Patricia Vande Polder – Physiotherapist | Burlington, ON

Patricia Vande Polder is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Joseph Brant Hospital in Burlington, ON, Trish is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Trish's focus is addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. This includes everything from acute injuries like sprains and strains, to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. Trish serves adults.

Patricia Vande Polder completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 1995). With extensive clinical experience, Patricia Vande Polder is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Trish has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Trish employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results; and a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Patricia Vande Polder offers consultations in English.

Patricia Vande Polder provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Hand Wrist

• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Focused physiotherapy care for complex hand and wrist problems, often involving custom splinting or orthosis fabrication, manual therapy (joint and soft tissue mobilization), specific exercises to restore dexterity, strength, and range of motion, scar management, and sensory re-education.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Helping to alleviate the symptoms of a catching, locking, or painful finger/thumb through targeted physiotherapy interventions, potentially avoiding the need for injections or surgery in some cases.

Post Surgical

• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): Comprehensive post-operative recovery guidance following knee replacement, including exercises, manual therapy, and education to ensure you achieve your best possible function.
• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): A structured physiotherapy plan to help you recover full function, independence, and confidence in your new hip after replacement surgery.

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: Nerve compression symptoms due to a narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal or the small openings where nerves exit the spine (foramina), most commonly in the lumbar (lower back) or cervical (neck) regions.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: A common cause of persistent back and neck pain due to the cumulative strain of prolonged sitting, standing, or performing tasks in non-ideal positions.

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. Trish can assess your needs.

• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: A progressive approach to rebuilding your physical condition, allowing for a safe return to daily activities, work demands, and hobbies you enjoy.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Evidence-based exercise programs designed by your physiotherapist, including instruction and progression, to optimize your recovery and enhance your physical well-being.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Guided stretching routines and flexibility exercises prescribed by your Physiotherapist, aimed at improving your range of motion, reducing muscle tightness or stiffness, and enhancing overall movement quality.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: A non-invasive electrotherapy modality aimed at reducing pain, muscle guarding, or swelling, and sometimes used for muscle strengthening, as part of your physiotherapy treatment.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): The application of cold packs, ice massage, or other cold modalities by your Physiotherapist to reduce swelling, inflammation, muscle spasm, and acute pain, particularly after an injury.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Specialized workouts to enhance your core strength, stability, and endurance, which are crucial for injury prevention, back health, and efficient performance in daily activities and sports.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Trish, 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 Joseph Brant Hospital, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Trish frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Many patients have found lasting relief from that persistent ache in my lower back that just won't quit and achieved a better ability to cope with the physical stresses of daily life under the skilled care of Trish. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as running their usual 5k route without knee pain with a new lease on life.
• Many find that managing stiffness, tremors, and movement challenges with Parkinson's disease significantly impacts their ability to taking energetic, long walks with their dog every day. Trish helps patients target enjoying less stiffness in the mornings and throughout the day with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• For those whose pain and difficulty with overhead movements like reaching into a cupboard has made sitting comfortably through a movie at the cinema or a play seem like a distant memory, Trish's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward getting back to hiking, running, or cycling pain-free and with renewed vigor. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to sitting comfortably through a movie at the cinema or a play with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of sharp pain shooting down my leg, feeling a lot like sciatica? Trish works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of being active again without the constant worry of pain or re-injury. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as managing shopping trips and carrying bags without excessive fatigue or pain.

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

Trish practices at Joseph Brant Hospital, situated in the Aldershot South neighborhood of Burlington. The clinic is conveniently located near Central Park and is accessible via Burlington Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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 to see a physiotherapist, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement of services. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider to understand their specific requirements before your first appointment.

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.

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 there parking available at or near Joseph Brant Hospital?

Paid parking is available in the parkade adjacent to Joseph Brant Hospital. Limited free street parking may also be found in the vicinity, but please check local signage for restrictions and time limits.

What is Joseph Brant Hospital's appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients who may be waiting for care. A fee may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not be an ordeal of pain. While you might feel some discomfort or a stretching sensation as you work to regain movement or strength, especially in the initial stages of treatment for an acute injury or chronic stiffness, it's rarely 'painful' in a distressing or harmful way. Your Physiotherapist will guide you through each step, modify treatments to suit your comfort and tolerance, and ensure that the overall experience is positive. The ultimate aim is to make you feel better, not worse.

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

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services provided in private outpatient clinics. 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 that you check your private or extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

Joseph Brant Hospital
1245 Lakeshore Road
Burlington, ON, L7S 0A2

Phone: (905) 632-3737

Patricia Vande Polder 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: XXX84

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=d33026b0-8b02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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