Physiotherapists (PT) are health professionals who evaluate physical problems and injuries, then provide education and treatment to promote health, healing and better function.
Tips & Links
Physiotherapists have advanced education and training to treat people with physical changes/problems, pain, and injuries. They practice in hospital and clinical settings.
Learn About
- Physiotherapists are regulated by the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC.
- After surgery, a hospital admission, or an injury, a physiotherapist can provide hands-on treatment and exercises to help return normal movement to joints and muscles.
- Learn about why you might benefit having physiotherapy at Healthlink BC..
- Learn more about what physiotherapists can do for you and how to find a physiotherapist at the Physiotherapy Association of BC.
- Know that it might be a physiotherapist (PT) or an occupational therapist (OT) who comes to your home to complete a home safety assessment to find ways to help with your mobility, walking, or safety in your home.
- Know that registered physiotherapists can work privately in their homes or in an office/clinic setting.
Things You Can Do
- Inquire to see if your treatments are covered by your health benefits. Check before you go and know that if it is ‘fee for service’ you are required to pay at the completion of your treatment. After retirement, revisit your health benefits to see if you covered by your employment pension or if you need to purchase your own benefits.
- Learn about supplementary benefits and if you are eligible (low income, mental health, First Nations) to help cover the cost of these therapies.
- If you are living with chronic pain, you can learn about causes and treatments from Healthlink BC.
- Keep a record of your pain levels on your health calendar. Include when it started, description, level, and location of the pain, time of day, any connection to food or activities, and impact on your sleep.
- Know about your patient rights including informed consent, privacy and confidentiality, and the right to refuse or accept care.
- Develop your self-advocacy skills to ensure your questions are answered and your needs and decisions are heard.
- Be aware of your personal boundaries and know how to express them, especially when privacy and personal contact are involved in your treatment.
Add your Physiotherapist to your My Health Care & Business Professionals PDF tool found in My People. Include their contact information and any questions you have for them. Save to digital and print files.