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Frequently Asked Questions
  • How many sessions of treatment do I need?
    Depending on the injury with respect to severity, acuity, and individual progress this question cannot be answered with a specific number. On your first session at our Burnaby Physio office a thorough examination will be done to determine the nature of the injury. This will allow the therapist to give you an estimate on how long it will take to rehabilitate your injury.
  • Does physiotherapy really work?
    Individual progress is variable with treatment, but the majority of patients respond well to physiotherapy. Constant reassessment and re-evaluation is done by the physiotherapist to determine the most appropriate course of treatment. Physiotherapy is a joint effort between patients and their therapist. Our therapists are here to treat musculoskeletal injuries, but are also there to provide you with the tools to help you be an active participant in your rehabilitation.
  • Do I need a referral for physiotherapy?
    Physiotherapists are primary health care practitioners and no referral is needed for physiotherapy treatment. However individual insurance companies may require a physician’s referral for reimbursement. Please check with your insurance company (Sun life, Manulife, Green Shield, Pacific Blue Cross, etc..) to see what their requirements are.
  • What is (IMS) Intramuscular Stimulation?
    Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) is a dry needling technique that uses acupuncture needles to release shortened and tender muscle bands from neuro-musculoskeletal dysfunction. It is a diagnostic and treatment tool for myofascial pain of neuropathic origins. This treatment technique was first developed by Dr. Chan Gunn (C.M., O.B.C., M.D., PhD.), and bridges the gap between traditional Chinese acupuncture and western medicine.
  • How does IMS work?
    Very often, the nerves throughout your body can get hypersensitive, stemming from trauma and/or repetitive strain. When irritated, nerves’ supply to your muscles becomes abnormal, which in turn causes the muscles to become super-reactive and shortened. This manifests itself as tightness and stiffness in your body. After a fine needle is inserted into a supersensitive muscle, the muscle will grasp it and create a cramping sensation. This will then stimulate a reaction that leads to the release of endorphins, resulting in relaxation. The tiny wound caused by the needle’s introduction into the muscle can further induce the healing process. Once the tension in your muscle has been reduced, it decreases stress and tendon slackening, and decreases the pressure that is being put on your joints, discs, and nerves. As a result, the pain signal is reduced and the muscle relaxation slowly returns the blood flow to the area. Furthermore, this allows the nerve and muscle to re-pattern to normal function. A diagnostic test such as an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI may not show any visible signs of your injury, making it impossible to detect supersensitive muscles through conventional means. However, an assessment by a trained Gunn IMS practitioner can help determine if this technique is suitable for you.
  • What conditions may benefit from IMS?
    A wide range of neuro-musculoskeletal problems, such as the following: Tension and headaches Neck pain and whiplash Upper, mid, and low back pain Frozen shoulder and rotator cuff tendinopathy Tennis elbow Carpal tunnel syndrome Sciatica/piriformis syndrome Leg stiffness/numbness Plantar fasciitis Repetitive strain injuries
  • Does IMS hurt?
    When a needle is inserted into a normal muscle, you will only feel the prick of the needle itself. However, if you have super sensitive muscles, you will feel a cramping, aching, or even grasping sensation. Some patients describe it simply as a pressure point, and some patients describe it as akin to a Charlie Horse. After your IMS treatment, you may experience increased soreness for a few days, followed by improvement in your overall pain state. Mild heat and resting may help to relieve post-treatment soreness.
  • How often is IMS needed?
    Typically, treatments are once every 1-2 weeks in order to allow time for your body to recover. The number of treatments depends on the severity of the problem, the nature of the condition, your general health, your body’s healing ability, and the condition of your nerves. According to a published study on low back pain, the average number of treatments is 8.2 sessions.
  • What is Vestibular Physiotherapy?
    Vestibular Rehabilitation: Vestibular therapy can be used to help a variety of symptoms and conditions. Common conditions and symptoms that can benefit from Vestibular Therapy are: Generalized dizziness and/ or blurry vision with head movement, Vertigo/ Spinning, Neck tightness, stiffness, and/ or pain, Vestibular Disorders, Post-Concussion Syndrome, Balance issues, Whiplash Injuries, Neck Related Dizziness, Sensory Integration Dysfunctions, Minere’s complications, Stroke
  • Can my coverage through Extended Health Benefits be billed directly?
    We are currently able to bill to most extended health plans. To see the list of all insurers please visit or direct billing page https://northburnabyphysio.com/rates/direct-billing-insurers//. Please bring your member ID card with your plan and policy number with you on your first visit. If you have another carrier who is not on our direct billing list you will have to pay for your session first and we will provide you with a receipt to claim your physiotherapy session to your insurance carrier. Individual plans may vary, please consult with your insurance provider for more information.
  • My doctor has given me a referral for another physiotherapy office. May I still come to your office if I choose to?
    You have the choice to come to our Downtown office or any other office that you feel would be most appropriate for you.
  • Can my coverage through the RCMP or Canadian Military be billed directly?
    We are able to directly bill the insurance companies for these two groups.
  • Do you bill directly to WorkSafe or ICBC
    We are not currently billing directly to WorkSafe or ICBC at our downtown location. If you would like to receive physiotherapy treatment here you would need to pay privately and self submit. If you would like to visit our other office located in North Burnaby we are able to provide direct billing http://www.northburnabyphysio.com

Location: Inside Evolve Strength Post

410-658 Homer Street

(Inside Evolve Strength Post) 

Vancouver, BC

V6B-0T5

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