Burnaby Physiotherapy
ICBC PHYSIOTHERAPY TREATMENTS
ICBC Therapy
ICBC Physiotherapy in Burnaby – EastWest Physiotherapy
Being involved in a motor vehicle accident can be overwhelming – physically, emotionally, and financially. Between dealing with pain, stress, and the ICBC claims process for you and your vehicle, the last thing you should have to worry about is paperwork or figuring out where to start. At EastWest Physiotherapy in Burnaby, our goal is simple: make your recovery as smooth, supported, and effective as possible.
If your car accident occurred within the last 12 weeks, you are automatically eligible for pre-approved treatments through ICBC. All you need is your ICBC claim number. We take care of the rest. This includes direct billing, treatment planning, and communication with your ICBC Adjuster when needed, so you can focus on healing.
What Is ICBC Physiotherapy?
Under ICBC’s current Enhanced Care model, anyone injured in a motor vehicle crash in British Columbia (whether you were the driver, passenger, cyclist, or pedestrian) is entitled to care regardless of fault. This means access to physiotherapy treatment and other recovery services whether the accident was your fault or not.
ICBC physiotherapy focuses on restoring movement, reducing pain, and helping you safely return to daily activities after motor vehicle injuries. At EastWest Physiotherapy, your care is provided by experienced Registered Physiotherapists who act as your ICBC recovery specialists, guiding you through each stage of rehabilitation.
What Does ICBC Cover & How the Process Works
For the first 12 weeks after your accident, ICBC automatically pre-approves up to 25 physiotherapy sessions at approved rates.
- No referral from a family doctor is required
- No prior approval needed from your ICBC adjuster
- No upfront payment for approved sessions
As an ICBC-approved clinic, we direct bill ICBC, so there are no out-of-pocket costs for your covered physiotherapy visits.
If you need treatment beyond the initial sessions, our physiotherapists can submit a clinical request to ICBC explaining why continued care is medically necessary. Many ICBC patients successfully receive extensions when ongoing symptoms or functional limitations are present, and have been improving with Physiotherapy care.
In addition to physiotherapy, ICBC coverage also include:
- Registered Massage Therapy
- Acupuncture
- Kinesiology
- Counselling / psychology services
These services can often be used alongside physiotherapy as part of a coordinated recovery plan. You can ask your Physiotherapist if any of these treatments can be integrated well with your care.
What to Expect During Your Initial ICBC Physiotherapy Sessions
Your initial sessions are focused on understanding your injury, your symptoms, and how the accident has affected your body.
Your physiotherapist will:
- Review details of your motor vehicle accident
- Discuss pain levels, limitations, and daily challenges
- Perform a thorough physical assessment (movement, strength, nerve function, posture, and joint mobility tests)
Based on this assessment, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan that may include:
- Hands-on manual techniques (Manual Therapy)
- Targeted exercise rehabilitation and prescription (Home exercise program)
- Electrotherapy and Ultrasound therapy when appropriate
- Acupuncture and/or IMS/dry needling
- Education on posture, pacing, and safe activity progression
Our focus is always to improve mobility and strength, reduce pain, and help you regain confidence in movement.
How ICBC Physiotherapy Supports Long-Term Recovery
ICBC-supported physiotherapy is not just about short-term pain relief. Our goal is to help you recover fully and safely.
Physiotherapy can help:
- Reduce pain and inflammation
- Restore joint mobility and flexibility
- Rebuild strength and coordination
- Improve posture and movement patterns
- Support a gradual return to work, exercise, and daily life
- Reduce the risk of chronic pain after a car accident
We take a progressive, evidence-based approach, adjusting your plan as your body heals.
Common Injuries We Treat After a Car Accident
Motor vehicle collisions can cause a wide range of injuries, some of which may not fully appear until days or weeks after the accident. We commonly treat:
- Whiplash injuries
- Neck pain and upper back pain
- Low back pain and disc irritation
- Shoulder injuries (rotator cuff strain, instability)
- Headaches and post-concussion symptoms
- Nerve irritation or tingling into the arms or legs
- Jaw (TMJ) pain
- Hip, knee, or ankle injuries
- Muscle strains and ligament sprains
- Chronic pain following unresolved motor vehicle injuries
Early physiotherapy intervention is key to preventing acute injuries from becoming long-term issues.
Why Choose EastWest Physiotherapy for ICBC Care?
- Experienced Registered Physiotherapists familiar with ICBC processes
- One-to-one treatment in private rooms (no curtains, no rushed care)
- A comprehensive East-West approach combining manual therapy, exercise rehab, and modern modalities
- Support with ICBC paperwork and coordination when needed
- Convenient Burnaby location with flexible scheduling
We work with you, not just your claim, to support real recovery.
Working With Your ICBC Adjuster & Recovery Timeline
After a motor vehicle accident, many patients worry about communicating with their ICBC adjuster or whether their recovery is “on track.” The good news is that under Enhanced Care, your access to physiotherapy does not depend on approval from your adjuster during the initial treatment period.
Your physiotherapist’s role is to focus on clinical recovery. This means reducing pain, restoring function, and helping you safely return to daily activities. If progress is slower than expected, we document your response to treatment and can submit clinical updates to ICBC when required. This ensures your ICBC claims remain supported by clear medical reasoning.
In some cases, your family doctor may also be involved, especially if symptoms persist beyond the expected recovery window or if imaging, medications, or referrals are needed. Physiotherapy and medical care often work best together, particularly for complex injuries like whiplash, nerve irritation, or multi-site motor vehicle injuries.
Every recovery timeline is different. Our job is to guide you step-by-step, adjust your treatment plan as needed, and help you return to movement with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to see my family doctor first?
No. You can start physiotherapy as soon as you have your ICBC claim number.
Do I need approval from my ICBC adjuster?
Not for the first 12 weeks. Your treatments are automatically pre-approved.
What if my symptoms appear weeks after the accident date?
This is common. As long as your accident is within the coverage window, treatment can still begin.
Will I ever have to pay upfront?
Physiotherapy sessions covered by ICBC are directly billed at approved rates.
Book Your ICBC Physiotherapy Appointment
If you’ve been in a car accident and want expert, stress-free care, EastWest Physiotherapy Burnaby is here to help. Bring your ICBC claim number, and we’ll guide you through the rest – so you can focus on healing, not paperwork.