Cassandra Schilling – Physiotherapist | Pickering, ON

Cassandra Schilling is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Kiddo Physio in Pickering, ON, Cassandra is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Cassandra'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 serves infants, children, and adolescents within the Pickering community.

Cassandra Schilling completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Queen's University (Graduating Class of 2018). With extensive clinical experience, Cassandra Schilling is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Cassandra Schilling has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Cassandra's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Pickering community through proactive physiotherapy. Cassandra employs a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Cassandra Schilling offers consultations in English and French.

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

Post Surgical

• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): A structured physiotherapy plan to help you recover full function, independence, and confidence in your new hip after replacement surgery.
• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Restoring your ability to perform daily tasks, work, and recreational activities by addressing pain, stiffness, and weakness after your shoulder surgery.
• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: A structured, progressive, and goal-oriented physiotherapy rehabilitation program crucial for restoring knee stability, strength, range of motion, and proprioception (joint position sense) after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or other knee ligament (e.g., PCL, MCL, LCL) reconstructive surgery.

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: A common cause of persistent back and neck pain due to the cumulative strain of prolonged sitting, standing, or performing tasks in non-ideal positions.
• 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): Neck, shoulder, and upper back discomfort, often accompanied by headaches or 'brain fog', after a sudden jerking motion of the head, such as in a rear-end collision.

Arthritis

• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Exercises and advice to manage the impact of gout on your joints, improve mobility, and reduce the likelihood of long-term joint damage.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Supportive physiotherapy for individuals with psoriatic arthritis, focusing on managing joint pain and swelling, maintaining range of motion and strength, improving function, and providing advice on activity modification and joint protection.

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 can assess your needs.

• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): A systematic screening process, such as FMS™ or SFMA™ (if your Physiotherapist is certified), to understand how you move and guide preventative or corrective exercise programs.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Providing clear guidance on self-care techniques, activity modifications, and beneficial lifestyle adjustments for long-term well-being and injury prevention.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Skilled hands-on techniques, including gentle joint mobilizations (smooth, rhythmic movements) and, where appropriate and authorized, joint manipulations (quick, precise thrusts) to restore optimal movement, reduce pain, and improve joint function.
• 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.
• 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.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.

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

• Rediscover your ability to working at their desk all day without developing back or neck stiffness without the constant burden of recovering my strength and energy after being very sick (like with pneumonia or Long COVID). Cassandra focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to improved performance in work-related physical demands, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• It's truly rewarding for Cassandra to witness patients conquer one leg feeling shorter than the other, causing hip or back pain and experience improved breathing mechanics and capacity through postural correction. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in safely meeting the lifting requirements at their workplace again.
• Struggling with the frustration of my baby/child having trouble with their motor skills, like delayed rolling, sitting or walking? Cassandra develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving more comfortable and efficient movement when transitioning between positions (e.g., sit to stand). This is key to helping you get back to doing enduring their daily commute, whether driving or on public transit, without stiffness with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• Living with awful foot pain first thing in the morning, like I'm walking on glass (plantar fasciitis) doesn't have to be your norm. Cassandra applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards greater ease with dressing, bathing, and other self-care activities, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of being able to kneel or squat down to play with pets or children.

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

Cassandra practices at Kiddo Physio, located in the Bay Ridges, West Shore neighbourhood of Pickering. The clinic enjoys a convenient location near Frenchman's Bay Marina and is easily accessible via Durham Region Transit (DRT). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

This is very individual and depends on many factors. After your comprehensive initial assessment, your Physiotherapist will be able to give you a better idea of the anticipated number of sessions and the frequency of visits needed to achieve your specific goals. We believe in open communication and will regularly review your progress with you, adjusting the treatment plan as you improve and as needed.

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. This is known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. 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?

OHIP generally does not cover physiotherapy services in private outpatient 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. Eligibility criteria are strict, and waitlists may exist. It's essential to check your private insurance coverage, as many plans offer significant coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial physiotherapy appointment is a comprehensive assessment. Your Physiotherapist will start by discussing your medical history, the details of your current symptoms or injury, your concerns, and what you hope to achieve with physiotherapy (your functional goals). This is followed by a thorough physical examination, which may include evaluating your range of motion, strength, posture, balance, and specific movement patterns, as well as performing special tests relevant to your condition. Based on these findings, your therapist will provide a clinical impression or diagnosis, discuss a personalized treatment plan with you, and often begin some initial treatment or provide education and a home exercise program to get you started.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Definitely. A key aspect of physiotherapy is not just treating current problems but also preventing future ones. A Physiotherapist can assess your movement, identify potential weaknesses or imbalances that could lead to injury, and provide you with a personalized program of exercises and strategies. This proactive approach is beneficial for athletes, individuals with physically demanding jobs, or anyone looking to maintain long-term musculoskeletal health and avoid recurring pain.

What are Kiddo Physio's operating hours?

Kiddo Physio 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. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call our office or check our website/online booking portal for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

Kiddo Physio
P.O Box 66178 Town Centre
Pickering, ON, L1V 6P7

Phone: (647) 637-5959

Cassandra Schilling 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: XXX31

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=3782cca5-8fa9-e811-8176-480fcff40721

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