Anne Michelle Donaldson – Physiotherapist | Fort Frances, ON

Anne Michelle Donaldson is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at La Verendrye Hospital - Riverside Health Care Facilities in Fort Frances, ON, Anne Donaldson is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Anne Donaldson 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. Anne Donaldson 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. Anne Donaldson serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

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

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

Anne Michelle Donaldson provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

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.

Vestibular Balance

• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): Addressing chronic subjective dizziness and unsteadiness through targeted rehabilitation designed to reduce symptoms and improve functional abilities for individuals with PPPD/3PD.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): A common cause of vertigo that is highly treatable with specific physiotherapy maneuvers, such as the Epley maneuver or Semont maneuver, designed to reposition the displaced inner ear crystals.

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. Anne Donaldson can assess your needs.

• Chronic & Persistent Pain Management Programs: Personalized physiotherapy programs designed to reduce the impact of chronic pain on your life, helping you to gradually increase activity levels and re-engage in meaningful activities.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Providing clear guidance on self-care techniques, activity modifications, and beneficial lifestyle adjustments for long-term well-being and injury prevention.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Identifying inefficient or compensatory movement patterns that could be contributing to your pain or hindering your physical performance.
• Fibromyalgia & Widespread Pain Management: A holistic and supportive physiotherapy approach to managing the diffuse pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and other symptoms commonly associated with fibromyalgia.
• 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.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: Detailed physical assessment of your joints, muscles, nerves, and movement patterns to identify the root cause of your symptoms and guide your treatment.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Anne Donaldson, 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 La Verendrye Hospital - Riverside Health Care Facilities, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Anne Donaldson frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Patients struggling with tendonitis pain flaring up in my shoulder, knee, elbow, or foot can find dedicated and compassionate support from Anne Donaldson. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving waking up feeling more refreshed with considerably less pain and stiffness, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue or breathlessness.
• Many find that recurrent dislocations or a feeling of instability in my shoulder or knee significantly impacts their ability to peacefully paddling their kayak or canoe on the lake for hours. Anne Donaldson helps patients target feeling empowered to take control of their physical health journey with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Anne Donaldson believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If pain and difficulty with overhead movements like reaching into a cupboard is hindering your ability to walking their children to school or the park, a personalized plan focusing on experiencing significant pain relief, allowing for a more comfortable daily life can make all the difference.
• Tired of feeling like my joints are just 'wearing out' and getting harder to move interfering with getting back to their regular, consistent gym workouts? Anne Donaldson uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve greater confidence when walking, standing, or navigating challenging environments and regain your freedom of movement.

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

Anne Donaldson's practice is located at La Verendrye Hospital - Riverside Health Care Facilities, situated in a physiotherapy clinic in the central Fort Frances neighborhood of Fort Frances. The clinic is conveniently located near nearby parks and community recreation facilities and is accessible via local public transit routes. Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

The first physiotherapy session is primarily an in-depth assessment. Expect to spend time talking with your Physiotherapist about your specific issue, its history, and your overall health background. Your therapist will then perform various physical tests to assess your movement, strength, and any areas of concern. The main goal of this first visit is to understand your condition fully so that a tailored and effective treatment plan can be developed collaboratively with you. You might also receive your first set of home exercises or some initial hands-on care to start the healing process.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapist in ON?

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows the Physiotherapist to easily access and assess the area being treated, and permits you to move freely for any exercises or movements. For example, shorts are ideal for knee, hip, or ankle issues, while a tank top or loose t-shirt works well for shoulder, neck, or upper back problems. Athletic wear or gym attire is generally a good choice. You may also be provided with a gown if needed.

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

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services in private outpatient clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations (e.g., post-hospitalization, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams), but eligibility is strict. Check your private insurance for coverage.

What is La Verendrye Hospital - Riverside Health Care Facilities'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. A fee may be charged for late cancellations or missed appointments. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

La Verendrye Hospital - Riverside Health Care Facilities
110 Victoria Ave.
Fort Frances, ON, P9A 2B7

Phone: (807) 274-4815

Anne Michelle Donaldson 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: XXX44

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=3bb0eb39-9202-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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