Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you’re visiting us for physiotherapy, massage therapy, dry needling, vestibular rehabilitation, or another rehabilitation service, we’re here to make your experience as smooth as possible. Below are answers to some of the most common questions our patients ask.

What conditions do you treat?

At Motion Focus & Sports Clinic, we treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and sports-related conditions, including:
  • Back and neck pain
  • Shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle injuries
  • Sports injuries
  • TMJ and jaw pain
  • Vestibular disorders and dizziness
  • Concussions
  • Sciatica
  • Arthritis
  • Chronic pain
  • Motor vehicle accident injuries
  • Workplace injuries (WCB)
  • Post-surgical rehabilitation
  • Pelvic floor dysfunction
  • Balance and mobility issues
  • Tendinitis and bursitis
  • Muscle strains and ligament sprains
Our physiotherapists develop personalized treatment plans based on your condition and recovery goals.
What is physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy (also called physical therapy) is a healthcare profession that helps restore movement, reduce pain, improve function, and prevent future injuries. Treatment may include manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, education, dry needling, acupuncture, shockwave therapy, and individualized rehabilitation programs tailored to your needs.

Physiotherapy helps identify and treat the root cause of pain rather than simply masking symptoms. It promotes healing, restores mobility, improves strength and flexibility, reduces the risk of recurring injuries, and helps you return safely to your daily activities, work, or sports.

Physical therapists, also known as physiotherapists, are licensed healthcare professionals trained to assess, diagnose, and treat movement disorders, injuries, and physical impairments. They use evidence-based treatments to improve your mobility, function, and overall quality of life.

Yes. Our clinic offers dry needling performed by certified physiotherapists. Dry needling targets muscular trigger points to relieve pain, reduce muscle tension, improve mobility, and accelerate recovery. Your physiotherapist will determine whether it’s appropriate as part of your treatment plan.

Motion Focus & Sports Clinic proudly serves patients throughout Northwest Calgary and the surrounding communities. We offer convenient access to personalized physiotherapy and rehabilitation services in a welcoming, modern clinic.

No. In Alberta, you do not need a physician’s referral to book an appointment with a physiotherapist. However, some extended health insurance providers may require a referral for reimbursement, so we recommend checking your individual policy.

Booking an appointment is easy. You can:
  • Book online through our website
  • Call our clinic
  • Visit us in person
  • Contact us through our online inquiry form
Our friendly team will help you schedule a convenient appointment.

If we believe another healthcare provider or a different treatment approach would better meet your needs, we’ll explain our recommendations and help guide you toward the most appropriate next step.

Before your appointment, we recommend:

  • Completing any required intake forms
  • Arriving approximately 10–15 minutes early
  • Bringing your insurance information (if applicable)
  • Wearing comfortable clothing
  • Bringing any relevant medical reports or imaging results

This helps us maximize your treatment time.

Please bring:

  • Government-issued photo ID
  • Extended health insurance information
  • Physician referral (if required by your insurer)
  • Diagnostic imaging reports (X-rays, MRI, CT scans, etc.), if available
  • Comfortable clothing suitable for movement
  • List of current medications (if relevant)

Your first visit includes a comprehensive assessment where your physiotherapist will:

  • Review your medical history
  • Discuss your symptoms and treatment goals
  • Assess your movement, posture, strength, flexibility, and function
  • Explain your diagnosis and findings
  • Develop a personalized treatment plan
  • Begin treatment when appropriate
  • Provide home exercises and self-care education

The number of sessions depends on your diagnosis, injury severity, overall health, and recovery goals. Some patients experience improvement within a few visits, while others with more complex or chronic conditions may require ongoing rehabilitation. Your physiotherapist will discuss an estimated treatment timeline after your assessment.

Treatment frequency varies by condition. Initially, many patients attend one to two sessions per week, with visits becoming less frequent as they improve. Your physiotherapist will recommend a schedule that supports optimal recovery.

Appointment times vary depending on the type of visit.

Typically:

  • Initial Assessment: 45–60 minutes
  • Follow-Up Treatment: 30–45 minutes

Your therapist will recommend the appropriate appointment length based on your needs.

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the area being treated. Athletic wear such as shorts, leggings, tank tops, or T-shirts is generally recommended.

Most extended health insurance plans include physiotherapy coverage. Coverage amounts vary depending on your provider and plan. We recommend reviewing your benefits before your appointment.

Yes. Motion Focus & Sports Clinic offers direct billing for many major extended health insurance providers whenever possible. Please contact our clinic to confirm whether your insurance provider supports direct billing.

Treatment fees vary depending on the appointment type and duration. Please contact our clinic or visit our pricing page for the most up-to-date fee schedule.

If your injury occurred at work, you may be eligible for treatment through the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB). Our team can guide you through the WCB process and help coordinate your care.

If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident, you may qualify for physiotherapy coverage through your auto insurance provider. We can assist you with the required documentation and help coordinate your rehabilitation.

Currently, we do not provide on-site child care. If possible, we recommend arranging childcare before your appointment so you can fully focus on your treatment.

Absolutely. We take your privacy seriously and follow all applicable Alberta privacy legislation. Your personal health information is kept secure and confidential and is only shared with your consent or when required by law.

We work with many major extended health insurance providers and offer direct billing whenever available. If you’re unsure about your coverage, our administrative team will be happy to assist you before your appointment.

If you require interpretation services, please let us know when booking your appointment. We’ll do our best to accommodate your needs or discuss available options to ensure effective communication during your visit.