Cassandra Lee Sheppard – Physiotherapist | Peterborough, ON

Cassandra Lee Sheppard is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at Active Living and Physiotherapy Centre in Peterborough, ON, Cassandra Lee Sheppard is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Cassandra Lee Sheppard's focus is assisting individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life after neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Cassandra Lee Sheppard serves seniors within the Peterborough community and surrounding areas.

Cassandra Lee Sheppard completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Dalhousie University (Graduating Class of 2019). With clinical experience, Cassandra Lee Sheppard is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Cassandra Lee Sheppard has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Neurological Physiotherapy.

Cassandra Lee Sheppard's practice philosophy centers on empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Cassandra Lee Sheppard adopts a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Cassandra Lee Sheppard promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Peterborough community through proactive physiotherapy. Cassandra Lee Sheppard offers consultations in English.

Cassandra Lee Sheppard provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: A structured and individualized rehabilitation approach for individuals recovering from a mild traumatic brain injury, guiding a safe and gradual return to school, work, and sport activities.

Vestibular Balance

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Effective, non-invasive treatment for positional dizziness and vertigo using specific head and body movements performed by a trained Vestibular Physiotherapist.
• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Comprehensive balance assessment by a Physiotherapist to identify underlying causes of unsteadiness, followed by targeted exercise programs and strategies to help you stay steady on your feet.
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): A common cause of chronic dizziness that can be helped with specific physiotherapy strategies aimed at desensitizing the brain to provocative stimuli and normalizing reliance on sensory inputs.
• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Individualized exercise programs including gaze stabilization exercises (e.g., VORx1, VORx2), habituation exercises (for motion sensitivity), and balance retraining to improve function when the vestibular system is impaired.

Peripheral Nerve

• Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic, Chemotherapy-Induced, Idiopathic): Physiotherapy focuses on improving balance, strength, sensation (where possible), reducing fall risk, managing pain, and providing education on foot care (especially for diabetic neuropathy) and adaptive strategies.
• Nerve Entrapments / Compressions (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Sciatica, Meralgia Paresthetica): Alleviating symptoms and improving function for individuals with entrapped nerves through conservative physiotherapy management, helping to avoid more invasive interventions.

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. Cassandra Lee Sheppard can assess your needs.

• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Hands-on physiotherapy focused on mobilizing restricted joints and soft tissues to promote healing, restore normal biomechanics, and alleviate pain.
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders: Specialized assessment and treatment techniques, such as canalith repositioning maneuvers (e.g., Epley maneuver for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo - BPPV), to address symptoms of dizziness, vertigo (spinning sensations), and imbalance caused by inner ear or central vestibular system dysfunction.
• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Targeted exercises and strategies designed by your Physiotherapist to improve your stability, coordination, lower limb strength, and body awareness (proprioception), thereby reducing your risk of falls, particularly beneficial for older adults or individuals with balance impairments.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Improving the mobility and health of your nervous system to reduce pain, restore sensation, and enhance overall function.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Cassandra Lee Sheppard, 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 Active Living and Physiotherapy Centre, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Cassandra Lee Sheppard frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Living with feeling 'off-balance' and worried about falling, especially as I get older doesn't have to be your norm. Cassandra Lee Sheppard applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards being able to play actively with their children or grandchildren again, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of participating fully in their martial arts practice, including sparring.
• When recovering from surgery to my hand or wrist is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and dexterity with ease, physiotherapy with Cassandra Lee Sheppard can help you work towards improved core stability and control, leading to better posture and reduced strain. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• The journey to a more comfortable and physically manageable pregnancy experience when faced with persistent that 'pins and needles' feeling that won't go away is made smoother and more effective with Cassandra Lee Sheppard's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like taking group exercise classes at the community center.
• Don't let recovering from a painful and limiting work-related injury (WCB/CNESST/WorkSafe claim) dictate what you can and cannot do. Cassandra Lee Sheppard offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at feeling more energetic and less weighed down by physical discomfort, helping you reclaim getting back to golfing 18 holes without their back acting up and enjoy a more functional life.

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

Cassandra Lee Sheppard practices at Active Living and Physiotherapy Centre, situated in the Downtown Peterborough, Central neighborhood of Peterborough. The clinic is conveniently located near Peterborough Square Mall and is accessible via Peterborough Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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

In Ontario, you typically do not need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist. This is known as direct access. However, while a referral isn't legally required for your appointment, some extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific coverage requirements.

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

Physiotherapy services in private clinics are generally not covered by OHIP. OHIP may cover physiotherapy in specific situations, such as after a hospital stay for certain conditions, or for some children, youth, and seniors through specific programs. However, eligibility criteria are strict, and there may be waitlists. To determine if you qualify for publicly funded physiotherapy, contact OHIP directly. Most people utilize private insurance coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics; you should check your private insurance plan to determine your coverage.

Is there parking available at or near Active Living and Physiotherapy Centre?

Ample free parking is available for patients directly in front of and beside Active Living and Physiotherapy Centre. Look for the designated patient parking spots.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy refers to specialized hands-on techniques used by a Physiotherapist to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This can include joint mobilization (gentle, rhythmic gliding movements), joint manipulation (skilled, high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts, where appropriate and within the therapist's scope and with your consent), various soft tissue mobilization techniques (like massage, myofascial release, trigger point release), and neural mobilization (gentle techniques to improve nerve movement). The primary goals are to reduce pain, improve range of motion, restore optimal joint mechanics, reduce muscle tension, and enhance tissue repair and function.

What are Active Living and Physiotherapy Centre's operating hours?

Active Living and Physiotherapy Centre is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Some practitioners may offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary, so please call the clinic at [Phone Number] or check their website for the most up-to-date information.

Active Living and Physiotherapy Centre
5-745 Lansdowne St. W.
Peterborough, ON, K9J 1Z2

Phone: (705) 748-2008

Cassandra Lee Sheppard 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: XXX55

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=8e113c3d-57c7-e911-a811-000d3af4363f

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