FAQs

+ What is a neurological physiotherapist?

A neurological physiotherapist is a physiotherapist who treats people with neurological conditions. Neuro-Ability is a practice of neurological physiotherapists who have undertaken specialised post-graduate training focussed upon treatment and management of patients with conditions impacting the nervous system Our specialised knowledge enables more effective and skilled interventions with our patients.

+ What happens during the initial assessment?

In the initial assessment we will take a detailed medical history and discuss your current problems and goals of therapy. Through observing your function in tasks such as standing up, walking, reaching and using your hands we will assess your movement and balance problems, including posture, strength, tone, coordination, and sensation. Following the assessment, we will discuss realistic goals and our treatment plan to achieve these goals.

The assessment session is an hour. If you wish to bring a friend or relative to accompany you to any of your sessions please ask if this is possible. We will endeavour to balance the needs of distancing given COVID 19 with your individual needs.

+ Will it help me? How does treatment work?

Yes – Specialist neurological physiotherapy will help you realize your potential for improvement. It will allow you to increase your level of function in day to day activities.

Specialist neurological rehabilitation enables recovery from a neurological illness by recruiting new brain pathways, encouraging the brain and spinal cord to make new connections for functional recovery; a process called ‘neuroplasticity’.

This is achieved by hands on treatment focussed upon re-alignment of joints and muscles to activate muscles that are currently weak, improving postural control, strength training and task specific practice. The end result is increased balance and new movement patterns all of which leads to increased independence in functional tasks such as walking, reaching into a cupboard, getting into and out of bed etc.

+ What does a treatment session look like?

All your sessions will be with a physiotherapist spending the time entirely with you; we only see one patient at a time. Each client’s treatment will be individual to their individual movement problems. We are a hands-on orientated practice. Treatment will involve aligning and activating joints and muscles to enable better postural control and stability so that you are more able to move and function successfully. We will do this through facilitating movement patterns, strength training, and helping you to exercise and practice movement skills. This 1-to-1 treatment time may involve the use of equipment such as treatment plinths, gym balls and floor mats. Treatment sessions will normally last one hour, but for those travelling from afar you may wish to book an extended session.

We also offer sessions with our rehabilitation assistant who sees clients in their own home or at the clinic. In order to see our rehabilitation assistant, you first need to be seen by one of our physiotherapists who plans a program. Our rehabilitation assistant will work with you either in your home where they will practice tasks you are finding challenging such as standing up from the couch or reaching crockery in your kitchen cupboard. Or they will work with you at the clinic often utilizing our body weight support treadmill where they oversee an exercise programme developed by the physiotherapist to focus on cardiothoracic health and / or balance.

During your rehabilitation we will provide you with a Home Exercise Programme that is targeted to your individual needs, enabling you to practice at home or a gym so you can continue to maximise your potential. We will work together to problem solve any practical challenges you may be having in your home or work environment.

We will always discuss your potential to make further improvements and be honest if we feel you have reached your ‘best’ functioning level. If we both agree you have plateaued in your recovery we will work with you to design a maintenance programme of exercises and stretches to keep you at your optimum level of fitness and functioning.

We offer long term reviews and check-ups as required to keep you at your best performance. We aim to help you reach your full potential and then maintain it.

+ How many treatment sessions will I need?

During your initial assessment we will identify your main difficulties with movement and balance, and we will establish your treatment needs. Together we will discuss realistic goals and how to achieve them as well as recommendations for frequency of treatment sessions; we will always be honest and realistic.

Your individual situation will be considered when recommending the number of treatment sessions to achieve your goals. Many factors will be reflected upon including your medical condition, ease of access to the clinic, available finances and more. You are never asked to make a long-term commitment to future treatment sessions, and you are in control of your bookings at all times. We will work with you to shape the rehabilitation programme to best suit your individual needs and situation.

+ Who do you treat?

We specialise in treating clients with neurological injuries to their brain, spinal cord or nerves from a condition such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis etc.

Please see the list of conditions on the Conditions We Treat page.

+ Do I need a referral to Neuro-Ability?

No. You can self-refer. You may of course bring in a referral from a doctor or other health professionals if you have one. Give us a call to discuss your condition so we can answer your questions.

+ What should I wear to my first appointment? What should I bring?

It is helpful to wear comfortable clothing such as shorts, sports-bra and a tank-top to allow clear analysis of your movement. If you use braces or splints, these would be helpful to bring. If you have copies of medical records and a list of current medications this is useful information for your physiotherapist. Don’t worry if you don’t have these available. If we require more details about your condition we will ask your permission to obtain these records.

+ What does each session cost?

Please contact us at the clinic to discuss this – we can provide you with costs and information about our services.

+ Will my extended health cover the costs of treatment?

Many private insurance policies cover physiotherapy services up to a set amount that differs for each policy. Be sure to check the specific details of your plan. We are able to direct bill Blue Cross but for other private insurance agencies you will need to pay for your treatment and apply for reimbursement from your insurer.

+ What are your rules on cancellations?

We understand occasionally it is not possible to attend a pre-arranged session and you may need to cancel. We ask you to give us as much notice as possible, ideally a week so that we are able to reorganise the therapist's schedule and keep the clinic functioning efficiently. If you fail to attend a session without giving us notice, or you cancel less than 24 business hours prior to your session we will charge a cancellation fee equivalent to the cost of the session. Please note: Cancelling over the weekend for a Monday appointment will be considered less than 24 business hours and will be fully billed.

+ Where are you?

Neuro-Ability is located on Kingsway Street just west of Knight Street in central Vancouver. We are near major arteries from Richmond, North Shore, New Westminster, Burnaby, Coquitlam and Post Moody.

Have a look at our ‘Contact Us’ page for more information, and phone us if you need more help.

Please note: If using google search to find us please enter our ADDRESS and not the business name as this can direct you to the wrong location.

+ Is there parking at the clinic?

Parking is fully accessible, free and close to the clinic door. We have 3 free parking stalls at the back of the building off the back lane. You can also park for no cost on Kingsway before 3 pm and enter through our front door.

+ Is your clinic wheelchair accessible?

Our clinic is fully accessible with wheelchair access through both front and back entrances. The clinic is fully equipped with automatic door openers and wide corridors There is an accessible toilet next to our back-door entrance.

+ Do you have a treadmill I can exercise on?

Yes, we have a Body Weight Support Treadmill. This is used either by our physiotherapists for treatment or our Rehabilitation Assistant who oversees an exercise programme developed by the physiotherapist to focus on cardiothoracic health and / or balance.

+ Do you see clients in their own home?

Yes, we have a physiotherapist and a rehabilitation assistant who provide therapy in the home setting. The physiotherapist will assess your mobility and provide recommendations to increase your safety and independence. They can also provide treatment in your home. Our rehabilitation assistant will work with you in your home practicing tasks you find challenging such as standing up from the couch or reaching dishes in your kitchen cupboard. They may also oversee an exercise program developed by the physiotherapist or help you navigate stairs, curbs and terrain in your local neighbourhood. In order to see our rehabilitation assistant, you first need to be seen by one of our physiotherapists to plan a program.

+ What do I do now? How do I book an appointment?

Have a look at the rest of our website and the ‘Contact Us’ page. We are happy to discuss any questions or concerns you may have. If you prefer to come into the clinic to meet us before booking an appointment we are happy to arrange a time for you to visit. We look forward to hearing from you and working together with you to achieve your functional goals.

If you wish to book an appointment please call 604 321 5807 Monday to Friday 8 am to 4 30pm, or email reception@neuro-ability.ca.