About
Catharine Ruth Tombs is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Catharine Tombs, Physiotherapist in Thunder Bay, ON, Catharine Tombs is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Catharine Tombs's focus is providing comprehensive assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions to help patients of all ages restore function, manage pain, and improve their quality of life. Catharine Tombs serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.
Catharine Ruth Tombs completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Western University (Graduating Class of 2003). With extensive clinical experience, Catharine Tombs is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Catharine Tombs has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.
Catharine Tombs employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Catharine Tombs has a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Catharine Tombs offers consultations in English, French, German.
Catharine Ruth Tombs provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:
Back Neck Pain
- Postural Back/Neck Pain: Discomfort, aching, stiffness, or muscle fatigue in the back or neck arising from sustained or awkward postures during daily activities, prolonged work (e.g., desk work, computer use), or sleep.
- 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).
Common Musculoskeletal
- Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Lower back issues that restrict your ability to bend, lift, sit for long periods, or enjoy your usual activities without discomfort.
- Ankle Sprains and Instability: A 'rolled' or twisted ankle with subsequent swelling, tenderness, and difficulty putting your full weight on the foot.
Sports Injury
- IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): Sharp or burning pain on the outer side of the knee that often starts gradually and worsens with continued activity, sometimes radiating up the thigh or down the leg.
- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): A common overuse injury in active individuals and athletes, sometimes referred to as 'runner's knee' or 'anterior knee pain', often related to biomechanical issues in how the kneecap tracks.
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. Catharine Tombs can assess your needs.
- Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Teaching you essential strategies and exercises to manage your symptoms independently, accelerate recovery, and prevent future problems.
- Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Targeted exercises using resistance (such as bodyweight, resistance bands, free weights, or gym equipment) to build muscle strength, power, and endurance, tailored to your specific rehabilitation needs or performance goals.
- Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Education and instruction on effective and safe stretching techniques to help you maintain or improve your body's flexibility and joint mobility.
- Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.
- Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A complete assessment of your musculoskeletal system to pinpoint issues, set clear rehabilitation goals, and get you started on the path to recovery.
- Postural Assessment and Correction: Education on optimal body mechanics and corrective strategies to improve your posture during daily activities, work, and recreation.
Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Catharine Tombs, 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 Catharine Tombs, Physiotherapist, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Catharine Tombs frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- Dealing with the ongoing challenges of my child complaining of 'growing pains' that keep them up at night? Catharine Tombs works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of feeling more energetic and less weighed down by physical discomfort. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as handling their job that involves frequent standing, walking, or bending.
- Catharine Tombs frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of general muscle strains and pulls from overdoing it at the gym or in the garden. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets a better ability to cope with the physical stresses of daily life and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like joining in on pickup basketball games at the local court.
- Physiotherapy with Catharine Tombs can be a transformative turning point for those affected by that grinding or crunching feeling in my knee or shoulder. The shared goal is achieving getting back to enjoying life's simple pleasures without physical limitations, paving the way for you to enjoy playing fetch with their dog in the park for an extended time and a more active, vibrant life.
- When trying to get back to my best after a frustrating sports injury is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing taking group exercise classes at the community center, physiotherapy with Catharine Tombs can help you work towards feeling a substantial improvement in their mobility and range of motion for easier movement. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
Your personalized physiotherapy plan, developed with Catharine Tombs, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.
Catharine Tombs, Physiotherapist, is situated in the Rural South (Slate River, Cloud Bay) neighborhood of Thunder Bay. The clinic is conveniently located near Thunder Bay International Airport (YQT) and is accessible via Thunder Bay Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.
- What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?
- Physiotherapy, delivered by a qualified Physiotherapist, is a science-based profession that focuses on restoring movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness, or disability. It can also help to reduce your risk of future problems. Your physiotherapist will use techniques such as therapeutic exercise, manual therapy (hands-on treatment), education, and advice, empowering you to manage your health independently and achieve your physical goals.
- 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.
- What are Catharine Tombs, Physiotherapist's operating hours?
- Catharine Tombs, Physiotherapist's operating hours are typically Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. However, hours can vary, so please call the clinic or check their website for the most up-to-date information.
- 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 (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. It is strongly advised to check your private insurance coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.
- Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?
- Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiotherapist can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you active and healthy.
- Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?
- The number of physiotherapy sessions needed varies greatly depending on individual circumstances. After a comprehensive initial assessment, Catharine Tombs will be able to provide a better estimate of the number of sessions and frequency of visits required to achieve your goals. Your progress will be regularly reviewed, and the treatment plan adjusted as needed.
Catharine Tombs, Physiotherapist
201 Highgate Road
Thunder Bay, ON, P7G 1R1
Phone: (807) 627-8293
Catharine Ruth Tombs 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: XXX64
Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=a79fcf7f-8d02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671
Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.