Frequently Asked Questions
We have compiled a list of freqeuntly asked questions below. If you do not see an answer on this page for a question that you may have, please feel free to contact us and we will be glad to further assist you!
Sports Medicine and Physiotherapy Appointments
It is strongly recommended that you make an appointment for Physiotherapy. Although we do accept walk-ins, it is not always possible that you will be seen immediately. Our goal is to accommodate people as soon as we can. We are open extended hours to serve you better, come in before work, at lunch or in the evening.
When you contact us to make your appointment have a time and date in mind that is convenient and we will do our best to accommodate you. You will be provided with valuable information, the date, time, location, directions and what you will be required to bring with you.
For sports medicine appointments with Dr. Anderson, referrals must bet sent to our reception staff prior to appointments being made. Referrals can come from your family physician or other primary health practitioner. Otherwise our physiotherapy team can provide a referral on your behalf during any physiotherapy treatment session.
In Alberta, patients have direct access to physiotherapy services. This means you will not have to see a physician first before seeing a physiotherapist. Many of our patients are referrals from physicians and specialists, but this is not essential.
As physiotherapists we work closely with your doctor and will refer you for medical assessment if your condition falls out of our scope of practice or is not responding to treatments in a reasonable time frame.
Please be advised that unattended appointments and late cancellations within 24 hours of a scheduled time will incur a full treatment fee. We can schedule email and SMS reminders of every appointment if you wish.
Tower accepts payment by Interac debit, Visa, Mastercard, cash, and cheque
Sports Medicine and Physiotherapy Treatment
What can I expect from physiotherapy? All of our physiotherapists are University qualified, and are Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA) members. You're guaranteed to receive their best in providing you with a personalized treatment experience.
Your treatment may vary depending upon your age, sex, sport, work requirements or lifestyle. Accurate assessment is the cornerstone of effective treatment and will therefore be very thorough. The initial consultation consists of a review of the events leading up to the injury as well as any relevant past medical history, followed by a physical exam.
A comprehensive examination includes the assessment of posture, joint mechanics, range of motion, strength, muscle integrity, and flexibility. Following the evaluation we will be able to determine and inform you:
- What exactly is the problem
- Why you are experiencing pain or dysfunction
- What can be done to correct it
- How long it will take to recover
- How to prevent a future recurrence
Patient education is vital to us, you will be instructed on specific exercises and strategies for you to undertake to assist in your rapid recovery.
Specialty services such as ultrasound, laser or acupuncture may be utilized to assist pain relief and facilitate your healing, if appropriate.
All of our therapists are extremely skilled in manual techniques such as joint manipulation and mobilization, combined with soft tissue massage techniques . These are commonly used to assist with your recovery.
The end result is prompt pain reduction, quicker natural healing and your successful return to full activity, whether it be work or sport, as soon as possible..
It is often more effective to attend physiotherapy two to three times per week initially. Generally, 2/3rds of our patients recover within four to six weeks of beginning therapy. Our goal is to be as efficient as possible while providing you with the best physiotherapy experience possible.
Some chronic conditions or more severe injuries can take longer, while other conditions can resolve almost immediately once the underlying cause is determined. The expected duration of your physiotherapy program will be discussed on your initial visit.
Sports Medicine and Physiotherapy Coverage
We do not have a contract to with Alberta Health Services for Physiotherapy, therefore payment is required for these services as well as massage therapy and pilates.
Can I use my extended health benefits?
Most extended health benefit plans cover Physiotherapy and Massage Therapy.
Generally you are required to pay for treatments at each visit, we will then provide you with an official receipt. You can submit this to your insurance provider and then be reimbursed the amount outlined in your plan.
Every extended health benefit plan is different and we cannot guarantee your eligibility. Therefore, you will need to contact your insurance company or human resources department to find out the type and details of coverage you have for physiotherapy.
We DO NOT direct bill insurance companies, except if you had a car accident and are being treated under the Motor Vehicle Accident protocols.
Most extended health benefit plans cover Physiotherapy and Massage Therapy. Generally you are required to pay for treatments at each visit, we will then provide you with an official receipt. You can submit this to your insurance provider and then be reimbursed the amount outlined in your plan.
Every extended health benefit plan is different and we cannot guarantee your eligibility. Therefore, you will need to contact your insurance company or human resources department to find out the type and details of coverage you have for physiotherapy.
We DO NOT direct bill insurance companies, except if you had a car accident and are being treated under the Motor Vehicle Accident protocols.
If you have been injured in an automobile accident in Alberta, you are entitled to accident benefits coverage regardless of whether you were at fault for the accident. The benefits you receive depend on the type of injury you have. This will be determined and discussed with you during your initial assessment visit.
We will assist you in confirming your coverage and will contact your insurer to facilitate direct billing when possible. Insurance companies often authorize direct billing so you are not required to make payments "up front". In some instances, however, your insurers may require you to pay and submit your receipts for reimbursement. Our expert administration staff will assist you in this regard and ensure your concerns are looked after.
We require the name of your insurer, a phone and fax # and your claim/policy#. See the Alberta Government's automobile insurance web site for more information.
We are not a WCB Provider. We will try and assist you in locating an accredited Physical Therapy Provider that can complete assessments, treatments and "Return to Work" plans according to WCB protocols. See the Workers' Compensation Board web site for more information.