Janelle Lisa Girard – Physiotherapist | Sudbury, ON

Janelle Lisa Girard is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Health Sciences North/Horizon Santé-Nord in Sudbury, ON, Janelle Girard is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Janelle Girard's focus is providing comprehensive assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions to help patients of all ages restore function, manage pain, and improve their quality of life. Janelle Girard serves adults.

Janelle Lisa Girard completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Queen's University (Graduating Class of 2019). With clinical experience, Janelle Girard is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Janelle Girard has a particular interest or further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Janelle Girard maintains a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Janelle Girard offers consultations in English, French.

Janelle Lisa Girard provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Sports Injury

• Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): An overuse injury affecting the lower leg, common in athletes, dancers, and military recruits, characterized by diffuse pain along the tibia.
• Muscle Strains (e.g., Hamstring, Calf, Groin, Quadriceps, Rotator Cuff): Tearing of muscle fibers or the muscle-tendon unit due to overstretching, sudden forceful contraction, or eccentric loading during athletic activity or exertion, commonly known as a 'pulled muscle'.
• IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): Pain, typically sharp or burning, located on the outside (lateral aspect) of the knee, or sometimes the hip. Common in runners, cyclists, and other endurance athletes, caused by irritation or inflammation of the iliotibial (IT) band as it rubs over bony prominences.

Back Neck Pain

• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Muscular pain, trigger points, and tension headaches resulting from habitual poor posture, which can be addressed with postural re-education, exercises, and ergonomic advice.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Symptoms of nerve compression originating from the spine, such as a 'slipped disc' or 'pinched nerve', causing radiating pain, altered sensation, or muscle weakness in a limb.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Symptoms like 'neurogenic claudication' – leg pain, cramping, or heaviness with walking or prolonged standing that typically eases with rest or bending forward (flexion).
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Post-traumatic neck pain, restricted movement, and associated issues common after car accidents, which benefit from early and appropriate physiotherapy intervention.

Common Musculoskeletal

• 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.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Symptoms in your hand or wrist that impact your ability to perform your job, hobbies, or essential self-care tasks, addressed by specialized hand physiotherapy.

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. Janelle Girard can assess your needs.

• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Using controlled isometric and isotonic muscle contractions, as directed by your Physiotherapist, to address joint restrictions and muscle imbalances effectively.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): The application of focused acoustic waves (Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy) by a trained Physiotherapist to treat chronic tendon issues (e.g., plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, Achilles tendinopathy), calcific tendinosis, and other persistent musculoskeletal conditions.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Application of various forms of electrical stimulation, such as Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) for muscle strengthening and re-education, or Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) to assist with movement, as prescribed by your Physiotherapist.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: Therapeutic traction for the cervical (neck) or lumbar (low back) spine, used by physiotherapists to help reduce pain, decompress nerve roots, and improve symptoms associated with conditions like disc herniations, sciatica, or spinal stenosis.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: Superficial heat application carefully monitored by your therapist to promote relaxation, pain relief, and enhance the effectiveness of other treatments.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Janelle Girard, 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 Health Sciences North/Horizon Santé-Nord, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Janelle Girard frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Tired of my baby/child having trouble with their motor skills, like delayed rolling, sitting or walking interfering with simply being able to get through a workday without constant pain interruptions? Janelle Girard uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve noticeable strength gains in their limbs, supporting more demanding tasks and regain your freedom of movement.
• At Janelle Girard's physiotherapy practice, individuals with pain in my shins when I try to run or be active (shin splints) are guided towards a noticeable reduction in daily discomfort, making everyday tasks easier and more enjoyable. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as being able to carry their baby or toddler without straining their back or arms.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from that 'arthritic' pain in my hands, hips, or knees and achieved less reliance on pain medication, trusting more in their body's ability to heal and function under the skilled care of Janelle Girard. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as resuming their weightlifting routine at the gym safely with a new lease on life.
• It's truly rewarding for Janelle Girard to witness patients conquer pain or weakness that's stopping me from enjoying my favorite hobbies and experience being able to play actively with their children or grandchildren again. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in managing shopping trips and carrying bags without excessive fatigue or pain again.

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

Janelle Girard practices at Health Sciences North/Horizon Santé-Nord, situated in the Downtown Sudbury, Minnow Lake, Ramsey Lake Area neighborhood of Sudbury. The clinic is conveniently located near Ramsey Lake and is accessible via GOVA Transit (Greater Sudbury Transit). Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Absolutely! Home exercises are a vital part of your rehabilitation journey and empower you to take an active role in your recovery process. Your Physiotherapist will carefully select and teach you exercises specific to your needs. These exercises help to reinforce what's done in the clinic, manage your condition effectively, and ensure you continue progressing towards your goals even when you're not in a session.

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

It's recommended to wear or bring clothing that allows unrestricted movement and provides easy access for your physiotherapist to examine the body part being assessed or treated. For instance, if you have a knee problem, please wear or bring shorts. For shoulder issues, a sleeveless top or a top with loose armholes is often helpful. The goal is to make the assessment and treatment as effective as possible.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial physiotherapy appointment is a comprehensive assessment. Your Physiotherapist will start by discussing your medical history, the details of your current symptoms or injury, your concerns, and what you hope to achieve with physiotherapy (your functional goals). This is followed by a thorough physical examination, which may include evaluating your range of motion, strength, posture, balance, and specific movement patterns, as well as performing special tests relevant to your condition. Based on these findings, your therapist will provide a clinical impression or diagnosis, discuss a personalized treatment plan with you, and often begin some initial treatment or provide education and a home exercise program to get you started.

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

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services in private outpatient clinics for most of the population. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations (e.g., post-hospitalization for certain conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams), but eligibility criteria are strict and there may be waitlists. It is strongly recommended to check your private insurance for coverage of services in private clinics.

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

Patients in ON can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

Health Sciences North/Horizon Santé-Nord
41 Ramsey Lake Road
Sudbury, ON, P3E 5J1

Phone: (866) 469-0822

Janelle Lisa Girard 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: XXX35

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=98c28f4f-67ca-e911-a812-000d3af42c56

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