Azucena Kenny – Physiotherapist | St. Catharines, ON

Azucena Kenny is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at St. Elizabeth Health Care in St. Catharines, ON, Suzie is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Suzie's role involves addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. This includes everything from acute injuries like sprains and strains, to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. Suzie focuses on the unique health needs of older adults, aiming to improve and maintain mobility, strength, balance, manage age-related conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis, reduce fall risk, and enhance overall quality of life and independence. Suzie serves adults.

Azucena Kenny completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Davao Doctors College (Graduating Class of 1997). With extensive clinical experience, Azucena Kenny is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Azucena Kenny has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.

Suzie employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Suzie demonstrates a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best possible care. Azucena Kenny offers consultations in English.

Azucena Kenny provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Common Musculoskeletal

• Muscle Strains and Tears: Damage or tearing of muscle fibers, ranging from a mild overstretch (Grade 1 strain) to a partial or complete rupture (Grade 2 or 3 tear), typically caused by sudden forceful contraction, excessive stretch, or direct trauma.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Common knee complaints that can affect your ability to walk, climb stairs, squat, run, or participate in sports, addressed through a tailored physiotherapy program.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Common back problems that can impact your posture, ability to perform daily activities, and overall mobility, addressed with targeted physiotherapy.

Neurological

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Symptom Management & Rehabilitation: Individualized exercise programs (e.g., strength, aerobic, balance, flexibility), energy conservation techniques, and compensatory strategies tailored by a Neuro Physiotherapist for individuals living with Multiple Sclerosis.
• Stroke (CVA) Rehabilitation: Personalized exercise programs, hands-on therapy, and functional retraining for post-stroke recovery, addressing issues like hemiparesis, spasticity, or neglect.

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. Diagnosis for physiotherapist is based on individual assessment, so if your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Suzie can assess your needs.

• Chronic & Persistent Pain Management Programs: Personalized physiotherapy programs designed to reduce the impact of chronic pain on your life, helping you to gradually increase activity levels and re-engage in meaningful activities.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: A progressive program designed to build a strong and stable core, improving your body's foundation for all movements and reducing strain on other structures.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Comprehensive exercise plans developed by your Physiotherapist to combat deconditioning, enhance overall physical well-being, and promote an active lifestyle.
• Fibromyalgia & Widespread Pain Management: Tailored physiotherapy including gentle exercise prescription (e.g., aquatic therapy, graded aerobic exercise), pain management education, activity pacing strategies, stress reduction techniques, and gentle manual therapies for individuals living with fibromyalgia or other widespread pain conditions.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Customized strength training to address specific weaknesses identified in your assessment, helping to correct imbalances, improve movement efficiency, and achieve your physical objectives.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Education and instruction on effective and safe stretching techniques to help you maintain or improve your body's flexibility and joint mobility.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Suzie, or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.

All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Physiotherapists in ON and the standards set by The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.

At St. Elizabeth Health Care, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Suzie frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Tired of that burning pain between my shoulder blades from too much computer work interfering with getting back to their regular, consistent gym workouts? Suzie uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve feeling significantly stronger and more capable in their physical abilities and regain your freedom of movement.
• Struggling with the frustration of a noticeable curve in my child's spine or uneven shoulders (scoliosis concerns)? Suzie develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving being able to play actively with their children or grandchildren again. This is key to helping you get back to doing shoveling snow or raking leaves without aggravating their back with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of swelling in my arm or leg, possibly lymphedema, after surgery or treatment? Suzie works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of better joint stability during movement and weight-bearing activities. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as getting back to cycling for leisure or commuting.
• Many find that recovering from a painful and limiting work-related injury (WCB/CNESST/WorkSafe claim) significantly impacts their ability to competing effectively in their curling league games. Suzie helps patients target successfully integrating safe movement strategies into their daily routines with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.

Your personalized physiotherapy plan, developed with Suzie, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.

Suzie practices at St. Elizabeth Health Care, located in the Grantham, Port Weller neighborhood of St. Catharines. The clinic enjoys a convenient location near the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre and is easily accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

The first physiotherapy session is primarily an in-depth assessment. Expect to spend time talking with your Physiotherapist about your specific issue, its history, and your overall health background. your therapist will then perform various physical tests to assess your movement, strength, and any areas of concern. The main goal of this first visit is to understand your condition fully so that a tailored and effective treatment plan can be developed collaboratively with you. You might also receive your first set of home exercises or some initial hands-on care to start the healing process.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapist in ON?

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a doctor's referral. This is known as direct access. However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for coverage; check your policy before your appointment.

How can I book an appointment at St. Elizabeth Health Care?

You can book an appointment by calling the clinic directly at (905) 704-4580 during business hours. The clinic may also offer online booking; check their website for details. Their reception team can assist you in finding a suitable appointment time.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, in almost all cases, you will receive a customized home exercise program. These exercises are carefully chosen by your Physiotherapist to specifically target your issues and help you achieve your functional goals faster and more effectively. Performing them as recommended is very important for your progress and for maintaining the improvements you make during your clinic visits.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement is best for your physiotherapy appointment – think about what you might wear to a gym or for light exercise. If you're being treated for a lower-body issue (like hip or knee pain), shorts are very helpful. For upper-body issues (like shoulder or neck pain), a tank top or loose t-shirt is suitable so the Physiotherapist can properly examine and treat the area.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. Contact your insurer before your first appointment to understand your plan's specifics, including annual maximums, per-visit limits, co-payments, referral requirements, and direct billing options. If St. Elizabeth Health Care offers direct billing and your plan allows it, they can bill your insurer directly; otherwise, you'll receive a receipt for submission.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

OHIP generally does not cover physiotherapy services in private outpatient clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations (e.g., post-hospitalization) but eligibility criteria are strict. Check your private insurance for coverage; many plans offer significant physiotherapy coverage.

St. Elizabeth Health Care
444 Scott St., Unit 5
St. Catharines, ON, L2M 3W6

Phone: (905) 704-4580

Azucena Kenny is regulated by the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Physiotherapy Act, 1991 in ON and is a registered member of The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.

Registration Number: XXX74

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=fa9df3e4-9002-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.