About
Catherine Mary Jefferson is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Ontario Health atHome in Pembroke, ON, Cathy is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Cathy focuses on 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. Cathy serves seniors in the Pembroke community.
Catherine Mary Jefferson completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 1998). With extensive clinical experience, Catherine Mary Jefferson is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Catherine Mary Jefferson has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.
Cathy empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Cathy maintains a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Cathy promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Pembroke community through proactive physiotherapy. Catherine Mary Jefferson offers consultations in English.
Catherine Mary Jefferson provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:
Joint Pain
- Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Commonly known as 'wear-and-tear' arthritis, this condition affects various joints, often worsening with age, overuse, or previous injury, and can significantly impact daily function.
- 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.
Post Surgical
- Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Physiotherapy aimed at restoring movement, strength, and function after surgical repair of broken bones (e.g., Open Reduction Internal Fixation - ORIF, intramedullary nailing), once the fracture site is sufficiently healed and cleared for rehabilitation by your surgeon.
- Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Guiding your rehabilitation journey after ACL or other ligament surgery, from early post-operative care to advanced sport-specific training and return-to-play testing.
- Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): Restoring spinal function, core stability, and body mechanics post-operatively, ensuring a safe progression back to work, hobbies, and an active lifestyle.
- Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): Physiotherapy rehabilitation after total or partial hip replacement surgery, aimed at restoring mobility, strength, balance, and improving your gait pattern, allowing you to perform daily activities safely and effectively.
Common Musculoskeletal
- Neck Pain and Stiffness: Discomfort, limited range of motion, and persistent tension in the cervical spine (neck), often related to posture, an injury, stress, or sleeping position.
- Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Pain affecting the hip joint and surrounding musculature, which can limit activities like walking, standing for long periods, rising from a chair, or lying on the affected side.
- Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): A broad term for common injuries affecting muscles, tendons (tendinitis/tendinopathy), ligaments (sprains), joint capsules (capsulitis), and bursae (bursitis), leading to pain, inflammation, and functional limitations.
- Muscle Strains and Tears: A 'pulled' muscle, often occurring during activities like sprinting, jumping, lifting, or sudden changes in direction, causing immediate pain and difficulty using the muscle.
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. Cathy can assess your needs.
- Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Customized strength training to address specific weaknesses identified in your assessment, helping to correct imbalances, improve movement efficiency, and achieve your physical objectives.
- Core Stability & Strengthening Training: A progressive program designed to build a strong and stable core, improving your body's foundation for all movements and reducing strain on other structures.
- Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Guided stretching routines and flexibility exercises prescribed by your Physiotherapist, aimed at improving your range of motion, reducing muscle tightness or stiffness, and enhancing overall movement quality.
- Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): A form of manual therapy that actively involves you in your treatment, utilizing your body's muscular effort to achieve specific therapeutic effects on restricted joints and shortened soft tissues.
- 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.
- General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Comprehensive exercise plans developed by your Physiotherapist to combat deconditioning, enhance overall physical well-being, and promote an active lifestyle.
Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Cathy, 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 Ontario Health atHome, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Cathy frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- For those whose a noticeable curve in my child's spine or uneven shoulders (scoliosis concerns) has made attending and enjoying their children's or grandchildren's sporting events seem like a distant memory, Cathy's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward improved joint health and a slowing of degenerative processes through better biomechanics. 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.
- If feeling 'off-balance' and worried about falling, especially as I get older is preventing you from fully enjoying using garden tools effectively and without pain, Cathy offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining regaining full function in an injured area, enabling a return to cherished activities, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
- At Cathy's physiotherapy practice, individuals with my child complaining of 'growing pains' that keep them up at night are guided towards achieving personal fitness goals that once seemed out of reach. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as going on enjoyable fishing or camping trips again.
- The journey to successfully integrating safe movement strategies into their daily routines when faced with persistent pain and difficulty with overhead movements like reaching into a cupboard is made smoother and more effective with Cathy's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like joining in on pickup basketball games at the local court.
Your personalized physiotherapy plan, developed with Cathy, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.
Cathy practices at Ontario Health atHome, situated in a physiotherapy clinic in the central Pembroke neighborhood of Pembroke. The clinic is conveniently located near nearby parks and community recreation facilities and is accessible via local public transit routes. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.
- Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?
- It's helpful to bring your health card, any referral letters from other healthcare providers if you were referred, and any reports or images from relevant medical tests (X-rays, MRIs, etc.) related to your condition. If you have private insurance coverage for physiotherapy, please bring your insurance card or policy details for billing purposes. Comfortable attire that allows for easy movement during the assessment is also recommended.
- 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. It is strongly recommended to check your private insurance for coverage of private clinic physiotherapy services.
- Will I be given exercises to do at home?
- Absolutely! Home exercises are a vital part of your rehabilitation journey and empower you to take an active role in your recovery process. Your Physiotherapist will carefully select and teach you exercises specific to your needs. These exercises help to reinforce what's done in the clinic, manage your condition effectively, and ensure you continue progressing towards your goals even when you're not in a session.
- 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.
- 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 types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Ontario Health atHome treat?
- Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, back and neck pain, joint problems (arthritis, post-surgical recovery), sports injuries (muscle strains), and nerve pain. We also offer specialized Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. Treatments often involve manual therapy, Strength & Conditioning, Core Stability training, and exercise prescription.
- Does Ontario Health atHome offer direct billing to private insurance companies?
- Please contact the clinic to confirm direct billing options. We provide detailed receipts for insurance claims. Always confirm your coverage details with your insurance provider.
Ontario Health atHome
1100 Pembroke St E
Pembroke, ON, K8A 6Y7
Phone: (866) 994-8124
Catherine Mary Jefferson 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: XXX65
Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=3095cd30-8c02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671
Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.
