Julie Kathryn Finnigan – Physiotherapist | St. Catharines, ON

Julie Kathryn Finnigan is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Pediatric Physiotherapy Focus). Practicing at Niagara Children's Centre in St. Catharines, ON, Julie Finnigan is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Julie Finnigan provides specialized physiotherapy services for infants, children, and adolescents to address developmental delays, congenital conditions (like torticollis), orthopedic injuries, neurological conditions, and promote optimal motor function and participation.

Julie Kathryn Finnigan completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 2023). With clinical experience, Julie Finnigan is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Julie Finnigan has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Pediatric Physiotherapy.

Julie Finnigan's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the St. Catharines community through proactive physiotherapy; a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Julie Finnigan offers consultations in English.

Julie Kathryn Finnigan provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Developmental

• Coordination Challenges / Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) - Supportive Physiotherapy: Enhancing motor competence, body awareness, and confidence in children with coordination issues through fun and engaging physiotherapy activities tailored to their specific challenges and goals.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): A broad term for common injuries affecting muscles, tendons (tendinitis/tendinopathy), ligaments (sprains), joint capsules (capsulitis), and bursae (bursitis), leading to pain, inflammation, and functional limitations.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Aching, sharp, or persistent pain located in the lower back, which may sometimes extend into the buttocks or legs, limiting your comfort.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Common shoulder problems such as rotator cuff issues (tendinopathy, small tears), impingement syndrome, or adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) significantly affecting arm function and daily comfort.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Aching, burning, sharp pain, or a 'pins and needles' sensation in the wrist, thumb, or hand region, sometimes waking you at night.

Pediatric

• Toe Walking (Idiopathic / Habitual): Persistent walking on the toes or balls of the feet in young children, without a known underlying medical or neurological cause (idiopathic toe walking), often developing as a habit after initially learning to walk.
• Congenital Muscular Torticollis / Plagiocephaly (Flat Head Syndrome): Early physiotherapy intervention for torticollis and plagiocephaly to promote symmetrical head and neck movement, improve range of motion, prevent long-term complications (like facial asymmetry or developmental issues), and optimize head shape.

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. Julie Finnigan can assess your needs.

• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Comprehensive exercise plans developed by your Physiotherapist to combat deconditioning, enhance overall physical well-being, and promote an active lifestyle.
• 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.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Development of a tailored therapeutic exercise program by your Physiotherapist, focused on your specific rehabilitation needs, strength goals, flexibility improvements, balance, and overall conditioning.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Targeted exercises focused on strengthening the deep abdominal, back, pelvic floor, and diaphragm muscles to provide better support for your spine, improve posture, enhance balance, and increase movement efficiency.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized programs incorporating various stretching techniques (e.g., static, dynamic, PNF) to alleviate stiffness, increase tissue extensibility, and promote better posture.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Developing muscular strength and endurance to aid in injury recovery, support affected joints, improve biomechanics, and enhance athletic performance or demanding physical tasks.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Julie Finnigan, 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 Niagara Children's Centre, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Julie Finnigan frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Physiotherapy with Julie Finnigan can be a transformative turning point for those affected by trying to stay as mobile and active as possible while living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The shared goal is achieving developing better body awareness and understanding of healthy movement patterns, paving the way for you to enjoy playing actively and roughhousing with their young kids or grandkids and a more active, vibrant life.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Julie Finnigan can help you move beyond frequent headaches that seem to start from tension in my neck or shoulders. The focus is on achieving personal fitness goals that once seemed out of reach, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as joining in on pickup basketball games at the local court.
• Rediscover your ability to working on detailed woodworking projects in their shop without hand pain without the constant burden of wrist pain and tingling, possibly from carpal tunnel syndrome, especially at night. Julie Finnigan focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to a noticeable reduction in daily discomfort, making everyday tasks easier and more enjoyable, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Patients often come to Julie Finnigan feeling defeated by facial weakness or drooping on one side (like Bell's Palsy). With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving being able to travel more comfortably and with less planning around physical limitations and resuming enjoying long, challenging hikes on weekends again becomes a realistic and attainable goal.

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

Julie Finnigan practices at Niagara Children's Centre, situated in the Merritton, Thorold South (Brock University Area) neighborhood of St. Catharines. The clinic is conveniently located near Fairview Mall and is accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

Is there parking available at or near Niagara Children's Centre?

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

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Initial assessment appointments are generally longer to allow for a thorough evaluation and discussion, typically lasting between 45 to 60 minutes. Subsequent follow-up treatment sessions are usually shorter, often ranging from 30 to 45 minutes. However, the duration can vary depending on your specific needs, the complexity of your condition, the type of treatment being provided, and the treatment plan designed by your Physiotherapist.

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. We recommend you contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand the specifics of your plan. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If our clinic offers direct billing and your plan allows it, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance not covered by your plan at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and all necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.

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. We strongly advise checking your private insurance for private clinic coverage.

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.

Niagara Children's Centre
567 Glenridge Ave
St. Catharines, ON, L2T 4C2

Phone: (905) 688-3550

Julie Kathryn Finnigan 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: XXX37

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=e1038efa-1d2b-ee11-bdf4-000d3a09c78c

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