Questions, answered.

Billing & insurance

What's covered, what it costs, and how direct billing works.

• Is Clinical Pilates covered by my physiotherapy benefits?

  Yes. Clinical Pilates at Joybody is assessed, prescribed and supervised one-to-one by a registered physiotherapist, so it is billed as physiotherapy. It draws on your physiotherapy benefit, not a separate fitness allowance.

• How many sessions will my plan cover?

  It varies by plan. Most extended health plans work on either a per-visit maximum (they pay up to a set amount per appointment) or an annual maximum (a total dollar amount per year), and sometimes both. Bring your plan details to your first visit and we'll check your coverage with you before you commit to a course of treatment.

• Do I need a doctor's referral?

  No — you can book directly with us. Some plans require a referral for reimbursement even though we don't, so it's worth a quick check with your provider.

• Do you bill MSP or WorkSafeBC?

  No. We don't bill MSP or WorkSafeBC.

• What about ICBC claims?

  ICBC clients are welcome. We're not set up to direct bill ICBC, so you'd pay at the time of your visit and submit the receipt to your claim.

• Can I use my spouse's plan?

  Usually yes, if you're listed as a dependent. Many patients are covered under a partner's plan — bring both sets of details and we'll work out which to bill first.

• What if I don't have benefits?

  You're still very welcome. Fees are listed in full with no hidden extras, and we'll always tell you honestly how many sessions we think you need rather than booking you in indefinitely.

• What's your cancellation policy?

  We ask for 48 hours' notice to change or cancel an appointment. Cancellations inside 48 hours, and missed appointments, are charged in full. If something urgent comes up, call us — we'll always try to work with you.

Clinical Pilates

• Is Clinical Pilates covered by my physiotherapy benefits?

  Yes. Because it's assessed and delivered one-to-one by a registered physiotherapist, it's billed as physiotherapy — typically 95–100% covered.

• How is this different from a Pilates class at a studio?

  A studio class is group fitness: no assessment, no clinical oversight, no claim on your health benefits. Clinical Pilates is treatment — one-to-one, prescribed for your body, delivered by a physiotherapist.

• Do I need to be fit or flexible to start?

  No. Most people start because something hurts or doesn't work the way it used to. The equipment is designed to support you, which is exactly why it suits people who can't yet do the movement unsupported.

• What should I wear?

  Comfortable clothing you can move in, and grippy socks for the equipment. We have socks if you forget.

• Do I need a referral?

  No. You can book directly.

Physiotherapy

• Do I need a doctor's referral?

  No. You can book directly. Some insurance plans want a referral for reimbursement, so check your plan.

• Would Clinical Pilates help me too?

  Often, yes — and one physiotherapy benefit covers both, because both are delivered by a physiotherapist. Many patients start with hands-on physiotherapy for the pain, then move into Clinical Pilates to build the strength that stops it returning. We'll tell you honestly if we think it would help.

• How soon can I be seen?

  Most new patients are seen within 24 hours. We're open until 8pm Monday to Friday and on Saturdays.

• Do you do IMS / dry needling?

  Yes, where it's appropriate — it's included in your treatment, not charged as an extra.

• How many sessions will I need?

  It depends on the problem, but we'll give you an honest estimate at your first visit and we'd rather discharge you than keep you booked in.

Desk-job posture

• Do I need a referral?

  No. You can book directly.

• Is this covered by my benefits?

  Yes — both physiotherapy and Clinical Pilates are typically 95–100% covered by extended health benefits.

• I'm not in pain, just stiff. Is that worth an appointment?

  Yes, and honestly it's the best time to come. Stiffness that hasn't yet become pain is much quicker to resolve.

• Will you tell me to buy a standing desk?

  No. Equipment helps at the margins, but the thing that changes your posture is strength and movement variety. We'll work on that.

C-section & postpartum recovery

• My baby is three — is it too late?

  No. We regularly treat women years, and sometimes decades, after birth. Tissue responds to appropriate loading at any stage. "Too late" genuinely is not a thing here.

• Do I need a referral?

  No. You can book pelvic health physiotherapy directly.

• Does the assessment have to be internal?

  No. An internal examination is the most accurate way to assess pelvic floor function, but it is entirely your choice, requires your explicit consent, and can be stopped at any point. There is a great deal we can assess and treat without one.

• Can I bring my baby?

  Yes. Bring them. It is not a problem, and we would much rather you came with a baby than didn't come at all.

• Is it covered?

  Yes — it's physiotherapy, typically 95–100% covered. Pelvic health sessions are $145.

knee-pain

• Do I need a scan before I come in?

  Almost never. Knee pain is diagnosed by examination, and imaging often shows changes that aren't the cause. If something in your history or assessment warrants imaging, we'll tell you and write to your doctor.

• Can I keep running?

  Often yes, with changes — distance, surface, cadence or a temporary switch. Stopping entirely usually isn't necessary and sometimes makes the return harder. We'll give you a specific plan, not a blanket rest.

• I've had knee surgery. Is this for me?

  Yes. Post-operative rehabilitation is a core part of what we do, and the strength work after surgery is what determines how good the result is.

• Is it covered?

  As physiotherapy — typically 95–100% under extended health benefits.

jaw-pain

• Isn't this a dentist's job?

  It's a shared one. Your dentist looks after your teeth and bite and may fit a night guard; we treat the joint, the muscles and the neck. The two work well together, and we're happy to write to your dentist.

• Will you put your fingers in my mouth?

  Some of the most effective jaw treatment is done from inside the mouth, with gloves. It's only ever done with your explicit consent, it's explained first, and there's a great deal we can do without it if you'd rather not.

• Can physio help my headaches?

  Often, yes — tension-type headaches around the temples and base of the skull frequently come from the jaw and upper neck. If your headaches have a different pattern we'll say so.

• Is it covered?

  As physiotherapy — typically 95–100% under extended health benefits.

neck-pain

• Could it be my pillow?

  Sometimes, but rarely on its own. A neck that's moving well tolerates most pillows. We'll ask about it, and we'll tell you if changing it is likely to matter for you.

• Is dry needling safe in the neck?

  Yes, done by a physiotherapist trained in it, which ours are. It's one of the most effective tools we have for the muscles that hold neck tension, and it's only ever used with your consent.

• Are my headaches coming from my neck?

  Often, if they start at the base of the skull, follow a stiff neck, or ease when the neck is treated. If the pattern points elsewhere, we'll say so.

• Is it covered?

  As physiotherapy — typically 95–100% under extended health benefits.