Help & FAQ

Active Rehab program is designed to recover physical function after a traumatic injury such as an motor vehicle accident, sports injury, or work related accident. This can be a direct referral from ICBC, WSBC, lawyers or therapists. This program is run solely by a Registered Kinesiologist but does not mean a patient won’t be using other services in conjunction.

Active Rehab program involves a detailed assessment with a job demands analysis and includes a written report. Based on recommendations by treating therapists in addition to assessment findings, a comprehensive exercise program is designed and a plan is put in place for the patient. This program may eventually include a gradual return to work (GRTW) plan and can be implemented while in the Active Rehab program.

The ultimate goal of Active Rehab is to get you back to full movement function in the shortest period of time possible while supporting the patient in building an exercise routine which they can incorporate into their lifestyle even after they have graduated from the program.

If you have been in an auto accident your ICBC adjuster will have to approve your coverage but we can help you with that. When approved you are typically covered for 100% of the treatment costs.

Should you have legal representation we can work with your lawyer to get the Active Rehab treatments you need.

A pair of shorts, a comfortable top, and running shoes will do the trick. In most cases you can just wear comfortable clothing without having to change.

The Doctors of Chiropractic at painPRO are movement therapists trained to diagnose and treat a large variety of problems with the body.  Specifically, our chiropractors take care of neuromuscular or musculoskeletal issues.  These problems with the joints, muscles, or nerves of the body can arise from injuries sustained in sports, poor posture at work, or present as aches and pains associated with your activities of daily living.  As primary care practitioners, a medical doctor’s referral is not required to see a chiropractor.  Our team of Chiropractors value accurate diagnosis, evidence-based treatments, and open dialogue with our patients. Upon your arrival at the clinic, you will be asked to fill out a short medical history regarding your complaint.  This document is used by the Chiropractor to start the diagnostic process.  Your Chiropractor will ask you questions regarding how you may have become injured, how long your complaint has bothered you, and what, if any, previous treatment you have received.  Once a clear understanding of your case is obtained, the Chiropractor will perform a thorough physical examination to identify the structures that are causing your pain.  This will involve simple movements of the joints, palpation of the affected muscles, strength and reflex testing, and specialized tests called orthopedic tests that help your chiropractor to arrive at a diagnosis. At this point, the Chiropractor will let you know what joints, muscles, or nerves have been affected, and explain the options that are available for treatment.  These options may include specific adjustments of the spine or extremities, soft tissue therapy, electrical modalities like Shockwave therapy, and education regarding home exercises or stretches that are specifically tailored to your condition.  Your Chiropractor will then go over the Consent to Chiropractic Treatment form with you, and allow you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.  You and your chiropractor can then start on the road to relief of pain, recovery from injury, and improved performance in sport and in life!

The word “chiropractic” comes from ancient Greek and means “done by hand.”

Our Chiropractors are therapists in manual adjustment of the spine and other joints. Adjustments help relieve pain and restore normal functioning to the spine, joints and supporting structures of the body – so you can enjoy your everyday activities again as quickly as possible.

Chiropractors are also trained to prescribe therapeutic exercise,in addition to recommending rehabilitation and injury prevention strategies.

An adjustment is a highly skilled and precise movement usually applied by hand to a joint of the body.  When a joint is adjusted, a gas bubble escapes causing the popping noise you may have heard about.

Our focus at painPRO is to provide adjustments as a last resort since Chiropractors are trained in many other evidence informed manual techniques.

Chiropractic is widely recognized as one of the safest, drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of headache, and neck and back pain. It has an excellent safety record. However, no health treatment is completely free of potential adverse effects. Even common over-the-counter medicines carry a risk.

Most patients experience immediate relief following an adjustment, however, some may experience temporary pain, stiffness or slight swelling. Some patients may also experience temporary dizziness, local numbness, or radiating pain. However, adverse effects associated with spinal adjustment are typically minor and short-lived.

Many patients seek Chiropractic treatment for wellness care. Others, like seniors, find that treatment helps them to maintain mobility and good range of motion. Pain should never become a way of life, especially when there is qualified help available.

There are many reasons to seek Chiropractic care: Work, accidents, sports injuries, household chores, even the stress of daily living can cause painful joint and spinal problems. Even if you do not have painful symptoms, Chiropractic care can help you maintain healthy spine and joint function.

Here are some of the most common reasons why more than 4 million Canadians visit a Chiropractor each year:

• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Headache
• Whiplash
• Strains and sprains from daily activities
• Repetitive strain injuries
• Work and sports-related injuries
• Arthritis
• Restricted movement in the back, shoulders, neck or limbs
• General health and well-being

Chiropractic care can:

• Improve movement in your neck, shoulders, back and torso
• Improve your posture
• Provide relief from headaches, neck and back pain
• Help prevent work-related muscle and joint injuries
• Lead to enhanced athletic performance
• Improve your flexibility and range of motion
• Relieve pregnancy-related back ache
• Correct gait and foot problems

Chiropractors are legislated as primary care professionals in every province in Canada. This means that patients can consult them directly. However, Chiropractors often work closely with medical doctors, many of whom refer to chiropractors when they believe Chiropractic treatment will help alleviate a patient’s condition. Similarly, Chiropractors frequently refer to medical doctors when necessary.

Chiropractic care cannot “cure” every ailment, but there is some evidence to indicate that adjustments may have a beneficial effect on a variety of conditions. Adjustment may alleviate some of the secondary or referred pain, arising from the response of the musculoskeletal structures to the primary cause.

It has similarities to Personal Training but with a focus building and improving your body’s strength, agility, flexibility, balance, and overall health. After a thorough assessment our Kinesiologists will work with you to develop a personalized fitness program specific to your desired goals.

No, at this time, MSP does not cover Functional Fitness session.

There is no set routine for functional fitness sessions. The Kinesiologist will work together with your likes and goals to create a program specific to your needs. The program developed for you will be easy for you to do at home since we try and create routines that don’t require any special equipment.

We encourage out patients to spend time outside walking. Many programs charge to watch you run on a treadmill, ride a stationary bike, or do some other cardio workout. At painPRO we want you to do what the human body was designed to do best…walk. You don’t need to pay us to watch you walk. In fact walking has been proven to be a very effective form of training for cardiovascular health.

A pair of shorts, a comfortable top, and running shoes will do the trick.

The simplest answer is they are a health care professional that has spent years in post secondary education learning about human movement and wellness.

Yes if your treatment involves a Physiotherapist. In most cases our Kinesiologist’s work directly with a Physiotherapist to retrain your body to move effectively without pain or dysfunction.

If you are working directly with a Kinesiologist for Functional Fitness then the sessions will not be covered.

In British Columbia, Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) are medical professionals and are considered the best trained in North America. Up until 2010 Massage Therapists in BC were required to complete a comprehensive 3000 hour medically based college program.

In order to accommodate a more National scope in the Massage Therapy industry the College of Massage Therapists of BC changed the educational requirements to 2200 hours. The change in educational hours is designed to reflect education based on producing massage therapy graduates who are competent and safe.

Registered Massage Therapists are trained to assess and treat a variety of neuromuscular problems by manipulating the body’s soft tissue. Massage therapy has been documented as an alternative treatment for a wide range of conditions involving short-term and long-term pain. In addition to “hands-on-therapy,” RMTs are also trained in the use of a wide variety of techniques that help improve patient outcomes including hydrotherapy, stretching, strengthening, and postural exercises.

BC Massage Therapists are required to continually upgrade their knowledge and skills by taking courses and programs throughout their career.

All Registered Massage Therapists are governed by the College of Massage Therapists and are Regulated Health Professionals in British Columbia. Massage therapy in BC has been a regulated health care profession since 1946.

The painPRO Welcome

Aim to arrive a few minutes early.

When you arrive your therapist will generally be there to greet you. Should they still be with a patient, relax and help yourself to a glass of water and a handful of Jelly Beans.

Please fill out the Health History form located at the front desk.

For first time clients, we ask that you pay before the treatment begins. You will be provided an official receipt for presentation to your insurance provider for reimbursement.

Starting your session

Your therapist will accompany you to the clinic room where they will go over your Health History Form and ask questions about your specific issue(s).

Depending on the problem, your therapist may perform some special tests to assist them in uncovering the cause of your pain.

The therapist will then direct you on how to position yourself on the massage table prior to them leaving the room.

You then disrobe to your level of comfort and get positioned on the massage table. For best results, we recommend skin-to-skin contact. Please communicate to the therapists if you are uncomfortable at any point. You are always in control.

During your massage

Your massage treatment will usually begin within 5-10 minutes of your appointment start time. This will depend on the initial inquiries and special tests needed to properly identify the root cause of your problem.

Please advise the therapist if you have any specific nut allergies. We carry a wide range of hypoallergenic oils, lotions, and gels.

Throughout the treatment session the therapist will ensure that the techniques being used remain within your level of comfort. Some massage techniques are focused on initiating tissue healing and as such can be uncomfortable for some patients. Please communicate with your therapist; we are here to ensure your comfort while at the same time achieving the best possible treatment results.

Depending on your specific needs or requests, your therapist may perform a full body massage or focus on specific parts of the body.

Approximately 5 minutes before the appointment end time your massage therapist will begin wrapping up the treatment.

Once the treatment is completed the therapist will leave the room, at which time you may get dressed.

Remaining pain free

In order to assist in your recovery process the therapist may suggest a couple of stretching or strengthening exercises.

Depending on the complexity of your issue the therapist may recommend an additional appointment, which can be booked at the clinic or at your convenience on-line.

Don’t forget to help yourself to some water and Jelly Beans prior to leaving. The water is great for recovery and the Jelly Beans are just yummy. So Enjoy!

During your massage you will be asked to disrobe to your level of comfort. For best results, we recommend skin-to-skin contact. Please communicate to the therapists if you are uncomfortable at any point. You are always in control.

In some cases, sports shorts may be requested and for woman sport shorts and bra. Most clinics have an extra set of clean apparel in case you’ve forgotten yours.

At painPRO Therapeutics we require at least 24 hours notice prior to any appointment change or cancellation. Failure to provide the minimum 24 hours notice will result in the full treatment charge…this includes “Same Day Appointments”

“Same Day Appointments” are made available to help people get in when they most need to. Please ensure when you book on the same day of the appointment that you can make it in. If you take it, please be prepared to keep it, because you blocked someone else from that time.

We adhere to this cancellation policy as last minute cancellations have a significant impact on our massage therapists as they are not paid by the hour. The time you have booked has been reserved for you and we hold up our end of the bargain by ensuring that your time slot is not double booked.

There are two ways to cancel or reschedule your appointment:

1. CALL OUR RECEPTION AT 604-683-7246

2. LOG INTO YOUR ACCOUNT AND MAKE CHANGES ON-LINE

*we do not accept e-mail cancellations due to the unpredictability of e-mail delivery.

We thank you for your understanding in this matter.

Many people who are booking on-line for the first time are unsure about what treatment length to book. We have found that many people think that the standard time for a massage treatment is 60 minutes. Our goal is to save you money while at the same time getting you the massage treatment you need.

At painPRO Therapeutics much of the work we do is clinically based massage therapy in addition to handling a large number of stress related massage treatments. We have prepared the following as a guide to help you choose the treatment length that best suits you. From stress relief to pain relief, come and experience the painPRO difference.

Remember this is only a guide. You know your body best so choose what you think is right for you. Some people feel they need longer treatments to optimize the benefits of their massage experience, while others prefer shorter treatments.

Target Treatment (30 minutes) – best for:

1. pain in a specific region of the body
2. headaches
3. sports massage
4. computer related discomfort (back, shoulders, neck)
5. on-going treatments
6. decompress from the days stress

painPRO Treatment (45 minutes) – best for:

1. first appointment (just a suggestion. Allows our therapists to provide you the best possible results)
2. pain in multiple regions of the body
3. chronic headaches
4. complex on-going treatments
5. computer related discomfort (back, shoulders, neck)
6. decompress from a stressful time

Extended Treatment (60 minutes) – best for:

1. complex treatments in multiple areas of the body
2. general body pain
3. accident trauma
4. you’ve got extra time
5. full body massage
6. on-going treatments
7. preventive maintenance
8. general stress relief

Stress Buster (90 minutes) – best for:

1. vacation
2. why not
3. when the boss is away
4. massage addictions…this is the intervention
5. can’t get great massage at home
6. when tired and a nap is in order
7. someone having a really bad day/ week/ year

No referral is required for any of our services at painPRO. You can book directly with us. However, some insurance plans may require a doctor's referral for coverage—check with your provider to confirm your specific requirements.

The majority of extended health care plans cover registered massage therapy treatments.

So, the question then becomes “how much coverage do I have?” The answer to this is in your insurance policy. The coverage amounts are located usually under the headings, “Paramedical” or “Supplementary Benefits.” Policies typically have a percentage of coverage and/or a specified dollar amount (e.g., 80% coverage up to a total of $500 per calendar year).

You may also need to check if your employer has requested a referral from a Medical Doctor. A referral from your MD, if required, is generally good for 12 months.

Apart from yourself, bring any medical documents that are relevant to your injury or claim.

Wear something that you are comfortable in and make sure that the affected body area is accessible. Usually females would require a sport top and shorts depending on the area worked and males just shorts. and comfortable t-shirt. We have a limited number of sport shorts available should not have any.

No. Typically our professionals only require the area being worked on to be exposed during treatment.

No. You are able to change in one of our clinic rooms however we do not have a shower available. Much of what we do will not cause excessive perspiration.

To calculate your MSP eligibility for coverage for Physiotherapy you can use their online calculator at https://extranet.gov.bc.ca/forms/gov/health/msppa.html. Should you qualify for premium assistance you will need to get approved by MSP. Once this is completed we will bill $23 directly to MSP and you merely pay the difference in treatment price. You can also contact one of our patient support team who can follow up on your behalf to see what you are approved for.

Yes, you can claim your Physiotherapy sessions if you are covered by your extended health. At painPRO we are able to assist you by directly submitting your receipts to most major insurance companies.  You are merely responsible for the portion not covered by your insurer.

No, you do not need a referral. Physiotherapists are Primary Care providers and can offer services without the referral of a doctor. However, if you have an ICBC claim your doctor will need to assist in following your treatment program in accordance with ICBC’s protocols.