Q: What is the difference between Athletic Therapy (AT) and Physiotherapy (Physio)?

A: The short answer in our clinic is that there is no difference. Our team of Athletic Therapists and Physiotherapists all have a one-on-one philosophy with our patients, and treat injuries with an emphasis on manual (hands-on) therapy and exercise therapy; these are two types of treatment that are proven in research to work. Treatment styles and techniques may vary between any of our therapists, either AT or Physio, but you could easily find more difference between two ATs than an AT and a Physio. The main difference may be based on your insurance coverage, as some plans do not cover both types of treatment. Check with your plan provider to find out.

For more details on the differences and similarities between Athletic Therapists and Physiotherapists, please click here.

Q: When do I need a Doctor's referral to see one of the clinic's therapists?

A: In most cases, you do not need a Doctor referral to come to the clinic. Often times however, insurance companies will only cover you if you have a referral. It is best to look into your coverage and the fine print before your first appointment at the clinic.

It is important to note that Dr. Taunya St. Pierre is by referral only. You will need a referral from your Family Doctor before you can see Dr. St. Pierre.

Q: Do you send off invoices to my insurance company?

A: Our clinic does not send off documents to your insurance company. We will provide you with all of the necessary documentation, so that after your appointment you will have everything you need to claim your appointment and receive your coverage. Please look into your coverage before your appointment to see if a Doctor's note is needed, and to determine which of our services you are covered for.

Q: What should I expect at my first appointment?

A: Most of our therapists/specialists require a longer first appointment. This will provide the time to discuss your injury or symptoms, as well as allow time for treatment. We ask that you bring comfortable clothing for appointments with our therapists to ensure they can easily manipulate the area of treatment (e.g., for a knee injury, bring a pair of shorts). Follow-up appointments are typically 30 minutes in length to further treat the area.

Q: What is Hockey Canada Coverage and who does it cover?

A: Hockey Canada understands the risks associated with playing hockey, and have provided coaches, athletes, volunteers, and organizations with access to coverage that exceeds their current insurance plan. As such, if you have an injury that occurred during a hockey event (such as a game, tournament, or practice), and you have no insurance coverage OR have already used up all of your coverage, you can apply for additional support from Hockey Canada. Click here for more information from Hockey Canada on this insurance program.

Hockey Canada Insurance also covers concussion testing. For more details on concussion testing, click here.

Q: I have an injury and I'm not sure who to see?

A: If your injury is relatively new, it is always best to have it checked out by your Family Doctor first to point you in the right direction. If you have already had your injury assessed, the choice between our therapists is really up to personal prefence. At the Sports Medicine Centre, all of our therapists believe firmly in manual therapy (hands on soft tissue release and joint mobilization/correction) and exercise therapy. These are the two forms of therapy that are proven in research to work. Patient goals and a rapid return to pre-injury lifestyles of sport/work/life are of utmost importance to us. For this reason, we spend the time doing the parts of treatment that we know will make the biggest difference the fastest. Our therapists also work closely together as a team, and as such, many of our patients often work with more than one of our therapists to get back to their regular routines even quicker.