Prepare for and recover from surgery with individualized expert physiotherapy
If you are preparing for neck or lower back surgery, you may have questions about movement, exercise and returning to everyday activities.
Our physiotherapy packages provide individualized assessment, practical education and rehabilitation guidance before and after cervical or lumbar spinal surgery. Virtual assessments allow you to meet with a registered physiotherapist from home.
Rehabilitation packages are optional, with these preferential rates available only to Pathway Canada patients. The assessment package is required as part of the surgical process.
How this service supports you
Your physiotherapist will help you understand your current abilities, identify your priorities and develop a plan that follows Dr. Massicotte’s instructions.
The service includes:
- Preparation before surgery: Discuss your daily activities, home setup and support needs.
- An understanding of your starting point: Document symptoms, movement and function so progress can be compared after surgery.
- Guidance during recovery: Understand how to approach everyday activities within your surgical precautions.
- An individualized home program: Receive exercises and activity recommendations suited to your stage of recovery.
- Progress tracking: Review changes in symptoms, function and the activities that matter to you.
With your consent, relevant assessment findings and recommendations can be shared with Dr. Massicotte.
What happens during an assessment?
Before Surgery
Your 90-minute virtual assessment includes a discussion of your symptoms, medical history, planned surgery and personal goals.
Your physiotherapist will assess appropriate movements and functional activities through video. Depending on your needs, this may include observing walking, getting up from a chair, arm or leg movements, balance and everyday movement strategies.
You will also discuss practical preparation for recovery, including your home environment, available support and questions about activity.
Suggested timing: Ideally 2–4 weeks before surgery, where scheduling permits.
After Surgery
Your 90-minute virtual assessment reviews your recovery, symptoms, daily activities and surgical precautions.
Your physiotherapist will reassess suitable movements and functional tasks, compare findings with your pre-operative assessment and recommend next steps. Exercises and activity recommendations will be adapted to your procedure, recovery and Dr. Massicotte’s instructions.
Timing: Once you are medically stable and virtual assessment is appropriate. The timing will depend on your procedure and surgical instructions.
Measuring your progress
You will complete a short questionnaire before and after surgery:
- Neck Disability Index (NDI) for cervical surgery.
- Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for lumbar surgery.
These questionnaires describe how your symptoms affect everyday life. Your physiotherapist will review the results alongside your pain ratings, functional abilities and personal goals.
Choose your support package
Packages, service timing and fees
| Package | Services included in plan | Proposed timing | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package 1 (Bronze) Assessments Only* *assessments are required pre and post surgery in order to track success | Pre-operative and post-operative virtual physiotherapy assessments, including the Neck Disability Index (NDI) or Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), as appropriate. | Pre-op: Ideally 2–4 weeks before surgery. Post-op: Once medically stable and appropriate for virtual assessment, following Dr. Massicotte’s instructions. | 90 minutes per assessment, equating to 3 hours total. *Virtual | $600 |
| Package 2 (Silver) Assessment + Physio Package | 12 rehabilitation sessions over approximately 16 weeks, beginning when appropriate under Dr. Massicotte’s instructions. Frequency adjusted to clinical needs. | Rehabilitation begins in accordance with Dr. Massicotte’s instructions. Sessions are distributed over 16 weeks according to clinical needs. | Two 90-minute assessments, plus twelve 30-minute physiotherapy sessions over 16 weeks. *Virtual or In Person. Results optimized when in person. | $1620 *10% savings |
| Package 3 (Gold) Assessment + Physio + Performance Package | All services in Package 1, plus 24 sessions over approximately 24 weeks. This will include physiotherapy, strength and conditioning, and massage. This is appropriate for those who are interested in returning to performance. | Based on recovery, goals and clinical needs. | – Two 90-minute assessments – Twelve 30-minute physiotherapy sessions over 16 weeks – Eight 60-minute strength + conditioning sessions over 8 weeks – Four 60-minute RMT sessions over the program length *Results optimized if in person | $2850 *25% savings |
Frequently asked questions
Virtual appointments involve discussion, guided movement and observation through video. You will need a device with a camera, a reliable internet connection and a clear, safe space to move.
Your physiotherapist will check whether virtual assessment is appropriate. Some findings require an in-person examination, and certain movements may be deferred because of surgical restrictions. If needed, your physiotherapist will recommend in-person care.
Our team works directly with Dr. Massicotte and regularly supports patients before and after spinal surgery. We provide guidance tailored to your procedure, surgical precautions and stage of recovery, with a direct connection to Dr. Massicotte.
Your rehabilitation plan is individualized to your symptoms, strength, mobility, daily activities and personal goals. Assessing you before and after surgery allows us to track changes, identify your rehabilitation needs and guide progression at a pace appropriate for your recovery.
You can continue rehabilitation with our team, following the individualized plan of care developed by your assessing physiotherapist. Alternatively, with your consent, we can share our findings and recommendations with your current physiotherapist so you can continue treatment with them while benefiting from our spinal surgery experience and coordination with Dr. Massicotte.
No. These packages are an optional service for patients who would like additional physiotherapy assessment and recovery support. The assessing physiotherapist is under Dr. Massicotte’s circle of care; hence, the physiotherapist will have direct communication with Dr. Massicotte as needed.
Where appropriate, your physiotherapist will recommend exercises and activity guidance based on your symptoms, abilities and surgical instructions.
No. Continue attending your surgical follow-ups and following Dr. Massicotte’s instructions. Physiotherapy provides additional rehabilitation support to help you reach your goals more efficiently and effectively.
Recovery varies with the procedure and individual circumstances. The 16-week package provides a defined period of support; and although it will enhance your chance of recovery greatly, it does not guarantee complete recovery. Your physiotherapist will discuss further care if needed.
Packages are paid for upfront, and insurance receipts are provided following each session. Insurance receipts will be provided with the service date, service and physiotherapist name and number for coverage. Coverage varies by insurer and plan. Check your coverage for physiotherapy, assessment fees and rehabilitation sessions before purchasing. Any physiotherapist services not covered by insurance is eligible for medical expense tax credit.
Pathway Canada Spine Rehabilitation Inquiry Form
Please complete the intake below to speak with a physiotherapist to discuss which plan is best for you: