Cara Monique Bernier – Physiotherapist | North Bay, ON

Cara Monique Bernier is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at North Bay Regional Health Centre in North Bay, ON, Cara is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Cara's focus is assisting individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life after neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Cara serves adults.

Cara Monique Bernier completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Western University (Graduating Class of 2004). With extensive clinical experience, Cara is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Cara has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Neurological Physiotherapy.

Cara employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Cara promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the North Bay community through proactive physiotherapy and utilizes a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Cara Monique Bernier offers consultations in English, French.

Cara Monique Bernier provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Vestibular Balance

• 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.
• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Reduced function of one (unilateral) or both (bilateral) inner ear balance systems (vestibular organs), leading to persistent dizziness, gaze instability (difficulty keeping vision clear during head movement), imbalance, and sometimes nausea.
• 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.
• 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.

Peripheral Nerve

• Nerve Entrapments / Compressions (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Sciatica, Meralgia Paresthetica): Physiotherapy for common nerve compression syndromes, including Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (wrist), Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (neck/shoulder), Sciatica (low back/buttock), or Meralgia Paresthetica (outer thigh). Treatment often includes manual therapy, nerve gliding exercises (neural mobilization), postural correction, ergonomic advice, and activity modification.
• Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic, Chemotherapy-Induced, Idiopathic): Physiotherapy focuses on improving balance, strength, sensation (where possible), reducing fall risk, managing pain, and providing education on foot care (especially for diabetic neuropathy) and adaptive strategies.

Neurological

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) / Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Rehabilitation: Tailored rehabilitation programs focusing on restoring physical abilities, managing secondary complications, and improving quality of life for individuals post-TBI or ABI.
• Facial Palsy / Bell's Palsy Rehabilitation: Targeted exercises and techniques provided by a Physiotherapist to manage symptoms of facial palsy and support optimal recovery of facial muscle control.
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Symptom Management & Rehabilitation: Helping individuals with MS stay active, manage symptoms effectively, maintain independence for as long as possible, and adapt to changes in their condition.
• Functional Neurological Disorders (FND) - Movement Retraining: Physiotherapy as a key component of a multidisciplinary approach for Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder (FND), focusing on movement retraining, normalizing movement patterns that may be abnormal (e.g., tremor, weakness, gait disturbance, dystonia), and improving functional abilities.

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. Cara can assess your needs.

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: Comprehensive care for concussion recovery, including initial assessment of symptoms (headache, dizziness, etc.), management of associated neck pain or dysfunction, vestibular and oculomotor (eye movement) rehabilitation, and guided, gradual return-to-learn, work, and sport protocols.
• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Effective virtual physiotherapy care to help you manage your condition, progress your rehabilitation, and receive professional advice when in-person visits are challenging or not preferred.
• Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio): In-home rehabilitation programs tailored to your living space and functional needs, helping you regain independence with daily activities, manage pain, and improve mobility where you live.
• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Comprehensive assessment of your fall risk factors with individualized interventions, including balance exercises, strength training, gait re-training, and home safety advice to help you prevent falls.
• Neurological Rehabilitation (e.g., Stroke, MS, Parkinson's, Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury): Evidence-based neurological rehabilitation focused on harnessing neuroplasticity, motor learning principles, and task-specific training to help regain lost skills and adapt to new ways of moving.
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders: Helping you overcome dizziness, vertigo, and unsteadiness with targeted vestibular exercises and strategies, enabling you to return to daily activities with greater stability and comfort.

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

• Cara frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of feeling generally stiff, achy, and less mobile than I used to be. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets enhanced recovery from post-surgical procedures with fewer complications and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event.
• It's truly rewarding for Cara to witness patients conquer trouble with a constantly stiff and sore neck, making turning my head a pain and experience more comfortable and efficient movement when transitioning between positions (e.g., sit to stand). A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in managing shopping trips and carrying bags without excessive fatigue or pain again.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Cara can help you move beyond frequent headaches that seem to start from tension in my neck or shoulders. The focus is on feeling more energetic and less weighed down by physical discomfort, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as carrying a backpack or shoulder bag comfortably.
• With Cara's help, managing experiencing discomfort, back pain, or pelvic girdle pain during or after pregnancy to achieve a renewed sense of vitality and enthusiasm for daily activities becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like playing in their competitive volleyball league again.

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

Cara practices at the North Bay Regional Health Centre, situated in the Downtown North Bay, Central neighborhood of North Bay. The clinic is conveniently located near Capitol Centre (Theatre) and is accessible via North Bay Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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, even though a referral isn't legally required to book an appointment, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a physician's referral for coverage of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider to confirm their specific requirements before your first appointment.

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.

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 waitlists may apply. It is essential to check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics. Verify your eligibility for any public coverage directly with OHIP.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Absolutely! Home exercises are a vital part of your rehabilitation journey and empower you to take an active role in your recovery process. Your Physiotherapist will carefully select and teach you exercises specific to your needs. These exercises help to reinforce what's done in the clinic, manage your condition effectively, and ensure you continue progressing towards your goals even when you're not in a session.

Is there parking available at or near North Bay Regional Health Centre?

Paid parking is available in the parkade adjacent to the North Bay Regional Health Centre. Limited free street parking may also be found in the vicinity, but please check local signage for restrictions.

North Bay Regional Health Centre
50 College Dr., P.O. Box 2500
North Bay, ON, P1B 5A4

Phone: (705) 474-8600

Cara Monique Bernier 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: XXX18

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=029f572c-9702-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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