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/// CONSENT ///

  • “Informed consent” means we explain the benefits, risks, and alternatives of physiotherapy so you have the knowledge to make the best decision for yourself.
  • Our physiotherapists offer a huge variety of services. At your first visit, we will tell you what the assessment will involve and what the treatment plan might look like.
  • You can choose to refuse or withdraw consent during your care with us. There are absolutely no consequences, and it will not affect your right to future care or treatment.

 

/// FOR IN-PERSON APPOINTMENTS ///

Where appropriate, in-person physiotherapy treatments may include:

  • active exercise – strengthening, mobility, stretching, cardiovascular training, etc
  • education – rehab plan development, understanding your pain, daily activity or sport/training modifications, sport/job demand modifications, symptom monitoring (e.g. signs of swelling, redness) etc
  • manual therapy – joint mobilization or manipulation, soft tissue release/massage, assisted stretching, etc
  • modalities – dry needling/intramuscular stimulation (IMS), acupuncture, therapeutic taping (e.g. K-Tape) ultrasound, interferential current (IFC), electrical muscle stimulation, etc

 

/// FOR TELEREHAB/E-PHYSIO APPOINTMENTS ///

Where appropriate, virtual physiotherapy treatments may include:

  • active exercise – e.g. strengthening, mobility, stretching, etc
  • education – e.g. understanding pain, rehab plan development, daily activity or sport/training modifications, sport/job demand modifications, symptom monitoring (e.g. signs of swelling, redness) etc
  • self-mobilization techniques – i.e. demonstrating self-treatment techniques using foam rollers, towels, balls, stretching belts, etc

Different communication methods are available which will include one of the following:

  • Jane via Zoom (main method)
    • All online appointments are PIPA (Personal Information Protection Act) compliant – this is the Canadian equivalent of the American HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) in which all private sector corporations have to comply with
  • Doxy (backup option 1)
    • All online appointments are also HIPAA/PIPA compliant
    • Click here to learn more about Doxy’s PIPA compliance
  • Phone (backup option 2)
    • If the above methods are not working due to technical difficulties, if an internet connection is not available, or if you decide that you’re not comfortable using video calls, we can conduct your TeleRehab/Virtual appointment(s) via telephone.

NONE OF OUR VIRTUAL PHYSIOTHERAPY APPOINTMENTS ARE RECORDED OR STORED. If you would like us to record your appointment(s), please inform our admin team or your physiotherapist prior to your appointment.

 

/// BENEFITS ///

  • Benefits to treatment may include:
    • An improvement in your symptoms and an increase in your ability to perform daily activities
    • Increased range of motion, strength, endurance, body awareness, balance, flexibility, as well as decreased pain/discomfort
    • A greater knowledge about managing and improving your symptoms
  • With regards to TeleRehab/Virtual appointments some other benefits may include improved convenience, greater access to care, and increased engagement/compliance in your plan of care

 

/// RISKS ///

There are few (minor) potential risks associated with physiotherapy, such as…

  • Joint and/or muscle soreness from exercise or manual therapy
  • Minor skin irritation such as redness or rash from electromodalities (ultrasound, interferential current (IFC), electrical muscle stimulation) or therapeutic taping
  • Minor soreness, light bleeding/bruising, nausea, or fainting from dry needling/intramuscular stimulation (IMS) or acupuncture

If any of the above does not subside within a few days, please contact your physiotherapist.

For TeleRehab/Virtual appointments

  • Certain conditions do require a physical assessment which may lead to an incorrect/incomplete diagnosis
  • Electronically transmitted information may not be sufficient in rare cases (e.g. poor video quality) to allow for appropriate medical decision making by your physiotherapist
  • Delays in evaluation and treatment could occur due to deficiencies or failures of electronic devices
  • In very rare instances, security protocols could fail, causing a breach of privacy of your personal health information

 

/// ALTERNATIVES ///

  • If there are risks that you are not comfortable with, you can choose other treatment options – we are happy to discuss these with you.
  • If you do not want to participate in the physiotherapy treatment plan, talk to your family doctor or primary care provider about other medical, surgical, or drug alternatives.

 

/// ACTIVE PARTICIPATION ///

  • To succeed in your recovery, putting in your best effort is key.
  • You are expected to do the exercises your physiotherapist assigns to you, as well as follow any other recommendations.
  • You are also expected to attend your appointments as scheduled.
  • If you are having trouble with any part of your treatment program, please talk to your physiotherapist. A big part of their job is to ensure the services they provide are right for you and to change things up if not.

 

/// COLLECTION & DISCLOSURE OF PERSONAL INFORMATION ///

  • We need your permission to let our clinic team and your physiotherapist collect your personal contact and health information. We may also need to talk to your family doctor and/or referring doctor. This is all to make sure you get the best possible care.
  • We keep your personal contact and health information private. We do not share it with anyone unless you give us verbal or written permission, or if we are required to by ICBC, WSBC, MSP, private insurers, or law firms.
  • We follow federal and provincial privacy laws and regulations from the College of Physical Therapists of British Columbia (CPTBC) when we use, share, keep, or discard your information. You can ask us for your information at any time.
  • If you have any questions about how we collect, share, keep, or protect your information, or the steps we are taking in the unlikely event of a security breach, please talk to our Privacy Officer, Evan Thomas. He will answer your questions and help you quickly.
  • If you are unhappy with how we handle your concerns, you can talk to the CPTBC’s Privacy Officer. If you are still not satisfied, you can talk to the Information and Privacy Commissioner for British Columbia as they have the final say.