Jo-Anne Weltman – Physiotherapist | Vaughan, ON

Jo-Anne Weltman is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at SMILE Therapy For Kids in Vaughan, ON, Jo-Anne Weltman is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Jo-Anne Weltman'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. Jo-Anne Weltman serves infants, children, and adolescents within the Vaughan community.

Jo-Anne Weltman completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of the Witwatersrand (Graduating Class of 1991). With extensive clinical experience, Jo-Anne Weltman is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Jo-Anne Weltman has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Neurological Physiotherapy.

Jo-Anne Weltman's practice philosophy centers on empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Jo-Anne Weltman adopts a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Jo-Anne Weltman is also dedicated to promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Vaughan community through proactive physiotherapy. Jo-Anne Weltman offers consultations in English.

Jo-Anne Weltman provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Vestibular Balance

• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Difficulty maintaining stability during standing, walking, or changing positions, which may be due to various factors including age-related changes, neurological conditions, musculoskeletal weakness, sensory impairments, or medication side effects, often leading to an increased risk of falls.
• 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.
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): A chronic functional dizziness disorder characterized by persistent sensations of dizziness, unsteadiness, or non-spinning vertigo (often lasting for 3 months or more), typically exacerbated by upright posture, active or passive motion, or exposure to complex or moving visual environments (e.g., busy supermarkets, scrolling on a screen). Often follows an acute vestibular event, medical illness, or period of psychological distress.
• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for inner ear balance problems, involving customized exercises that promote central nervous system compensation and adaptation to the weakened vestibular input.

Neurological

• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Rehabilitation (Incomplete/Specific Cases): Comprehensive physiotherapy focusing on improving strength in available muscles, enhancing functional mobility, and promoting health and wellness after a spinal cord injury.
• Parkinson's Disease Management & Movement Therapy: Helping individuals with Parkinson's Disease maintain mobility, functional independence, and safety, and improve their quality of movement and life.

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. Jo-Anne Weltman can assess your needs.

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: Specialized physiotherapy to address persistent concussion symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, balance problems, visual disturbances, and difficulty concentrating or tolerating activity.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Detailed analysis of your static and dynamic posture, with tailored exercises, stretches, and advice to help you improve alignment and reduce strain on your body.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Evaluation of your body's basic movements (like squatting, lunging, reaching) to highlight areas for improvement in stability, mobility, and motor control.
• Neurological Rehabilitation (e.g., Stroke, MS, Parkinson's, Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury): Tailored exercises, hands-on techniques, and functional strategies to manage symptoms (e.g., spasticity, weakness, ataxia) and optimize function in various neurological conditions, promoting participation in daily life.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: Detailed physical assessment of your joints, muscles, nerves, and movement patterns to identify the root cause of your symptoms and guide your treatment.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Educating you about your diagnosis, expected recovery timeline (prognosis), and the reasons behind your treatment plan to encourage active participation in your healing.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Jo-Anne Weltman, 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 SMILE Therapy For Kids, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Jo-Anne Weltman frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• When post-operative stiffness and weakness that's slowing down my recovery is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing safely meeting the lifting requirements at their workplace, physiotherapy with Jo-Anne Weltman can help you work towards improved balance and coordination, leading to safer and more confident mobility in seniors. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• For those whose feeling 'off-balance' and worried about falling, especially as I get older has made competing effectively in their curling league games seem like a distant memory, Jo-Anne Weltman's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward getting back to enjoying life's simple pleasures without physical limitations. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to competing effectively in their curling league games with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Jo-Anne Weltman believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If tendonitis pain flaring up in my shoulder, knee, elbow, or foot is hindering your ability to cycling longer distances with their cycling club, a personalized plan focusing on better joint stability during movement and weight-bearing activities can make all the difference.
• If shoulder pain that makes simple things like lifting my arm or reaching overhead difficult is preventing you from fully enjoying returning to a specific physical hobby they had to give up due to pain, Jo-Anne Weltman offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining increased flexibility throughout their body, particularly in their back and major joints, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.

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

Jo-Anne Weltman practices at SMILE Therapy For Kids, situated in the Thornhill (West of Yonge), Concord South neighborhood of Vaughan. The clinic is conveniently located near Vaughan Mills Shopping Centre and is accessible via York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva. Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

This is very individual and depends on many factors. After your comprehensive initial assessment, your Physiotherapist will be able to give you a better idea of the anticipated number of sessions and the frequency of visits needed to achieve your specific goals. We believe in open communication and will regularly review your progress with you, adjusting the treatment plan as you improve and as needed.

Does SMILE Therapy For Kids offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

While we do not offer direct billing at this time, we provide detailed official receipts that you can easily submit to your insurer for reimbursement according to your plan. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. Always confirm your specific coverage details, including any annual maximums, per-visit limits, or deductible requirements, directly with your insurance provider, as plans vary significantly. You are responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.

What are SMILE Therapy For Kids's operating hours?

SMILE Therapy For Kids is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Some practitioners offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call our office or check our website for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

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 at a private clinic.

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

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows the Physiotherapist to easily access and assess the area being treated, and permits you to move freely for any exercises or movements. For example, shorts are ideal for knee, hip, or ankle issues, while a tank top or loose t-shirt works well for shoulder, neck, or upper back problems. Athletic wear or gym attire is generally a good choice. You may also be provided with a gown if needed.

Is there parking available at or near SMILE Therapy For Kids?

There is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside our building. Look for the designated patient spots.

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. However, some private/extended health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. Check your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

It's not uncommon to experience some temporary soreness or a mild increase in symptoms after certain physiotherapy treatments, especially in the initial stages or if you're starting new exercises. This usually subsides within 24-48 hours. However, if you experience a significant or sharp increase in pain, new or worsening neurological symptoms (like numbness, tingling, or weakness), or if your soreness lasts longer than expected, it's important to contact SMILE Therapy For Kids or your physician directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

SMILE Therapy For Kids
130 Racco Parkway
Vaughan, ON, L4J 8X9

Phone: (905) 761-7225

Jo-Anne Weltman 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: XXX12

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=3935bc06-8c02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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