Do I need a referral to access physiotherapy services?
Physiotherapists are direct access practitioners, meaning a referral to see a physiotherapist is not required. However, if you are claiming therapy through your extended health care plan, a referral may be required by your provider, so it is best to check the particulars of your plan. Also, if you are accessing physiotherapy through Ontario Publicly-Funded Physiotherapy program, you DO require a physician or nurse practitioner referral to access care.

How is Interdisciplinary Health Care offered through the clinic different than Multidisciplinary Health Care?
The main difference between these two approaches is that in Interdisciplinary care models health providers, like physiotherapists, physicians and massage therapists, practice the different skills and services of their professions within the umbrella of a team, in order to help you recover. A team approach with strong communication and common goals are present around your health care, with YOU the patient at the heart of the team. In multi-disciplinary health settings, different health disciplines may function independently and "do their own thing" without ongoing communication between different providers in care circle of care. At Fairway Physiotherapy, we strive to offer you integrated services around your needs and your unique goals. 

I understand that some physiotherapy services may be covered under Ontario Publicly-Funded Physiotherapy Care?
This limited public funding is unique, and is not considered the same as OHIP-funded physiotherapy care. Under this program, patients may be eligible if they are experiencing acute (new/recent) pain or acute change in function, or an acute flare up of a chronic problem. They key is the program is designed by the province to assist those in acute distress. With this in mind, there are also specific criteria to enter into the program. These include: 

• 65 years and older or 19 years and younger,
• on ODSP or Ontario Works coverage,
• post-hospitalization >1 day (for the site of referral)

Please contact us to inquire if you feel that you may be eligible for the program. Patients meeting these criteria are also able to access physiotherapy services under their extended health plans or private pay should they wish instead. 

I have heard about IMS (Intra-Muscular Stimulation) Acupuncture, but how is this different from Acupuncture that I may have received before?
IMS is a relatively modern extension of acupuncture practice and Western Medicine. It was developed by Dr. C. Gunn, MD in British Columbia. It involves the insertion of acupuncture needles into shortened bands of muscle, often termed trigger points rather than traditional acupuncture points, in order to both help diagnose and to treat chronic pain. The insertion of the needle triggers a micro-bleed process in the muscle and results in a healing process being created. The muscle normally "twitches" which most patients do not report as painful, but surprising as this in involuntary. The needle does not stay in for lengthy periods of time, such as in traditional acupuncture. Once removed, patient report that the needled muscle is somewhat "achy" or "fatigued" afterwards, similar to the sensation a muscle has after it is worked with exercise. Most patients do not report pain with this technique but instead are surprised by the muscle contraction. It can be an effective method of helping to manage chronic muscle or nerve-related pain, muscular-type headaches, shoulder pain, back and neck pain. 

What else are we doing to maintain your safety during COVID-19?
The staff at Fairway Physiotherapy would like to acknowledge the ongoing efforts of Canada’s frontline healthcare workers, as well as the public, in their efforts to engage in preventative health measures and social distancing. Together we will weather the COVID storm.

In response to the needs of Northwestern Ontario residents, we are pleased to continue live, full-time Virtual Physiotherapy Services through an encrypted and secure medical platform. It is as simple as clicking a provided email link from your home computer, smartphone or smart devices. Call us for details. Given the ongoing pandemic and changing regional restrictions and/or lockdowns, it is still strongly recommended that virtual physiotherapy assessment and treatment be explored when possible. 
 
We have made some changes to continue to keep you safe during this uncertain time, as your safety is our top priority.

• Ongoing Virtual Physiotherapy appointments will continue to be available from the comfort and safety of your home. This is still the primary recommendation for consulting your physiotherapist, where possible.
• All patient initial bookings will be scheduled by phone (not in person or walk-in) to limit your in-person contact. A secure referral drop off box will also made available to new patient outside of the clinic, so that we may contact you. 
• We are requiring all patients, as well as any companions, to be masked in some fashion when attending in-clinic.
• Please arrive at your scheduled time, to limit your wait, and please leave all non-essential belonging in your vehicle to minimize contact.
• Please try to attend alone, unless this is not possible.
• You will be asked a series of questions on each visit to screen for symptoms, as well as perform a touchless, infrared forehead temperature scan.
• You will see a reduced patient and therapist presence in clinic to maintain social distancing.
• You will see your therapist wearing personal protective equipment, which may include gloves, masks, face shields and disposable garments.
• Treatment offices, touch point surfaces, instruments and waiting rooms will be sanitized, in keeping with Ministry guidelines prior to and following use.
• Protective shielding is installed for any front desk interactions.
• We ask that you continue to use credit card or e-transfer as your form of payment.