Physiotherapy, or physical therapy, uses the natural way our joints and muscles move in order to improve mobility and manage pain. It is often used to help relieve joint aches, restore movement after an injury or improve conditions affecting mobility. It is noninvasive, does not require drugs and has virtually no risks.
In short, yes, physiotherapy services are worth it. In many instances, physiotherapy can also be used to enhance the benefits of medications and improve recovery times after surgery. Therefore, even if physical therapy does not eliminate your pain or condition, it can help support improved quality of life.
Here we will look at the benefits of physiotherapy, its potential costs and how you can afford physical therapy with and without insurance.
Why is Physiotherapy Worth the Cost?
Physiotherapy has a high potential upside with a minimal potential for a downside. Here are some of the potential uses and benefits of physical therapy treatments.
Eliminate need for surgery: For certain injuries such as muscle strains or pain caused from repetitive movement, physiotherapy can help to improve range of movement while also reducing discomfort. While surgery is still needed for certain injury types, physiotherapy can help many patients avoid the need for invasive measures.
Aid post-surgery recovery: If you require surgery for your knees, back or other joints, that does not mean physical therapy is without benefit. Studies have shown that patients who are in better shape prior to surgery often make a faster recovery.
Building up strength and improving range of motion prior to surgery can give you achieve the best results overall. Similarly, physical therapy is often prescribed after surgery to enhance the benefits of surgery. This will depend on your individual injury or condition but physical therapy is often a part of successful surgery recovery.
Pain reduction: Aches and soreness in your back, neck or joints can have many common causes such as repetitive movement, small tears in the muscles and a lack of physical activity or improperly done physical activity.
With physiotherapy services, you can use precise movements and exercises to help stretch and strengthen these areas which can greatly relieve pain. With consistent, targeted therapy, many patients can even eliminate or reduce their need for pain medication.
Improved mobility at any age: Stiff, aching joints can rapidly impair your range of motion at any age. While age, weight gain and certain conditions can increase mobility issues, physical therapy often provides a way for patients to improve their range of motion and quality of life no matter their previous physical condition.
Reduced need for pain medication: Pain medication is an important tool that can help many patients improve their quality of life. However, its potential side effects make it desirable to seek alternative treatments when possible. Physiotherapy is often able to provide
long-lasting pain relief without medication.
Alternative treatment option: Since physiotherapy does not require surgery or medication, this can be an ideal alternative for patients who are not physically well enough for surgery or who cannot safely take pain medication. In particular, patients who have had prior addiction issues and those who may have compromised kidneys or liver, can benefit from this drug-free alternative.
Improvement of other conditions: While back and joint pain tend to be the most common issues treated with physical therapy, they are far from the only problems that can be improved with these practices. Many heart and lung conditions can be improved with physical therapy and activity.
Physiotherapy is often employed to help patients regain strength after a stroke or heart surgery, and to manage the effects of diabetes which affects the nerve endings.
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Is Physiotherapy Right for Me?
Patients can sometimes feel that their pain is beyond the scope of physical therapy. If you have lived with chronic pain for an extended period of time, it can seem that medication and surgery are the only answers. While it may be true that you will still need more aggressive or invasive treatments, physical therapy can help most situations.
More importantly, it is highly unlikely that physical therapy will have adverse effects. Unlike surgery which can have multiple complications, physiotherapy is noninvasive which means even if you have temporary discomfort from therapy, there is very low risk that the effect will be permanent.
Additionally, the benefits of physical therapy can also begin to be felt in the first session. Most patients first begin to feel some pain relief followed by improved range of movement as treatment progresses. In short, while physical therapy may not be the only treatment you need, it carries a low enough risk that it is worth trying.
Is Physiotherapy Covered by OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan)?
OHIP covers physiotherapy in limited circumstances. While not a universal coverage option for all physiotherapy needs, there are many patients who can qualify. In order to qualify for coverage from OHIP you must meet one or more of the following requirements.
- You are under 19 or over 65
- You are on ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program)
- You are on Ontario Works
- You are a refugees who is on ODSP or Ontario Works
- You have spent one or more nights in the hospital within the past year*
*If you do not meet any of the other requirements, your doctor may recommend a hospital stay to do all or part of your physical therapy. This will be at the discretion of your doctor and based on your needs.
What if You Do Not Meet OHIP Requirements?
Those who are not covered by OHIP may still be helped by private insurance through an employer, university or any other purchased supplemental plan. With private insurance, the amount covered will vary and you should consult with your insurance provider before beginning therapy to avoid billing complications later.
Affording Physiotherapy Without Insurance
For those without private insurance or who do not qualify for OHIP coverage, your primary doctor and/or physiotherapist may offer a discounted rate. Before deciding that physiotherapy is too expensive, talk with your provider first. Many doctors understand the benefits of physiotherapy and will work with you to ensure you can get the help you need at a price you can afford.
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Schedule Your Physiotherapy Consultation Today
Whether you already have a prescription for physical therapy or you are still in need of a diagnosis, BCML is here to help. Our physiotherapist services work to help you regain mobility and strength.
We offer flexible scheduling and cost effective solutions to ensure you receive the care you need. For physiotherapy appointments and referrals, contact us at 416-847-1100.