Frequently Asked Questions

No referral is needed for physiotherapy, massage therapy, or acupuncture — you can book directly with our Grande Prairie clinic. Some insurance plans or WCB claims may require a referral for coverage, so check your plan details. Kinesiology is the exception: it requires a referral from one of our physiotherapists so your exercise program is coordinated with your treatment plan.

Yes. Flex Physio & Wellness offers direct billing to most major insurance providers in Alberta for physiotherapy, registered massage therapy, and acupuncture. We also accept WCB, MVA claims, and private pay. Contact us to verify your coverage before your appointment.

Yes. We provide physiotherapy for workplace injuries with WCB claim support, from first assessment through safe return-to-work planning, and we treat whiplash and other accident-related injuries with direct billing available for MVA claims. Massage therapy and acupuncture may also be covered under MVA claims with proper documentation.

We do not have the contract for AHS-funded appointments; however, we are happy to provide services on a private pay basis or through your extended health benefits.

You can book online through our Jane App portal any time, call the clinic at (587) 771-3045, or contact us through the website and we will help you find the right service and practitioner.

Your first visit includes a comprehensive assessment where our physiotherapist will discuss your health history, evaluate your condition, and develop a personalized treatment plan. Wear comfortable clothing and bring any relevant medical documents or imaging results.

Physiotherapy should not be painful, though you may experience some discomfort during certain treatments or exercises. Our Grande Prairie physiotherapists always work within your comfort level and communicate throughout treatment to ensure you are comfortable.

The number of sessions varies depending on your condition, goals, and how your body responds to treatment. After your initial assessment, our physiotherapist will provide an estimated treatment timeline. Many patients see improvement within 4-8 sessions.

GLA:D® (Good Life with osteoArthritis: Denmark) is an education and exercise program for people with hip or knee osteoarthritis. It combines education sessions with supervised, evidence-based exercise designed to reduce symptoms and improve everyday function. Learn more on our GLA:D Program page.

Both can help, and they often work well together. Massage therapy focuses on releasing muscle tension through the jaw, face, neck, and shoulders, while TMJ physiotherapy assesses jaw and neck movement and adds exercises, manual therapy, and home strategies. At Flex Physio & Wellness you can book either — or combine the two.

Your first appointment begins with a consultation where your massage therapist will discuss your health history, areas of concern, and treatment goals. You will then receive a personalized massage session tailored to your needs. We recommend arriving 10-15 minutes early to complete any paperwork and relax before your treatment.

The frequency of massage therapy depends on your individual needs and goals. For general wellness and stress relief, once a month is often beneficial. If you are dealing with chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or training intensively, more frequent sessions (weekly or bi-weekly) may be recommended. Your massage therapist will help create a treatment plan that works for you.

Most extended health insurance plans in Alberta cover Registered Massage Therapy (RMT). Coverage amounts vary by plan, so we recommend checking with your insurance provider. We provide direct billing for many insurance companies.

Relaxation massage uses gentle, flowing strokes to promote overall relaxation, reduce stress, and improve circulation. Deep tissue massage uses firmer pressure and targeted techniques to address muscle tension, chronic pain, and specific problem areas. Your therapist can adjust pressure throughout your session based on your comfort and needs.

You will undress to your comfort level and be professionally draped with sheets throughout the session — only the area being worked on is exposed. Most clients undress completely or leave on underwear. Wear comfortable clothing to and from your appointment, and avoid heavy meals right before your session.

TMJ massage is focused, hands-on treatment for the muscles around the jaw, face, head, neck, and shoulders. It is used to ease jaw tension, clenching or grinding-related tightness, tension headaches, and the neck tension that often comes with TMJ symptoms. At Flex Physio & Wellness, registered massage therapist Haley Walker specializes in TMJ massage and intra-oral massage.

For many people, yes. Tension headaches around the temples and forehead are often linked to tight jaw, facial, and neck muscles, and massage targeting these muscle groups may reduce headache frequency and intensity. Headaches can have many causes, so symptoms that are sudden, severe, or unusual should be assessed medically.

Most people find acupuncture to be a relaxing experience. The needles used are extremely thin — much finer than those used for injections or blood draws. You may feel a slight sensation when the needle is inserted, often described as a tiny pinch or tingling. Once the needles are in place, many patients feel a deep sense of relaxation.

Acupuncture is effective for a wide range of conditions including chronic pain, headaches and migraines, back and neck pain, arthritis, digestive issues, stress and anxiety, insomnia, women's health concerns (including menstrual issues and fertility support), and pregnancy-related discomfort. It is also used to support overall wellness and boost the immune system.

The number of sessions varies depending on your condition and treatment goals. Acute conditions may improve in just a few sessions, while chronic conditions often require a longer treatment plan. Most patients notice improvement within 4-6 sessions. After your initial assessment, our acupuncturist will discuss a recommended treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Many extended health insurance plans in Alberta cover acupuncture services. Coverage amounts vary by plan, so we recommend checking with your insurance provider. We offer direct billing for many insurance companies to make the process easier for you.

Before your session, eat a light meal (avoid coming on an empty stomach), wear loose comfortable clothing, and avoid alcohol or caffeine. After your session, drink plenty of water, rest if you feel tired, and avoid strenuous exercise for a few hours. Some people feel energized while others feel relaxed — both responses are normal.

Yes. Pregnancy acupuncture can support each stage: easing nausea, fatigue, and emotional stress in the first trimester; relieving back pain, digestive issues, and insomnia in the second; and reducing pelvic pain, improving sleep, and easing anxiety in the third. It may also support natural labor induction when medically appropriate. Always let your practitioner know you are pregnant so treatment can be adjusted.

Fire cupping uses specialized glass cups to create gentle suction on the skin. A small flame briefly heats the air inside the cup before it is placed on the body, creating a vacuum effect that draws blood to the surface. This helps relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and support the body's natural healing processes.

Gua sha involves using a smooth-edged tool to gently scrape the skin, typically along muscles and connective tissue pathways. This technique helps release tension, improve blood flow, reduce inflammation, and support the body's healing response. It is commonly used for muscle tightness, chronic pain, and improving overall circulation. Learn more on our Gua Sha page.

No. Cosmetic acupuncture does not freeze muscles or add volume. It is a gentler approach that supports circulation, relaxation, and skin vitality over time.

Your practitioner may recommend keeping the skin clean for a short period after treatment. If you have an event or photos planned, ask about timing before booking.

Celluma is a flexible LED panel that delivers low-level blue, red, and near-infrared light while you rest comfortably. Most people describe it as comfortable and relaxing — the panel gives off light without the intensity of a heat lamp, though some people notice mild warmth. Read more in our Celluma LED light therapy guide.

Most people return to normal activity right away. Your practitioner may provide simple aftercare depending on whether the treatment was focused on skin or recovery.

Yes — Celluma is available as an add-on alongside acupuncture treatment when appropriate. Our cosmetic acupuncture sessions also include 20 to 30 minutes of Celluma LED light therapy. Your practitioner will recommend timing and pairing based on your goals and health history.

Kinesiology is the scientific study of human movement. While physiotherapy focuses on diagnosing and treating injuries or conditions, kinesiology emphasizes exercise prescription, movement education, and functional conditioning. Our kinesiologist works alongside our physiotherapists to help you build strength, improve movement patterns, and prevent future injuries through personalized exercise programs.

Yes, a referral from one of our physiotherapists is required before booking a kinesiology appointment. This ensures that your exercise program is coordinated with your overall treatment plan and addresses your specific needs safely and effectively.