Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question about physiotherapy, your first visit, or one of our treatments? Below you’ll find answers to the questions we hear most often at Divine Care Physiotherapy in Langley. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, contact us or call 604-401-2946.
General Clinic Questions
Do I need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist?
In most cases, no. You can book directly with us without a physician’s referral. The exception is if your extended health plan specifically requires one for reimbursement; check your plan details or ask our front desk to confirm.
What should I expect at my first appointment?
Your first visit includes a thorough assessment: a discussion of your symptoms and history, a physical examination of movement, strength, and function, and a tailored treatment plan. Many patients also receive treatment during this same visit. See Your Visit / Fees for more details.
Do you offer direct billing?
Yes. We directly bill most extended health plans, as well as ICBC and WorkSafeBC for eligible claims, so you don’t have to pay upfront and submit for reimbursement yourself.
Do you treat ICBC (motor vehicle accident) claims?
Yes, we’re an ICBC-approved provider. Under ICBC’s Enhanced Care model, you can start physiotherapy with just your claim number, no referral or ICBC pre-approval required for the first 12 weeks after a crash. Learn more on our ICBC / Motor Vehicle Accident Physiotherapy page.
Do you treat WorkSafeBC (WCB) claims?
Yes, we’re a registered WorkSafeBC provider. If you have an accepted claim, treatment is covered and billed directly to WorkSafeBC. See our WorkSafeBC Physiotherapy page for the full process.
How many sessions will I need?
This depends entirely on your condition, its severity, and your goals. Your physiotherapist will give you a realistic estimate after your initial assessment and adjust the plan as you progress.
What should I wear to my appointment?
Loose, comfortable clothing that allows access to the area being treated, for example, shorts for a knee assessment or a tank top for a shoulder assessment.
Do you treat children and youth?
Yes, particularly for sports-related injuries through our Youth Sports Physiotherapy program.
Is physiotherapy covered by MSP?
No, MSP does not cover routine physiotherapy for most adults. Coverage typically comes through extended health benefits, ICBC, WorkSafeBC, or private payment.
Musculoskeletal & Manual Physiotherapy
What is musculoskeletal physiotherapy?
It’s treatment focused on injuries and pain affecting muscles, joints, ligaments, and tendons, including neck pain, back pain, sciatica, arthritis, and sports injuries, using a combination of hands-on therapy and exercise.
What is manual physiotherapy?
Manual physiotherapy uses hands-on techniques such as joint mobilization, soft tissue release, and myofascial release to reduce pain, improve mobility, and restore normal movement patterns.
Sports Physiotherapy
What conditions does sports physiotherapy address?
Sprains, strains, ligament injuries, tendonitis, ACL and meniscus injuries, and other athletic injuries, along with injury-prevention programs for active individuals and youth athletes.
Can sports physiotherapy help me return to my sport faster?
Yes. Treatment focuses not just on pain relief but on rebuilding strength, agility, and confidence so you can safely return to your specific sport’s demands.
Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) / Dry Needling
What is IMS or dry needling?
A technique using thin needles inserted into tight muscle bands or trigger points to release tension, reduce pain, and improve mobility, often used for chronic muscle tightness that hasn’t responded to other treatment.
Does dry needling hurt?
Most patients feel a brief muscle twitch or cramping sensation rather than sharp pain. Your physiotherapist will explain what to expect before starting.
Kinesiology & Active Rehabilitation
What's the difference between kinesiology and physiotherapy?
Kinesiology focuses on movement-based, progressive exercise programs to rebuild strength and function, often used alongside physiotherapy, particularly for WorkSafeBC and ICBC work-conditioning programs.
Shockwave Therapy
What conditions is shockwave therapy used for?
Chronic tendon and soft tissue conditions such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, patellar tendonitis, and calcific shoulder tendonitis that haven’t fully resolved with standard treatment.
How many shockwave sessions are typically needed?
Most conditions respond over a course of 3–6 sessions spaced about a week apart, though this varies by condition and severity.
Laser Therapy (Class IV)
How does Class IV laser therapy work?
It uses targeted light energy to reduce inflammation, ease pain, and support faster tissue healing, commonly used for frozen shoulder, tendon injuries, and post-surgical recovery.
Neurological Physiotherapy / Rehabilitation
Who benefits from neurological physiotherapy?
Patients recovering from stroke, Bell’s palsy, peripheral nerve injuries, or other conditions affecting the nervous system’s control over movement, balance, and coordination.
Vestibular Rehabilitation & BPPV Treatment
What is vestibular rehabilitation for?
It treats dizziness, vertigo, and balance problems originating from the inner ear or nervous system, often following BPPV, concussion, or other vestibular disorders.
What is BPPV, and how is it treated?
BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo) causes brief spinning sensations triggered by head movement. It’s typically treated very effectively with canalith repositioning maneuvers performed in-clinic.
Concussion Management
When should I see a physiotherapist after a concussion?
As soon as symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or brain fog persist beyond the first few days, early, guided rehabilitation supports a smoother, safer recovery.
Fall Prevention & Balance Rehab
Who is fall prevention therapy for?
Older adults or anyone with balance concerns, previous falls, or conditions affecting stability. Programs focus on strength, balance training, and practical strategies to reduce fall risk.
TMJ Dysfunction Management
Can physiotherapy help jaw pain and TMJ disorders?
Yes. Treatment can include manual therapy, exercises, and posture correction to reduce jaw pain, clicking, and restricted movement associated with TMJ dysfunction.
Post-Surgical Physiotherapy
When should I start post-surgical physiotherapy?
Timing depends on your surgeon’s protocol, but rehabilitation typically begins within days to a few weeks post-op to restore strength, mobility, and function, common after knee replacement, hip replacement, and ACL repair.
Taping (Kinesio & Athletic Taping)
What is taping used for?
Taping supports injured joints or muscles, reduces swelling, and provides feedback to improve movement patterns during recovery or return to sport.
Acupuncture
Is acupuncture different from dry needling/IMS?
Yes. While both use thin needles, acupuncture draws on traditional principles, targeting specific points for pain relief and overall well-being, while IMS/dry needling targets muscular trigger points directly.
Clinical Counselling
Do you offer mental health support alongside physiotherapy?
Yes. Our clinical counseling service offers evidence-based support, including CBT and solution-focused approaches, for anxiety, stress, trauma, grief, and relationship difficulties, often complementing physical recovery.
Bell's Palsy Treatment
Can physiotherapy help with Bell's palsy?
Yes. Facial rehabilitation exercises and targeted techniques can support recovery of facial muscle function and symmetry following Bell’s palsy.
Still Have Questions?
If your question isn’t answered here, our team is happy to help before you book. Reach out, and we’ll walk you through what to expect.