Every year, 15% of Canadians receive physiotherapy services, and it’s already making a significant impact by reducing the risks of osteoarthritis, back pain, and coronary heart disease.
“But, let’s be honest, for a lot of people the first thought is, “How much does physiotherapy cost in Alberta?,” says Brandon Barr, owner of FUEL Pain and Injury Recovery Clinic.
In this guide, we explain how much sessions cost on average, how you can reduce your out-of-pocket costs, and even save tax while receiving treatments.
How Much Does a Single Physiotherapy Session Cost?
The College of Physiotherapists of Alberta (CPTA) does not prescribe a fee schedule. Providers’ fees vary on the experience of the professionals, the treatments they offer, duration of the session, and, of course, the nature of the treatment.
The CPTA requires physiotherapy clinics in Alberta to provide you with a clear and comprehensive fee schedule that should include:
Assessment and treatment fees for initial and follow-up sessions
Bundled service options, which may combine several treatments into a package
Cancellation or late fees and potential interest charges
Costs for copies of reports or client records, if needed
Fees for equipment or additional supplies required during your treatment.
Refund policies, should you need to adjust or cancel services
In a nutshell, you should be able to find out how much your session or treatment will cost before prior to receiving any services.
How Much Physiotherapy Costs
Here’s how much you can expect a single session to cost at FUEL:
Physiotherapy service | Rates |
Initial physiotherapy assessment and treatment | $125 |
IMS physiotherapy treatment | $110 |
Physiotherapy treatment with Radial Shockwave Therapy | $125 |
Rehabilitative exercise therapy post-physiotherapy treatment | $100 |
Vestibular initial assessment and treatment | $150 |
Vestibular physiotherapy follow-up | $125 |
Pediatric initial assessment and treatment | $115 |
Pediatric physiotherapy follow-up | $90 |
Senior initial assessment and treatment | $115 |
Senior physiotherapy follow-up | $90 |
TMJ initial assessment and treatment | $125 |
TMJ physiotherapy follow-up | $100 |
Pelvic floor initial assessment and treatment | $170 |
Pelvic floor physiotherapy | $120-$145 |
MVA initial assessment and treatment | $250 |
MVA physiotherapy (Treatments 1-7) | $83 |
MVA physiotherapy (Treatments 8-21) | $41 |
MVA initial assessment and treatment (out of protocol) | $130 |
MVA physiotherapy (out of protocol) | $130 |
The session rate depends on the duration of the session and the type of session. Click here for our complete rates.
Note that physiotherapy services are exempt from GST.
Get Our Physiotherapy Rates Right Here Find out how much your physiotherapy session will cost and book an appointment effortlessly |
How Much of Your Physiotherapy Will Personal or Workplace Insurance Cover?
Personal Insurance
If you are concerned about how much physiotherapy will cost, there’s good news! Your –physiotherapy treatments may be covered under your insurance plan.
About 64% of Canadians have personal or workplace insurance. This can significantly reduce the out-of-pocket costs of physiotherapy. To see if physiotherapy services are covered, check your policy or speak to your insurance provider.
Insurance plans typically provide a percentage of the cost of physiotherapy services or provide a set annual allowance. Common coverage structures include:
Percentage-based coverage: Insurance pays 80–100% of the session cost, leaving you to cover the rest.
Annual cap: Plans may cover up to a specified amount each year (e.g. $500 –$1,500 annually).
Session limit:- Some plans limit the number of sessions covered per year (eg. 10–20 visits).
Many plans include coverage for initial assessments and standard physiotherapy treatments.
Another factor to consider is billing. ‘Direct billing’ means the clinic can directly bill your insurer, saving you the hassle of filing a claim. FUEL is able to direct bill for major insurance companies. Please talk to reception to find out more. If FUEL is not able to direct bill with your specific insurance provider, you will pay the clinic for your treatment and then you will have to file your claim directly with your insurance company.
Make sure you understand your coverage limits and what documentation you are required to show (referral, receipts and other documentation).
Accident Coverage
You may be eligible for physiotherapy services through various accident-related coverage options, including:
Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Benefits: Coverage for injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident.
Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) of Alberta: Coverage for workplace-related injuries.
Disability Insurance: Some disability insurance plans may cover physiotherapy as part of accident recovery.
Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) Coverage: Eligible veterans may receive physiotherapy benefits for accident-related injuries.
For more details on your coverage options, contact FUEL for more information.
Your Physiotherapy Cost in Alberta May Be Tax Deductible Too
Under Canada’s tax rules, medical expenses, including physiotherapy, may qualify for the Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC). Here’s what you need to know to determine if you’re eligible to claim this deduction.
To qualify, your total eligible medical expenses must exceed the lesser of the following:
$2,759 for the 2024 tax year (rising to $2,833 for 2025), or
3% of your net income (line 23600 on your tax return).
This means if your net income is $50,000, your expenses would need to exceed $1,500 (3% of $50,000) to start claiming.
You can claim the total eligible medical expenses that you or your spouse or common-law partner paid during the year for any of these individuals:
Yourself
Your spouse or common-law partner
Children under 18 years of age at the end of the tax year, whether they’re your children or your spouse/common-law partner's.
You can only claim the portion of expenses that haven’t been reimbursed by someone else and won’t be reimbursed in the future. For example, if your workplace insurance covers 80% of a physiotherapy session, you can only claim the remaining 20% that you paid out-of-pocket.
Schedule a Session for Yourself or a Loved One
Taking the first step toward recovery is simple with FUEL Pain & Injury Recovery Clinic. Our dedicated team is ready to help you overcome pain and regain your quality of life.
Click here to check availability and schedule your session. We are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Friday.
