our services:

Active Rehabilitation
Vancouver

Personalized, one-on-one active rehabilitation sessions with Registered Kinesiologists and Physiotherapists under ICBC Enhanced Accident Benefits.

Active Rehab Helps You Take Control of Your Recovery Through Movement

Recovering from a motor vehicle accident or traumatic injury requires evidence-based techniques for recovery. Our Active Rehabilitation program delivers up to 60 minutes of dedicated one-on-one assessment and treatment with Registered Kinesiologists and Registered Physiotherapists who specialize in injury recovery.

Unlike passive modalities, active rehab empowers you to rebuild strength, restore function, and prevent future injury through progressive, evidence-based exercise protocols. We guide every movement, every rep, every progression, but you're the one doing the work that creates lasting change.

Program focus areas:
  • Post-motor vehicle accident recovery (ICBC claims)
  • Musculoskeletal injury
    rehabilitation
  • Post-concussion physical reconditioning
  • Gradual return to work programs (GRTW)
  • Chronic pain management through movement
Benefits of active rehabilitation

Why Active Rehabilitation's Movement-Based Recovery Works

  • Significant pain reduction through strengthening and mobility work
  • Improved range of motion and functional capacity
  • Progressive strength gains that support long-term recovery
  • Enhanced overall health and injury resilience
  • Accelerated recovery timelines compared to passive treatment alone
  • Reduced risk of re-injury and chronic pain development
  • Improved cardiovascular fitness and metabolic health

Integrated Exercise-Based Protocols

Active rehabilitation combines multiple evidence-
based approaches into a cohesive treatment strategy
Every program is fully individualized. We work within your current
capacity and progressively challenge you as you improve.
Core Stability Training

Building foundational strength in the muscles that support your spine and pelvis which are critical for injury prevention and functional movement.

Progressive Strength Programming

Systematically increasing load and complexity to rebuild muscle strength, endurance, and power

Mobility & Flexibility Work

Targeted stretching and joint mobilization to restore full range of motion.

Postural Correction

Identifying and addressing movement compensations that contribute to pain and dysfunction.

Functional Movement Training

Exercises that mimic real-life activities, preparing you to return to work, sports, and daily life.

Holistic Recovery Support

Guidance on sleep, nutrition, stress management, and mindset. These are factors that directly impact healing.

What to Expect from Start to Finish

1

Initial Assessment

60 minutes
Your first session is a comprehensive evaluation including:
  • Detailed injury history and mechanism
  • Current symptoms and functional limitations
  • Medical history and medication review
  • Movement assessment and baseline strength testing
  • Goal setting for return to work, sport, or daily activities
  • Gradual Return to Work (GRTW) coordination if applicable
Based on this assessment, we design your personalized exercise prescription.
2

Ongoing Sessions

60 minutes
Each session builds on the previous one with:
  • Supervised exercise execution and form coaching
  • Progressive load and complexity increases
  • Movement pattern refinement
  • Real-time adjustments based on your response
  • Education on exercise physiology and recovery principles
3

Home Exercise Programming

Between sessions, you'll complete prescribed exercises to maintain momentum. We provide detailed instructions, video demonstrations, and tracking tools through our Physitrack platform.

Before Your First Appointment

For ICBC claimants:

You must obtain pre-approval from your ICBC adjuster before beginning active rehabilitation. We can guide you through this process if needed.

What to bring

  • Current medication list
  • Previous injury history
  • Details on any active Gradual Return to Work (GRTW) programs
  • Comfortable exercise clothing and proper footwear

Mental preparation:

Active rehab requires effort and may challenge you physically. Some discomfort during exercise is normal and expected. It's part of the adaptation process.

What to Expect from Start to Finish

Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is a normal
response to exercise, especially in the early stages of
rehab. You may experience:

These symptoms typically peak 24-48 hours post-
exercise and should resolve within 2-3 days. This is
your body adapting and getting stronger.
  • Mild to moderate muscle tenderness
  • Temporary stiffness, particularly
    after periods of rest
  • Slight fatigue

When to contact your therapist:

  • Severe or sharp pain during or after exercise
  • Swelling, bruising, or joint instability
  • Symptoms that worsen over several days
  • Any concerns about your program

Fees & Insurance Coverage

Session structure:

Up to 60 minutes of one-on-one treatment with a Registered Kinesiologist or Registered Physiotherapist. All equipment use, exercise programming, and digital resources are included.

Insurance & billing:

  • ICBC Enhanced Accident Benefits: Pre-approval required
  • Extended health plans: Direct billing available
  • WorkSafeBC: We coordinate with case managers
  • Private pay options available
testimonials

Results that speak for themselves

Active Rehabilitation Vancouver: Patient Success Stories
VanCity Physio's vast knowledge brought me great results. When I began working with them I was on crutches, and today I am so much stronger and can function so much better. I feel that I have jumped leaps and bounds, and I am very excited to utilize my new knowledge.

My therapist put a great deal of time and effort into my rehabilitation, and gave me the tools I needed to move onward and forward.
— Deborah H.
I wanted to take a moment to write you a note of gratitude for your time and efforts during my recovery.

Your attitude, depth of knowledge, and commitment really helped me through one of the roughest times in my life.
— M. Goddard
VanCity Physio has played a pivotal role in my journey to healing my back after a car accident in 2017. Their positive attitude and ability to build instant rapport with each of his clients constantly amazes me.

Their dedication to solving the mystery behind my injury and constant support in advocating for my health has been a necessary component to the success I've had treating this injury.

I trust VanCity Physio fully with this injury and I will undoubtedly be visiting any time I need to see a physiotherapist in the future. Do yourself a favour and book in now!
— Gabrielle D

Active Rehabilitation FAQs

HOW IT WORKS

Active rehab combines core stability, strengthening, stretching, and postural adjustments with tailored exercise programs. These treatments are safe for both acute and chronic conditions as all programs are completely customized to the patient. Holistic considerations, such as rest, nutrition, and mindset may also be included in your treatment plan. Your active rehabilitation Vancouver program structure will depend on the severity and scope of your injury. All sessions are conducted one-on-one with a Registered Kinesiologist or Registered Physiotherapist.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Your first appointment will include an assessment to discuss any injuries, medical issues, or goals. From there, your kinesiologist or physiotherapist will create an exercise-based treatment plan that is tailored to your needs. Further active rehabilitation Vancouver sessions will be scheduled on a rotating basis. Home exercises will also be recommended.

HOW TO PREPARE

If you have an ICBC claim, you’ll need to be approved first before beginning your active rehabilitation Vancouver treatments. Bring a list of any medications, previous injuries, medical conditions, and information on Gradual Return to Work Programs (GRTW) if you are involved in that process. Please come to your first appointment in appropriate clothing for exercise.

POST-SESSION

Some post exercise soreness is normal and nothing to worry about. Soreness and tenderness should fade in 24-36 hours.

View our Resources

FEES

To maximize your session’s value, and take advantage of our diverse treatment options, fees are inclusive of all treatments used during your active rehabilitation Vancouver session. Your therapist will work with you to help assess which treatments will be most beneficial during your visit.

VanCity Physio offers direct billing.