Carlie Ann Stassen – Physiotherapist | St. Catharines, ON

Carlie Ann Stassen is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Niagara Health System in St. Catharines, ON, Carlie is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Carlie's focus is 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. Carlie serves adults.

Carlie Ann Stassen completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Gannon University (Graduating Class of 2004). With clinical experience, Carlie is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Carlie has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Carlie's philosophy centers on a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the St. Catharines community through proactive physiotherapy. Carlie offers consultations in English.

Carlie Ann Stassen provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Arthritis

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Tailored exercise programs (including range of motion, strengthening, and low-impact aerobic exercises), pain relief modalities, and education on joint protection techniques and energy conservation for individuals with RA or similar conditions.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Physiotherapy to address residual joint stiffness, pain, swelling, and functional loss after an acute gout attack has subsided, or to help manage musculoskeletal impairments and tophi-related issues associated with chronic gout, always in conjunction with appropriate medical management for urate control.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Physiotherapy for ankylosing spondylitis focuses on maintaining spinal mobility and flexibility (especially extension), improving posture, strengthening core and back muscles, managing pain, and providing education on self-management and regular exercise.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Helping to manage the musculoskeletal aspects of psoriatic disease, working in conjunction with medical management to optimize your physical function and comfort.

Hand Wrist

• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Physiotherapy to help you regain optimal use of your hand and wrist after an injury, surgery, or due to a chronic condition, enabling you to return to work, hobbies, and daily tasks.
• 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.

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. Carlie can assess your needs.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Educating you about your diagnosis, expected recovery timeline (prognosis), and the reasons behind your treatment plan to encourage active participation in your healing.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: Therapeutic traction for the cervical (neck) or lumbar (low back) spine, used by physiotherapists to help reduce pain, decompress nerve roots, and improve symptoms associated with conditions like disc herniations, sciatica, or spinal stenosis.
• 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.

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

• Struggling with the frustration of dealing with pelvic pain or bladder/bowel control issues (for both men and women)? Carlie develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving feeling significantly stronger and more capable in their physical abilities. This is key to helping you get back to doing attending and enjoying their children's or grandchildren's sporting events with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• The path to recovery from recovering my strength and mobility after a knee or hip replacement surgery and achieving getting their strength back after surgery or a period of inactivity for pushing a stroller or shopping cart without difficulty often starts with expert guidance. Carlie, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• Many individuals seek help from Carlie, their physiotherapist, when my baby/child having trouble with their motor skills, like delayed rolling, sitting or walking starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve seeing their child achieve developmental milestones with greater ease (for pediatric physio), empowering them to joyfully return to activities like reaching for items on high shelves or in cupboards without shoulder strain.
• Patients struggling with a 'frozen shoulder' feeling, where my shoulder feels completely stuck can find dedicated and compassionate support from Carlie. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving regaining full function in an injured area, enabling a return to cherished activities, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as working on detailed woodworking projects in their shop without hand pain.

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

Carlie practices at Niagara Health System, situated in the Port Dalhousie neighborhood of St. Catharines. The clinic is conveniently located near Welland Canals Parkway Trail access and is accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Does Niagara Health System offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

While Niagara Health System does not offer direct billing, we provide detailed official receipts that you can submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. Always confirm your specific coverage details, including any annual maximums, per-visit limits, or deductible requirements, directly with your insurance provider, as plans vary significantly. You are responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.

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 (direct access). However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your appointment.

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) but eligibility is strict. Check your private insurance for coverage.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

For your first visit, please bring your provincial health card (e.g., OHIP card), any relevant medical information (doctor's referral, imaging reports), a list of your current medications, and your insurance card if applicable. Wear comfortable clothing.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Definitely. Physiotherapy can assess your movement, identify potential weaknesses, and provide a personalized program to prevent future injuries and recurring pain.

Niagara Health System
1200 Fourth Ave
St. Catharines, ON, L2S 0A9

Phone: (905) 378-4647

Carlie Ann Stassen 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: XXX64

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=a5490088-8e02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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