25 pre-approved sessions
ICBC pre-approves 25 physiotherapy sessions, tied for the largest allowance of any treatment type. Your first assessment visit counts as one of the 25.
Physiotherapy after a motor vehicle collision
ICBC Physiotherapy in Burnaby and Vancouver
After a crash in British Columbia, ICBC pre-approves 25 physiotherapy sessions in your first 12 weeks. That is tied for the largest number ICBC pre-approves for any treatment. You do not need a referral from a doctor, and you do not need ICBC to approve anything first. Phoenix Rehab direct-bills ICBC on eligible claims.
What ICBC covers for physiotherapy
These are the rules ICBC applies to physiotherapy specifically. They are not the same as the rules for acupuncture or massage therapy.
Counted from the day of the crash
The 12 weeks run from the collision date, not from the day your claim is opened.
No referral, no approval needed first
You do not need a referral from a family doctor or nurse practitioner, and you do not need ICBC's approval, to start. Bring your ICBC claim number and your Personal Health Number.
Billed to ICBC, not to you
Phoenix Rehab bills ICBC directly on eligible claims, so there is no payment at the visit.
The paperwork is handled here
Your physiotherapist submits the treatment reporting ICBC requires, so you are not chasing forms during your recovery.
If you need care past the 25 sessions
Further physiotherapy beyond the pre-approved sessions needs ICBC's approval. Your physiotherapist can put the request in for you.
Phoenix Rehab does not decide whether an ICBC claim is accepted and does not provide claim-status support. Contact ICBC for claim decisions, status, benefits, or account access.
What people bring to physiotherapy after a collision
You do not need a diagnosis before booking. These are the concerns people most often raise with our physiotherapists after a crash.
- Whiplash, neck stiffness, and trouble turning your head
- Low back pain, and trouble sitting or standing for long
- Shoulder injuries from bracing against the wheel
- Knee and hip pain from dashboard impact
- Dizziness, balance problems, and screen or motion sensitivity after a concussion
- Weakness and lost range of movement
- Getting back to work, driving, and sport
Our registered physiotherapists
Every one of our registered physiotherapists can treat patients under an ICBC claim.
Reshma Mehta
Registered Physiotherapist
Certified Mulligan Practitioner, Neurodevelopmental Techniques (NDT), Dry Needling, Vestibular Rehabilitation, TMJ Disorders
Languages · English, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi
Awnee Pandey
Registered Physiotherapist
Neurological Rehabilitation, Vestibular & Concussion Care, Cardiorespiratory Rehabilitation, Musculoskeletal & Orthopedic Rehab, ICBC, Workplace & Post-Surgical Recovery
Languages · English, Hindi
Ali Shafiei
Registered Physiotherapist
Chronic Pain & Muscle/Joint Care, Sports, Orthopaedic & Post-Surgical Rehabilitation, Vestibular Rehabilitation, ICBC & WorkSafeBC Rehabilitation, IMS, Manual Therapy & Exercise Prescription
Languages · English, Farsi
Yves Liu
Registered Physiotherapist
Sports Medicine, Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, Geriatric Care, Active Rehabilitation
Languages · English, Mandarin
What a session may include
Your physiotherapist chooses from these depending on your injuries and how your recovery is going.
Manual therapyExercise prescriptionIMS and dry needlingVestibular rehabilitationMulligan mobilisationActive rehabilitation
ICBC physiotherapy questions
How many physiotherapy sessions does ICBC cover?
Twenty-five, in the first 12 weeks after your crash. Your first assessment visit is one of the twenty-five.
Do I need a referral to start?
No. You do not need a referral from a family doctor or nurse practitioner, and you do not need ICBC's approval first. You will need your ICBC claim number and your Personal Health Number.
Can I have physiotherapy and massage therapy under the same claim?
Yes. ICBC pre-approves each treatment type separately and does not limit how you combine them. You can have one session per practitioner type per day.
I have been dizzy or off balance since the crash. Is that physiotherapy?
It can be. Vestibular rehabilitation is care for dizziness, balance, and vertigo-type symptoms and is a listed area of practice on our physiotherapy team. Mention it when you book so you can be placed with a physiotherapist who lists that area.
What happens after my 25 sessions?
Further physiotherapy needs ICBC's approval. Your physiotherapist can submit that request before your pre-approved sessions run out.
ICBC physiotherapy and care resources
The claim steps, what to bring, and general billing all live on the main ICBC page. This page stays on physiotherapy.