Amanda M. Dalcourt – Physiotherapist | Vaughan, ON

Amanda M. Dalcourt is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Geriatric Physiotherapy Focus / Seniors' Health). Practicing at Novo Peak Health in Vaughan, ON, Amanda is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Amanda focuses on the unique health needs of older adults, aiming to improve and maintain mobility, strength, balance, manage age-related conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis, reduce fall risk, and enhance overall quality of life and independence. Amanda serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Amanda M. Dalcourt completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 1993). With extensive clinical experience, Amanda is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Amanda has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.

Amanda employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Amanda Dalcourt offers consultations in English, French.

Amanda M. Dalcourt provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Vestibular Balance

• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Individualized exercise programs including gaze stabilization exercises (e.g., VORx1, VORx2), habituation exercises (for motion sensitivity), and balance retraining to improve function when the vestibular system is impaired.
• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Comprehensive balance assessment by a Physiotherapist to identify underlying causes of unsteadiness, followed by targeted exercise programs and strategies to help you stay steady on your feet.
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): A chronic functional dizziness disorder characterized by persistent sensations of dizziness, unsteadiness, or non-spinning vertigo (often lasting for 3 months or more), typically exacerbated by upright posture, active or passive motion, or exposure to complex or moving visual environments (e.g., busy supermarkets, scrolling on a screen). Often follows an acute vestibular event, medical illness, or period of psychological distress.

Geriatric

• Mobility Issues & Gait Disturbances in Seniors: Addressing specific mobility challenges to enhance safety, reduce fall risk, and improve participation in life activities for older adults.
• Age-Related Deconditioning / Frailty / Sarcopenia Management: Helping seniors stay strong, mobile, active, and independent for longer through tailored exercise and functional rehabilitation programs.

Arthritis

• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Helping you regain mobility, reduce discomfort, and improve function in affected joints after a gout episode, as part of your overall gout management plan.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Individualized exercise programs and pain management strategies tailored for psoriatic arthritis to help reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life.

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. Amanda can assess your needs.

• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: A carefully selected set of exercises specific to your condition and abilities, aimed at restoring function, reducing pain, improving movement, and preventing future issues.
• 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.
• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Targeted exercises and strategies designed by your Physiotherapist to improve your stability, coordination, lower limb strength, and body awareness (proprioception), thereby reducing your risk of falls, particularly beneficial for older adults or individuals with balance impairments.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Specific stretches designed by your therapist to target tight muscle groups relevant to your condition, helping to improve your flexibility and reduce your risk of injury.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Progressive resistance training programs designed by your Physiotherapist to improve muscle performance, support joint health, and enhance functional capacity for daily life or sport.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.

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

• For those whose knee pain, especially when going up/down stairs or after a run has made comfortably cooking and meal prepping for their family seem like a distant memory, Amanda's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward learning specific exercises that provide ongoing relief and maintain their progress. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to comfortably cooking and meal prepping for their family with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Amanda frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of managing stiffness, tremors, and movement challenges with Parkinson's disease. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets a better ability to cope with the physical stresses of daily life and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like actively participating in family outings and vacations without holding others back.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Amanda's clinic, common concerns like sharp pain shooting down my leg, feeling a lot like sciatica are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of successfully integrating safe movement strategies into their daily routines. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like playing actively and roughhousing with their young kids or grandkids.
• Tired of difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning shirts or writing due to hand pain interfering with being able to carry their baby or toddler without straining their back or arms? Amanda uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve increased flexibility throughout their body, particularly in their back and major joints and regain your freedom of movement.

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

Amanda practices at Novo Peak Health, situated in the Woodbridge West (Sonoma Heights, Islington Woods) neighborhood of Vaughan. The clinic is conveniently located near Highway 407 Access and is accessible via York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva. Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, in almost all cases, you will receive a customized home exercise program. These exercises are carefully chosen by your Physiotherapist to specifically target your issues and help you achieve your functional goals faster and more effectively. Performing them as recommended is very important for your progress and for maintaining the improvements you make during your clinic visits.

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 recommended to check your private insurance for coverage of services in private clinics.

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.

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.

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

It's helpful to bring your health card, any referral letters from other healthcare providers if you were referred, and any reports or images from relevant medical tests (X-rays, MRIs, etc.) related to your condition. If you have private insurance coverage for physiotherapy, please bring your insurance card or policy details for billing purposes. Comfortable attire that allows for easy movement during the assessment is also recommended.

Novo Peak Health
3905 Major Mackenzie Drive, Suite 115
Vaughan, ON, L4H 4J9

Phone: (905) 660-3777

Amanda M. Dalcourt 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: XXX11

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=8dfd8e14-8b02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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