No. A doctor’s referral is not required to book an appointment with a physiotherapist or registered massage therapist. As primary healthcare providers, physiotherapists can assess and treat your condition without a referral. However, if you plan to submit your treatment through extended health benefits, we recommend checking with your insurance provider, as some plans require a physician’s referral for reimbursement.

Booking an appointment is easy! You can schedule your physiotherapy or registered massage therapy appointment in any of the following ways:

• Book online: https://montebellophysio.janeapp.com
• Call our clinic: (289) 438-9920
• Visit us in person during our regular business hours.

If you’re unsure which service is right for you or have questions about your injury or condition, our friendly team is happy to help. We’ll answer your questions and ensure you’re booked with the clinician and appointment type that best meets your needs.

We do our best to accommodate your schedule and get you in as soon as possible. In many cases, if you have a flexible schedule, we can book you as early as the next business day.

Early morning, evening, and other high-demand appointment times may require a few extra days’ notice, as these appointments tend to fill quickly. If you’re experiencing significant pain or have an urgent concern, please let us know when you call, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you as soon as possible.

Yes. We offer early morning appointments from 7:00 am on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and we have evening availability until 6:00pm on most weekdays. Call or book online to see our full current schedule.

The goal of physiotherapy and registered massage therapy is to help you move better, feel your best, reduce pain, and return to the activities that are important to you. If pain, injury, stiffness, weakness, or limited mobility is preventing you from living an active and healthy lifestyle, our team is here to help.

You don’t have to wait until an injury becomes severe to seek treatment. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing ongoing pain, preparing for or recovering from surgery, experiencing muscle tension and discomfort, or looking to improve your mobility and performance, we will assess your condition, understand your goals, and create a personalized treatment plan to help you reach your maximum physical health potential.

You may benefit from physiotherapy if you have: pain that has lasted more than a few days and isn’t improving, reduced range of motion or strength, difficulty with daily activities or sports, a recent injury, post-surgical recovery needs, dizziness or balance problems, or chronic pain that isn’t being managed well with current treatment.

When in doubt, call us. Our team can advise you over the phone about whether physiotherapy is appropriate for your situation — at no charge.

We treat a wide variety of injuries, conditions, and movement-related concerns. If you’re unsure whether physiotherapy or registered massage therapy can help with your specific issue, please give us a call—we would be happy to discuss your concerns and determine the best next step.

Some of the common conditions we help treat include:

• Low Back Pain
• Neck Pain
• Sciatica
• Sports Injuries
• Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
• Osteoarthritis
• Tendonitis
• Rotator Cuff Injuries
• Frozen Shoulder
• Shoulder Instability
• Tennis Elbow
• Golfer’s Elbow
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Repetitive Strain Injuries
• Heel and Foot Pain
• Headaches Related to Musculoskeletal Issues
• Concussions
• Vertigo and Balance Disorders

The number of physiotherapy appointments you need will depend on your specific condition, goals, and how your body responds to treatment. During your initial assessment, your physiotherapist will evaluate your condition, discuss your goals, and create a personalized treatment plan with you.

Your progress will be monitored throughout your recovery, and your physiotherapist will communicate with you along the way to ensure your treatment plan continues to meet your needs. Our goal is to help you achieve the best possible recovery while providing you with the tools and knowledge to maintain your progress long-term.

Montebello Physiotherapy & Sport Rehabilitation is conveniently located in the lower level of 118 Lake Street, St. Catharines, Ontario.

When you arrive, proceed toward the back of the building and look for the awning that reads “Montebello Physiotherapy.” From there, take the stairs down to our main entrance.

If you are unable to use the stairs or require an accessible appointment, please let us know when booking. We will be happy to schedule your appointment in an upstairs treatment room within the medical office, and your physiotherapist will meet you there.

If you have any trouble finding us, don’t hesitate to give us a call—we’ll be happy to help guide you to the clinic.

At Montebello Physiotherapy, our goal is to provide personalized care that helps you recover, reduce pain, and return to the activities you enjoy. Your first appointment is a 45-minute assessment with a registered physiotherapist, which includes both your evaluation and initial treatment.

During your first visit, your physiotherapist will take the time to understand your injury, medical history, symptoms, and goals. They will ask questions about your condition and perform a thorough physical assessment to identify the factors contributing to your concerns and develop an individualized treatment plan.

Your treatment may include hands-on therapy, education about your condition, therapeutic exercises, and other treatment techniques as appropriate. Your physiotherapist will provide you with exercises and strategies that you can complete at home to support your recovery and help prevent future injuries.

Please bring any relevant medical information, including MRI, ultrasound, or X-ray reports if available. We also recommend wearing comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area being assessed.

At the end of your appointment, your physiotherapist will discuss your treatment plan, recommended frequency of visits, and what you can expect throughout your recovery journey.

To help us provide the most effective care during your first visit, please bring any relevant medical information you have, including referral letters, reports, or imaging results (such as X-rays, ultrasounds, or MRI scans) from your healthcare provider. If you do not have these documents available, you may request that they be sent directly to our clinic.

If you have extended health benefits, please bring your insurance information or benefits card so we can assist with direct billing whenever available.

Please wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area being assessed and treated. For more information, please see our “What Should I Wear?” section.

Before your first appointment, you will need to complete a small amount of paperwork. To make this process as convenient as possible, we will send you a secure link through our JaneApp software that can be completed online from your computer or phone—no printing required. If you prefer, you can arrive approximately 5-10 minutes early for your appointment and we will have printed copies ready for you to complete at the clinic.

Please wear comfortable, athletic clothing that allows your physiotherapist or registered massage therapist to easily assess and treat the affected area.

For lower body or back-related concerns, we recommend wearing shorts or loose-fitting pants (such as yoga pants). For upper body concerns, a sleeveless or loose-fitting shirt is recommended to allow proper access for assessment and treatment.

If you are unsure what to wear, choose something comfortable that allows you to move freely.

Physiotherapy appointments are designed to provide enough time for a thorough assessment and effective treatment. Your initial physiotherapy assessment is 45 minutes, which includes both your evaluation and your first treatment session. All follow-up physiotherapy appointments are 30 minutes and focus on progressing your personalized treatment plan and helping you achieve your rehabilitation goals.

Registered Massage Therapy appointments are available in 30, 45, 60, and 90-minute sessions. If you are booking your first massage therapy appointment with us, we recommend choosing a 45-minute session. This allows enough time for your therapist to review your medical history, discuss your goals and concerns, and still provide a meaningful amount of hands-on treatment.

This depends entirely on your condition, its severity, and how your body responds to treatment. An acute soft tissue injury may resolve in 4-6 sessions. A chronic condition, post-surgical rehabilitation, or complex injury may require more. Your physiotherapist will give you a realistic estimate after your initial assessment and will update this as your recovery progresses.

Yes. We treat patients of all ages, including children and youth. We have experience with youth sports injuries, growth-related conditions (such as Osgood-Schlatter disease), and concussion rehabilitation for student athletes. Parents are welcome to be present for their child’s appointment.

Physiotherapy involves comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions using a combination of manual therapy, exercise, education, and modalities such as acupuncture. Physiotherapists are trained to diagnose and manage a wide range of conditions.

Registered Massage Therapy focuses specifically on the assessment and treatment of soft tissue (muscles, fascia, tendons) using hands-on techniques. RMTs do not diagnose conditions but work to reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and support recovery.

Both professions are regulated in Ontario and both are covered by most extended health insurance plans. They often complement each other — many of our patients see both a physiotherapist and an RMT as part of a coordinated treatment plan.

Both physiotherapists and chiropractors treat musculoskeletal conditions, but they differ in approach

Physiotherapy emphasizes active rehabilitation — exercise, movement, patient education, and progressive loading. Chiropractic care traditionally emphasizes passive spinal manipulation. Research supports both approaches for certain conditions, but physiotherapy’s emphasis on exercise-based, active rehabilitation tends to produce longer-lasting results for many conditions, particularly those requiring strength and functional recovery.

Yes, acupuncture is offered at Montebello Physiotherapy and can be incorporated as part of your physiotherapy treatment plan when appropriate. Your physiotherapist will discuss whether acupuncture may be beneficial for your condition and how it can complement your overall rehabilitation goals.

If you are specifically looking for acupuncture treatment, we recommend booking your appointment with either Jaya Sam or Joshua Droppert, who provide acupuncture services at our clinic.

Acupuncture at Montebello is performed by your registered physiotherapist and involves the insertion of very fine, sterile needles into specific muscles or tissue points to reduce pain, release muscle tension, and promote healing. It is generally not painful — most patients feel a dull ache or brief muscle twitch at the needle site. Your physiotherapist will explain the process fully and adjust treatment based on your comfort.

Yes — and it is one of the most evidence-supported treatments for chronic pain. Physiotherapy for chronic pain addresses both the physical and neurological components of pain. This includes manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, pain neuroscience education (helping you understand how chronic pain works), and graded activity to gradually restore your function and quality of life.

Vestibular rehabilitation is specialized physiotherapy for conditions affecting the inner ear and balance system — most commonly BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo), which causes sudden spinning sensations with head movement. Treatment typically involves specific repositioning maneuvers (such as the Epley maneuver) and exercise to retrain the brain’s balance responses. BPPV is often resolved in 1-3 sessions.

Telerehabilitation is the delivery of physiotherapy services through a secure video appointment, allowing you to receive care from the comfort and convenience of your own home.

Who is Telerehabilitation for?
Telerehabilitation is a great option for individuals who require ongoing physiotherapy support but may have difficulty attending the clinic in person due to travel, mobility, scheduling, or other circumstances.

What can I expect during a Telerehabilitation appointment?
Your physiotherapist will provide the same personalized care you would receive in the clinic, including education, exercise guidance, progress updates, and support throughout your recovery. Appointments may include:

• Reviewing your injury, symptoms, and progress
• Discussing your goals and treatment plan
• Completing a modified virtual assessment of your movement and function
• Providing and progressing personalized home exercises
• Answering questions and providing education to help you manage your condition

How does Telerehabilitation work?
Video appointments are completed through JaneApp, our secure and easy-to-use online platform. Initial assessments are typically 45 minutes, and follow-up appointments are 30 minutes, similar to in-clinic appointments.

To prepare for your appointment, simply book your session as usual through our clinic, then log into JaneApp using your phone, tablet, or computer. Your physiotherapist will send you a link to join the video appointment.

Please wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely, and ensure you have enough space to safely complete any exercises during your session.

How do I pay for my Telerehabilitation appointment?
At the end of each Telerehabilitation session, payment can be completed by leaving a credit card on file for billing, or by sending payment via e-transfer. Our team will provide you with the necessary details to complete payment.

Telerehabilitation allows you to continue receiving expert guidance, exercise progressions, and ongoing support while working toward your recovery goals from home.

Bundle Care is a publicly funded rehabilitation program designed to support patients recovering from total hip and total knee replacement surgeries. The program provides structured physiotherapy care following surgery to help patients safely regain strength, mobility, independence, and confidence as they return to their daily activities.

Through the Bundle Care program, patients are referred by their hospital surgical team and connected with a participating physiotherapy clinic for their post-operative rehabilitation. At Montebello Physiotherapy, we work with patients from both Hamilton Health Sciences and Niagara Health to provide personalized rehabilitation following their joint replacement surgery.

Our goal is to help you achieve the best possible recovery by providing individualized treatment, guidance with your exercises, and support throughout each stage of your rehabilitation journey.

OHIP only provides coverage for physiotherapy services for specific groups of individuals. These include:

• Individuals aged 65 or older
• Individuals aged 19 or younger
• Individuals receiving Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
• Patients requiring physiotherapy directly related to an overnight hospital stay after discharge
• Residents of long-term care facilities over the age of 18

If you qualify for OHIP-funded physiotherapy, you must attend a publicly funded physiotherapy clinic. These clinics have a limited number of OHIP-funded spaces available each year, which can result in longer wait times.

Montebello Physiotherapy is not an OHIP-funded clinic and does not provide publicly funded physiotherapy services. We have chosen to focus on providing private physiotherapy care that allows us to offer longer assessment and treatment times, one-on-one care with a registered physiotherapist, and individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s specific goals and needs.

The exception is patients participating in the Bundle Care program following a total knee or total hip replacement surgery. Eligible patients are referred through their hospital and receive publicly funded physiotherapy as part of their post-operative rehabilitation plan. For more information about the program, please speak with your surgical team or contact our clinic.

For more information about publicly funded physiotherapy locations in Ontario, please visit Ontario.ca/physiotherapy or contact your local Community Care Access Centre (CCAC).

We offer direct billing to many extended health insurance providers for your convenience. Coverage and direct billing eligibility vary depending on your individual insurance plan, so we recommend confirming your physiotherapy or massage therapy benefits with your provider.

Currently, we are able to direct bill the following insurance providers:

• Blue Cross
• Canada Life
• Chambers of Commerce
• Claims Secure
• Cowan
• Desjardins Insurance
• Empire Life
• Equitable Life
• Green Shield Canada
• Group Health
• Group Source
• Industrial Alliance
• Johnston Group
• Manion
• Manulife
• Maximum Benefit
• MDM Insurance
• NexgenRx
• OTIP
• RWAM Insurance
• SSQ Insurance
• Sun Life
• Union Benefits

If your insurance provider is not listed above, don’t worry! This does not necessarily mean your treatment will not be covered. Some insurance companies require patients to pay for their appointment and submit their own claims for reimbursement. In these cases, we will provide you with an official receipt to submit to your insurance provider.

If you have questions about your coverage or the direct billing process, please contact our clinic and our team will be happy to help.

If you have extended health benefits, please bring your insurance information or benefits card to your appointment. We offer direct billing to many insurance providers for your convenience.

If your insurance provider is not on our direct billing list, don’t worry! This does not necessarily mean your physiotherapy or massage therapy services are not covered. Some insurance companies require patients to pay for their appointment first and submit their own claims for reimbursement. If this applies to your plan, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurance provider.

For any outstanding balances, copayments, or services not covered by insurance, we accept cash, Interac/Debit, Visa, and Mastercard.

Yes — Registered Massage Therapy (RMT) is covered under most extended health benefit plans. Coverage amounts typically range from $300 to $1,000 per year. We offer direct billing for RMT services. Check your specific plan for your annual limit and whether a physician’s referral is required.

WSIB (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board) provides coverage for injuries, illnesses, or conditions that occur as a result of your workplace duties. If you are injured at work, it is important to report the injury to your employer as soon as possible and ensure the appropriate reports are completed.

To begin the WSIB process, you will need to complete a Worker’s Report of Injury/Disease (Form 6) and your employer will complete their required report. Once WSIB reviews the information and approves your claim, you will receive a claim number, which allows us to bill WSIB directly for your physiotherapy treatment.

You may begin physiotherapy before your claim has been approved; however, if WSIB denies your claim, you may be responsible for the cost of any treatment received.

At Montebello Physiotherapy, we understand that navigating a WSIB claim can feel overwhelming. Our team is here to help guide you through the process, answer your questions, and provide the necessary documentation to support your recovery. If your employer requires a Functional Abilities Form (FAF) to determine modified duties or return-to-work plans, our physiotherapists can complete the form and send it directly to your employer.

Your recovery and safe return to work are our priorities. If you have questions about your WSIB claim or physiotherapy treatment, please contact our clinic—we are happy to help.

For additional information about WSIB claims, you can contact WSIB directly at 1-800-387-0750.

If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, Montebello Physiotherapy can help guide you through the rehabilitation process. We provide physiotherapy treatment for motor vehicle accident injuries and work with your auto insurance company to help coordinate your care.

After your accident, you should report your claim to your insurance company and obtain the following information:

• Your insurance company name
• Your adjuster’s name and contact information
• Your claim number
• Details regarding any extended health benefits you may have

Depending on your insurance coverage, you may be required to access available extended health benefits before certain auto insurance accident benefits are used. Our team will help you understand the process and ensure the appropriate paperwork is completed.

We will assist with the required forms and documentation, communicate with your insurance provider when needed, and submit the necessary paperwork to begin your treatment.

We understand that recovering from a motor vehicle accident can be stressful. Our goal is to make the process as simple as possible so you can focus on your recovery and getting back to your normal activities.

The best time to begin physiotherapy after a fracture depends on the type of injury, how it is healing, and when your physician or orthopedic surgeon clears you to begin rehabilitation. In most cases, starting physiotherapy soon after being cleared can help restore mobility, reduce stiffness, rebuild strength, and support a safe return to your normal activities.

As a general guideline, once your cast or immobilization device has been removed and you have been cleared to begin movement, it is a good time to book an assessment. Your physiotherapist will evaluate your injury, provide appropriate exercises, and guide you through your recovery while ensuring your treatment progresses safely and comfortably.

If you are unsure whether you are ready to begin physiotherapy, feel free to contact our clinic. We would be happy to answer your questions and help determine the best next step for your recovery.

We understand that unexpected situations happen and that sometimes you may need to change your appointment. If you are unable to attend your scheduled appointment, please provide us with as much notice as possible so we can offer that time to another patient who may need care.

Our cancellation policy requires at least 24 hours’ notice for appointment changes or cancellations. Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice or missed appointments (no-shows) may be subject to a cancellation fee:

• First occurrence: 50% of the scheduled visit fee
• Second and subsequent occurrences: 100% of the scheduled visit fee

These fees help cover the reserved appointment time and allow us to continue providing timely access to care for all of our patients.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding our cancellation policy, please contact our clinic and our team will be happy to assist you.