Physio, chiro, RMT or kin: who should you see in Vancouver?
Written by Coach Moose. Not yet reviewed by a physiotherapist. · Published 6 November 2026
Your knee hurts. Your friend swears by their chiro, your coach says physio, and the internet says something else entirely. Here's a plain guide to who does what in BC.
The short version
- Severe injury or a red-flag symptom: go to a doctor or emergency.
- Not sure what's going on: a physio or your family doctor is a sensible first stop.
- BC's regulated professions have public registers, so you can check anyone in about a minute.
- Coaches, us included, don't diagnose.
Who does what
| Who | Good for | Regulated in BC? |
|---|---|---|
| Family doctor or sports medicine physician | Medical assessment, imaging, medication, referrals | Yes |
| Physiotherapist | Assessing injuries and movement, and guiding exercise | Yes, College of Health and Care Professionals of BC1 |
| Chiropractor | Assessing and caring for joint, spine and muscle complaints | Yes, College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC2 |
| Registered massage therapist | Hands-on care for soft tissue and joints | Yes, College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC2 |
| Kinesiologist | Exercise-based work | Not on the province's list of regulated professions as we read it2 |
| Coach or personal trainer | Training, technique, scaling and building you back to class | No |
BC's new Health Professions and Occupations Act took effect on 1 April 2026.2 "Physiotherapist" is a protected title, so someone using it needs a licence.1
Check your practitioner
Search the college's public register before you book. A good practitioner will tell you what they think is going on, what they're doing about it and how you'll both know it's working.
What it may cost
MSP has a limited benefit for people with supplementary benefits status, generally an adjusted net income under $42,000 or a listed group. It pays $23 per visit, for up to 10 combined visits per calendar year across six professions, and practitioners who have opted out may charge more.3
Check your extended health plan too.
Private clinics set their own booking rules, and some public programs ask for a referral, so check before you book.4 After a crash, ICBC says you don't need a referral during your first 12 weeks of recovery.5
Looking for somewhere close to the gym? See our recovery spots in Vancouver.
How a coach fits in
A good coach works alongside your clinician. Bring us what you've been told. We'll work within it, change your workouts and help you build back to full classes.
Quick answers
Do I need a referral to see a physio in BC?
Private clinics set their own rules, so ask when you book. Some public programs and insurance plans require one.
Should I see a physio or a chiropractor?
It depends on the problem and the practitioner. If you aren't sure, start with your family doctor or a physio, and ask what the plan is.
Can my coach tell me what's wrong?
No. A coach can spot what looks off in a movement and adjust your training, but diagnosis belongs with a clinician.
Curious how we'd coach you?
Come try 3 classes in our trial-friendly times. Tell your coach what you're working around.
Try 3 Classes FreeAbout the author. Dai Manuel, known around the gym as Coach Moose, has 30 years of coaching experience across strength, conditioning and lifestyle coaching, and is a co-owner of CrossFit BC in Vancouver.
This article is general education, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. If you're unsure what's going on, or it isn't improving, see a physiotherapist or physician.