Adam Dafoe

Adam Dafoe provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Post Surgical

• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Specialized physiotherapy following knee ligament reconstruction surgery to ensure a successful recovery, minimize complications (like stiffness or muscle atrophy), and facilitate a safe and confident return to activity and sport, preventing re-injury.
• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Comprehensive shoulder rehabilitation after surgical intervention, following surgeon-specific protocols, to ensure optimal healing, manage pain and swelling, and restore your arm's functional capacity.

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): A condition where a finger or thumb gets stuck or 'catches' in a bent position, then may snap straight (like pulling a trigger). Caused by inflammation and narrowing of the tendon sheath around the flexor tendon.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Specialized physiotherapy for conditions affecting the intricate structures of the hand and wrist, such as fractures (e.g., Colles', scaphoid), tendon lacerations or ruptures (e.g., flexor/extensor tendon repairs), ligament sprains/tears (e.g., skier's thumb, TFCC injuries), repetitive strain injuries, or arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis). Includes both conservative management and post-operative rehabilitation.

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. Adam can assess your needs.

• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): A systematic screening process, such as FMS™ or SFMA™ (if your Physiotherapist is certified), to understand how you move and guide preventative or corrective exercise programs.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Targeted therapy to alleviate symptoms such as shooting pain, pins and needles, or weakness arising from neural tension or entrapment.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Targeted manual methods performed by your Physiotherapist to release tight or overactive muscles, address fascial restrictions, and alleviate pain arising from soft tissue dysfunction.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A complete assessment of your musculoskeletal system to pinpoint issues, set clear rehabilitation goals, and get you started on the path to recovery.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Using controlled isometric and isotonic muscle contractions, as directed by your Physiotherapist, to address joint restrictions and muscle imbalances effectively.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Skilled hands-on techniques, including gentle joint mobilizations (smooth, rhythmic movements) and, where appropriate and authorized, joint manipulations (quick, precise thrusts) to restore optimal movement, reduce pain, and improve joint function.

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

• It's truly rewarding for Adam to witness patients conquer trying to get back to my best after a frustrating sports injury and experience a more comfortable and physically manageable pregnancy experience. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in safely meeting the lifting requirements at their workplace again.
• Patients often come to Adam feeling defeated by recovering from a painful and limiting work-related injury (WCB/CNESST/WorkSafe claim). With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving a safe and confident return to their favorite sport or recreational activity and resuming dancing the night away at social events and family celebrations becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Rediscover your ability to challenging myself with indoor or outdoor rock climbing without the constant burden of difficulty getting out of a chair or bed due to stiffness or pain. Adam focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to restoring normal movement patterns essential for everyday tasks, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Patients struggling with recovering from surgery to my hand or wrist can find dedicated and compassionate support from Adam. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving better managing flare-ups with personalized strategies and feeling more in control of their symptoms, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as simply being able to get through a workday without constant pain interruptions.

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

Adam practices at SOS Physiotherapy Northfield, located in the University District (University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University) neighborhood of Waterloo. The clinic is conveniently located near Moses Springer Community Centre and is accessible via Grand River Transit (GRT) (Bus and ION Light Rail). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at SOS Physiotherapy Northfield treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal 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. Our treatments often involve manual therapy, Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding), and exercise prescription to help you achieve your functional 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. Always check your private insurance for 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. However, some private health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiotherapist can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

What is SOS Physiotherapy Northfield's appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. We kindly request at least 24 hours' notice for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. A fee may be charged for late cancellations 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 there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

For your first visit, please bring your provincial health card, any relevant medical information such as a doctor's referral note (if you have one), reports from recent imaging, and a list of your current medications. Also, bring your insurance card if applicable. Wear comfortable clothing suitable for assessment and movement.

SOS Physiotherapy Northfield
595 Parkside Drive, Suite 5
Waterloo, ON, N2L 0C7

Phone: (519) 888-7070

Adam Dafoe 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: XXX60

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=8848b209-9202-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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