Our unique approach can be effective for a wide range of pain problems and functional disturbances. We use a combination of Neurofunctional Acupuncture, manual therapy and movement retraining to help you feel better. We often work with clients who have not been fully satisfied with traditional approaches to Physiotherapy.

Our integrative approach is also an effective way to proactively support your physical health and performance, even in the absence of pain or inury. We have experience in treating many different pain problems and injuries but if you have specific questions, please feel free to reach out!

Neurofunctional Acupuncture (also known as Contemporary Medical Acupuncture or electroacupuncture) is a specialized form of acupuncture that targets the peripheral nervous system rather than traditional acupuncture points. Using fine needles, sometimes with a light electrical current, near specific nerves, it helps restore normal signalling between the brain and muscles. This can reduce pain, ease muscle tension, and improve strength and movement, often within the same session.

We rely on it as a foundational part of nearly every treatment plan, whether you're recovering from an injury, managing persistent pain, or working through Performance Care. Needle placement isn't generic, it's based on a detailed neurofunctional assessment of your whole body, not just the area that hurts.

Kristin Bignell trained in Neurofunctional Acupuncture and Neurofunctional Sports Performance through the Contemporary Medical Acupuncture Program at McMaster University. She is currently the only physiotherapist in Elora who has completed the program's advanced training and gone on to become an instructor within it.

No, you don't need a referral to book with us. In Ontario, physiotherapists are primary healthcare practitioners, so you can come straight to us without seeing your doctor first. The one thing worth checking is your own benefits plan, some insurance providers ask for a referral on file before they'll reimburse you, even though we don't need one to treat you.

Only in specific circumstances, and only at designated, government-funded Community Physiotherapy Clinics. That coverage is generally reserved for youth under 19, adults 65 and older, people receiving ODSP or Ontario Works, and patients recently discharged from hospital for a condition requiring physiotherapy. As a private clinic, our visits aren't covered under OHIP. The good news is most extended health benefit plans do cover physiotherapy, and we'll provide a receipt after every appointment that you can submit for reimbursement.

Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that lets us see and move the area we're assessing works best, think gym wear rather than jeans or a suit. If you have any relevant medical history, imaging, or reports from other providers, feel free to bring those along too. We'll also ask you to complete a short intake form before your first visit.

Absolutely. While we start your initial assessment with a thorough interview and neurofunctional assessment, you will also receive treatment intervention at your first appointment.

You will also find that we continually re-assess things throughout your treatment to ensure we are making meaningful changes within each session.

Most of our appointments are 1 hour, noticeably longer than a traditional physiotherapy session. That's very intentional. It gives us time to build a thorough understanding of your problem, make real changes within the session itself, and means you'll have the full, focused attention of your physiotherapist for the entire visit. It's also why we're able to meet less frequently than you may be used to, and why you'll notice progress each time you come in.

For select cases, we also offer 30-minute sessions. In general, we find a full hour lets us accomplish more in one sitting than two separate half-hour visits would, there's more room to dig into a problem and follow it all the way through to a real shift, rather than starting fresh each time.

This is a tough one to answer, but on average, most clients reach their goals in 4.5 sessions (yes, four and a half). How many you'll need depends on your specific issue, your general health and your goals, in other words, where you're starting from and how far you want to go. You should typically notice improvement within a few sessions; if you don't, we'll reevaluate your treatment plan.

If your problem is relatively new, it may take around 4-5 sessions to get where you want to be. If it's longer standing, or more complex, it can take 10 or more. Because our appointments run longer than a typical physio visit, we usually meet less often than you may be used to at other clinics.

We're also big advocates for proactive care, what we call Neuro Performance Care. Once you've recovered from your injury or pain, many clients continue with regular treatments to stay functioning fully and feeling good, whether that's every two weeks, monthly, or every couple of months, depending on your goals.

At East Mill Physio, we take a holistic, integrative approach that looks at the intersection of biomechanics, nerve function and functional medicine.

Our assessment and treatment go beyond your area of complaint to optimize the function of your whole body. Alongside your neuromusculoskeletal system, we also consider your whole health (digestion, hormones, and more) and lifestyle (sleep, diet, stress) when building a treatment plan, because lasting change comes from looking at the full picture. We also believe a strong healthcare team is key to long-term athletic health, and we're here to help guide that for you.

Our expertise in neurofunctional acupuncture gives us another tool to reduce injury risk and improve performance, even in the absence of pain. And because our appointments run longer than a typical physio visit, we have the time to make real, in-session changes to your nervous system function rather than just manage symptoms.

Performance Care Physio is a specialized application of physiotherapy and Neurofunctional Acupuncture designed to help you maintain and optimize your physical function, whether or not you're in pain. It's proactive support that helps your body keep up with the demands of the activities you love, for life.

Each appointment includes a thorough assessment and treatment of your nerve function, which ultimately dictates your ability to move properly, resist injury, and perform at your best. Even in the absence of pain, limited nerve function means limited movement and performance. Neurofunctional acupuncture is then used to restore that function.

It's injury prevention meeting performance optimization, and we can almost guarantee it's unlike anything you've experienced before.

While we don't currently accept Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) or Workplace Injury (WSIB) cases, we're happy to point you toward some wonderful physiotherapists in Fergus and Elora, who specialize in this kind of care. Just reach out and we'll get you connected.

We don't bill your insurance provider directly. Instead, we put that time back into your care, for things like writing progress reports and treatment summaries for you and your doctor, so you can keep moving forward toward your goals.

After every appointment, you'll get a detailed electronic receipt with everything your insurer needs. Most benefits plans let you submit it in just a few minutes through their website or app, and our team is happy to help if you have any questions about your claim.