Nicole Ann MacDonald – Physiotherapist | Cobourg, ON

Nicole Ann MacDonald is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Five Counties Children's Centre in Cobourg, ON, Nicole MacDonald is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Nicole MacDonald focuses on 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. Nicole MacDonald serves infants, children, and adolescents.

Nicole Ann MacDonald completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 2012). With extensive clinical experience, Nicole MacDonald is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Nicole MacDonald has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Nicole MacDonald employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Cobourg community through proactive physiotherapy. Nicole MacDonald offers consultations in English.

Nicole Ann MacDonald provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Back Neck Pain

• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Symptoms resulting from a whiplash injury, which can vary in severity (WAD Grades I-III) and duration, requiring a comprehensive physiotherapy approach for recovery.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Back or neck pain that often radiates into an arm or leg, potentially with numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning sensations, due to a spinal disc problem (herniation, protrusion, or bulge) compressing or irritating a nearby nerve root (radiculopathy). Sciatica specifically refers to radicular pain down the leg.
• 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).
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Pain and muscle tension related to ergonomic factors at work or home, muscle imbalances, and suboptimal body mechanics or movement habits.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Discomfort, limited range of motion, and persistent tension in the cervical spine (neck), often related to posture, an injury, stress, or sleeping position.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Pain affecting the hip joint and surrounding musculature, which can limit activities like walking, standing for long periods, rising from a chair, or lying on the affected side.
• 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.

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. Nicole MacDonald can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: A variety of hands-on methods such as therapeutic massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and active release style techniques to reduce muscle tension, break down scar tissue, improve circulation, and enhance tissue flexibility.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Education on optimal body mechanics and corrective strategies to improve your posture during daily activities, work, and recreation.
• 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.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Gentle, active manual therapy techniques where you use your own specific muscle contractions against your therapist's controlled resistance to improve joint mobility, lengthen tight tissues, and reduce pain.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.

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

• Many individuals seek help from Nicole MacDonald, their physiotherapist, when feeling unsteady on my feet or experiencing dizziness and balance problems starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve a significantly reduced risk of falling, enhancing safety and independence, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like sitting comfortably through a movie at the cinema or a play.
• Many find that facial weakness or drooping on one side (like Bell's Palsy) significantly impacts their ability to pushing a stroller or shopping cart without difficulty. Nicole MacDonald helps patients target a reduction in nerve-related symptoms like tingling or numbness with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• The journey to a noticeable improvement in their gait and walking efficiency when faced with persistent pain in my shins when I try to run or be active (shin splints) is made smoother and more effective with Nicole MacDonald's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like handling their job that involves frequent standing, walking, or bending.
• For those whose an old ankle sprain that never seems to fully heal and still feels weak has made participating in community events and social gatherings more actively seem like a distant memory, Nicole MacDonald's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward feeling more like their 'old self' before their injury or condition began. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to participating in community events and social gatherings more actively with greater comfort and renewed confidence.

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

Nicole MacDonald's practice is located at Five Counties Children's Centre, a physiotherapy clinic in the central Cobourg neighborhood of Cobourg. The clinic is conveniently located near nearby parks and community recreation facilities and is accessible via local public transit routes. Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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 Five Counties Children's Centre or your physician directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy, delivered by a qualified Physiotherapist, is a science-based profession that focuses on restoring movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness, or disability. It can also help to reduce your risk of future problems. Your physiotherapist will use techniques such as therapeutic exercise, manual therapy (hands-on treatment), education, and advice, empowering you to manage your health independently and achieve your physical goals.

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 advised to check your private insurance for private clinic coverage and verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of physiotherapy sessions required varies greatly from person to person. It depends on several factors, including the nature and severity of your condition, how long you've had the issue (acute vs. chronic), your individual treatment goals, your body's unique response to therapy, and how consistently you are able to follow your prescribed home exercise program and self-management advice. Your Physiotherapist will discuss a proposed treatment frequency and estimated duration after your initial assessment and will continually re-evaluate your progress with you.

Does Five Counties Children's Centre offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Please contact Five Counties Children's Centre directly to inquire about their direct billing policies. It is advisable to bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment and 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.

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 of physiotherapy services. Check your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

Five Counties Children's Centre
800 Division Street
Cobourg, ON, K9A 5V2

Phone: (905) 377-0192

Nicole Ann MacDonald 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: XXX40

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=4fbf854a-9102-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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