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20 MOST ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE DISCOUNTED PRIVATE PATIENT AQUATHERAPY PROGRAM

1. WILL I BE ASSESSED BY A DOCTOR BEFORE ENTERING THE PROGRAM?

Yes. You will be seen by either Dr. Gordon Lawson or Dr. Susan Gillis at their office at 2 Millstone Court (see map below). You will receive a thorough assessment. They will determine if your problems are suitable for aquatherapy exercise. Specific exercises will be developed based on the exam. No other program offers this individuality. If your problems are determined to be very comprehensive (e.g. motor vehicle collision) we have individual programs to meet your needs.

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2 Millstone Court

(located north of Highway 7 between Warden Avenue and Main Street in Unionville at the intersection of Carlton Road and Millstone Court)

2. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The initial assessment with Dr. Gillis or Dr. Lawson is $100.00. You pay an additional $125.00 for the first 5 aquatherapy classes, plus the cost of purchasing the aqua jogger belt or renting the belt. A follow-up appointment at the completion of your five sessions (which is optional) is also included in the package price. This price is based on a pre-booked and pre-paid discounted program. The cost for individual classes is much greater.

3. AM I IN THE DEEP END OR SHALLOW END?

The classes are performed in the deep end. We have exclusive use of the deep end. At Milliken Mills pool we may be able to access part of the shallow end.

4. I AM AFRAID OF THE WATER/ I CANNOT SWIM. DO WE USE ANY DEVICETOKEEP US AFLOAT IN THE WATER?

We use an AquaJogger to keep us afloat. This is a specific flotation device which supports the lower back and keeps you upright in the water. We have rental and purchase supply at our office. You do not need to be a swimmer.

5. WHAT IS THE COST OF THE AQUAJOGGER?

We have three different types of Aqua Joggers:

A) BASIC - $57.00 (+ GST). This belt is good for people who are not “sinkers.” The foam is not as pliable/moldable to the body and not as buoyant as the Fit and Pro belts.

B) FIT - $ 85.00 (+ GST). This belt is specifically made for people who have a short waist. The foam material is softer than the Basic Belt and it shapes better to the body. A video comes with this belt.

C)PRO - $106.00 (+ GST). This belt is designed for people who are “sinkers” and need extra material to keep them above water or wish to be more buoyant in the water. A video comes with this belt. Our patients that are performing aqua therapy for rehabilitation from a motor vehicle collision use this belt.

A booklet with suggested exercisesis included with all three belts.

There are other accessories available to add variety and challenge to the aquatherapy exercise sessions. These include gloves and sandals to increase the resistance in the water, as well as additional “floaters” or modules that can be added to the belt or worn on the hands to increase buoyancy. Any additional accessories that might be required can be discussed with your aqua therapy leader at any time.

6. WHY WOULD I PURCHASE AN AQUAJOGGER?

We encourage our patients to purchase an AquaJogger. Most people want to continue with this type of exercise and you will need the belt to do that. Once you have finished the initial five sessions you will have the knowledge to continue on your own and, if you have a swimming pool, cottage or any recreational centre that is close to you, you will be even more likely to continue to use it. Many people choose to continue with us as alumni.

7. WHAT IF I DO NOT WANT TO PURCHASE AN AQUAJOGGER?

If you do not want to purchase an AquaJogger, you may rent the belt for $5.00 a session. You must pay for the 5 session rental ($25) in advance. If you decide to purchase an AquaJogger before the 5 sessions are completed, the unused portion of your rental payment can be applied to the cost of the AquaJogger you purchase.

8. HOW DO I TAKE CARE OF THE AQUAJOGGER?

The manufacturer recommends that you take care of the AquaJogger by rinsing it off once you are done with it. This is to wash off the chlorine or bromine and, if you do this, the AquaJogger will last longer. However, they last for years even without rinsing and the belts can be replaced if they stretch out.

9. IF I PURCHASE THE BASIC BELT I WILL NOT HAVE THE VIDEO. CAN I STILL WATCH THE VIDEO OR PURCHASE ONE?

When you come for your first visit we have the patient watch a short video showing many of the exercises demonstrated with an underwater camera. You may also rent the video for $5.00 or you may purchase the video for $22.00. This could help you in the future when you have graduated from the program and want to continue the exercises on your own.

10. WHAT IF I AM NOT READY TO CONTINUE ON MY OWN?

Usually after the patient is done their five sessions, there is a follow-up visit with the doctor. If you would like to continue with us, it can easily be arranged through our alumni program for our patients. Many people continue with the classes because the group atmosphere is fun!

11. WHAT DOES THE SECOND SET OF SESSIONS COST?

The cost for the next TEN sessions is $100.00. Once you have finished your first five sessions, these next 10 sessions are arranged on a pre book/ pre pay basis in which you have one year to complete those 10 sessions.We refer to this as our “alumni” program.

12. HOW CAN YOU HELP ME?

We are leaders in aquatherapy and have twelve years of experience in this area. We have had tremendous success with patients suffering from low back pain, ankle, knee, hip, arm and shoulder injuries, fibromyalgia, arthritis, sport injuries, motor vehicle collision injuries, pre and post surgery patients, patients who wish to lose weight and, of course, anyone who wantsto get fit without the potential for joint damage.

13. WHERE AND HOW LONG ARE THE SESSIONS?

We have two locations where the sessions take place. You have a few minutes at the beginning and end of the session to work on your specific needs (specific areas for which you require stretching and strengthening). The sessions are 45 minutes long.

Location A:

Markham Centennial Community Centre

8600 McCowan Road

(Just North of Hwy #7)

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Location B:

Milliken Mills

Community Centre

7600 Kennedy Road

(Just South of 14th Ave.)

(Sessions are ongoing. You can join anytime. We start one new patient at a time so that we can focus on that patient’s individual needs during the session. Please contact the office when booking sessions.)

14. CAN I COME TO THE SESSIONS WHENEVER I LIKE TO?

We give a lot of freedom as to when you can come to the sessions. You can come once or twice a week or even skip a week or two, but we ask that you book your sessions in advance and notify us of any changes. We will update our appointment book and will only call patients that are in the book if a session has to be re-scheduled (a very rare occurrence but frustrating for you and for us if we do not know to contact you). We record your dates and you sign the agreement so we both know exactly when and where your sessions are. If you miss any of these sessions without notifying us that you will not be attending, then it is a “missed appointment” and will be counted as one of your sessions. This is necessary so we do not overbook certain classes and we have the instructor prepared.

15. DO I NEED TO BRING A LOCK TO THE FACILITY?

Milliken Mills Location – large lockers available, bring a lock.

Markham Centennial – small lockers available, bring a lock.

  • We advise you do not bring any valuables with you. You can bring a bag with you on to the pool deck if necessary. If you are a member at Markham Centennial Fitness Centre, there are change rooms for members and lockers which also require a lock.

16. ARE THERE SHOWERS AT THE FACILITIES?

Yes, there are showers at both locations. It is an open concept; therefore, if you are uncomfortable showering in frontof others you may rinse yourself off instead. Please remember that they do not provide towels so it is important for you to bring your own towel.

17. WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF AQUATHERAPY?

* Fat Burning*Strong Body Alignment*Aerobic Conditioning

* Stress Reducing* Resistance Training*Abdominal Toning

* Easy to learn*No Impact Fitness*Social & Self Motivation

* Improved Posture * Core Muscle Strengthening

18. COULD IT BE COVERED BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY?

Yes. Under your extended coverage it may be covered. You need to call your insurance company and ask them if it can be covered. It doesn’t hurt to try! If you have extended coverage you may be able to recover your cost from the insurance company. It is a form of exercise therapy which may be under Chiropractic benefits or under Kinesiology benefits. You must pay directly to us and we will then provide you with a statement which you submit to your insurance company. If you submit before completion of the program, you may only be reimbursed for the portion completed. Motor vehicle collision patients have full coverage with assessment and prior approval from the insurance company.

19. WILL IT HURT?

No, it should not hurt. It is a very effective but gentle form of exercise and patients find it very relaxing as well as invigorating. There is a stretching, strengthening and aerobic component to the program. You will quickly learn to listen to your body and we will be supervising to make sure that you do not do anything that would injure you.

20. HOW DO I GET STARTED?

Call Lawson Gillis and Associates at (905) 475-8386 to set up an appointment with the doctor who will determine how your needs would be best met by our program. If the doctor feels that you would benefit from the program and we have your permission, the doctor will proceed to an examination. You will be here approximately one and a half to two hours. This is to complete the forms, have a consultation and examination by the doctor, watch the video, and arrange for your session dates.

The Unionville Centre for Health (Lawson, Gillis and Associates & MAXabilitation Inc.) has been providing deep-water Aqua Therapy programs in Markham since 1992 and Dr. Gillis is a pioneer and leader in using this method of aqua therapy for injury rehabilitation as well as for general fitness. The feedback on this program from both doctors and patients has been wonderful. Call us and join the fun! You too could be leading a happier, more functional and fulfilling life!