Ashley Dawn MacDonald – Physiotherapist | London, ON

Ashley Dawn MacDonald is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at London Health Sciences Centre in London, ON, Ashley is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Ashley focuses on addressing 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. Ashley serves adults.

Ashley Dawn MacDonald completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Western University (Graduating Class of 2010). With extensive clinical experience, Ashley is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Ashley has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Ashley's practice philosophy centers on a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; Ashley adopts a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Ashley Dawn MacDonald offers consultations in English.

Ashley Dawn MacDonald provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

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): Conservative physiotherapy management for trigger digit, which may include splinting to rest the tendon, specific tendon gliding exercises, activity modification advice, modalities to reduce inflammation, and education to prevent recurrence.

Post Surgical

• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): A progressive exercise program, often combined with manual therapy, designed to gradually restore your shoulder's range of motion, strength, and coordination following your operation.
• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: A structured, progressive, and goal-oriented physiotherapy rehabilitation program crucial for restoring knee stability, strength, range of motion, and proprioception (joint position sense) after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or other knee ligament (e.g., PCL, MCL, LCL) reconstructive surgery.
• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): Comprehensive post-operative recovery guidance following knee replacement, including exercises, manual therapy, and education to ensure you achieve your best possible function.
• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): A progressive rehabilitation program after surgery to fix a broken bone, helping you regain full use of your arm or leg and return to your normal activities.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Disorders affecting hand and wrist function, making daily tasks such as gripping objects, typing, writing, or fine motor activities difficult and painful.
• 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): Pain, discomfort, or stiffness in the lumbar spine region, whether it's a sudden onset or a long-lasting issue affecting your daily life.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Discomfort experienced in the hip region, groin, outer hip, or buttock, potentially stemming from joint inflammation (bursitis), muscle strains, tendinopathy, or conservative management of labral tears.

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. Ashley can assess your needs.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: An in-depth examination to fully understand your specific condition, allowing your Physiotherapist to create an effective and personalized rehabilitation plan.
• 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.

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

• Discover how physiotherapy with Ashley can help you move beyond dealing with pelvic pain or bladder/bowel control issues (for both men and women). The focus is on implementing practical strategies to avoid re-injury during work or daily life, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and dexterity with ease.
• With Ashley's help, managing pain in my shins when I try to run or be active (shin splints) to achieve greater confidence when walking, standing, or navigating challenging environments becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like getting back to cycling for leisure or commuting.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of sharp pain shooting down my leg, feeling a lot like sciatica? Ashley works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of the ability to manage symptoms independently if they occasionally recur. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as participating fully in their martial arts practice, including sparring.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Ashley's clinic, common concerns like recovering from a concussion and dealing with lingering symptoms like dizziness or headaches are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of improved breathing mechanics and capacity through postural correction. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like participating in water aerobics or other pool-based exercises.

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

Ashley practices at the London Health Sciences Centre, situated in the Downtown London, North London East neighborhood of London. The clinic is conveniently located near Springbank Park and is accessible via the London Transit Commission (LTC). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, a personalized home exercise program is a crucial and integral component of most physiotherapy treatment plans. Your Physiotherapist will prescribe specific exercises tailored to your condition, abilities, and goals. These exercises are designed to complement your in-clinic treatment, help you manage your symptoms effectively between sessions, accelerate your recovery, and empower you with tools for long-term self-management. Your active participation in your home program is key for optimal results.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

It's difficult to say exactly how many sessions you'll need without a thorough assessment, as everyone's situation and recovery path is unique. Some acute conditions might resolve in just a few sessions, while more chronic, complex, or significant issues may require a longer period of care to achieve lasting results. Your Physiotherapist will provide an estimated treatment timeline and plan after your first visit, and this will be revisited as your treatment progresses.

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

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a doctor's referral. This is known as direct access. However, while a referral isn't legally required to see a Physiotherapist, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements.

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

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services provided in private outpatient clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available through specific programs (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's essential to check your private insurance coverage as many plans offer significant benefits for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

In physiotherapy, manual therapy encompasses a range of 'hands-on' interventions. Your Physiotherapist may use these techniques to help reduce your pain, increase joint movement, relax tight muscles, or improve the mobility of your nerves. Common approaches include joint glides, sustained pressures, specific soft tissue massage, and, when indicated, joint manipulations. It's a key part of helping your body move better.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at London Health Sciences Centre treat?

Physiotherapists at the London Health Sciences Centre 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 manual therapy, exercise prescription, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

London Health Sciences Centre
800 Commissioners Road East
London, ON, N6A 5W9

Phone: (519) 685-8500

Ashley Dawn MacDonald 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: XXX91

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=73383b67-9002-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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