Wondering what happens from the moment you report your car accident to walking out of Realign Chiro Physio & Rehab fully recovered? This detailed guide walks you through every stage of the ICBC physiotherapy process, showing how Realign streamlines care so you focus purely on healing from whiplash, back pain, sprains or other motor vehicle injuries.
Step 1: Report Your Crash and Secure Your Claim Number
The journey begins immediately after your accident. Contact ICBC within 30 days—call their claims line or file online to receive your unique claim number instantly. This six-digit code becomes your key to treatment; Realign uses it to bill ICBC directly for physiotherapy, chiropractic, massage, acupuncture and kinesiology without you paying upfront.
Expect an ICBC recovery specialist to reach out within 1-3 days. They’ll ask about your injuries, symptoms and immediate needs, then pre-approve essential therapies under the Enhanced Care model. Document everything early—photos of vehicle damage, witness contacts and your first medical visit strengthen your file from day one.
Step 2: Book and Complete Your First Assessment at Realign
Armed with just your claim number, phone Realign Chiro Physio to book—no doctor’s referral required, a huge advantage under current ICBC rules. Your initial 45-60 minute assessment covers a thorough history: when the crash happened, exact pain locations, how symptoms affect sleep, work or driving.
The physiotherapist performs targeted tests—neck range of motion, spinal alignment, muscle strength, walking patterns and nerve function. They explain your likely diagnosis (like grade II whiplash or lumbar strain) and outline a customized treatment plan blending hands-on work with home strategies. Most patients feel noticeable relief from the first session’s manual therapy and targeted stretches.
Step 3: Dive Into Weekly Physiotherapy Sessions
ICBC automatically greenlights up to 25 physiotherapy visits within your first 12 weeks post-crash, covering standard session fees completely. At Realign, expect 30-45 minute appointments 2-3 times weekly, combining:
- Manual therapy: Joint mobilizations and soft tissue work to restore movement
- Modalities: Ultrasound, TENS electrical stimulation or heat to control inflammation
- Active rehab: Corrective exercises building neck stability, core strength and posture
- Education: Posture tips, lifting mechanics and pain coping strategies
Realign tracks objective progress weekly—pain scales dropping from 7/10 to 3/10, neck rotation improving 30 degrees, grip strength increasing 20%. These metrics justify additional sessions beyond the initial allotment when symptoms linger.
Step 4: Mid-Recovery Review and Treatment Evolution
By week 6, Realign conducts a comprehensive review, measuring gains against baseline and submitting detailed progress reports to your ICBC specialist. If you’re 70% recovered but still limited in heavy lifting or prolonged sitting, therapists adjust the plan—adding kinesiology gym sessions, acupuncture for persistent headaches or massage for muscle guarding.
This phase emphasizes function: Can you turn your head safely while merging? Sit at your desk 4 hours without flare-ups? Perform household chores comfortably? ICBC approves extensions based on these practical benchmarks, keeping your care targeted and cost-effective.
Step 5: Discharge Planning and Long-Term Success
Recovery complete when you hit personal goals—pain-free full range of motion, return to work, confident driving, normal sleep patterns. Realign creates your discharge summary for ICBC, detailing total sessions, outcomes achieved and home maintenance program.
Your final visit includes a personalized prevention plan: daily mobility drills, workstation ergonomics, flare-up management and when to return if symptoms reappear. Many patients opt for affordable wellness packages post-discharge to maintain gains and bulletproof their body against future strains.
Ready to start? Call Realign with your ICBC claim number today—direct billing handles the rest while expert therapists guide you back to full strength.
