. No prescription for physiotherapy? No problem!
Direct Access allows you to go directly to a physiotherapist without a physician's prescription or referral. All fifty states and the District of Columbia have made a ruling enabling patients “direct access” to physiotherapy services and programs.
In other words, the government made it acceptable for individuals to go straight to a physiotherapy clinic of their choice and receive the resources and treatment they require.
Can I choose any physiotherapy clinic for treatment?
Thanks to Direct Access laws, yes, you can choose!
The APTA’s website states, “Direct access means the removal of the physician referral mandated by state law to access physiotherapist services for evaluation and treatment. Every state, the District of Columbia, and the US Virgin Islands allow for evaluation and some form of treatment without a physician referral.”
In other words, this means you can choose what clinic you want to receive treatment from without having to wait for your primary care doctor to refer you to them. No referral or prescription is necessary for this!
Do I need my doctor to refer me to receive physiotherapy treatment?
Don’t have a prescription for physiotherapy? No problem!
Thanks to Direct Access laws, the government allows individuals to go straight to a physiotherapy clinic of their choice and receive the resources and treatment they require.
Direct Access allows you to go directly to a physiotherapist without the need for a physician's prescription or referral. All fifty states and the District of Columbia have made a ruling enabling patients “direct access” to physiotherapy services and programs.
Why does physiotherapy take longer than I thought?
Everyone is different, and so is every pain condition! At Choice Health Centre, you will have access to a personalized treatment plan created based on your individual needs and goals. Throughout your recovery process, our team will provide constant feedback and allow refinement of your program to ensure it provides optimal results. This may take weeks or months.
We will keep you updated on your progress throughout each session. If you have any questions or concerns about the length of your treatment plan, don’t hesitate to ask your physiotherapist. We are here to help you by providing clarity throughout this process.
What should I do to prepare for my first appointment?
Please give us a call to verify your insurance benefits. We will try to provide you with an estimate of coverage.
To prepare for your first appointment, please do the following:
- Print out the patient forms, fill them out, and bring them with you if you are able. If you cannot do this or do not have access to a printer/computer, please allow for extra time to fill these out upon your arrival.
- Arrive 15 minutes early to complete any remaining paperwork to maximize your time in your evaluation.
- Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your problem areas.
- Bring your insurance information for us to make a copy for your file.
- If you have a prescription (if needed) for physiotherapy from your referring physician, ARNP, or PA, please bring that as well.
- In case of an automobile accident or worker’s compensation claim, bring any case manager or insurance adjuster's contact names, phone numbers, and claim number.
How is my physiotherapy treatment progress tracked?
You should notice a significant improvement in your discomfort and range of motion as you progress through your rehabilitation exercises.
Tracking your pain and mobility levels as you go through your physiotherapy program is the most visible approach to gauge your improvement and progress.
How is physiotherapy different at Choice Health Centre?
Here at Choice Health Centre, we believe in personalized treatment plans for each and every patient. No two patients are the same, so why should treatment plans be? When you visit our clinic, you will undergo physical testing to get to the root cause of your injury or illness.
Your physiotherapist may ask you questions about your medical history or ask you to perform certain movements or exercises so they can witness any issues firsthand. From there, your therapist will devise your personalized treatment plan. This may include modalities such as joint mobilization, manual therapy, or therapeutic exercise.
! How long should each appointment take?
Due to the fact that each patient is unique, the initial session normally lasts 1 hour. Following that, each session could go anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes.
The duration of time will be determined by your specific needs, which will be discussed with you by our therapist. You'll generally see your therapist once or twice a week at first, with greater space between meetings as you progress through treatment.
What kind of clothing should I wear for appointments?
Dress comfortably in clothes that allow the therapist easy access to your problem areas.
Loose-fitting clothes that are comfortable for gentle exercises, as well as supportive sneakers, are often good choices for treatment
How can I schedule an appointment?
Scheduling an appointment at Choice Health Centre in Bedford, Dartmouth, Fall River & Halifax, Nova Scotia has never been easier or more convenient.
We have morning and evening appointments available to meet the demands of your busy schedule.
Our scheduling is easy, and we offer a convenient location and appointment times for you. Call us today at 902-404-3668 or click here to request an appointment.
How can I pay for each session?
Before your second visit, your insurance benefits will be determined, and you will be informed of what, if any, payment is required on that date.
Cash, check, debit card, and a credit card are all accepted. We are also happy to discuss payment plans. It is our policy to collect payment at the time of service.
I don’t have insurance. Can I still receive physiotherapy?
If you don’t have insurance, that’s okay. Our clinic will never turn a patient away for this reason! For patients who do not have insurance, we offer a discounted fee due at the time of service. Please contact our Bedford, Dartmouth, Fall River & Halifax, Nova Scotia clinic and speak to our front desk about costs and setting up payment plans.
Will my insurance cover the cost of treatment?
We understand that dealing with insurance can be complicated; therefore, Choice Health Centre would gladly assist you in contacting your insurance carrier and assessing your coverage depending on your specific policy.
In most cases, insurance will cover a considerable portion, if not all, of your treatment costs.
For more information, please see our insurance page, and don't hesitate to contact our Bedford, Dartmouth, Fall River & Halifax, Nova Scotia physiotherapy clinic with your questions. We provide a range of payment options for your convenience.
Can I go to any physiotherapy clinic?
Thanks to Direct Access laws, you can! The APTA’s website states, “Direct access means the removal of the physician referral mandated by state law to access physiotherapist services for evaluation and treatment. Every state, the District of Columbia, and the US Virgin Islands allow for evaluation and some form of treatment without a physician referral.” This means you can choose what clinic you want to receive treatment from without waiting for your primary care doctor to refer you to them. No referral or prescription is necessary!