FAQs and answers about the clinics environment, appointments facts, sessions information, insurance coverage, exercises and types of assessments that we offer.
Physiotherapy often comes to mind when someone is in pain. This can often be the best solution to your pain! Physiotherapists are trained to identify the source of your discomfort and create a plan for alleviating the symptoms.
Physiotherapists are regulated healthcare professionals.
At Defy, Physiotherapy involves more than just helping with pain. We employ a client-centred approach to Physiotherapy that focuses on achieving your goals. Our clients come to Physiotherapy with many different goals: to eliminate pain, to improve mobility, to rehabilitate after a joint replacement, to run faster, to lift heavier, to lift their grandchildren.
Your Physiotherapist will perform a thorough assessment to find the root of your issue. This includes listening to your unique story, assessing how you move, identifying where you have restrictions or strength limitations, and creating a Plan of Action that works towards achieving your goals. Physiotherapy will include a combination of hands-on manual therapy (joint mobilizations, soft tissue work, massage therapy) and exercise (stretching, mobility work, strengthening, return to sport drills). Your plan will be unique and will depend on where you are starting and where you want to go!
Registered Massage Therapists are regulated healthcare professionals, who use hands-on techniques to manipulate soft tissues of the body to optimize health. This treatment has a therapeutic effect which acts positively on the nervous and circulatory system by relaxing the body.
Massage Therapy can help with reducing pain caused by the sympathetic nervous system, otherwise known as the “fight or flight” system. Through hands-on techniques, the nervous system can be regulated so that the signals back to the brain are ones of relaxation and calmness.
Our Massage therapists at Defy are very well-versed in exercise-based rehabilitation, and they will often include exercises and movements to complement your hands-on treatment. This will sustain the positive effects of manual therapy.The intention of Physiotherapy is never to cause pain. Your assessment and any treatment is always optional and based on your consent. Consent means you are given the pros, cons/risks and alternatives to undergoing (or not undergoing) an assessment, test, or treatment, and that you are able to make a decision based on your wishes without feeling pressured. You are able to withdraw your consent at any time. Your Defy Physiotherapist will engage in continual dialogue with you to ensure you are staying on the same page and working toward your goals in a way in which you are comfortable.
During a Physiotherapy assessment, you may be asked to perform movements that might cause you pain or discomfort, or that might result in some pain or discomfort later that day. We always try our best to avoid this; figuring out what is painful is part of the process to help. It is never our intention to cause pain, and we encourage you to communicate with us if something is painful.
After exercise, some individuals may experience delayed onset muscle soreness which can last 24-48 hours and feel like a sore muscle. In order to build strength, some soreness is normal.
It is always worth discussing with your clinician if you have an unreasonable level of soreness or are worried.
Physiotherapists work in many different settings, including the community, sports events, and hospitals.
Hospital-based physiotherapy ranges from helping individuals move after being bed-ridden, to rehabilitation from neurological incidents like having a stroke. There are Physiotherapists who work in cancer rehabilitation as well as in cardiac rehabilitation.
Some Physiotherapists in the community will provide home care to individuals who cannot attend a clinic setting.
Other Physiotherapists, like at Defy, practice Physiotherapy in Guelph in a private practice that focuses primarily on orthopaedic conditions. “Sport Physiotherapy” works with an athletic population that has goals of getting back to an active lifestyle.
Pelvic Health Physiotherapy is a niche of Physiotherapy that focuses on issues within the “bike shorts region” including urinary incontinence, pelvic prolapse, pelvic pain, Prepartum and postpartum wellness, and sexual concerns. Pelvic Health Physiotherapists have taken advanced training and can perform internal exams to assist with diagnosis and treatment of these issues.
It depends! Physiotherapists, Chiropractors, Athletic Therapists, and Massage Therapists can all excel at similar things. They can all do soft tissue mobilization, joint mobilizations, prescribe exercise, and much more. At Defy, we encourage our clients to ask questions and ensure that your Clinician’s treatment philosophy aligns with your values. You might find that one type of Clinician works better for you at different times or for different conditions. If you are unsure who to book with, please give our Client Experience Coordinators a call at 226-780-2529. They can help to guide you toward the individual who can best help you.
Our Defy Client Experience Coordinators are excellent at answering your questions- please call 226-780-2529 to speak with our team.
We also offer a free consultation with one of our Clinicians before you book. This gives you an opportunity to ask questions and decide if it feels like the right fit for you. This can be reserved with our Client Experience Team by calling in.
We see clients with many different conditions, including but not limited to:
- Sports training
- Sports performance goals
- Back pain
- Knee pain
- Elbow pain
- Wrist pain
- Shoulder pain
- Ankle sprain
- Plantar fasciitis
- Foot pain
- Muscle strains
- Fractures
- Stress fractures
- Rotator cuff tear and/or Rotator cuff repair
- ACL tear and/or ACL reconstruction
- Meniscus tear and/or meniscus repair
- Hip replacements
- Knee replacements
- Pelvic Pain
- Pelvic Prolapse
- Prepartum and postpartum wellness
- Mobility restrictions
- Balance issues
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Groin pain
In three words: Community-oriented, empowering, and inclusive.
Our space is open-concept, designed to create a community atmosphere where like-minded individuals can work toward success. We feel that community is fostered by promoting positive interactions between clients. We encourage clients to talk to each other, share stories, motivate each other, be respectful of one another, and help create a positive experience for everyone around you.
The gym-like clinic environment at Defy encourages movement and everyone on our team aims to empower you to be better and take ownership of your health journey.
At Defy our goal is to level the playing field — for everyone. No matter who you are, where you’re from, how you think, or who you love; we believe you should be you. We are committed to an inclusive space where difference is valued. Creating an environment where everyone, from all backgrounds, can do their best is the right thing to do.
Our clinic is located in the south end of Guelph, west of the Hanlon, on Hanlon Creek Boulevard. Our neighbours include JamSchool, Guelph Academy of Dance, and The Zone Training Hockey Development School.
We provide Physiotherapy in Guelph, as well as to residents of Cambridge, Kitchener- Waterloo, Rockwood, Milton, and other surrounding towns.
Please bring gym clothing that allows your therapist to see the area to be treated (i.e. shorts for knee, tank top for shoulder, etc.) and appropriate footwear for movement. If you have seen your doctor before coming in, a referral isn’t necessary but if you have a referral or written diagnosis please bring it. Also bring copies of any relevant medical test results (i.e. x-rays, MRI, ultrasound). Most importantly, please bring a willingness to learn and to participate in achieving your goals.
We offer other services that complement Physiotherapy. Our team works closely together to look after your needs more effectively and includes:
- Physiotherapy
- Chiropractic
- Massage Therapy
- Sports Massage Therapy
- Pelvic Health Physiotherapy
- Athletic Therapy
- Personal Training
- Dry Needling
- Bracing
At this time, we only have one Defy location in Guelph. For clients who are not within driving distance, we continue to offer Virtual Physiotherapy which allows us to help individuals all over Ontario.
We do not accept clients under WSIB coverage. Please give us a call and we can refer you to a Guelph Physiotherapy clinic that will be able to see you under your WSIB claim.
We do accept Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) cases. We are an FSCO licensed provider, meaning we can accept payment directly from the body governing your MVA claim. MVA Assessments are not bookable online, as there are a few required steps that we will discuss with you prior to booking. Please contact us to set up your Initial Physiotherapy Assessment.
As with the majority of physiotherapy clinics in Ontario, Defy is a private clinic and is not eligible to bill OHIP for Physiotherapy services. Extended health plans provide varying amounts of yearly physiotherapy coverage. Please call us if you would like a referral to a Guelph Physiotherapy clinic that is licensed to bill OHIP.
A doctor’s referral is not required in order to be treated by a physiotherapist. Physiotherapists are trained to screen your injury or condition, and decide if you require additional services outside of Physiotherapy.
When you submit to your extended health care plan, the insurer may require a doctor’s referral for reimbursement. Please check with your individual health plan for the requirements.
Research tells us that tissues need appropriate load placed on them to heal. The goal of exercise is to manage that load under controlled conditions to allow your body to heal faster while getting stronger. Exercise and movement-based therapy aligns with our model of client empowerment and promotes an active lifestyle.
When you submit to your extended health care plan, the insurer may require a doctor’s referral for reimbursement. Please check with your individual health plan for the requirements.
A POA is an individualized document that you will receive at your Initial Assessment with your Physiotherapist, Chiropractor, Athletic Therapist, or Massage Therapist. At Defy, we use the POA to outline your goals, summarize our findings for your understanding, and recommend a treatment plan that works for you and your unique lifestyle.
This is a great question, and it’s important to consider value for cost as you evaluate where to attend physiotherapy. At Defy, we encourage our clients to think of their health as an investment. We know that the cost of treatment for an average injury in Physiotherapy (about 12 sessions) is much less than the cost of surgery and missing work. Preventative healthcare, like Physiotherapy, can save money in the long run by taking care of your body and investing in feeling good. Physical activity is a modifiable risk factor for many chronic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and obesity-related conditions. Physiotherapy can help keep you physically active, thus reducing your risk of disease.
The cost of physiotherapy in Guelph can vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- The Clinician that is providing your care. Some clinics will provide 1:1 service directly by the Physiotherapist, like we do at Defy. Other clinics may utilize a Physiotherapy Assistant to co-treat with the Physiotherapist, which can lower the overall cost. This is a great question to ask when you are calling for your first appointment.
- The duration of the session. The length of a physiotherapy session will affect the cost. It is important to compare “apples to apples” and ask about how long you will be seen when comparing costs.
- The type of service. Different physiotherapy services may have different costs. Pelvic Health Physiotherapy, which is a niche of Physiotherapy, usually has a slightly higher cost. This reflects the extra time required to prepare a room for this service, as well as the extra training required to specialize as a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist.
- The qualifications and experience of the Physiotherapist. Physiotherapists with more experience or higher qualifications may charge more for their services.
The actual cost to the client will vary based on if the client has health insurance coverage. Unfortunately, health insurance companies do not have standard increases in “allowed coverage” to match inflation and cost of living increases. This means that your insurance company may not cover the entire cost of your Physiotherapy session. We encourage you to find out your maximum coverage per session so that you are aware of what it will cost. It may require you budgeting out of pocket expenses to ensure you get back to 100%.
Our friendly Client Experience Team is happy to help with any cost-related questions. Give us a call at 226-780-2529 and we will do our best to help.
One of the most common questions that people have when considering physiotherapy is whether they will need to take their clothes off during treatment.
The most important piece of this answer is that any treatment, whether with a Physiotherapist, a Doctor, or a Massage Therapist, is optional and should only ever be performed with your consent. Consent means that you are given the pros, cons/risks, and alternatives to undergoing (or not undergoing) a treatment. You must be able to make a decision based on your preferences, without being under duress. You are also able to withdraw your consent to stop the treatment at any time. This applies to removal of clothing.
Some Physiotherapy techniques, such as soft tissue massage to the back region, may be optimal with a shirt removed. However, if you are uncomfortable with removing your shift, your Physiotherapist can treat over top of your shirt.
If a modality like laser therapy is recommended, this would require the therapist asking if you are comfortable removing clothing on the area to be treated. Laser therapy would not be effective through layers of clothing. You always have the option to say “no” and to try another form of therapy instead. There should be an ongoing dialogue with your Physiotherapist to check on your consent and comfort level throughout a session.
If you’re unsure whether you will need to take your clothes off during your physiotherapy session, it’s important to talk to your therapist beforehand. Your therapist can explain the specific techniques that will be used and what clothing (if any) you should wear to your session. If you’re uncomfortable with removing some or all of your clothing, you can discuss alternative techniques with your therapist that can be performed with your clothing on.
Physiotherapists are healthcare professionals who are trained to provide a safe and comfortable environment for their patients. They will always strive to make you feel comfortable and will respect your privacy and modesty during your treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your treatment, don’t hesitate to speak up and discuss them with your therapist.
Before your first Physical Therapy (Physiotherapy) appointment, you may be wondering what to wear. Choosing the right clothing can help ensure that your therapist can properly evaluate your range of motion, identify any physical limitations, and develop an effective treatment plan. Here are a few pointers on what to wear to help you feel comfortable and prepared.
Comfortable Clothing
Comfort is key when it comes to choosing what to wear to your first physical therapy appointment. You’ll likely be performing exercises and stretches, so you’ll want to wear clothing that allows you to move freely and comfortably. Loose-fitting clothing, such as gym shorts, yoga pants, or sweatpants, are good choices. Avoid tight-fitting clothing that may restrict movement or make it difficult for your therapist to evaluate your range of motion.
Athletic Shoes
Wearing active footwear is best. Athletic shoes, such as running shoes or cross-training shoes, are a good choice for physical therapy appointments. Avoid sandals or flip-flops, as they don’t provide proper support or stability. Especially for running-related injuries, we encourage you to bring all pairs of shoes that you run in. It allows us to examine the shoes for wear patterns; we may also ask you to run on the treadmill so having shoes allows to you do this.
Avoid Jewelry and Accessories
It’s best to avoid wearing jewelry and accessories to your physical therapy appointment. Necklaces, bracelets, and earrings can get in the way during exercises and stretches, or during manual therapy.
What to Bring
In addition to wearing comfortable clothing and athletic shoes, there are a few items you should bring to your first physical therapy appointment. These include:
- Medical History: Bring any medical history or documentation related to your condition or injury, such as a prescription, surgical report, or imaging.
- Insurance Information: Bring your insurance information, including your insurance card and any necessary paperwork.
- Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is important during physical therapy, so bring a water bottle to ensure you can easily access water throughout your session. We have a water cooler where you can refill your bottle.
Questions about what to wear to your first physical therapy appointment? Please give our friendly Client Experience Team a call at 226-780-2529 and they can advise you based on your unique case.
