Frequently Asked Questions

Physiotherapists are credentialed, university educated health care professionals and they have an advanced understanding of anatomy and physiology, how the body moves, what keeps it from moving well and how to restore lost movement.

Physiotherapy will help anyone who experiences difficulty with pain, movement and weakness. It can also help anyone looking to build their endurance, mobility and strength. Physiotherapists are experts at managing and preventing physical problems caused by illness, disability and disease, sport and work related injuries, and aging.

Physiotherapists are skilled in the assessment and hands-on management of a broad range of conditions that affect the musculoskeletal, circulatory, respiratory and nervous systems. Here are some of the ways physiotherapy can help:

- Manage physical challenges associated with pain, arthritis, and repetitive strain injuries

- Rehabilitate sports injuries and provide advice on prevention and recurrence

- Treat neck and back pain and other joint injuries

Yes! We fully encourage it. At Vijay Sharma Physiotherapy, we believe in preventative health. The stronger and more flexible your body is, the less likely you are to get injured. 

We can help with improving your flexibility, strength, posture, sports performance, and help prepare you for your next race or tournament. Just as you would visit your dentist regularly, we stress the importance of maintaining good physical health and encourage everyone to get assessed by our downtown Ottawa Registered Physiotherapist on a regular basis. 

The initial downtown Ottawa physiotherapy assessment is in a private room. It is a full hour with a downtown Ottawa Registered Physiotherapist and it is mandatory before beginning any physiotherapy program.

During the initial downtown Ottawa physiotherapy assessment, we will assess you as a whole and not just your injury. Beginning with a detailed history, your downtown Ottawa Registered Physiotherapist will learn about you, your physical health, your body mechanics and your symptoms. We then use specific assessment techniques to observe and understand how your body moves and determine all possible causes of your symptoms. After this in depth examination, we will provide you with a diagnosis.

Next, you will be educated about your body and how it relates to your symptoms. We will provide advice on what you need to do and what to avoid. Finally, we will develop a treatment plan that is based on your individual goals.

Follow-up downtown Ottawa physiotherapy sessions are 30 minutes in duration with a Registered Physiotherapist. The sessions consist of a variety of therapeutic techniques that could include manual therapy, education, exercises, taping, therapeutic modalities (Ice/Heat/Ultrasound/IFC/Muscle Stimulation) and/or medical acupuncture. 

Your follow-up frequency and duration is determined at the end of your initial physiotherapy assessment. Keeping your goals and barriers to recovery in mind, we will work together to come up with a suitable treatment timeline. As a rule of thumb, frequency is high (2-3 times/week) during the first few weeks of the program. This is to ensure that your symptoms are controlled and that the exercises and homework are being followed. Frequency usually decreases as you become stronger, more mobile and are able to attain your goals.

 1 Hour Initial Physiotherapy assessment: $149

30 Minute Physiotherapy Follow-up session: $99

Re-Assessment Or Greater than 6 months since last visit: $149

*As a courtesy to our downtown Ottawa ​physiotherapists and patients we require 24 hours notice for cancellations. Late cancellations or missed appointments will be charged 100% of the session fee unless in cases of emergency, illness, or adverse weather conditions.

NOTE: This fee schedule is subject to change.

Yes! Our services are covered by insurance plans that offer physiotherapy benefits. All of our physiotherapy services are provided by a downtown Ottawa Registered Physiotherapist  who is licensed and follows practice guidelines set out by the College of Physiotherapist of Ontario.

You are expected to check with your insurance provider regarding the amount and frequency of coverage you are entitled to. The earlier you know this information, the better we can develop your individual treatment plan.

Unfortunately, we cannot bill through OHIP since the government delisted physiotherapy in 2005. Only certain clinics, called Designated Physiotherapy Centres, offer physiotherapy through OHIP. In addition, OHIP coverage at these clinics is only accessible to Ontario residents under the age of 19, over the age of 65 and receiving benefits through Ontario Disability or Ontario Works programs. 

Unfortunately, at this time, we are unable to bill your insurance company directly. You are required to pay us directly and we will provide you with an official receipt with all the required information to get reimbursed by your extended health insurance.  

No! Physiotherapists are primary health care providers who are able to diagnose your condition. No medical referral or requisition is needed to be assessed and treated by a physiotherapist. However, a few insurance companies still require a physician’s referral in order to get physiotherapy fees reimbursed. Please check the details of your extended health insurance if this is the case. 

Yes you can! Patients have the right to choose the physiotherapist that is the right fit for them. If you are unhappy with your current treatment and want to try another clinic, you are free to do so. Your extended health insurance will still cover you, regardless of the name of the clinic on the referral form. 

At Vijay Sharma Physiotherapy we focus on determining the root cause of your injury and then we work with you to manage your problem and reach your individual goals. Your symptoms may still be there because the root cause of your problem has yet to be addressed.

Determining the root cause of your symptoms is the key to success.  For example, hip pain can be caused by low back stiffness and elbow pain can actually be referred from your neck. It is for this reason that your physiotherapist will spend the time during your initial assessment to not only understand your injury, but also learn about your patterns of movement, physical habits and lifestyle.

By simply treating your symptoms your previous practitioners have been trying to mask the pain, but not fix it. By learning about you and conducting a detailed assessment, we can discover the source of your condition.

Our treatment approach is very unique. Treatment is one on one. We do not use assistants or aides. We focus on providing you with a long-term solution. We provide you with the tools you need to increase your flexibility, strengthen your body, improve your posture and body mechanics. If you make the effort to use these techniques on a daily basis, you will see positive changes. At Vijay Sharma Physiotherapy we are committed to helping you achieve the best for your health. 

Please wear clothing that is appropriate for exercise and allows easy access to your area of concern. Shorts, t-shirts, tank tops and sports bras are perfect. Bring copies of any test reports, physician referrals or medical documentation that you may have.

Finally, come at least 15 minutes early to fill out our intake forms, bring an open mind, a positive outlook, and we'll help you achieve your goals!