Cassandra Lemieux – Physiotherapist | St. Catharines, ON

Cassandra Lemieux is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Niagara Health System in St. Catharines, ON, Cassandra Lemieux is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Cassandra Lemieux'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. Cassandra Lemieux serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Cassandra Lemieux completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 2011). With extensive clinical experience, Cassandra Lemieux is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Cassandra Lemieux has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Cassandra Lemieux employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Cassandra Lemieux utilizes a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results is a key aspect of Cassandra Lemieux's practice philosophy. Cassandra Lemieux offers consultations in English.

Cassandra Lemieux provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Back Neck Pain

• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Pain and muscle tension related to ergonomic factors at work or home, muscle imbalances, and suboptimal body mechanics or movement habits.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Often age-related changes leading to pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs with walking (neurogenic claudication in lumbar stenosis) or in the arms/hands (cervical stenosis).
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): A range of neck and related symptoms including pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and sometimes arm pain or cognitive difficulties, following a rapid acceleration-deceleration injury to the neck, most typically from a motor vehicle accident.

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): Persistent tendon pain that can interfere with your sports, work, or daily activities, often requiring specific loading programs and advice from a physiotherapist for effective management.

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. Cassandra Lemieux can assess your needs.

• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Specialized workouts to enhance your core strength, stability, and endurance, which are crucial for injury prevention, back health, and efficient performance in daily activities and sports.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: A progressive approach to rebuilding your physical condition, allowing for a safe return to daily activities, work demands, and hobbies you enjoy.
• 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.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Customized exercise plans designed to help you recover from injury, manage chronic conditions, improve physical performance, and achieve your functional goals safely and effectively.

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

• Physiotherapy with Cassandra Lemieux can be a transformative turning point for those affected by pain or weakness that's stopping me from enjoying my favorite hobbies. The shared goal is achieving being active again without the constant worry of pain or re-injury, paving the way for you to enjoy taking group exercise classes at the community center and a more active, vibrant life.
• Rediscover your ability to getting back to golfing 18 holes without their back acting up without the constant burden of facial weakness or drooping on one side (like Bell's Palsy). Cassandra Lemieux focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to regaining full function in an injured area, enabling a return to cherished activities, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Struggling with the frustration of recovering my strength and energy after being very sick (like with pneumonia or Long COVID)? Cassandra Lemieux develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving sleeping more soundly through the night due to reduced pain and discomfort. This is key to helping you get back to doing dancing the night away at social events and family celebrations with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• If recurrent dislocations or a feeling of instability in my shoulder or knee is preventing you from fully enjoying safely meeting the lifting requirements at their workplace, Cassandra Lemieux offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining improved hand and wrist function for tasks requiring dexterity, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.

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

Cassandra Lemieux practices at Niagara Health System, situated in the Port Dalhousie neighborhood of St. Catharines. The clinic is conveniently located near Pen Centre Shopping Mall and is accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

What is Niagara Health System'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. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients who may be waiting for care. A fee may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Initial assessment appointments are generally longer to allow for a thorough evaluation and discussion, typically lasting between 45 to 60 minutes. Subsequent follow-up treatment sessions are usually shorter, often ranging from 30 to 45 minutes. However, the duration can vary depending on your specific needs, the complexity of your condition, the type of treatment being provided, and the treatment plan designed by your Physiotherapist.

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 Niagara Health System 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.

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.

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 private clinic coverage.

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 *do* require one for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

Is there parking available at or near Niagara Health System?

Ample parking is generally available close to the clinic entrance.

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

Phone: (905) 378-4647

Cassandra Lemieux 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: XXX51

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=51de17c7-9002-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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