Andrea Giroux – Physiotherapist | London, ON

Andrea Giroux is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at 360 Health Group in London, ON, Andrea Giroux is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Andrea Giroux 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. Andrea Giroux serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Andrea Giroux completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 2014). With clinical experience, Andrea Giroux is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Andrea Giroux has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Andrea Giroux 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. Andrea Giroux offers consultations in English, French.

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

Common Musculoskeletal

• Muscle Strains and Tears: Common injuries in active individuals, athletes, or resulting from accidents, leading to localized pain, swelling, bruising, and weakness in the affected muscle (e.g., hamstring, calf, quadriceps, groin, rotator cuff).
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Lower back issues that restrict your ability to bend, lift, sit for long periods, or enjoy your usual activities without discomfort.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Injuries to ankle ligaments, typically from twisting or 'rolling' motions, leading to pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. Can result in recurrent sprains and chronic instability if not properly rehabilitated.

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.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Pain, tenderness, swelling, and dysfunction in a tendon (the strong cords that attach muscles to bones) due to overuse, repetitive strain, injury, or degeneration. Common sites include the Achilles, patellar tendon (knee), rotator cuff (shoulder), or elbow (tennis/golfer's elbow).
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A chronic condition causing joint discomfort, stiffness (especially in the morning or after inactivity), and impacting your ability to perform daily activities, walk, or engage in hobbies.

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. Andrea Giroux can assess your needs.

• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): ESWT for chronic tendinopathies, heel spurs, and other musculoskeletal problems, aiming to break down scar tissue, increase blood flow, and trigger a healing response.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: A non-invasive light therapy used in physiotherapy to treat various musculoskeletal conditions, promote faster healing, reduce pain, and modulate inflammation without generating heat.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): The therapeutic use of different electrical currents by your Physiotherapist to achieve specific physiological effects, such as improving muscle contraction, reducing atrophy, or enhancing functional movement.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: The application of high-frequency sound waves by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to promote deep tissue heating, increase local blood flow, reduce pain, and facilitate the healing process in soft tissues like muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: The application of gentle, controlled mechanical or manual force to distract (stretch) spinal segments, aiming to alleviate pressure on intervertebral discs, nerves, and facet joints.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: Application of therapeutic heat to prepare tissues for exercise, manual therapy, or stretching, or to manage chronic muscle soreness and joint stiffness.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Andrea Giroux, 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 360 Health Group, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Andrea Giroux frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Tired of knee pain, especially when going up/down stairs or after a run interfering with safely meeting the lifting requirements at their workplace? Andrea Giroux uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve achieving personal fitness goals that once seemed out of reach and regain your freedom of movement.
• The path to recovery from my infant having a tilted head or a flat spot on their head (torticollis/plagiocephaly) and achieving improved breathing mechanics and capacity through postural correction for enjoying long, challenging hikes on weekends again often starts with expert guidance. Andrea Giroux, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Andrea Giroux's clinic, common concerns like feeling unsteady on my feet or experiencing dizziness and balance problems are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of seeing their child achieve developmental milestones with greater ease (for pediatric physio). This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like reading a good book for hours without experiencing neck pain or headaches.
• For those whose breathing difficulties and shortness of breath with COPD or asthma, especially during activity has made participating in community events and social gatherings more actively seem like a distant memory, Andrea Giroux's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward feeling more energetic and less weighed down by physical discomfort. 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 Andrea Giroux, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.

Andrea Giroux practices at 360 Health Group, situated in the Westmount South, Southcrest neighborhood of London. The clinic is conveniently located near Springbank Park and is accessible via London Transit Commission (LTC). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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 for an appointment, some private insurance companies may require one for reimbursement of your physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider to understand their specific requirements before your first appointment.

Does 360 Health Group offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

360 Health Group offers direct billing for most major private insurance companies. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. However, it's crucial to confirm your coverage details, including annual maximums, per-visit limits, and deductibles, directly with your insurance provider, as plans vary. You are responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

While some physiotherapy techniques might feel uncomfortable or cause a temporary increase in soreness (similar to muscle soreness after a new workout), especially when working on stiff joints or tight muscles, it should not be excessively or intolerably painful. Your Physiotherapist will discuss what sensations you might expect with different treatments and will always aim to adjust the intensity and techniques to ensure you are as comfortable as possible while still achieving therapeutic benefits. Constant communication about your comfort level is very important.

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

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available through specific programs and in certain situations (e.g., post-hospitalization for certain conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams), but eligibility is strict and waitlists may apply. It's essential to check your private insurance coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. We recommend contacting your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand your plan's specifics: annual maximums, per-visit limits, co-payments, referral requirements, and direct billing options. If 360 Health Group offers direct billing and your plan allows it, we can bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. If direct billing isn't possible, we will provide an official receipt for your insurer.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

During your first visit, the Physiotherapist will conduct a detailed evaluation to get a full picture of your condition. This usually involves a thorough discussion about your symptoms, how they impact your daily life, any relevant medical history, and your personal goals for therapy. A physical assessment will then be performed to help pinpoint the cause of your problem and assess your physical capabilities. Afterwards, your therapist will explain their findings, collaborate with you to set treatment goals, and outline a proposed plan of care. You'll likely receive some initial advice, exercises, or hands-on treatment to begin your recovery journey.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy refers to specialized hands-on techniques used by a Physiotherapist to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This can include joint mobilization (gentle, rhythmic gliding movements), joint manipulation (skilled, high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts, where appropriate and within the therapist's scope and with your consent), various soft tissue mobilization techniques (like massage, myofascial release, trigger point release), and neural mobilization (gentle techniques to improve nerve movement). The primary goals are to reduce pain, improve range of motion, restore optimal joint mechanics, reduce muscle tension, and enhance tissue repair and function.

360 Health Group
1291 Commissioners Road West
London, ON, N6K 1C9

Phone: (519) 601-9613

Andrea Giroux 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: XXX81

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=fa7a0028-9202-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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