Sierra Olivia Loft Dowling – Physiotherapist | Huntsville, ON

Sierra Olivia Loft Dowling is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Resident Physiotherapist). Practicing at Reactivate Muskoka in Huntsville, ON, Sierra Dowling is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Sierra Dowling addresses 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. Sierra Dowling serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Sierra Olivia Loft Dowling completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Queen's University (Graduating Class of 2024). With clinical experience, Sierra Dowling is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Sierra Dowling has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Sierra Dowling promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Huntsville community through proactive physiotherapy; a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Sierra Dowling offers consultations in English.

Sierra Olivia Loft Dowling provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Common Musculoskeletal

• 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.
• 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.

Arthritis

• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): An inflammatory arthritis that can affect some people with psoriasis (a skin condition), causing joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and sometimes affecting tendons (enthesitis) and ligaments. Can affect small or large joints, often asymmetrically, and sometimes the spine.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Physiotherapy for ankylosing spondylitis focuses on maintaining spinal mobility and flexibility (especially extension), improving posture, strengthening core and back muscles, managing pain, and providing education on self-management and regular exercise.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Exercises and advice to manage the impact of gout on your joints, improve mobility, and reduce the likelihood of long-term joint damage.

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.

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. Sierra Dowling can assess your needs.

• Postural Assessment and Correction: Helping you understand how your posture impacts your musculoskeletal health and providing you with tools for lasting postural improvement and pain relief.
• 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.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Assessing your fundamental movement patterns to identify limitations, asymmetries, and potential risk factors for injury or re-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.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized programs incorporating various stretching techniques (e.g., static, dynamic, PNF) to alleviate stiffness, increase tissue extensibility, and promote better posture.
• 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.

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

• Many individuals seek help from Sierra Dowling, their physiotherapist, when an awkward gait or limping when I walk starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve a better understanding of ergonomics for their work and home environment, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like getting back to golfing 18 holes without their back acting up.
• The journey to feeling a substantial improvement in their mobility and range of motion for easier movement when faced with persistent experiencing discomfort, back pain, or pelvic girdle pain during or after pregnancy is made smoother and more effective with Sierra Dowling's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like reaching for items on high shelves or in cupboards without shoulder strain.
• If trouble with everyday tasks because of pain or weakness in my hands or grip is preventing you from fully enjoying shoveling snow or raking leaves without aggravating their back, Sierra Dowling offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining feeling empowered to take control of their physical health journey, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• Many find that persistent dizziness that isn't a spinning vertigo but makes me feel unsteady significantly impacts their ability to enduring their daily commute, whether driving or on public transit, without stiffness. Sierra Dowling helps patients target feeling more positive, capable, and optimistic about their physical health with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.

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

Sierra Dowling practices at Reactivate Muskoka, a physiotherapy clinic in the central Huntsville neighborhood of Huntsville, ON. The clinic is conveniently located near nearby parks and community recreation facilities and is accessible via local public transit routes. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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

Some temporary post-treatment soreness can be normal, much like after a good workout. However, if your pain significantly worsens, if you develop new concerning symptoms, or if the discomfort doesn't settle down within a day or two, please call us. Your Physiotherapist would want to know so they can offer guidance and make any necessary adjustments to your care plan. Open communication is key to your successful recovery.

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. Always check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

To make your first appointment as smooth and productive as possible, please consider bringing: your health card, any doctor's referral letter (if applicable), results or reports of any imaging tests (X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs) related to your current condition, a list of any medications you are currently taking, and your extended health benefits information (insurance card/policy number) for direct billing if available at our clinic. Wearing comfortable clothes is also a good idea.

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 are Reactivate Muskoka's operating hours?

Reactivate Muskoka is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and 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/online booking portal for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Reactivate Muskoka treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain, joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, and nerve pain. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and general physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve Postural Assessment and Correction, Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

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.

Reactivate Muskoka
10 Howland Drive, Unit 1
Huntsville, ON, P1H 1M3

Phone: (705) 789-7600

Sierra Olivia Loft Dowling 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: XXX97

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=5a3bb004-aa6b-ef11-a670-6045bd6084c7

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