Carol J. Dusome – Physiotherapist | Burlington, ON

Carol J. Dusome is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Functional Neurology & Vestibular Rehabilitation Physiotherapy in Burlington, ON, Dusome Carol is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Dusome Carol 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. Dusome Carol serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Carol J. Dusome completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 1967). With extensive clinical experience, Dusome Carol is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Dusome Carol has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Dusome Carol's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Burlington community through proactive physiotherapy. Dusome Carol adopts a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Dusome Carol empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Dusome Carol offers consultations in English.

Carol J. Dusome 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): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): A condition where a finger or thumb gets stuck or 'catches' in a bent position, then may snap straight (like pulling a trigger). Caused by inflammation and narrowing of the tendon sheath around the flexor tendon.
• 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.

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. Dusome Carol can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Cold therapy techniques applied by your therapist to effectively alleviate acute pain, reduce inflammation, and manage muscle soreness or spasm.
• 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.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Manual treatments specifically designed to improve joint mechanics, alleviate discomfort, reduce stiffness, and enhance your range of motion in the spine or limbs.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: Utilizing therapeutic laser to enhance tissue regeneration, reduce pain signals, and manage inflammation as part of your comprehensive physiotherapy care.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: The use of specific electrical stimulation devices (IFC or TENS) by your Physiotherapist to provide pain relief, reduce muscle spasm, decrease swelling, or promote muscle activation and re-education.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Dusome Carol, 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 Functional Neurology & Vestibular Rehabilitation Physiotherapy, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Dusome Carol frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Living with one leg feeling shorter than the other, causing hip or back pain doesn't have to be your norm. Dusome Carol applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards better managing flare-ups with personalized strategies and feeling more in control of their symptoms, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and dexterity with ease.
• Patients often come to Dusome Carol feeling defeated by numbness, tingling, or weakness in my hands, arms, feet, or legs. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving a better understanding of ergonomics for their work and home environment and resuming comfortably cooking and meal prepping for their family becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• It's truly rewarding for Dusome Carol to witness patients conquer widespread muscle pain and fatigue that my doctor thinks might be fibromyalgia and experience improved hand and wrist function for tasks requiring dexterity. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in challenging myself with indoor or outdoor rock climbing again.
• Patients struggling with feeling 'off-balance' and worried about falling, especially as I get older can find dedicated and compassionate support from Dusome Carol. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving getting their strength back after surgery or a period of inactivity, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as playing a full game of recreational hockey with their friends.

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

Dusome Carol's practice, Functional Neurology & Vestibular Rehabilitation Physiotherapy, is located in the Mountainside, Brant Hills neighborhood of Burlington. The clinic is conveniently located near Burlington Mall and is accessible via Burlington Transit. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

Is there parking available at or near Functional Neurology & Vestibular Rehabilitation Physiotherapy?

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside our building. Look for the designated patient spots.

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

No, you do not need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist in Ontario. This is known as direct access. However, even though a referral isn't legally required to see a physiotherapist, some private insurance plans may require one for reimbursement. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your appointment to confirm their specific requirements.

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.

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

It's not uncommon to experience some temporary soreness or a mild increase in symptoms after certain physiotherapy treatments, especially in the initial stages or if you're starting new exercises. This usually subsides within 24-48 hours. However, if you experience a significant or sharp increase in pain, new or worsening neurological symptoms (like numbness, tingling, or weakness), or if your soreness lasts longer than expected, it's important to contact Functional Neurology & Vestibular Rehabilitation Physiotherapy or your physician directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

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

OHIP generally does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations, such as 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. Most people will need to rely on private insurance or pay out-of-pocket for physiotherapy services in private clinics. It is strongly recommended that you verify your coverage with your private insurance provider.

Functional Neurology & Vestibular Rehabilitation Physiotherapy
4107 Upper Middle Road
Burlington, ON, L7M 4G4

Phone: (905) 331-9658

Carol J. Dusome 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: XXX12

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=3223e0e7-8802-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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