Ashley Elizabeth Steckle-Klunder – Physiotherapist | Brantford, ON

Ashley Elizabeth Steckle-Klunder is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Essential Physiotherapy in Brantford, ON, Ashley Steckle-Klunder is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Ashley Steckle-Klunder's practice 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 Steckle-Klunder also provides specialized assessment and treatment for conditions related to the pelvic floor and surrounding region for all genders. This includes issues such as incontinence, pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse, sexual dysfunction, and pre/post-natal concerns. Ashley Steckle-Klunder serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Ashley Elizabeth Steckle-Klunder completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Western University (Graduating Class of 2007). With extensive clinical experience, Ashley Steckle-Klunder is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Ashley Steckle-Klunder has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Pelvic Health Physiotherapy and Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Ashley Steckle-Klunder employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Ashley Steckle-Klunder utilizes a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Ashley Steckle-Klunder offers consultations in English.

Ashley Elizabeth Steckle-Klunder 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): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.

Pelvic Health

• Prostatitis Symptoms / Chronic Pelvic Pain in Men (Supportive Care): Physiotherapy management of pelvic pain symptoms in men, often diagnosed as chronic non-bacterial prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS), frequently as part of a multidisciplinary care approach.
• Painful Intercourse (Dyspareunia) / Vaginismus / Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder: Specialized physiotherapy by a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist for sexual pain disorders, focusing on desensitization techniques, manual therapy to release tight pelvic floor muscles and trigger points, specific relaxation and stretching exercises, dilator therapy guidance (if appropriate), and pain education.
• Pelvic Organ Prolapse (Conservative Management): The descent or bulging of one or more pelvic organs (e.g., bladder, uterus, rectum) into or out of the vagina or rectum, often causing symptoms of heaviness, dragging, or a visible bulge. Physiotherapy offers non-surgical management strategies.
• Constipation / Bowel Dysfunction (Pelvic Floor Related): Addressing functional constipation, fecal incontinence, or other bowel issues that are related to pelvic floor muscle dysfunction.

Back Neck Pain

• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Discomfort, aching, stiffness, or muscle fatigue in the back or neck arising from sustained or awkward postures during daily activities, prolonged work (e.g., desk work, computer use), or sleep.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Sharp, shooting, electric-like, or burning pain that travels along the path of a nerve due to issues with intervertebral discs or other spinal structures.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Nerve compression symptoms due to a narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal or the small openings where nerves exit the spine (foramina), most commonly in the lumbar (lower back) or cervical (neck) regions.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Symptoms resulting from a whiplash injury, which can vary in severity (WAD Grades I-III) and duration, requiring a comprehensive physiotherapy approach for recovery.

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 Steckle-Klunder can assess your needs.

• 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.
• 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.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Improving the mobility and health of your nervous system to reduce pain, restore sensation, and enhance overall function.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A thorough evaluation by your Physiotherapist to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): A form of manual therapy that actively involves you in your treatment, utilizing your body's muscular effort to achieve specific therapeutic effects on restricted joints and shortened soft tissues.
• 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.

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

• Discover how physiotherapy with Ashley Steckle-Klunder can help you move beyond that 'arthritic' pain in my hands, hips, or knees. The focus is on being able to travel more comfortably and with less planning around physical limitations, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as getting back to their regular, consistent gym workouts.
• Living with trouble with everyday tasks because of pain or weakness in my hands or grip doesn't have to be your norm. Ashley Steckle-Klunder applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards feeling more energetic and less weighed down by physical discomfort, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of dancing the night away at social events and family celebrations.
• Physiotherapy with Ashley Steckle-Klunder can be a transformative turning point for those affected by widespread muscle pain and fatigue that my doctor thinks might be fibromyalgia. The shared goal is achieving restored joint function, leading to smoother and more coordinated movements, paving the way for you to enjoy playing actively and roughhousing with their young kids or grandkids and a more active, vibrant life.
• With Ashley Steckle-Klunder's help, managing wrist pain and tingling, possibly from carpal tunnel syndrome, especially at night to achieve feeling a substantial improvement in their mobility and range of motion for easier movement becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain.

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

Ashley Steckle-Klunder practices at Essential Physiotherapy, situated in the West Brant neighborhood of Brantford. The clinic is conveniently located near Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre and is accessible via Brantford Transit. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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/extended health insurance plans, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics. Verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

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 you contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand the specifics of your plan. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If Essential Physiotherapy offers direct billing and your plan allows it, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance not covered by your plan at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and all necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.

What is Essential Physiotherapy'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. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients who may be waiting for care. A fee may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

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 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.

Essential Physiotherapy
97 Brant Avenue
Brantford, ON, N3T 3H4

Phone: (519) 752-2151

Ashley Elizabeth Steckle-Klunder 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: XXX62

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=1ed0400c-8f02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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