Frequently Asked Questions

Cancer and it's treatments can have a wide range of effects on multiple systems of the body. Treatments effect people differently, some people may have minimal side effects where others experience debilitating ones. Common side effects include fatigue, weakness, loss of mobility, neuropathy, balance issues, pain, cognitive changes, depression and many more. These effects may negatively impact a person's ability to engage in activities of daily living, to work, and to adopt a healthy lifestyle by participating in physical activity. There is much evidence to support the benefits of physical rehabilitation on managing side effects and improving quality of life and function. A thorough assessment will determine the extent of your side effects and the best course of treatment for you.

There is no time limit on when you can seek evaluation and treatment for side effects. The sooner the better, so that we can help you get back to life and minimize further impact.

Physiotherapists are primary health care providers, so you do not require a doctor's referral. If you have been given a referral, please bring it with you as it may contain pertinent information related to your condition. If you do not have a referral, we do encourage you to discuss your symptoms with your doctor and we can provide your doctor with our assessment findings if you wish. We also recommend that you check with your insurance provider if they require a doctor's referral in order to use your physiotherapy coverage.

Upon contacting us, we can usually schedule your appointment within 1-5 business days.

Unfortunately Manitoba Health does not cover the cost of physiotherapy in a private clinic. If you have health insurance, you may be covered for all or a portion of the cost. If you do not have insurance, attending only once or twice can still be helpful in providing you with some home management strategies. To advocate for change, you may choose to voice your concern over this to your local government representative.

We are currently working on direct billing for certain insurance companies. As this is an ongoing process, please contact us to find out which insurers we are able to direct bill at this time.

We recommend you wear or bring comfortable clothes (sweats, shorts etc), and any pertinent medical information you may have (ie discharge notes from CancerCare, list of medications you are on). You may wish to bring a bottle for water at subsequent visits as well!

Assessments are generally an hour, although this may vary on the extent and type of assessment. Subsequent visits are shorter, but can range in length from 30-90 minutes depending on the service and treatment plan.

Every treatment plan is as unique as the person being treated. Our assessment will help us determine your unique needs and goals, and from that we will develop a customized treatment plan to help you achieve your best life. All treatment recommendations will be explained to you in advance, and we will proceed only with your consent and comfort.

Please call or send us a message. We are happy to take some time to discuss with you whether or not assessment and treatment is appropriate for you.

We require 24 hours notice of cancellation, which you can do by phone or email. If you do not give notice, you will be charged for your missed appointment.

There is a growing body of research supporting the use of physical rehabilitation and prescribed exercise to counter some of the effects of treatment. These include fatigue, CRCI, weakness, lack of mobility, balance and neuropathy, axillary web syndrome, functional deficits among many others. Our rehabilitation treatment approach is evidence-based and we are up to date on current literature that we would be happy to share with you. Please feel free to call us to discuss your patient or any questions you may have.

Upon referral, we can see patients within 1-5 business days.

A copy of your patient's treatment summary or any relevant diagnostic reports are always helpful and appreciated but not mandatory. Please advise us if you have any concerns about your patient's medical status that we should be aware of.

We are happy to provide you with a summary of our assessment findings and treatment plan or progress if you wish.

For physiotherapy we can arrange appointments within 1-5 days. For more in depth assessments (such as work conditioning), we strive to keep this same timeframe but as they require a longer amount of time, it may depend on availability. Please call and we will do our best to accommodate a prompt intake.

We will provide reporting based on your preference of frequency and detail. Please notify us of your needs.

We have much experience with RTW planning, preparation and support. We are well versed in how to assist with a successful RTW and are happy to be a part of that process.

Referrals can be sent via email, mail, fax or phone. If you would like to first discuss, we are always happy to take your call or return it promptly if we are unavailable at that time.