Patient Relations Program

The Patient Relations Program of the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario exists to enhance and promote the relationship between physiotherapists/physical therapists and patients by providing education and resources to assist both groups.

The Patient Relations Committee also ensures that resources, advice, training and supports are available to prevent the sexual abuse of patients.

Patients benefit from understanding what happens when you are assessed and treated by a physiotherapist, what are reasonable expectations when seeing a physiotherapist and what to do if you feel you have not received the care you expected or have been sexually abused.

What do Physiotherapists Do?

Physiotherapists assess, treat and prevent physical problems, injuries and pain, to restore movement, function and health status. When you see a physiotherapist you can expect that he/she will do the following:

• Carry out an assessment of your condition
• Review and discuss the assessment findings with you
• Develop a plan for your treatment that will meet your needs and goals
• Obtain your consent for the treatment
• Regularly measure your progress and make adjustments to the treatment as needed
• Provide advice and education regarding your condition
• Keep a record of the care provided

Physiotherapy assessment and treatment is often hands-on and usually involves touching. Some of the techniques that a physiotherapist might use include: manual therapy (treatment using the physiotherapist’s hands), exercise instruction, education and/or electro-physical modalities (e.g. heat, ice, ultrasound, laser, acupuncture etc).

In order to assess and treat you, the physiotherapist will likely want to look at how your body moves. You may be asked to remove some of your clothing to allow the physiotherapist to see your muscles, joints, posture, movement etc. The physiotherapist will allow you privacy to change your clothes and provide you with a way to cover yourself if necessary. The physiotherapist may also need to feel how your muscles and body parts move. The use of touch is central to the practice of physiotherapy.

Information on Physiotherapists’ Practice

Code of Ethics
Standard for Professional Practice: Therapeutic Relationships and Professional Boundaries
Understanding the Complaints Process
Request a Speaker

College speakers visit many groups to discuss ethical and professional issues.

For more information about the College’s Patient Relations Program, please contact us at info@collegept.org or 1-800-583-5885 or 416-591-3828.