FAQs

How long are initial assessments and subsequent treatments? +

Initial assessments are 60 minutes in duration and subsequent treatment sessions range from 30-60 minutes in duration.

What is the cost for an assessment and treatment session? +

Effective October 6, 2025, for orthopedic physiotherapy, initial assessments are $140 and follow-up treatment sessions range from $95 (30 mins) to $145 (45 mins). For pelvic health physiotherapy, the initial assessment is $160 and treatment sessions are the same as above for orthopedic physiotherapy.

Do I need a doctor’s referral for physiotherapy? +

You do not need a doctor’s referral for physiotherapy; however, some extended health benefits may require a doctor’s referral in order to be reimbursed. For the majority of extended health care plans, the insurance company does not require a referral, but please call to confirm with your insurance company prior to your appointment.

Are your physiotherapy services covered by OHIP? +

We are not an OHIP funded physiotherapy clinic. Some clinics are able to provide services through OHIP funding for those aged 65 years and older or 19 years and under. Please refer to this link for more information.

Does my insurance cover physiotherapy fees? +

Your extended health care benefits likely cover physiotherapy services. Please call your insurance company to confirm details of your plan and how much it covers. We offer direct billing to most extended health care companies.

If you are seeking physiotherapy treatment as a result of a motor vehicle accident, you will have coverage for physiotherapy assessment/treatments. You just need to bring all the insurance information including your claim/policy number.

What should I wear for the assessment? +

Wear something that you can comfortably move in! For lower extremity issues, please bring a pair of shorts with you to wear for the assessment. For neck, shoulder or back issues, we recommend a tank top/sports bra.

What should I expect on my first visit? +

We recommend that you fill out the intake questionnaire and consent forms online prior to your appointment. This will allow for more time to focus on the assessment and your physiotherapist will be able to review the information beforehand. Please bring your doctor’s referral (if you have one), a list of medications that you take, and any tests/imaging reports that you have (x-ray, ultrasound, MRI) that may be relevant to your current condition.

Once you arrive, we will take you to a private room where your physiotherapist will ask you questions about your health history and your current injury/condition. We will then perform a physical assessment, which may include evaluating your posture, different movements and strength. After the assessment, your physiotherapist will communicate their assessment findings and work with you to create a treatment plan based on your goals. Assessments are 60 minutes long and there is usually some time to start treatment as well.

Do you do virtual physiotherapy sessions? +

We do! If you would like to book a virtual assessment/treatment please contact the clinic. Virtual sessions allow for flexibility with your scheduling as you are able to complete your physiotherapy assessment or treatment from the comfort of your own home. All you need is a device with a camera and microphone (laptop, iPad/tablet, smartphone). These are done through our Jane app software. While the sessions are not hands-on, we are still able to gain valuable information through virtual means, with the added advantage of being able to see how you move within your home environment. We are able to do virtual physiotherapy sessions with anyone within Ontario.

Does acupuncture or dry needling cost extra? +

No! It is all included. However, we may recommend a 45 minute appointment just so we can be thorough and address all your concerns.

Can physiotherapy help with sciatica? +

Yes. Sciatica is one of the conditions we see regularly at Break Free. The term "sciatica" describes pain that travels along the sciatic nerve — usually from the lower back down through the buttock and into the leg. The good news is that most cases respond well to physiotherapy. We'll assess your movement patterns to identify what's driving the symptoms, and give you specific movements and strategies to reduce the pain and prevent it from coming back. You don't need imaging or a referral to get started.

Can physiotherapy help with headaches or dizziness? +

Yes — and more often than people expect. Many headaches have a cervical origin, meaning they start in the neck. The top three segments of your cervical spine play a key role in your body's sense of where your head is in space. When the joints, muscles, or nerves at those levels are irritated, it can cause headaches and dizziness that feel completely unrelated to your neck. Once we identify that connection, we can treat the actual source rather than just managing the symptoms. Our physiotherapists are trained in both cervicogenic headache treatment and vestibular rehabilitation for dizziness and vertigo.

What is the McKenzie Method? +

The McKenzie Method — also known as Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) — is a systematic, evidence-based approach to assessing and treating spinal and musculoskeletal pain. It uses repeated movement testing to classify your pain and identify the specific movements that either relieve or aggravate your symptoms. This tells us a lot about the source of your pain and gives us a clear, targeted direction for treatment. Break Free physiotherapists are trained in the McKenzie Method — Corey holds the Cert MDT designation, a post-graduate certification awarded by the McKenzie Institute.

Can I do physiotherapy while pregnant? +

Absolutely. Physiotherapy during pregnancy is safe and can be incredibly helpful. We commonly treat lower back pain, pelvic girdle pain, hip pain, and pubic symphysis dysfunction during pregnancy. Our physiotherapist Jessica Tomlin has advanced training in pregnancy-related pelvic health and works with expecting mamas throughout all trimesters. Early treatment can help improve mobility, reduce pain, and prepare your body for birth and postpartum recovery.

How many physiotherapy sessions will I need? +

It depends on what we find in your assessment — the nature of your injury, how long you've had it, and how your body responds to treatment. That said, we'll give you an honest picture at your first session rather than keeping you guessing. Many patients with acute injuries notice meaningful improvement within 3–6 sessions. Chronic or more complex conditions may take longer. Our goal is always to graduate you from physiotherapy as soon as you have the tools to manage independently — not to keep you coming back indefinitely.

Do you treat sports injuries? +

Yes. We work with recreational athletes, weekend warriors, youth athletes, and anyone who wants to stay active or get back to the activities they love. We treat shoulder, knee, hip, ankle, and back injuries related to running, hockey, golf, cycling, and general fitness. Our physiotherapist Tarra D'hoine has a particular interest in sports rehabilitation and return-to-sport programming — she's a former AA hockey player herself, so she understands what it takes to get back on the ice.