How Much Does Physiotherapy Cost in Canada?

How Much Does Physiotherapy Cost in Canada?

For many people, physiotherapy can provide a dramatic improvement in quality of life. Physical therapists work with patients suffering from a wide variety of medical conditions, from back pain and spinal cord injuries to pelvic floor dysfunction.

When researching physiotherapy, Canadians often wonder how much they can expect to pay and whether they are eligible for publicly-funded services. Here is what you should know about the benefits of physiotherapy and its costs in Canada.

Table of Contents

Who Can Benefit from Physiotherapy?

A physical therapist is a trained, licensed medical professional who specializes in diagnosing abnormalities in physical function and working with patients to restore, maintain, and promote proper physical activity. Depending on the patient’s condition, physical therapy can help prevent surgery or aid in post-surgery recovery.

It offers benefits to patients with a broad range of health conditions, including:

  • Back and neck pain
  • Sports injuries
  • Muscular Dystrophy
  • Osteoporosis
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Limited Range of Motion (ROM)
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  • Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

 

Physical therapists work in varied healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, private clinics, outpatient offices, rehab centers, and more.

Physiotherapy: Standard Procedure

What to Expect During the First Visit to a Physiotherapy Clinic

Types of Physiotherapy

Many physical therapists choose to specialize in certain conditions (like sports injuries) or ages (elderly or children, for example). Broadly speaking, you may encounter physical therapists who focus on:

Sports Physiotherapy

Orthopedic Physiotherapy

Pediatric Physical Therapy

Geriatric Physical Therapy

Palliative Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy Costs

Physiotherapy costs in Canada may vary depending on the type of medical condition, the PT’s areas of expertise, and the specific clinic. Typical price ranges are as follows:

  • One-hour physical therapy session: between $95 and $125, including administrative work
  • A 15-minute service unit: about $25
  • An initial assessment session: usually between $75 and $100, but the price may climb up if the assessment is long or complex
  • Massage: $60 for a one-hour session
  • Manual electrical stimulation: $200 to $500 per hour

 

Costs also vary between different provinces and cities. A treatment plan that costs $500 in Toronto may cost between $150 and $300 in Alberta. This price gap may prompt patients to undergo treatment in more affordable locations if the price difference is higher than travel and accommodation costs.

How to Choose a Reputable Physical Therapist

Choosing a trustworthy and professional physical therapist doesn’t have to feel like a gamble, but don’t assume that the most expensive physiotherapy clinic will provide the best results. Instead, pay attention to:

  • Whether the provider is a professional who has received proper training and is licensed to practice in Canada
  • The physical therapist’s experience and specialties
  • How the PT encourages questions and fosters a team effort

Check out the physical therapist’s reputation, too: do they have positive local reviews from satisfied clients? Word-of-mouth referrals are usually the most trustworthy.

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Health Insurance and Physical Therapy

Many workers’ insurance plans cover a certain percentage of physiotherapy costs. However, not all employers choose to include physio benefits in their workers’ insurance coverage, and not every individual has private coverage.

People may face a problem if they unexpectedly require physical therapy services but don’t have coverage and can’t afford to pay for physical therapy out of pocket. In these cases, the person may qualify for government-funded physiotherapy.

Who is eligible for publicly funded physiotherapy services?

Episode of Care

Who is not eligible

Employee Benefits: Physiotherapy Coverage

Group health insurance plans for employees often provide some coverage for physiotherapy costs. Physiotherapy counts as paramedical coverage, along with speech therapy, massage therapy, and chiropractic treatment.

Employee benefits always limit physiotherapy coverage to a certain annual cap, usually in the range of $350 to $750 per year. Sometimes, there is a coverage cap per visit, and the employee must pay the difference. In many cases, group insurance plans don’t require a physician’s referral to physiotherapy.

 

Extended Healthcare Benefits for Reduced Physiotherapy Costs

In many cases, government plans and standard group insurance plans don’t cover physiotherapy costs or provide insufficient coverage. At Group Enroll, we can help you find insurance plans offering physiotherapy coverage beyond what a standard policy would provide.

We specialize in helping businesses find quick, comprehensive, simple, and affordable extended health care benefits group insurance. Fill out our quick quote form and start comparing plans today. You can also email us at hello@groupenroll.ca.