Frequently Asked Questions.
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At Coalition, we have a wide variety of professionals under one roof. Unless you are looking directly for one professional, we typically advise that you book with one of our chiropractors and/or physiotherapists for a New Patient Assessment and Treatment for your first visit. if you are unsure about how your concern needs to be treated and managed, we can then help you decide on the best practitioner for your care moving forward. Alternatively, you can give our office a call to speak with us directly or send us an email at hello@coalitioncalgary.ca.
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We’re a small business, so we’re often busy treating clients and away from our phones/emails. Our administrative staff works between the hours of 7 AM and 4 PM Monday to Friday (with the exception of some holidays) and can be reached via phone at 403-984-3414 or by email hello@coalitioncalgary.ca.
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Upon booking, you will receive an email from our software system called Jane App. You will be prompted to fill out an online profile, intake form, consent form and your credit card information.
Consent Forms: Consent forms may be filled out AFTER speaking with your designated practitioner prior to your appointment OR after the assessment and diagnosis have been provided. Please note, we require consent prior to any treatments rendered.
Credit Card Information: We request credit card information as per our late cancellation policy. While we understand things come up, a late cancellation of no show fee will be charged as per our cancellation policy listed below.
Cancellation Policy: We require 24 hours notice in order to cancel your appointment. If cancellation occurs within 24 hours or you miss your appointment window, you will be charged the full amount of your appointment. However, if you have experience a fever, cough or runny nose within the last two weeks, we ask that you do not attend the clinic. Cancellation fees will not be applied for late notice due to suspected illness.
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As we typically perform a physical examination consisting of human movement, we encourage you to wear something comfortable or athletic. If you forget, no sweat, we have shorts and gowns available!
If you have any patient information such as imaging reports, doctors letters, notes from trainers, etc. that is pertinent to your complaint/reason for your visit, please bring those along so we can add them to your file.
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There is a two level parkade located on the WEST side of the Trolley Square building. Please note, the parkade access is different for the first vs. second level.
Upper Parkade Access: The SECOND LEVEL parkade is accessed through the ALLEY between 23rd and 24th Avenue SW either from the west entrance off 4th Street SW or east entrance off 5th Street SW. You will see a small ramp to the Calgary Parking Authority lot. Parking is 30 Minutes FREE by registering your vehicle at the parking authority meter or by the smartphone Calgary Parking Authority - the lot code is #8335.
Lower Parkade Access: The FIRST LEVEL parkade is accessed from 24th Avenue SW between 4th and 5th Street SW. Parking is 30 Minutes FREE by registering your vehicle at the parking authority meter or by the smartphone Calgary Parking Authority - the lot code is #8335.
Other Parking: There is some free parking in the Mission area often for 2 hours. Additional paid parking lots are available in the area as well.
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We do not direct bill. After your appointment and payment has been made, an email with a receipt will be sent to the email on your patient profile. These receipts can be submitted to most insurance companies online. Lose your receipt? No worries!! We can send that over to you anytime upon request.
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Every insurance provider is different and the allocation of coverage is different for each profession. It is important that you understand your insurance policy so you can make the best of it throughout the year! We are not responsible for keeping track of your third party insurance coverage.
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While we do provide excellent post-surgical rehabilitation, we are not covered by Alberta Health Services for the government subsidized sessions post-surgery.
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No, you do not need a referral from a doctor to attend our clinic.
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We treat everyone of all ages and walks of life!
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It happens! Email us at hello@coalitioncalgary.ca or call 403-984-3414 but we do require 24 hours notice if possible.
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Your appointment time is reserved just for you. A late cancellation or missed visit leaves a hole in your therapist's day that could have been filled by another patient. As such, we require 24 hrs notice for any cancellations or changes to your appointment. Patients who provide less than 24 hrs notice, or miss their appointment, will be charged the full amount for their missed appointment.
However, PLEASE NOTE: If you have experienced a fever, cough, runny nose or difficulty breathing in the last two weeks, we ask you not to attend the clinic. Cancellation fees will NOT be applied for late notice due to suspected illness.
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There is an elevator on the south side of the entrance into the Trolley Square Building off of 24th Avenue SW at street level. Our clinic is fully accessible for anyone in a wheelchair, of lower mobility or with mobility aids (ex. crutches).
Chiropractic + Physiotherapy FAQ
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It depends on the practitioner! At Coalition, our physiotherapists and chiropractors often treat very similarly and have a wide array of manual therapy techniques in their toolbelt. For more information on each practitioner, please visit the About Coalition section of our website. Remember, if you do not know who to book with, please feel free to give us a call or email us and we will be happy to assist!
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If you are a new patient to Coalition Performance Care, please book a full New Patient Assessment and Treatment appointment. If you are a returning client, your practitioner will likely have informed you to book a follow up appointment at a certain length of time. If they have not, please reach out to us so we can clarify that for you!
Please note: if you have not been to the clinic in a long time (over 1 year) and/or you have a NEW complaint or issue, please book 45 minutes! It will allow us to have enough time to assess and treat your presenting complaint.
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Please note that a 20 minute appointment is ONLY to be booked if you have discussed this with your practitioner and they have recommended it. Most of our appointments are at least 30-45 minutes in length, as we provide a multitude of treatment modalities, exercises and/or assessments. When in doubt, just give us a shout!
Massage Therapy FAQ
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This therapy combines movement assessments, facial (connective tissue around muscle) or neuromuscular stretch techniques, manual therapy and a strength training component. Gordon practices this therapy with athletes such as gymnasts, dancers, cheerleaders, olympic weightlifters and every day gym goers.
The value added with this service is that clients do not necessarily have to be ‘injured’ or ‘in pain’. They are provided with guidance on more effective movement patterns in sport, fitness movements and every day activities.
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Prior to the first visit that includes a detailed physical assessment, clients are asked to provide a detailed performance outcome or end goal (ie. increased mobility, less pain during movements, movement goals such as skills needed for their sport or life in general.) A performance metric will often be determined as well to track progress - this is very important because it allows Gordon to establish the appropriate interventions.
Hands-on treatments include fascial, neuromuscular or loaded stretching followed by manual therapy (Functional Release, cupping with myofascial release, joint mobilization etc.) and finishes with a strengthening component. After the treatment, a reassessment of the pertinent movements take place where correction is needed. Clients will again be given recommendations for exercises and treatment frequency.
Osteopathy FAQ
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Osteopathy is a principles based form of manual therapy where the goal is to liberate circulatory vessels and nerve pathways by correcting asymmetries and improving restricted ranges of motion thereby restoring health and vitality. Many different systems may be addressed including those of the musculoskeletal, fascial, lymphatic, circulatory, nervous, respiratory, digestion and reproduction.
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A discerning characteristic of Osteopathy is the very gentle application of treatment. Osteopathic manipulations guide the body often into ease and wait for the release response rather than using more forceful techniques. It is normal to feel very little during treatment and then very tired 4-12 hours after.
Another discerning characteristic of Osteopathy is sensation experienced by the patient (such as pain or discomfort) is not necessarily the focal point of treatment. Osteopathically, the body is viewed as an entire unit and not many separate systems, therefore, all must be addressed and functioning properly, not just the ones displaying symptoms.
Sessions typically last from 1 hour (initial) to 45-30 minutes. If a body has been in distress or a holding pattern for many years, more sessions are required to rebalance and unwind. -
A thorough health history is taken during the first visit. This includes recurring or major sickness, accidents or injuries from childhood and adolescence. Taking a few minutes to review and recall beforehand may be beneficial for time sake.
The patient is clothed during treatment and passive and active movements are performed throughout, therefore it is recommended athletic/loose clothing be worn or brought to all sessions. -
Osteopathy is not a nationally regulated health practice and so variations in training exist. Most health insurances do cover Osteopathy however some require more training hours than others. It is recommended that you contact your insurance provider for this information before you book an appointment.
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No. Osteopathy and Massage are very different in application, overall approach and insurance.
General FAQs
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy FAQ
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Your first pelvic floor appointment will take 75 minutes; it will include a discussion of your health history and the reason(s) for your visit. Depending on the time remaining in your session, your practitioner may decide to complete one or more of the following: a thorough orthopedic assessment of the spine, pelvis, abdomen, and hips, and an internal or external (observational or hands-on) vaginal and/or rectal examination.
Once the comprehensive assessment is completed, your physiotherapist will inform you of their findings, provide education regarding the pathophysiology and anatomy of their findings, and discuss a treatment plan.
All pelvic health exams are completed in a private room, one-on-one with your physical therapist. You are not required to complete any portion of the assessment with which you are not comfortable (see more below).
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A complete internal pelvic exam consists of a vaginal exam and/or an anorectal exam. It is important for your physiotherapist to get information about both the front and back portions of the pelvic floor in order to provide the most comprehensive evaluation of the function of this area so as to better guide treatment.
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While a complete internal pelvic exam is always recommended in order to provide your physiotherapist with the most comprehensive overview of the function of the pelvic floor and help guide treatment, it is always your choice when it comes to your health. You and your pelvic floor physiotherapist will discuss the reason(s) for your visit, the anatomy and function of the pelvic floor, and what the assessment/treatment options may entail. After this, if you remain uncomfortable with having a pelvic exam, alternative options will be considered and discussed.
Similarly, if at any point during the pelvic exam or subsequent pelvic floor treatments you wish to withdraw your consent, that is no problem. Simply let your therapist know that you do not wish to continue, and you can discuss alternative options.
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Your doctor or midwife may complete a pelvic exam to rule out the presence of any medical conditions (ex. malignancy, infection).
Your pelvic health physiotherapist will be more focused on the function of the pelvic floor as it relates to strength and recruitment, coordination with the rest of the body, the alignment and mobility of the joints, the presence of scar tissue or adhesions, and the position of the pelvic organs.
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Yes! In some cases it may be beneficial for your physiotherapist to assess the effect of menstruation on your symptoms, especially if you’ve noticed a correlation between your symptoms and your menstrual cycle. However, if you feel uncomfortable you can reschedule your appointment.
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Yes!
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Yes! Your pelvic floor physiotherapist will be happy to conduct any exam after your first trimester. However, if your doctor or midwife has told you to avoid sexual intercourse during your pregnancy, we will not complete an internal exam.
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Internal examinations and treatments should be avoided if you have:
Active hemorrhoids or infections
Rectal bleeding
Seed implants
Radiation injuries less than 6-12 weeks old
Undergone pelvic surgery less than 6 weeks ago
Undergone prolapse repair surgery less than 12 weeks ago
Been told by your doctor or midwife that you must abstain from intercourse or internal examinations during pregnancy
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We recommend a follow up after your 6 week check-up with your doctor or midwife.
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In many cases, kegels can make things worse! In many instances, the pelvic floor muscles are already too tight. A kegel is only effective if the pelvic floor muscles can first relax, and continuing to do kegels with a tight pelvic floor can worsen your symptoms.
It may be the case that the kegel is also being performed incorrectly. While you may feel as though you’re completing a kegel, you may actually be compensating with other muscles around the pelvic floor.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is so much more than a kegel, and your physiotherapist will help you determine which exercises are most appropriate for you!
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This will depend completely on your condition(s) and their complexity. In general, you can expect to require 6-12 treatments. If you have a complex pain condition, you will likely require more visits.