From mental to physical wellness, these treatments are backed by Veterans Affairs Canada and are tailored to meet the unique needs of those who served.

At River Stone Wellness, we are set up to work directly with VAC to offer you these treatments while making the process smooth and hassle-free.

1. Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is one of the most common VAC approved treatments in Alberta, and for good reason. 

It helps veterans recover from service-related injuries, manage chronic pain, and regain confidence in their movement. 

Rebuilding Strength and Mobility

Sessions often include hands-on manual therapy, stretches, and guided exercises that support joint stability, muscle control, and overall function. 

Over time, this can help reduce pain, improve balance, and restore range of motion so you can get back to doing the things you enjoy.

Covered by VAC With an Approved Claim

Physiotherapy for veterans in Alberta is typically covered by VAC. 

Your provider just needs your K number and the approved treatment plan, and many clinics can direct bill on your behalf.

2. Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is included in VAC coverage and is a key part of recovery and pain management for many veterans. 

It’s especially helpful for those dealing with chronic pain, physical trauma, or stress held in the body. 

Relieving Pain and Supporting Recovery

Veteran-focused massage therapy targets the areas that need the most attention, whether it’s old injuries, postural tension, or repetitive strain. 

Therapists use a combination of pressure, movement, and therapeutic techniques to reduce discomfort and support the body’s natural healing process.

Available at River Stone Wellness Centre

At River Stone, massage therapy is offered by skilled practitioners who understand the physical and emotional impacts of military service. 

If your treatment plan includes massage, you can access care in a calm, welcoming environment where your comfort comes first.

3. Acupuncture

Acupuncture for veterans is a VAC approved treatment in Alberta that’s gaining popularity among those looking for a more natural way to manage pain, anxiety, and sleep issues. 

This centuries-old therapy involves placing very fine needles at specific points on the body to stimulate healing and balance. 

Ancient Therapy, Modern Benefits

While acupuncture has deep roots in traditional Chinese medicine, today’s treatments are backed by modern research and adapted to fit current medical standards. 

Veterans often report improvements in pain levels, mood, and overall energy after just a few sessions.

Performed by Licensed Practitioners

At River Stone Wellness Centre, acupuncture is performed by trained and licensed practitioners who tailor each session to your needs. 

They’ll walk you through the process and adjust techniques to make sure you’re comfortable.

4. Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care is another VAC approved treatment in Alberta that helps veterans manage pain, improve posture, and feel more aligned in their day-to-day lives. 

It focuses on the spine, joints, and nervous system, using manual adjustments to restore proper movement and reduce tension. 

Realigning and Relieving

Chiropractic adjustments help correct imbalances in the body that may be causing pain or limiting mobility. 

The goal is to help your body move the way it’s supposed to without constant discomfort.

VAC Coverage for Chiropractic Adjustments

Veterans with an approved VAC claim can access chiropractic care without paying out of pocket. 

Once your plan is in place, clinics like River Stone can direct bill for ongoing care.

5. Red Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation)

Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-level light to support healing deep in the body’s tissues. 

By boosting cellular energy and circulation, this therapy can speed up recovery and reduce discomfort without medication or needles.

Supporting Tissue Repair and Reducing Inflammation

Red light therapy works at the cellular level to encourage repair and reduce swelling in muscles, joints, and connective tissue. 

It’s also been shown to help with delayed healing or chronic pain in hard-to-treat areas.

Increasingly Accepted by VAC When Recommended

While not automatically covered for everyone, red light therapy is increasingly accepted by VAC when it’s part of a practitioner-recommended treatment plan. 

At River Stone, we offer this service in a clinical setting with trained staff who can document your progress.

6. Custom Exercise & Rehabilitation Programs

Exercise and rehab programs tailored to your body’s needs can play a huge role in long-term recovery. 

These programs are often used to rebuild strength after injury, improve balance and coordination, and manage chronic conditions like arthritis or back pain.

Functional Recovery Through Movement

These exercises are chosen to help you regain control, reduce pain, and improve how your body responds to daily tasks. 

Over time, consistent movement can lead to better posture, fewer flare-ups, and stronger overall resilience.

VAC-Supported When Prescribed by Regulated Professionals

VAC supports exercise and rehab programs when they’re recommended by a regulated health professional as part of your treatment plan. 

At River Stone, our team works closely to design programs that meet VAC’s requirements and your personal goals.

7. Multimodal Treatment Plans

Many veterans see the best results when multiple therapies are combined into one coordinated plan. 

Known as a multimodal approach, this method addresses both the physical and emotional sides of recovery. 

Combining Therapies for Better Results

Each therapy plays a different role in healing and together, they work more effectively than any one treatment alone. 

Veterans who follow a multimodal plan often report improved mobility, reduced pain, and better mental health outcomes.

Delivered Seamlessly at River Stone Wellness Centre

At River Stone, our team works collaboratively to create and deliver treatment plans that combine multiple services without extra hassle. 

Everything is coordinated under one roof, with VAC billing support and a team that’s genuinely here to help.

How to Access These VAC-Approved Treatments in Alberta

Getting started with VAC-approved treatments in Alberta is simpler than you might think:

Step 1 – Complete a Medical Questionnaire

This helps identify what conditions you’re dealing with and which treatments may be appropriate.

The more detail you provide, the better the recommendation you’ll receive from VAC.

Our NPs can complete this questionnaire at our Nurse Practitioner Clinic.

Step 2 – Receive VAC Approval

If your claim is approved, they’ll outline which treatments are recommended and how many sessions are covered.

Some veterans may be asked for additional details or documentation, depending on their file.

Step 3 – Book Your Care at River Stone Wellness Centre

After approval, you can contact River Stone Wellness Centre directly to get started.

Our team will match you with the right practitioner and handle all VAC billing, so there’s no extra paperwork on your end.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the most common questions veterans ask when getting started:

Are these services fully covered by VAC?

Most of the time, yes. 

Once your treatment plan is approved by Veterans Affairs Canada, services like physiotherapy, massage therapy, chiropractic care, and acupuncture are fully covered. 

Can I combine multiple therapies?

Yes, and in many cases, that’s the most effective approach. 

VAC allows multiple therapies to be used at the same time when they’re part of a recommended treatment plan.

What if I haven’t submitted my Medical Questionnaire yet?

The questionnaire helps VAC understand your current condition and determine which treatments should be approved. 

If you’re unsure how to complete it, River Stone’s team can point you in the right direction or help you find the support you need to get it done.

Do I need a referral to book treatment?

Some treatments often require a referral from a regulated provider, while others can be accessed once your plan is approved.

Start Your VAC-Approved Care Plan Today

You’ve served, now it’s time to be supported. 

And River Stone Wellness Centre is here to help. 

Our team is experienced in working with Veterans Affairs Canada and can guide you through the process from approval to treatment.

Book your first treatment session today!

The post Top 7 VAC-Approved Treatments Veterans Are Using in Alberta Right Now appeared first on River Stone Massage and Wellness Centre.

The short answer: not always.

Depending on the type of service and provider, you may be able to access care directly without a formal referral.

That said, knowing what’s required can help speed things up and avoid delays.

Here’s what you should know about veteran treatments and referrals:

Understanding VAC Coverage Rules for Treatment

Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) offers a wide range of treatment benefits, but coverage isn’t automatic for every service or provider. 

Some services require approval, some need referrals, and others are eligible as long as they fall under your condition or approved treatment plan. 

Who Determines Treatment Eligibility

VAC makes the final call on treatment eligibility based on your condition, the benefits you’ve been approved for, and the type of care being requested. 

Even if your doctor or nurse practitioner recommends something, it still has to fit within VAC’s guidelines to be covered.

Referrals (And When They’re Required)

For some types of care, like massage therapy, physiotherapy, or acupuncture, VAC usually needs a referral or treatment plan from a chiropractor, nurse practitioner or doctor. 

Other services may not need a referral if they’re pre-approved through your health benefits or part of your established care plan. 

When a Referral Is Not Required

There are VAC treatments with no referrals that can be accessed directly. 

Here are two common situations where a referral isn’t required:

You Already Submitted a Medical Questionnaire and Received VAC Approval

Once VAC reviews your completed medical questionnaire and confirms your treatment eligibility, you’re often cleared to start care without another referral. 

As long as the treatment matches what was recommended or discussed in your file, you’re good to go. 

You Are Choosing a VAC-Approved Provider Like River Stone Wellness Centre

Some wellness clinics, like River Stone, are already set up to work directly with VAC. 

That means they understand the referral rules, know which services are covered, and can often help you start care without delay. 

If your treatment is on file and the provider is approved, you don’t need to loop in a doctor or nurse practitioner again. 

When a Referral Might Be Needed

If VAC doesn’t yet have enough information about your condition or the care you’re asking for, they may need a bit more before giving the green light. 

Here are two common reasons a referral might still be required:

You Haven’t Yet Completed a Medical Questionnaire

If your medical questionnaire hasn’t been submitted or reviewed yet, VAC won’t have the details they need to approve treatment. 

Until that step is complete, they may ask for a referral from a doctor or nurse practitioner to support your request. 

Once your questionnaire is processed, future appointments may not need additional referrals.

VAC Has Requested Further Documentation or Specialist Input

In some cases, VAC might ask for more information before approving a treatment, especially if it falls outside typical guidelines or isn’t clearly linked to your approved condition. 

They may request a referral, a letter from your healthcare provider, or input from a specialist. 

This just means VAC needs more clarity before moving forward. 

How River Stone Streamlines the Process

Getting support shouldn’t feel like jumping through hoops. 

Here’s how we help move things along:

No External Referral Needed If You Were Assessed by River Stone NP Clinic

If your initial assessment was done at our Nurse Practitioner Clinic, you don’t need to track down an outside referral. 

We already have your details on file and can connect your treatment directly to the VAC approval process. 

This means you can start seeing your chosen therapist or practitioner right away, without waiting on additional paperwork.

If You’re New, We’ll Walk You Through the Intake and MQ Completion

New to River Stone or just starting with VAC? No problem!

Our reception team will guide you through the intake process and help you complete your Medical Questionnaire (MQ) so your file is ready for review. 

We’ll explain what to expect and answer questions as you go.

Direct Coordination With VAC

Once your file is active, we stay in touch with VAC on your behalf. 

That includes submitting treatment plans, updating documentation, and confirming service approvals. 

We’ll handle the details so you can focus on your care.

Frequently Asked Questions

VAC treatment rules can be confusing at times. 

Here are a few of the most common questions veterans ask when it comes to referrals, claims, and working with River Stone:

Can my family doctor refer me instead?

If you already have a family doctor or nurse practitioner, they can provide the referral VAC may require for certain services. 

Just make sure it’s tied to your approved condition or claim. 

Once submitted, we can add it to your file and move forward with booking treatment.

Will VAC accept River Stone as a provider without a referral?

If you’ve already been assessed and approved by VAC, and the treatment falls within your plan, no outside referral is needed. 

River Stone is recognized by VAC, and we’re familiar with their requirements. 

That makes it easier for you to book directly with us.

What if my claim is still pending?

If your VAC claim hasn’t been finalized yet, we can still help. 

Our team will walk you through the intake steps, help you complete the necessary forms, and hold your spot in our system. 

In some cases, services can begin once pre-approval is in place, but it depends on your situation. 

No Referral? No Problem. Your Path to Care Starts Here.

You don’t need to figure it all out on your own. 

At River Stone Wellness Centre, we’re here to help you access the treatment you need, referral or not. 

Get in touch today and we’ll match you with the right practitioner, support your paperwork, and make sure your care starts as smoothly as possible.

Book your veteran treatment intake session.

The post Do You Need a Referral to Access Veteran Treatment Services in Alberta? appeared first on River Stone Massage and Wellness Centre.