What is Physiotherapy?
During your first visit you can expect the following:
Physiotherapy is a regulated healthcare profession that helps people manage pain, improve movement and build strength. It can help when pain, stiffness, an injury or recovery after surgery makes everyday activities difficult.
Medicines, injections and surgery are not the only treatment options. Physiotherapy can be an important part of care for many muscle and joint conditions, either on its own or alongside other medical treatment.
At Prana Physiotherapy in Surrey and New Westminster, we provide care for back pain, neck pain, shoulder and knee pain, sports injuries and post-surgical rehabilitation.
When are you open? Do you offer evening and weekend appointments?
Yes. Prana Physiotherapy offers evening and weekend appointments in Surrey and New Westminster to help you fit treatment around work, school and family commitments.
Surrey clinic — Open seven days a week
- Monday–Friday: 9:00 am–8:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am–6:00 pm
- Sunday: 10:00 am–4:00 pm
Visit us at 103–9093 King George Boulevard, near Surrey Memorial Hospital. Call 604-260-0183 for late-evening or weekend physiotherapy appointments in Surrey.
New Westminster clinic
- Monday–Friday: 9:30 am–6:30 pm
- Saturday: 9:30 am–1:30 pm
Visit us at 420 Columbia Street, 4th Floor, opposite Columbia SkyTrain Station. Call 604-533-6620 for evening or Saturday physiotherapy appointments in New Westminster.
Free parking is available at both clinics. Please contact your preferred location to check appointment availability. Holiday hours may vary.
When are you open? Do you offer evening and weekend appointments?
For your first visit to Prana Physiotherapy in Surrey or New Westminster, please bring:
- Photo identification and your BC Services Card, if available.
- Extended health insurance details, including your policy and member numbers, if you plan to use benefits.
- Your ICBC or WorkSafeBC claim number and injury date, if your appointment relates to a claim.
- Relevant medical information, such as a medication list, imaging reports, surgical instructions or a referral, if you have them.
- Comfortable clothing that allows movement and access to the area being assessed—for example, shorts for a knee assessment.
- Any questions or recovery goals you would like to discuss.
Please complete any intake forms sent to you before your visit, or arrive 10–15 minutes early to complete them.
You can book physiotherapy without a doctor’s referral, although some insurance plans may require one for reimbursement. Please check your coverage requirements before attending.
Missing a document? Contact our team before your appointment so we can advise you.
Do you accept my insurance?
We accept the majority of extended-health insurance plans and offer direct billing where your insurer and individual plan permit. Please visit our Insurance page for the provider list and coverage information, or contact our team to confirm direct billing availability for your plan.
How long will I need physiotherapy?
The number of physiotherapy visits you need depends on your condition, how long you have had symptoms, your goals and your response to treatment. Some problems may require a short course of care, while persistent conditions or recovery after surgery may need rehabilitation over a longer period.
At Prana Physiotherapy in Surrey and New Westminster, your physiotherapist will discuss the recommended appointment frequency and estimated treatment duration after your assessment.
We review your progress and adjust your plan as needed. As your abilities and confidence improve, appointments may become less frequent, with greater emphasis on exercises and managing your condition independently.
You do not need to commit to an indefinite course of treatment. Recommendations are based on your clinical needs and discussed with you. If progress is limited, we will reassess your care and discuss other options or referral when appropriate.
Recovery times vary, and a fixed number of visits or specific outcome cannot be guaranteed.
How long is each physiotherapy session? How long my appointment visits will be?
A physiotherapy session usually lasts around 30 minutes. Some appointments may last 40–60 minutes, depending on your injury, treatment needs and other health conditions that may affect your care.
Appointment length also depends on the treatments included, such as IMS/dry needling, therapeutic ultrasound, laser therapy, shockwave therapy, hands-on treatment or exercises. These are recommended only when clinically appropriate; not every session requires each treatment.
At Prana Physiotherapy in Surrey and New Westminster, our team will confirm your scheduled appointment length when you book.
Is physiotherapy only for people who have an injury?
No—you do not need an injury or accident to benefit from physiotherapy. Physiotherapy may also help with:
- Ongoing back pain, neck pain and joint stiffness.
- Arthritis, including difficulty walking or climbing stairs.
- Muscle weakness, reduced flexibility and mobility difficulties.
- Balance problems and reducing the risk of falls.
- Preparation for surgery and post-surgical rehabilitation.
- Building strength and movement skills for work, daily activities and sport.
At Prana Physiotherapy in Surrey and New Westminster, your physiotherapist assesses your concerns and goals before recommending suitable exercises, education and treatment.
Our aim is to help you move more comfortably, stay active and manage your condition with greater confidence. Treatment needs and results vary from person to person.
How many visits will I need to recover?
There is no fixed number of physiotherapy visits that guarantees full recovery. Your treatment needs depend on your condition, its severity, how long you have had symptoms, other health conditions and your goals.
Some concerns may need a short course of treatment, while persistent pain, complex injuries or recovery after surgery may require longer rehabilitation.
At Prana Physiotherapy in Surrey and New Westminster, your physiotherapist will explain the recommended visit frequency and estimated treatment duration after your assessment. We regularly review your pain, movement, strength and ability to perform daily activities, then adjust your plan according to your progress.
The goal is to help you become more independent, with appropriate exercises and advice to manage your condition between visits. If you are not progressing as expected, we will reassess your treatment and discuss other options or referral when appropriate.
Recovery times and outcomes vary. For some long-term conditions, treatment focuses on improving function and managing symptoms rather than achieving a complete cure.
How will my doctor, employer or insurance provider be updated on my progress?
At Prana Physiotherapy in Surrey and New Westminster, we monitor your recovery through reassessments and questionnaires that measure pain, movement, strength and your ability to perform daily activities and work duties.
With appropriate consent, we provide relevant progress reports to your doctor and insurance provider as needed or required by your claim. We also complete Functional Abilities Forms (FAFs) when appropriate and recommend modified duties, work restrictions or a gradual return-to-work plan based on your assessed abilities.
Information shared with your employer focuses on your functional abilities and work limitations, while protecting your confidential medical information.
If you are not improving as expected, we reassess your treatment plan and discuss whether further medical assessment or another approach is needed. Discharge reports are provided when appropriate, outlining your progress and recommendations for ongoing care.
Please let our team know about any forms or reporting deadlines. Fees may apply to reports or forms not covered by your claim or benefits.
What if I think my condition is not improving?
Please tell your physiotherapist if you are not noticing improvement or your symptoms are getting worse. Your feedback helps us reassess your condition and decide whether your treatment plan needs to change.
Progress can involve more than pain relief. You may notice:
- Less pain or fewer flare-ups.
- Improved range of motion, such as turning your neck or bending more easily.
- Less stiffness or muscle tension—your body may feel lighter or movement may feel easier.
- Better strength and ability to walk, sleep, work or manage everyday activities.
At Prana Physiotherapy in Surrey and New Westminster, we use reassessments and questionnaires to track your symptoms and physical abilities. If progress is limited, we review your exercises, treatment approach and factors that may affect recovery.
We will discuss appropriate changes with you and may recommend further medical assessment or referral when needed. Improvement varies between individuals; pain relief and full recovery cannot be guaranteed.
How will I know that I am getting better?
Improvement often means everyday activities become easier—not just that your pain decreases. Signs of progress may include:
- Less pain, fewer flare-ups or discomfort that settles sooner.
- Better range of motion, making it easier to turn, bend or reach.
- Less stiffness and muscle tension, so your body feels more relaxed and movement feels easier.
- Improved strength, balance and endurance.
- Better sleep and greater comfort when walking, sitting, working or exercising.
What type of clothing should I wear for my appointment?
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely and provides access to the area being assessed or treated. For example:
- Knee, hip or leg concerns: Shorts or loose trousers that can be comfortably rolled up.
- Neck or shoulder concerns: A loose T-shirt or sleeveless top.
- Back concerns: A comfortable top and stretchy trousers or shorts.
- Exercise or balance rehabilitation: Comfortable exercise clothing and supportive footwear.
Avoid restrictive jeans or tight clothing. You are welcome to bring a change of clothes.
Is it normal to be sore after physiotherapy treatment?
Mild, temporary soreness can occur after physiotherapy, particularly after new exercises, hands-on treatment or IMS/dry needling. It may feel similar to muscle soreness after exercise and often settles within 24–48 hours, although this varies.
Soreness is not necessary for treatment to work, and significant pain should not be ignored. Follow your physiotherapist’s aftercare advice and let us know how you felt after your session so we can adjust your treatment or exercises.
Contact your physiotherapist if soreness is worsening, is not settling or interferes with your usual activities. Severe or unusual pain, marked swelling, new numbness or weakness requires prompt.
We encourage you to discuss any discomfort or concerns throughout your care.
Do I need to do exercises as part of my physiotherapy treatment?
In many cases, yes—personalized exercises are an important part of physiotherapy. They can help improve strength, flexibility, balance and movement, while helping you manage your condition between appointments.
At Prana Physiotherapy in Surrey and New Westminster, your physiotherapist will recommend exercises based on your assessment, health conditions and goals. These may involve gentle movements, stretching, strengthening or practising everyday activities.
You do not need to be fit or join a gym to get started. Your physiotherapist will explain how to perform your exercises, how often to do them and how to adjust them as you progress.
Tell us if an exercise causes worsening symptoms or is difficult to fit into your routine. We can review the technique, intensity or alternatives. Your program should suit your abilities and stage of recovery.
