Start your physio journey with a call: a practical guide!

How do you get started with physical therapy?

Your physical therapy journey begins with a phone call or email to the clinic. Our coordinators will help you choose a physical therapist and schedule your first appointment.

Our coordinators will ask you questions about your condition and your needs. Your answers will help them refer you to a physical therapist. Our article “How to Choose a Physical Therapist” also outlines criteria to help you make your choice.

1. The coordinator asks you to briefly describe the reason for your visit. She also asks you about your goals and needs.

2. The coordinator will work with you to find a time slot for your first physical therapy evaluation. She will take your availability into account.

3. The coordinator will explain which forms to fill out and what items to bring. She will also provide information about directions, parking, payment, and insurance claims. You can ask her any other questions you may have.

The purpose of calling the clinic is primarily to schedule your appointment. Some physical therapy services also offer an initial assessment and advice over the phone. A physical therapist can then schedule an in-person appointment as needed.¹ Ask the clinic what services are available.

Do I not need to see my doctor to do physiotherapy? What about a prescription?

You do not need a doctor’s prescription to see a physical therapist at a private clinic in Quebec, but your insurance provider may require one in order to reimburse you for the costs.²

Your physical therapist will look for signs of a problem that requires a different course of treatment. This assessment is part of best practices for treating muscle and joint pain.³ If necessary, they’ll explain the situation to you and refer you to the appropriate professional.

Direct access allows patients to see a physical therapist without first seeing a doctor. A review of studies links this approach to fewer follow-up visits, imaging tests, medications, and specialist consultations. Health outcomes were comparable to those of the pathway requiring a doctor’s referral.⁴

A university degree in physical therapy prepares physical therapists to assess muscles, bones, joints, and nerves. These assessments help them determine the appropriate course of treatment or refer the patient to another professional.

Your physical therapist will let you know if a medical evaluation is necessary. With your consent, he or she can share their observations and questions with your doctor. He or she can also communicate with the other healthcare professionals involved in your care to coordinate your treatment plan.

Your physical therapist will explain your condition and your treatment options. These explanations are part of best practices for treating muscle and joint pain.³

Your insurance policy specifies which costs are covered and what documents are required. Check these terms with your insurer before making a medical appointment solely to obtain a prescription. The Government of Quebec has announced that this requirement will be eliminated as of January 1, 2027, except as provided for by regulation.⁵

Your physical therapist will tailor physical activity and exercises to your condition. These approaches are part of best practices for treating various muscle and joint pains.³

References

1. Foster NE, Williams B, Grove S, Gamlin J, Salisbury C. The evidence for and against “PhysioDirect” telephone assessment and advice services. Physiotherapy. 2011;97(1):78-82. ↩ Back to text
2. OPPQ. How does it work? ↩ Back to the text
3. Lin I, Wiles L, Waller R, Goucke R, Nagree Y, Gibberd M, et al. What does best practice care for musculoskeletal pain look like? Eleven consistent recommendations from high-quality clinical practice guidelines: a systematic review. Br J Sports Med. 2020;54(2):79-86. ↩ Back to text: 1st, 2nd, 3rd citations
4. Gallotti M, Campagnola B, Cocchieri A, Mourad F, Heick JD, Maselli F. Effectiveness and Consequences of Direct Access in Physical Therapy: A Systematic Review. J Clin Med. 2023;12(18). ↩ Back to text
5. Government of Quebec. Reducing Paperwork for Doctors. ↩ Back to text

Our physical therapists defined the research strategy, plan, and clinical content of this article. An AI tool assisted with the literature review and text editing to ensure consistency in content and writing style.