May is seen as a month of renewal – especially in places like Ontario, where Get Right Physio can even come to your door (wink wink). Fitting, because May also marks two notable calendar moments:
- National Physiotherapy Month (a Canadian calendar moment celebrating physiotherapists of all specialities – personally, it’s my Super Bowl)
- Mental Health Awareness Month (originally founded in America, it is now a global movement raising awareness, reducing stigma, and promoting mental health)
Despite being a proud Canadian physiotherapist, I won’t say that the former is better than the latter. Instead, I will say that they both serve as timely reminders that our physical and mental well-being are deeply connected. And beyond just saying it, I’ve aimed to make that point more evident by the time you finish reading this piece!
A Childhood Throwback
Many of my patients often ask me questions that start with “Can I…?”
For example, “Can I work out while injured?”
Whenever I hear these questions, I can’t help but remember being in elementary school and asking my teacher, “Can I go to the bathroom?” only to be met with “I don’t know, can you?” It was the go-to tactic for kids my age to waste time and get out of class.
So, in the spirit of May and the classic “May I?” questions from childhood, I wanted to reframe a few that come up often in my practice – because asking the right questions can be the first step toward healing.
5 Common Physiotherapy Questions
- “May I work out while I’m injured?”
Yes, but how you work out depends on the injury. Movement is medicine, but the right dosage matters. Physiotherapists can tailor safe, healing-friendly routines to keep you active while avoiding further damage.
- “May I see a physiotherapist without a doctor’s referral?”
Absolutely. In most provinces (including Ontario), physiotherapists are primary healthcare providers, which means you can book directly. Insurance policies might still ask for a referral, so double-check your coverage.
- “May physiotherapy help even if I’ve had pain for years?”
Yes. Chronic pain doesn’t mean permanent pain. While full resolution may take time, physio can improve mobility, function, and pain management (especially when combined with education and consistency).
- “May I prevent injuries with physio, or is it just for rehab?”
Prevention is actually a big part of what we do. Whether you’re an athlete or just active, physiotherapists can help you correct movement patterns, improve posture, and avoid future issues.
- “May I do exercises at home, or do I always need to come in?”
Home exercises are a core part of any good physio plan. Think of your physiotherapy sessions as strategy meetings where the real gains happen when you stick to the plan at home.
5 Questions in Honour of Mental Health Awareness Month
- “May I give myself a break without feeling guilty?”
Yes. Rest isn’t a reward, it’s a requirement. Whether it’s mental or physical fatigue, honouring your body’s signals is part of healing, not laziness.
- “May I still feel proud even if progress is slow?”
Absolutely. Recovery, like growth, is rarely linear. Small wins deserve big celebrations. Progress isn’t about speed; it’s about direction.
- “May I ask for help, even if I’ve done it before?”
Yes. Whether it’s from a physiotherapist, family member, or mental health professional, needing support again doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you’re human.
- “May I feel down and still be strong?”
Of course. Resilience isn’t the absence of struggle, it’s choosing to keep going despite it. Feeling low doesn’t disqualify you from being powerful.
- “May I focus on healing without comparing myself to others?”
You should. Everybody (and every mind) has its own path. Comparing timelines will only distract from your own. Your progress deserves to be measured by how you feel, not how someone else looks.
Mind and Body: A Final Thought
While many use Mental Health Awareness Month to reflect inward – seeking balance, emotional clarity, and maybe even a few more deep breaths per day – there’s one element that often gets left out of the conversation: the body.
We tend to treat physical and mental health like two separate playlists. One for working out, the other for winding down. But more often than not, they’re playing the same tune. What we feel mentally shows up physically: tension in the neck, tightness in the chest, fatigue that doesn’t go away with sleep. And what we carry physically (pain, posture, immobility) can weigh on our mental health just as heavily.
As a physiotherapist, I see this every day. Patients come in with back pain, chronic fatigue, or shoulder stiffness. But beneath the surface? Stress. Burnout. Trauma. The body speaks; we just have to listen.
Understanding the challenges helps us move toward better solutions:
- About 30% of Canadian seniors are at risk of becoming socially isolated.
- The top emerging issue for Canadian seniors? Staying socially connected and active.
- As our population ages, more Canadians will face anxiety disorders, placing increasing strain on our mental health care systems.
- In early 2024, 10% of adults aged 65+ reported feeling lonely often or always.
These aren’t just statistics. They’re reminders that we need to care for the whole person (mind and body, together), no matter how old we are.
And here’s the hopeful part:
- Physical activity reduces depression, anxiety, and chronic stress – and improves cognition.
- It also delays functional loss, improves outcomes for chronic disease, and helps maintain independence.
- Adults 65+ can benefit from just 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week, even in 10-minute bouts.
Whether you’re lacing up sneakers, stretching on a mat, or curled up with a heating pad and a to-do list (been there) – your physical and emotional wellness aren’t separate paths. They’re teammates who move best together.
At Get Right Physio, we’re here for both. And if you’ve got more “May I?” questions, don’t be shy – we’re just one ask away.