Physiotherapist In calgary
You know that moment when you can’t even lift your coffee cup without wincing? Or when three weeks of neck pain from hunching over your computer makes you feel like you’re falling apart? We see it all the time – people who think pain is just part of getting older, or that they’ll never get back to rock climbing at Kananaskis or playing weekend hockey.
Here’s what we know after years of helping Calgarians: good physiotherapy doesn’t just fix the problem, it gets you back to living your life. That transformation from barely moving to doing what you love again? That’s what we’re here for.
If you’re dealing with pain, injury, or just don’t feel like your body is working the way it should, you’re not alone. Whether you pulled something playing rec league hockey at one of Calgary’s community rinks or your back is screaming from sitting at a desk all day, we get it. Pain has a way of taking over everything – your sleep, your mood, even simple things like picking up groceries become a hassle.
Why Choose Pro Motion Calgary for Physiotherapy?
Here’s the deal – physiotherapy isn’t magic, but it’s pretty close when done right. Our team at Pro Motion Calgary has been helping south and southeast Calgary residents move better and feel stronger since 2022. We’re not just about getting you out of pain (though we’re good at that too). We want to make sure whatever brought you here doesn’t come back.
You know how some physio clinics feel like factories? Everyone gets the same exercises, same treatment, in and out in 15 minutes? Yeah, that’s not us. We actually listen to what’s going on with your body and your life. Maybe you need to get back to weekend soccer games in Fish Creek Park, or you just want to play with your kids without wincing. We build your treatment around what matters to you.
Located right next to Southcentre Mall and across from the Anderson LRT station on Macleod Trail, we serve people from all over Calgary – especially those in the south communities like Shawnessy, Lake Bonavista, Kingsland, and Evergreen. We’ve seen office workers from the downtown core with terrible posture, weekend warriors who overdid it on the Bow River pathway, and everything in between. The common thread? Everyone just wants to feel like themselves again.
What We Treat
The list of things that can go wrong with the human body is pretty long, but here are the big ones we see every day:
Back Pain – Whether it’s from lifting wrong, sitting too much, or just waking up and it’s there, back pain is the worst. We help figure out what’s actually causing it and get you moving properly again.
Neck and Shoulder Issues – Desk jobs are brutal on necks. Add in looking down at phones all day, and it’s no wonder everyone’s walking around with tight shoulders and headaches.
Sports Injuries – Twisted ankles from trail running, pulled hamstrings from rec league softball, shoulder problems from swimming laps at the Y. We know sports, and we know how to get athletes back in the game.
Post-Surgery Recovery – Had a knee replacement or shoulder surgery? The surgery is just the beginning. Good physio makes the difference between getting back to normal and struggling for months.
Work-Related Injuries – Construction, office work, healthcare – every job has its physical challenges. We help you recover and teach you how to protect yourself going forward.
Pro Motion Calgary’s Specialized Services
Pelvic Floor Therapy
This one doesn’t get talked about enough, but pelvic floor problems are way more common than people think. After having kids, during menopause, or even just from chronic stress, your pelvic floor muscles can get weak or tight. This leads to things like bladder leaks, pelvic pain, or problems with intimacy.
We’ve seen how embarrassing these issues can be – people stop going to social events because they’re worried about leaking when they laugh or sneeze. Many think it’s just something they have to live with after having kids. But here’s the thing – it’s treatable. After working with our pelvic floor physiotherapist in Calgary Merle Morton (one of the original developers of women’s health physiotherapy in Calgary), people get back to living without worry. Merle has been helping women and men with pelvic health issues for years, developing training programs that educate doctors and medical professionals about this important area of health.
Concussion Management
Concussions are tricky. You might feel fine one day and terrible the next. Maybe you got your bell rung playing rec league hockey, hit your head in a car accident, or even just took a tumble on the ice walking to work downtown. The symptoms – headaches, dizziness, trouble concentrating – can stick around way longer than anyone expects.
We work with a lot of people dealing with post-concussion syndrome. Picture this – you’re six months out from a concussion, still can’t handle bright lights or loud noises, and your job becomes impossible. Through specific exercises and gradual exposure therapy, we help your brain heal properly. We’ve seen accountants get back to crunching numbers, hockey players return to the ice (with better helmets), and office workers handle fluorescent lights again.
Clinical Pilates
Regular pilates is great, but clinical pilates is different. It’s pilates with a purpose – designed specifically to address movement problems and prevent injury. We use it a lot for people with chronic back pain, post-surgery recovery, or anyone who needs to rebuild their core strength from scratch.
Think of it as physical therapy meets pilates. The exercises look simple, but they’re targeting exactly what your body needs to move better. You know those people who’ve been dealing with lower back pain for years? Traditional physio helps, but the pain keeps coming back. Once we add clinical pilates to the routine, teaching the core to actually support the spine properly, that’s when people finally get lasting relief.
Shockwave Therapy
This treatment uses sound waves to stimulate your body’s healing process. It can be effective for conditions like plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, or chronic tendon problems.
We see a lot of runners from the Calgary running community with plantar fasciitis. That heel pain that makes your first steps in the morning feel like walking on glass? Shockwave therapy can often help when other treatments haven’t worked. The treatment itself feels like someone flicking an elastic band against your skin – not comfortable, but totally bearable. Most people start feeling better after just a few sessions.
WCB Physiotherapy
Got hurt at work? Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) claims can be confusing, but we handle all the paperwork so you can focus on getting better. We work with people from all kinds of jobs – construction workers with back injuries, nurses with shoulder problems, office workers with repetitive strain injuries.
The key with WCB cases is starting treatment early and staying consistent. We’ve helped many people get back to work safely and prevent re-injury. Plus, we know how to document everything properly so your claim goes smoothly.
What Makes Pro Motion Calgary Different
You’ve probably been to physio before where they stick some electrodes on you, give you a sheet of exercises, and send you on your way. That’s not what happens here. We actually put our hands on you and figure out what’s not moving right. Sometimes it’s not what you think – that knee pain might actually be coming from your hip, or those headaches could be from tight muscles in your neck.
We also don’t just treat the injury. We look at why it happened in the first place. Maybe your running form needs work, or your workstation setup is causing problems. We teach you how to move better so you don’t end up back here in six months with the same issue.
Our multidisciplinary approach means you can see a physiotherapist, chiropractor, massage therapist, naturopath, osteopath, acupuncturist, or counsellor all under one roof. This team approach means we can tackle your problem from every angle while keeping your physiotherapy treatment as the main focus.
Our Team Knows South Calgary
Living in south Calgary means dealing with specific challenges. Icy sidewalks in winter that make everyone walk funny. Long commutes down Macleod Trail that leave people stiff and sore. Weekend adventures in the mountains that sometimes go wrong. We get it because we live here too.
We’ve treated everyone from oil and gas workers dealing with the physical demands of their jobs to parents chasing kids around at Southcentre Mall. Our physiotherapist Curtis Morton, who brought Pro Motion to Calgary from the Okanagan, understands what Calgarians do for work and play. He’s a former UBC Okanagan football player who loves flyfishing on mountaintop lakes, is an active runner, dog owner, ball hockey player, father to 2 boys, and knows exactly what it takes to keep active in this city.
Whether you’re coming from the Anderson LRT station or driving from communities like Acadia, Haysboro, or Willow Park, our location in the Southcentre Executive Tower makes us easy to reach from anywhere in south Calgary.
Real Results, Real People
The best part of this job is seeing people get their lives back. You know – the person who couldn’t sleep through the night because of shoulder pain from an old recreational hockey injury, now sleeping great and back to playing oldtimers hockey. Or the teacher dealing with chronic headaches that were affecting her work, who discovered her neck muscles were a mess from stress and poor posture. Once those get sorted out, the headaches disappear.
These aren’t miracle cures – they’re the result of good assessment, proper treatment, and people who are willing to do the work to get better. We provide the expertise and guidance, but you have to show up and put in the effort.
What to Bring to Your First Appointment
Getting ready for your first physio appointment? Here’s what you need to know to make the most of your visit.
What Should I Wear?
What to Bring Along
Along with yourself, please bring:
- A completed intake form – We’ll send this to you before your appointment, or you can fill it out when you arrive
- List of current medications – Everything you’re taking, including supplements and over-the-counter stuff
- Surgical reports – If you’ve had any surgery related to your injury
- Diagnostic results – X-rays, MRI results, ultrasound reports – anything that shows what’s going on inside
- Insurance information – We direct bill most insurance companies, so bring your card and policy details
- If your visit is due to an accident – Please bring your claim/policy number, claim adjustor’s contact information, and the exact date of injury/accident
- Any other important details – Anything else you think we should know about your condition, your goals, or what makes it better or worse
Don’t stress if you forget something – we can always get it later. The most important thing is that you show up ready to get better.
What Happens During Your First Visit?
Next comes the physical assessment, and this is where we get hands-on. We’ll check how well your joints move, test your muscle strength, and see if there’s any nerve tension causing problems. We’ll also watch how you move during everyday activities and do some specific tests to narrow down exactly what’s happening. Think of it like being a detective, but for your body.
Once we’ve got all the pieces, your physiotherapist will explain what they found and work with you to create a treatment plan. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all thing – we’ll talk about your goals, whether that’s getting back to hockey or just being able to pick up your kids without pain. We’ll also let you know how often you should come in and what to expect as you get better.
Getting Started at Pro Motion Calgary
If you’re tired of dealing with pain or just not feeling like your body is working right, give us a call at (403) 452-5450 or book online. We do thorough assessments to figure out exactly what’s going on and create a plan that makes sense for your life and goals.
Most people start feeling better pretty quickly, but real lasting change takes time. We’ll be honest about what to expect and work with you every step of the way. Results vary depending on your individual condition and commitment to treatment.
Pro Motion Calgary
403 – 11012 Macleod Trail SE
Calgary, AB T2J 6A5
Phone: (403) 452-5450
Email: info@promotioncalgary.com
Clinic Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 7:30AM – 8:00PM
Friday: 7:30AM – 6:00PM
Saturday: 9:00AM – 3:15PM
We’re open Monday through Saturday with extended hours to fit your schedule. If you have an evening appointment after 6pm, just use the intercom at the east entrance (near the Shell gas station) and dial 1100 to reach us.
Don’t let pain or injury keep you from doing what you love. Whether that’s playing with your kids, hitting the slopes at Sunshine Village, or just being able to sit at your desk without discomfort, we can help you work toward those goals. Ready to start your recovery journey? Let’s get started.
Physiotherapist Services
Clinical Pilates
Clinical Pilates offers a full, individualized assessment of the whole body, performed by a physiotherapist who understands how injuries and compensations affect movement.
Concussion Management
Our team is part of a network of clinics around the world offering evidence-based concussion care. From initial pre-season multimodal baseline testing to concussion treatment and rehabilitation
Pelvic Floor Therapy
Pelvic health physiotherapy, also known as pelvic floor physiotherapy or women’s health physiotherapy, is a specialized branch of physical therapy that focuses on the assessment and treatment of conditions related to the pelvic region.
Shockwave Therapy
WCB Physiotherapy
WCB Alberta is a government-established and employer-funded organization that administers the province’s workers’ compensation system. The primary mission is to provide no-fault insurance
Our Team
Curtis Bouliane
Curtis emphasizes the importance of movement as medicine at all stages of injury recovery or maintenance of a healthy lifestyle. He is steadfast in his mission to identify the key factors in any patient’s condition and devise a plan on how to tackle each of these issues. Exercise that the patient actually enjoys doing, whether it be structured or informal, is always a staple in his treatment approach. Curtis has worked with a wide variety of patient age groups and presentations in his spectrum of experience that has spanned from the U.K. to Canada, in both the public sector and private clinics
Lydia Carter
Lydia’s mantra, “motion is lotion,” underscores her approach to care, emphasizing the transformative power of movement in rehabilitation. With a deep-rooted belief in the biopsychosocial model, Lydia takes the time to understand each client’s unique story. So, whether your goal is rehabbing an injury or improving athletic performance, she will craft a personalized plan that aligns with your goals and lifestyle. Her comprehensive treatments encompass education, exercise, dry needling, shockwave therapy, soft tissue techniques, and joint mobilizations, ensuring holistic care for every individual. In addition to her general expertise, Lydia is a certified pelvic floor Physiotherapist, specializing in assisting both men and women dealing with pelvic pain or incontinence.
Merle Morton
Merle Morton is a caring, experienced, and innovative physiotherapist. The mission of her practice is to help people live healthier and fuller lives without pain and mobility issues. Merle believes in and understands the interconnectedness of the body. She looks at and treats the whole person. Merle has successfully treated thousands of people over the years with her leading-edge techniques and approaches to healing. Today, many people come to her after tests have not identified the issue or other practitioners have not been able to help. She has been able to give people hope that things can and will improve when no one else has been able to.
Lois Candal
With a background in disability support work, Lois has a unique perspective on how health affects an individual’s overall quality of life. She is committed to delivering a holistic and multifaceted approach tailored to each person’s needs, goals and environment. Lois has a strong passion for teaching people how to move their bodies with strength & ease. As a certified Matwork and Reformer Pilates trainer, she empowers clients to train with quality movement patterns, core stability with full body integration. In addition, as a Mum & Baby Barre instructor, Lois supports new mothers on their postpartum fitness journey, focusing on strength, recovery, and rebuilding that connection with their bodies. Driven by a passion to help others lead healthier, more active lives, Lois combines her expertise, experience, and love for movement to make a meaningful difference in her clients’ well-being.
Douglas Gurney
Doug has worked closely with specialists in rheumatology, orthopaedics, and neurosurgery, assisting both children and adults in their recovery. He has also supported athletes from various disciplines—whether climbing, running, dancing, or wrestling—helping them get back to doing what they love. He enjoys treating all areas of the body and uses a holistic approach, blending strength and conditioning, exercise, dry needling (IMS), manual therapy, myofascial release, relaxation techniques, and mindfulness into his treatments. His approach is collaborative, working with clients to address musculoskeletal issues, with particular interest in muscular balance, control training, and how lifestyle factors like sleep, stress, and work contribute to chronic pain.
Doug believes physiotherapy is not just about treatment, but also about educating patients on the root causes of their pain. As he often says, “At the end of the day, we all want peace of mind and a sense of control over our injuries and pain. It all starts by understanding what’s really going on.”
Physiotherapy Frequently Asked Questions:
Is a Physiotherapist a Doctor?
No, a physiotherapist is not a medical doctor, but they are highly trained healthcare professionals who hold a university degree in physiotherapy—often a Master’s or Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) in some countries.
🇨🇦 In Canada:
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Physiotherapists must complete a Master’s degree in Physiotherapy and pass a national licensing exam.
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They are not considered physicians (MDs) and do not attend medical school.
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However, they are regulated health professionals with the ability to assess, diagnose, and treat many musculoskeletal and neurological conditions independently.
🩺 What Physiotherapists Can Do:
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Diagnose physical impairments (e.g., sports injuries, post-surgery recovery)
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Create custom rehabilitation programs
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Use hands-on manual therapy, exercise, and modalities like TENS or ultrasound
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Help manage chronic pain, arthritis, back issues, and more
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Work alongside doctors, surgeons, and other professionals
Summary:
Physiotherapists are not doctors, but they are essential members of your healthcare team, specializing in movement, recovery, and function. They offer expert care for injury prevention, rehabilitation, and physical performance.
What are the differences between Physiotherapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Therapy?
Great question! While physiotherapy, physical therapy, and athletic therapy all focus on improving movement, reducing pain, and supporting injury recovery, they differ in scope, training, and clinical focus—especially in Canada.
🔹 Physiotherapy vs. Physical Therapy
In Canada, physiotherapy and physical therapy mean the same thing. The terms are used interchangeably.
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Physiotherapist (PT) = Physical Therapist (PT)
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Both are licensed, regulated professionals with a Master’s or Doctorate degree in Physiotherapy, and a relevant Bachelor’s degree prior to that. Some Physiotherapists who graduated prior to 2010 in Canada, or who trained abroad, hold only a Bachelor’s of Physiotherapy.
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They assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of injuries, chronic conditions, and movement disorders
Athletic Therapy (AT) – How It’s Different from Physiotherapy
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Education:
Athletic Therapists typically have a Bachelor’s degree plus a specialized diploma in Athletic Therapy. -
Regulation:
Physiotherapy is a regulated health profession across Canada. Athletic Therapy is certified but not provincially regulated (except in Quebec). -
Scope of Practice:
Physiotherapists treat a wide range of conditions, including neurological, orthopedic, post-surgical, and chronic pain issues. Athletic Therapists focus on acute musculoskeletal injuries and sports rehab. Physiotherapists also treat these conditions. -
Patient Population:
Physiotherapists work with people of all ages and conditions. Athletic Therapists mainly treat athletes and active individuals. -
Treatment Approach:
Physiotherapy involves manual therapy, exercise, modalities, and education. Athletic Therapy includes on-field emergency care, sport-specific rehab, taping, and bracing. Sports-focused Physiotherapists also cover these areas. -
Work Settings:
Physiotherapists often work in clinics, hospitals, and rehab centers. Athletic Therapists are commonly found with sports teams, in clinics, gyms, or university settings.
Summary:
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In Canada, physiotherapy = physical therapy
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Athletic therapy focuses on acute musculoskeletal injuries, especially in active individuals and athletes
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The scope of Athletic Therapy falls under one of the focuses of Physiotherapy
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Both are valuable, but your choice depends on your goals, injury type, and lifestyle
What do pelvic floor Physiotherapists do?
Pelvic floor physiotherapists are specialized physiotherapists who focus on assessing and treating conditions related to the pelvic floor muscles—a group of muscles, ligaments, and tissues that support the bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs. These muscles play a crucial role in controlling urinary and bowel functions, as well as sexual health.
🌿 What Pelvic Floor Physiotherapists Do:
1. Assess and Diagnose Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
They evaluate the function of the pelvic floor muscles through manual assessments, physical exams, and patient history. They diagnose conditions like:
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Urinary incontinence (leakage)
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Pelvic organ prolapse
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Chronic pelvic pain
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Pain during sex
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Constipation or difficulty with bowel movements
2. Develop Personalized Treatment Plans
Pelvic floor physiotherapists create customized programs that may include:
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Pelvic floor exercises to strengthen or relax muscles
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Biofeedback to monitor muscle activity
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Manual therapy techniques for soft tissue release and muscle relaxation
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Breathing and relaxation techniques to improve muscle coordination
3. Postpartum and Prepartum Care
They provide specialized care for pregnant women or those who have recently given birth, addressing issues like pelvic pain, incontinence, and recovery from childbirth. They also prepare pregnant women for labor by teaching pelvic floor relaxation and breathing techniques.
4. Help with Post-Surgical Recovery
Pelvic floor physiotherapists play a key role in post-surgery recovery, especially after procedures like a hysterectomy or prostatectomy. They help improve muscle strength and function to enhance healing and prevent complications.
5. Provide Education and Lifestyle Guidance
They educate patients on lifestyle changes to prevent further pelvic floor dysfunction, such as proper lifting techniques, avoiding constipation, and maintaining a healthy weight. They also teach patients to manage bladder and bowel health.
6. Treatment for Men’s Health Issues
Pelvic floor physiotherapy isn’t just for women. It can also help men with conditions such as prostate surgery recovery, erectile dysfunction, and chronic pelvic pain.
🌿 Why See a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist?
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To prevent or treat pelvic health issues like incontinence, prolapse, or pain
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To improve sexual health and comfort
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To recover from childbirth or pelvic surgery
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To enhance overall pelvic health and function for men and women
What are common conditions treated by Physiotherapists?
Physiotherapists treat a wide range of conditions that affect movement, strength, flexibility, and function. Their goal is to reduce pain, improve mobility, and help patients recover from injury or manage chronic conditions—without relying on medication or surgery.
🔹 Common Conditions Treated by Physiotherapists
🦴 Musculoskeletal Issues (bones, joints, muscles)
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Back pain and sciatica
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Neck pain and whiplash
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Shoulder injuries (e.g., rotator cuff tears, frozen shoulder)
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Knee pain (e.g., ACL injuries, osteoarthritis)
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Hip pain and bursitis
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Tendonitis and muscle strains
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Sports injuries and overuse injuries
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Postural imbalances
💥 Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
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Joint replacements (hip, knee, shoulder)
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Spinal surgery recovery
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ACL or meniscus repair
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Fracture recovery and mobility restoration
🧠 Neurological Conditions
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Stroke rehabilitation
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Parkinson’s disease
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Multiple sclerosis (MS)
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Balance and coordination issues
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Nerve impingements or neuropathy
🚶 Chronic Pain Conditions
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Fibromyalgia
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Chronic fatigue syndrome
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TMJ dysfunction (jaw pain)
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Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
🚺 Pelvic Health
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Urinary incontinence
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Pelvic organ prolapse
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Prenatal and postpartum rehab
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Painful intercourse or pelvic pain
🫁 Cardiorespiratory Issues
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COPD and asthma management
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Post-COVID recovery
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Breathing retraining
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Pulmonary rehabilitation
🧒 Pediatric Conditions
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Developmental delays
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Torticollis and flat head syndrome
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Cerebral palsy
🧩 Physiotherapy also helps with:
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Ergonomics and workplace injury prevention
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Concussion management
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Fall prevention in seniors
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Athletic performance and injury prevention
What's the difference between tennis elbow and golfers elbow?
Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are both types of tendonitis that cause pain around the elbow, but they affect different tendons and sides of the arm.
🎾 Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
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Pain Location: Outer side of the elbow (lateral)
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Affected Tendons: Extensor tendons that help extend the wrist and fingers
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Cause: Repetitive gripping, lifting, or wrist extension—common in tennis players, desk workers, tradespeople
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Symptoms:
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Pain when shaking hands, lifting objects, or using a mouse
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Weak grip strength
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Tenderness on the outside of the elbow
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🏌️ Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
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Pain Location: Inner side of the elbow (medial)
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Affected Tendons: Flexor tendons that help flex the wrist and fingers
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Cause: Repetitive wrist flexion or forearm rotation—common in golfers, weightlifters, and manual laborers
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Symptoms:
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Pain when gripping, turning a doorknob, or picking up objects palm-up
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Stiffness or weakness in the wrist and forearm
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Tenderness on the inside of the elbow
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🔍 Key Differences at a Glance:
Both conditions can be effectively treated with physiotherapy, which may include:
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Rest and activity modification
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Manual therapy
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Stretching and strengthening exercises
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Bracing or kinesiologoy taping
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Shockwave or dry needling (if appropriate)
What are ACL Tear healing timelines?
🔹 Non-Surgical Treatment (Partial Tear or Low-Demand Patients)
This option is often suitable for minor tears, older adults, or individuals with lower physical demands.
Timeline:
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First 0–6 weeks: Focus is on reducing swelling, regaining range of motion, and starting gentle strengthening.
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Weeks 6–12: Progress to more strengthening exercises and balance training.
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3–6 months: Most people can return to normal daily activities.
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6–9+ months: Return to light sport or low-impact activities; full return depends on knee stability.
Keep in mind, non-surgical approaches may not provide enough knee stability for pivoting sports or high-intensity movement.
🔹 Surgical Treatment (ACL Reconstruction)
Surgery is typically recommended for complete ACL tears, especially in athletes or active individuals.
Recovery Timeline:
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First 2 weeks: Focus on pain and swelling control, restoring knee extension, and gentle range-of-motion exercises.
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Weeks 2–6: Begin partial to full weight-bearing, basic strengthening, and balance work.
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Weeks 6–12: Advance strengthening and begin light cardio such as stationary cycling.
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3–6 months: Introduce dynamic movements like light jogging, running drills, and plyometrics.
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6–9 months: Begin sport-specific rehab and agility training.
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9–12+ months: Potential return to sport—only after passing strength, function, and neuromuscular control tests, and with professional clearance.
🚨 Key Points to Remember:
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Every patient heals differently—some may take longer.
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Returning to sport too early increases the risk of re-tearing the ACL.
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A guided physiotherapy program is essential for recovery.
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Psychological readiness and confidence are just as important as physical benchmarks.
When to see a Physiotherapist after surgery?
You should typically see a physiotherapist within 3–7 days after surgery, unless your surgeon recommends otherwise. Early physiotherapy is crucial for optimal healing, regaining mobility, and preventing complications like stiffness or muscle wasting.
🔹 Why Early Physiotherapy Matters
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Reduce swelling and pain
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Restore joint range of motion
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Prevent scar tissue from limiting movement
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Begin gentle strengthening
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Learn how to move safely (e.g., stairs, walking, using aids)
🕒 When to Start – Surgery-Specific Guidelines
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Joint Replacements (hip, knee, shoulder): 2–5 days after surgery
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ACL or Meniscus Repair: 3–7 days post-op (or per surgeon’s protocol)
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Spinal Surgery: Usually within 1–2 weeks, depending on healing and pain
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Fractures with Surgery (e.g., plates/screws): Often start with mobility work in the first week
Always follow your surgeon’s post-op instructions and protocols.
🚨 See a Physiotherapist Sooner If You Notice:
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Swelling that isn’t going down
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Sharp or worsening pain
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Difficulty moving the joint or walking
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Muscle weakness or stiffness
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Trouble managing daily tasks
Even one session early on can help set you on the right path. A physiotherapist will tailor a rehab plan to your specific surgery, body, and goals.
Do I need a referral for physiotherapy?
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Booking privately through a clinic
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Paying out of pocket
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Using most extended health insurance plans
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Seeking treatment for injuries, chronic pain, or post-surgical rehab
📝 When a Referral Might Be Required
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Worker’s Compensation Board (WCB) or Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) claims may require documentation from a physician
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Some insurance plans may require a doctor’s referral for reimbursement—check your policy
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Post-surgical care may follow a specific surgeon’s protocol and benefit from referral coordination
Bonus: Seeing a physiotherapist early—without waiting for a referral—can:
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Help you recover faster
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Prevent further injury
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Reduce the need for medications or imaging