Carmen Sofia Lopera Ledesma – Physiotherapist | Guelph, ON

Carmen Sofia Lopera Ledesma is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Stone Road Physiotherapy in Guelph, ON, Carmen Lopera is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Carmen Lopera 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. Carmen Lopera serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Carmen Sofia Lopera Ledesma completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Universidad del Valle (Graduating Class of 1993). With extensive clinical experience, Carmen Lopera is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Carmen Lopera has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Carmen Lopera's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Guelph community through proactive physiotherapy; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Carmen Lopera offers consultations in English, Spanish.

Carmen Sofia Lopera Ledesma provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Arthritis

• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Supportive physiotherapy care for joint recovery and function after gout flares, focusing on restoring range of motion, reducing inflammation, and providing advice on joint protection and lifestyle factors.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Helping you live well with rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory arthropathies through targeted physiotherapy interventions designed to manage symptoms, preserve function, and promote overall well-being.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Pain affecting the hip joint and surrounding musculature, which can limit activities like walking, standing for long periods, rising from a chair, or lying on the affected side.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Aching, sharp, or persistent pain located in the lower back, which may sometimes extend into the buttocks or legs, limiting your comfort.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Aching, soreness, or sharp pain experienced in the neck, which may include muscle spasms, trigger points, or reduced flexibility.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Damage or tearing of muscle fibers, ranging from a mild overstretch (Grade 1 strain) to a partial or complete rupture (Grade 2 or 3 tear), typically caused by sudden forceful contraction, excessive stretch, or direct trauma.

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. Carmen Lopera can assess your needs.

• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Targeted exercises focused on strengthening the deep abdominal, back, pelvic floor, and diaphragm muscles to provide better support for your spine, improve posture, enhance balance, and increase movement efficiency.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: A variety of hands-on methods such as therapeutic massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and active release style techniques to reduce muscle tension, break down scar tissue, improve circulation, and enhance tissue flexibility.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Development of a tailored therapeutic exercise program by your Physiotherapist, focused on your specific rehabilitation needs, strength goals, flexibility improvements, balance, and overall conditioning.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Specific stretches designed by your therapist to target tight muscle groups relevant to your condition, helping to improve your flexibility and reduce your risk of injury.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Gentle, active manual therapy techniques where you use your own specific muscle contractions against your therapist's controlled resistance to improve joint mobility, lengthen tight tissues, and reduce pain.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Gentle, specific movements and mobilizations designed to address nerve-related pain (like sciatica or carpal tunnel symptoms), tingling, numbness, or restrictions by improving the nerve's ability to glide freely and reducing irritation.

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

• It's truly rewarding for Carmen Lopera to witness patients conquer general muscle strains and pulls from overdoing it at the gym or in the garden and experience enjoying family vacations and outings with more energy and less pain. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in getting back to their regular, consistent gym workouts again.
• Carmen Lopera frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of that burning pain between my shoulder blades from too much computer work. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets more comfortable and efficient movement when transitioning between positions (e.g., sit to stand) and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like setting up and taking down equipment for hobbies or sports.
• Tired of difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning shirts or writing due to hand pain interfering with handling their job that involves frequent standing, walking, or bending? Carmen Lopera uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve being able to travel more comfortably and with less planning around physical limitations and regain your freedom of movement.
• Many individuals seek help from Carmen Lopera, their physiotherapist, when my infant having a tilted head or a flat spot on their head (torticollis/plagiocephaly) starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve sleeping more soundly through the night due to reduced pain and discomfort, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like participating in community events and social gatherings more actively.

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

Carmen Lopera practices at Stone Road Physiotherapy, situated in the Kortright Hills, Hanlon Creek neighborhood of Guelph. The clinic is conveniently located near Sleeman Centre (Arena) and is accessible via Guelph Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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 extended health insurance plans may require a physician's referral for coverage. 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?

Physiotherapy services in private clinics are generally not covered by OHIP. OHIP may cover physiotherapy in specific circumstances, such as after a hospital stay for certain conditions, for children and youth, or for seniors through specific programs. However, eligibility criteria are strict and there might be waitlists. Publicly funded physiotherapy may also be available through Community Physiotherapy Clinics or Family Health Teams. It's essential to check your private insurance coverage as many plans offer substantial coverage 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.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not be an ordeal of pain. While you might feel some discomfort or a stretching sensation as you work to regain movement or strength, especially in the initial stages of treatment for an acute injury or chronic stiffness, it's rarely 'painful' in a distressing or harmful way. Your Physiotherapist will guide you through each step, modify treatments to suit your comfort and tolerance, and ensure that the overall experience is positive. The ultimate aim is to make you feel better, not worse.

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.

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

Some temporary post-treatment soreness can be normal, much like after a good workout. However, if your pain significantly worsens, if you develop new concerning symptoms, or if the discomfort doesn't settle down within a day or two, please call us. Your Physiotherapist would want to know so they can offer guidance and make any necessary adjustments to your care plan. Open communication is key to your successful recovery.

Stone Road Physiotherapy
435 Stone Road West, Suite 212
Guelph, ON, N1G 2X6

Phone: (519) 822-2435

Carmen Sofia Lopera Ledesma 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: XXX89

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=910714f3-9202-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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