Frequently Asked Questions

University-trained physiotherapists who have taken a series of postgraduate courses and examinations provide manual Therapy.
Manual therapy involves ‘hands-on’ treatment which is part of the rehabilitation procedure that utilizes a variety of treatments to restore normal function after disease or injury. Manual Therapists use techniques that can include joint mobilization and manipulation, soft tissue techniques, stretching, specific therapeutic exercise, physiotherapy modalities, traction and education. In Canada the organization that has certified manipulative physiotherapists is the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapists and the professional designation is Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manual Physiotherapy (FCAMPT).

• Joint mobilization is a gentle rhythmical, repetitive, passive movement to a joint to improve function and reduce pain.
• Joint manipulation involves a small high speed controlled movement to a specific joint to improve function and reduce pain.
• Soft tissue techniques include muscle stretching, trigger point release, myofascial techniques and massage. These help decrease muscle spasm and tightness as well as promote tissue recovery.

Some of the scientifically proven benefits of Manual Therapy:

• Pain Relief
• Improved Joint Motion
• Increased Muscle Strength and Coordination
• Increased Function

Our clinic believes that a patient’s involvement in his or her own recovery is paramount to success. We provide education on a patient’s condition, explaining what is wrong, what caused or contributed to the injury and what treatment(s) can be done to correct the problem.

All physiotherapists are university-trained professionals. After graduating University, a physiotherapist takes a series of postgraduate courses and examinations run by the Canadian Physiotherapy Association’s orthopedic division. Once these exams are successfully completed a physiotherapist earns a Diploma in Manual and Manipulative Therapy. This entitles the manual physiotherapist to become a fellow in the Canadian Academy of Manual Physical Therapist (F.C.A.M.P.T). This designation, which has a stringent examination process, has membership of less than 1% of the physiotherapists in Canada.

Both techniques utilize the same thin needles. IMS is based on the work of Chan Gunn, MD who developed a system of needling treatment based on the findings of neuropathic changes in the musculoskeletal system. Needling the tight painful band of muscle releases tension, this in turn allows increased mobility. Acupuncture is thought to stimulate the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones that influence the internal regulating system of the body.

You should bring any pertinent information for your first visit i.e. doctor’s referral if you have one, and your BC care card. Also, please bring or wear suitable clothing for exercising i.e. shorts.

A doctor’s referral is not necessary to see a physiotherapist or massage therapist in British Columbia. However, to be covered by Worksafe BC or ICBC a doctor’s referral is required. Some extended health plans require a doctor’s note to reimburse you for physiotherapy and massage therapy services, check your insurance policy if you are unsure.

Most extended health insurance companies will cover physiotherapy and massage therapy services. It is best to check with your individual plan about the exact amount of coverage. Kelowna Manual Therapy Centre will provide you with a receipt at each visit, which you can then submit to be reimbursed.

• Initial Assessment – $105
• Subsequent Treatments – $90
• ICBC Visit Fee – Covered by ICBC with claim number - please contact the front desk for further information
• MSP Premium Assistance – $35

- RCMP/DVA – please contact our front office staff for more information.

Alyssa Watkins' Initial Assessment & Subsequent Treatments


• 30 minutes – $80
• 45 minutes – $105
• 
60 minutes – $130

Please contact the office for more information on ICBC billing

Cancellation Policy:

Booked appointments are for you and only you! 

Please understand that Massage Therapists only get paid when they deliver treatment. Consequently, missed appointments are costly and prevent us from treating other clients.

In the event that you are not able to keep the scheduled appointment, please contact the office with at least 24hrs notice to cancel or change your treatment time. 

If you do not show up for your appointment or notify the front desk with at least 24hrs in advance, you will be charged the full cost of your booked treatment. 

Lastly, please refer to office hours for cancelling or rescheduling.

Our clinic will accept cash, cheque, debit, VISA or MasterCard.

For more information contact our front office staff or click on the link below: 
http://www.health.gov.bc.ca/msp/infoben/premium.html