Caroline Julia Harrison – Physiotherapist | North Bay, ON

Caroline Julia Harrison is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at North Bay Regional Health Centre in North Bay, ON, Caroline is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Caroline 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. Caroline serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Caroline Julia Harrison completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 1999). With extensive clinical experience, Caroline is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Caroline has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Caroline empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Caroline adopts a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Caroline offers consultations in English.

Caroline Julia Harrison provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Joint Pain

• 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.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Conditions like 'jumper's knee' (patellar tendinopathy), 'swimmer's shoulder' (rotator cuff tendinopathy), or 'tennis elbow' (lateral epicondylitis) caused by tendon issues that limit your ability to perform specific tasks.

Back Neck Pain

• 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.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Muscular pain, trigger points, and tension headaches resulting from habitual poor posture, which can be addressed with postural re-education, exercises, and ergonomic advice.
• 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.

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. Caroline 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.
• 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.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Identifying and addressing habitual postures (e.g., from desk work, phone use) or ergonomic factors that may be contributing to your pain or dysfunction.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Using controlled isometric and isotonic muscle contractions, as directed by your Physiotherapist, to address joint restrictions and muscle imbalances effectively.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Evaluation of your body's basic movements (like squatting, lunging, reaching) to highlight areas for improvement in stability, mobility, and motor control.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Caroline, 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. Caroline frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Many find that my baby/child having trouble with their motor skills, like delayed rolling, sitting or walking significantly impacts their ability to participating in light recreational activities like bowling or mini-golf. Caroline helps patients target greater ease in performing overhead activities or reaching with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• For those whose loss of strength in one of my limbs after an injury has made attending and enjoying their children's or grandchildren's sporting events seem like a distant memory, Caroline's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward enhanced ability to participate in social and community events. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to attending and enjoying their children's or grandchildren's sporting events with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Caroline's clinic, common concerns like frequent headaches that seem to start from tension in my neck or shoulders are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of a smoother and stronger postpartum recovery. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like safely meeting the lifting requirements at their workplace.
• Don't let general muscle strains and pulls from overdoing it at the gym or in the garden dictate what you can and cannot do. Caroline offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at better joint stability during movement and weight-bearing activities, helping you reclaim maintaining an upright posture while working on their computer for hours and enjoy a more functional life.

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

Caroline practices at North Bay Regional Health Centre, situated in the Downtown North Bay, Central neighborhood of North Bay. The clinic is conveniently located near Canadore College / Nipissing University Campus and is accessible via North Bay Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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 North Bay Regional Health Centre 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.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

You can expect your initial physiotherapy visit to be around an hour long. This extended time allows for a comprehensive assessment of your condition and a collaborative discussion about your treatment goals. Subsequent follow-up sessions are generally between 30 and 45 minutes, though this can be adjusted based on your individual requirements. Your Physiotherapist will advise on the appropriate appointment length for your specific care.

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. We strongly advise checking your private insurance for coverage of services in private clinics.

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 North Bay Regional Health Centre'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. A fee may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

What are North Bay Regional Health Centre's operating hours?

North Bay Regional Health Centre is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and some practitioners offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Hours can vary, so please call the office or check online for the most current hours and availability.

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. This usually subsides within 24-48 hours. However, if you experience a significant or sharp increase in pain, new or worsening neurological symptoms, or if your soreness lasts longer than expected, contact North Bay Regional Health Centre or your physician directly.

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

Phone: (705) 474-8600

Caroline Julia Harrison 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: XXX87

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=87a1fb72-8c02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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