What is the Cost of Physiotherapy (Or Is Physiotherapy Expensive)?
The REAL question should be: What is the cost of not going to physiotherapy?
Only 1 in 10 Canadians seek the advice of a physiotherapist. Yes—just 10%. That means many people live with pain, limited movement, and unnecessary discomfort because they think physiotherapy is too expensive or not worth it.
Let’s share Lisa’s story (not her real name). Lisa had chronic knee pain caused by early osteoarthritis. She delayed seeing a physiotherapist because she thought it would be too expensive. By the time she came in, walking had become unbearable. But just 6 sessions later—with a personalized treatment plan, knee bracing, and at-home strengthening exercises—Lisa was back to her daily walks, pain-free.
What Is the Value of Physiotherapy?
There’s strong scientific evidence that physiotherapy improves:
- Mobility and range of motion
- Strength and balance
- Function for daily activities
- Pain levels—especially in osteoarthritis and chronic conditions
Key Benefits of Physiotherapy:
✔️ Reduce pain, swelling, and stiffness
✔️ Help avoid surgery or invasive treatments
✔️ Lower the need for opioids and pain medications
✔️ Speed up recovery from injury
✔️ Improve quality of life and independence
Why Aren’t More People Seeing a Physiotherapist?
One big reason? Cost.
But here's the truth: there are plenty of ways to access affordable, discounted, or free physiotherapy. Here’s a full breakdown of your options and how to reduce the financial burden.
Ways to Cover the Cost of Physiotherapy:
1. Motor Vehicle Accident Coverage
If you’ve been in a car accident, you may be covered for rehabilitation. Most auto insurance providers include physiotherapy coverage. This applies even if you're at fault. Check your province’s rules and submit an accident report ASAP.
2. Workers Compensation Board (WCB)
If you were injured at work, WCB or WSIB (in Ontario) may cover the full cost of your physiotherapy—no out-of-pocket expenses required.
3. Public Healthcare Services (Province-Based)
Some provinces cover physiotherapy under OHIP, AHCIP, or MSP. These services are typically provided through hospital clinics or community health centres. They may have waiting lists but are free or low-cost.
4. Employer Health Benefits
Most extended health plans cover physiotherapy. Coverage usually ranges from $500–$1,000/year, with some plans offering unlimited visits. Check with your HR department or insurance portal to confirm your plan details.
5. Out-of-Pocket Payments
If you don’t have coverage, clinics often offer:
- Pay-as-you-go options
- Package discounts for multiple sessions
- Sliding scale for low-income patients
Typical rates range from $70–$120/session depending on specialty and treatment type.
What Is Direct Billing?
Direct billing means the clinic submits your claim directly to your insurance provider, saving you the time and hassle of paperwork.
✅ Less admin work for you
✅ No upfront payment (in many cases)
✅ Immediate processing so you know what’s covered
At our clinic, we provide direct billing to most major insurers to make care stress-free.
What is the Value of Your Health?
According to Stats Canada, the average household spends 3% of their income on healthcare—less than what we spend on dining out, entertainment, or alcohol. So while that weekend dinner might give you temporary joy, physio gives you your long-term health and mobility back.
Here’s what people typically spend per year:
- Recreation equipment: 1%
- Household furnishings: 1.1%
- Alcohol and tobacco: 1.7%
- Dining out: Over 3%
Your health is worth investing in. Because when you feel good, everything else improves too—your energy, mood, productivity, and relationships.
Call-to-Action
Want to know what physiotherapy will cost YOU?
Leave your email below for a FREE price estimate and plan of care—no obligation, no pressure. If you're curious, we can also offer a free virtual consult to answer your questions.
Prefer a helpful guide? Grab our Free PDF: "5 Exercises to Relieve Pain Naturally"—yours to keep.
FAQ
1. What is the value of physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy improves your quality of life, reduces pain, and helps you stay mobile, independent, and injury-free—without relying on medications or surgery.
2. How much does physiotherapy typically cost?
Costs range from $70–$120 per session, depending on your needs. Many clinics offer payment plans, and most insurance plans cover a portion or all of the fees.
3. Is physiotherapy covered by OHIP or public health?
Yes, in many provinces, certain clinics or hospitals offer OHIP-funded sessions—especially after surgery or for seniors. Availability may vary, so it’s best to check with your local provider.
