Frequently Asked Questions
How will you treat during COVID-19?
At Holm Therapy we will do our part to ensure a safe environment and will follow the recommendations laid out by the Physiotherapy Association of Yukon and our Chief Medical Officer including but not limited to:
- COVID-19 screening assessment for each client.
- Mask to be worn by your physiotherapist and we are asking clients to do the same. If you do not have a mask one will be provided for you.
- Spacing out client visits by 15 minutes to ensure no crossover between clients.
- Increased sanitization of surfaces and equipment between clients and on a regular basis.
- Effective hand hygiene for clients and your physiotherapist. Hand sanitizer readily available for all clients at the beginning and end of appointment.
- No contact with anyone except your physiotherapist who will regularly self-monitor symptoms.
What is physiotherapy?
Simply put, physiotherapy helps people move and feel better.
Your physiotherapist will conduct a detailed assessment and provide you with a physiotherapy diagnosis and treatment plan. Typically, sessions include some form of manual therapy, exercise and education to help you better understand your diagnosis, and how to best promote your own recovery.
Is physiotherapy right for me?
If you have physical discomfort, physiotherapists can generally help. If we can’t, we will refer you to a medical professional who can.
What is Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS)?
IMS is an evidence based dry needling technique that is effective in treating chronic pain of neuropathic origin.
Sometimes pain can persist despite the original injury having healed. Muscle shortening can be the cause of this pain and by inserting a dry needle into a tight muscle the tension can be released.
If you are interested in IMS your physiotherapist will discuss the risks and benefits of this treatment prior to seeking your consent. Read more.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a type of traditional Chinese medicine which involves inserting needles into acupuncture points in the body.
By inserting needles into these specific points in different combinations traditional Chinese medicine explains that it brings our bodies life forces known as Qi back into balance. It is believed that injury or illness occurs when your Qi becomes blocked.
Acupuncture can be used to treat a wide array of injuries or illnesses including, but not limited to, pain, arthritis, headaches and concussions.
If you are interested in acupuncture your physiotherapist will discuss the risks and benefits of this treatment prior to seeking your consent. Read more.
Do you offer direct billing?
Yes! We provide direct billing to multiple insurance companies. As insurance companies’ medical coverage differs based on policy, you are ultimately responsible for any remaining balance not covered. Here are the companies we currently bill directly to:
- Sun Life Financial
- Canada Life (Great-West Life)
- Manulife Financial
- Blue Cross
- Johnston Group Inc.
- Johnson Inc.
- CINUP
- Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance
- Cowan
- Desjardins Insurance
- First Canadian
- GroupHEALTH
- GroupSource
- Industrial Alliance
- Manion
- Maximum Benefit
- Canadian Armed Forces (CAF)
- Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
- Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC)
- RWAM Insurance
- Green Shield Canada
- SSQ Insurance
- Sirius Insurance
How many sessions will I need?
This depends on the issue being treated. Your physiotherapist will be able to give you an estimated timeline after your initial assessment. Our goal is to help our clients achieve their physical goals in as few sessions as possible.
Where do you offer mobile physiotherapy?
We are currently offering mobile physiotherapy to the city of Whitehorse. If you’re outside the border, please email or call us prior to booking. We may request that your appointment be adjusted to better suit driving distances.
Do I need a doctor’s referral?
No, physiotherapists are primary health care practitioners and you do not need a referral.
Is physiotherapy covered by my extended benefits? What about Telehealth?
Most extended health plans cover physiotherapy. Should you have questions about whether or not physiotherapy is covered by your benefits, please contact your insurance provider prior to receiving a treatment. Telehealth is also covered by most extended health providers including, but not limited to: Canada Life, Manulife, Sun Life, Chamber of Commerce and Medavie Blue Cross.
Are all injuries treatable through Telehealth?
The body naturally heals itself in many cases.
With proper education and guidance many injuries can heal properly with no long-term effects. This is where Telehealth comes in.
We will provide modifications to your daily activities, provide education around healing timelines, activities to avoid and general outlook. We will also provide a customized exercise program that will be closely monitored and progressed along accordingly.
Some injuries however require hands on treatment or further medical investigation which we will refer on as needed.
How can I be assessed or treated without being seen in person?
A subjective assessment is completed prior to any physiotherapy session whether you are in person or using Telehealth. This will allow the physiotherapist to have a good understanding of what is going on with you without even touching you.
Afterwards your physio may ask you to complete a variety of movements that will paint a better picture of what is causing you pain.
Will Telehealth actually work?
There is growing amounts of studies and literature that supports Telehealth.
Bennell, K et al., 2019 concluded that “A web-based exercise programming system improved home exercise adherence and confidence in ability to undertake exercise, although the clinical relevance of the results needs to be established." For more information.
Cottrell, MA et al., 2017 concluded that “Real-time telerehabilitation appears to be effective and comparable to conventional methods of healthcare delivery for the improvement of physical function and pain in a variety of musculoskeletal conditions." For more information.
Nelson, M. et al., 2017 concluded “Previous research investigating telerehabilitation in postoperative orthopedic conditions has yielded promising results. If shown to be as effective as in-person care, telerehabilitation after THR could be helpful in addressing access issues in this population. Furthermore, it may help reduce the cost of health care provision by enabling patients to take a more independent approach to their rehabilitation." For more information.
What is your cancellation policy?
We require 24 hours or more notice to cancel or reschedule your appointment. A $50 fee will be charged for late cancellations. Clients who no show to their appointments will be charged the full amount. A $25 fee will be charged for NSF cheques.