Is Physio-Yoga Therapy safe for everyone?
How much does Physio-Yoga Therapy cost?
Is Physio-Yoga Therapy covered by my Health Insurance Plan?
Do I need a referral from my Physician?
What can I expect the first visit?
Can I join the specialty class without a private session?
How many sessions will I need to have? How long will it take me to get better?
Can I do a shorter session at a cheaper rate?
Is Physio-Yoga Therapy safe for everyone?
As long as the physiotherapist has quality yoga training and adequate yoga credentials, understands and follows evidence-informed physiotherapy clinical best practice guidelines, and stays within physiotherapy scope of professional practice, then the integration of yoga into physiotherapy is delivered safely and appropriately.
Physiotherapy is a regulated healthcare profession. As physiotherapists, we must adhere to our Standards of Practice and follow our scope of practice and Code of Ethical Conduct guidelines to ensure safety and efficacy. A physiotherapist will always individually assess and develop a specialized treatment plan to address your specific needs.
Not all yoga practices are safe or appropriate for everyone. Yoga and physio movement practices are modified to adapt to each individual’s need. The knowledge of anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, pathology and the extensive training of a registered physiotherapist ensures the assessments and treatments are safe and effective. Furthermore, a registered healthcare professional, such as a physiotherapist, is well trained to know when it is necessary to make a referral to a specialist or back to your physician.
How much does Physio-Yoga Therapy Cost?
Click here for a full description of the Investment Schedule associated with each of the various services offered.
Is Physio-Yoga Therapy covered by my Health Insurance Plan?
It can be. This service is provided by a registered physiotherapist within the physiotherapist’s scope of professional practice, therefore, if your Health Benefits Plan covers physiotherapy then you can submit your official receipt for reimbursement. The amount reimbursed will depend on the type of plan you have. Please check your plan for physiotherapy coverage.
Do I need a referral from my Physician?
No. In the province of Alberta you do not need a referral from a physician to see a registered physiotherapist. A referral is not required for this physiotherapy approach that integrates yoga, as it is delivered by a registered physiotherapist. However, some Health Insurance Plans require a physician’s referral in order to reimburse you. Please check if your plan requires this.
What can I expect the first visit?
Your first session will include a complete physiotherapy assessment so that an individualized treatment plan can be developed to accurately address your specific needs and valued goals. The assessment includes an in depth ‘interview’ (spending time with you in conversation and discussion) to help understand your complaints, situation, expectations, values and goals. A thorough physical examination is included to assess movement, breathing, awareness and how these may be relevant to your pain, condition or other issues. Sometimes special physical tests commonly used in physiotherapy (non-invasive) are indicated to help make an appropriate physiotherapy diagnosis.
The recommended treatment plan is created, reviewed and discussed together.
The treatment length of your first session will depend on the length of time taken for your assessment.
1.5 hours is the total time for the first session.
Your goals and individual needs are always addressed.
All follow up visits are 1.25 hours, one on one.
Can I join the specialty class without a private session first?
Currently I am not offering specialty group classes.
An initial assessment is required prior to participating in a specialty class to screen for any precautions or contraindications and to determine your level of function, special considerations, goals and readiness for the class setting. It is recommended that some people participate in a few private sessions prior to attending the class; whereas others are appropriate to begin the class immediately. This will be discussed with the physiotherapist at the time of your assessment.
How many sessions will I need to have? How long will it take to get me better?
This widely varies from person to person and completely depends on pre-existing and current conditions and the nature of the present complaints, mind-body awareness, dedication to your practice, mindset, personality, current lifestyle situation, social support, access to resources and personal choices. This is a process that takes time to build and progress towards health and wellness that is designed for you, the individual; not a cookie cutter exercise program for a specific condition.
At the end of our first session, we will discuss the potential optimal frequency and duration of your treatment plan using best available evidence, clinician’s experience and your personal preferences. Eventually you will have a sustainable practice that you can continue and learn to progress on your own, and compliment with classes, workshops, retreats, or occasional private sessions as you see fit.
The goal is to inspire, educate, and empower you to take an active approach to your rehabilitation or health maintenance program. Regular home practice is essential and will be supported and encouraged in a variety of ways. The benefits are often evident in the early stages of a devoted practice.
In order for your home practice to be effective, it must be performed safely, appropriately, and be unique to your specific needs. This takes time to develop. Therefore, those expecting “just one visit to get some exercises”, will likely not gain the benefits that this type of approach can ideally provide.
Can I do a shorter session at a cheaper rate?
No. The uniqueness of this integrated approach requires time. More time allows you to share your concerns with me, allows me time to listen to you, reflect, ask questions, address your needs, and to inform the treatment path and process, without us needing to rush. More time allows you to learn and fully experience the various mind-body practices and optimize the potential physiological and psychological benefits yoga has to offer. If you prefer short treatment sessions, then this may not be the treatment model for you.
How do I get started?
Please contact Shelly Prosko to schedule your first session.