About
Cathleen Mary Pasternak is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at St. Joseph's Health Care - London in London, 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 patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.
Cathleen Mary Pasternak completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Western University (Graduating Class of 1989). With extensive clinical experience, Cathleen Mary Pasternak is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Cathy has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.
Cathy employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Cathy demonstrates a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best possible care. Cathy offers consultations in English.
Cathleen Mary Pasternak provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:
Common Musculoskeletal
- Muscle Strains and Tears: Injury to muscle tissue that limits your strength, range of motion, and ability to perform specific movements or activities, requiring careful rehabilitation.
- Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Pain, swelling, clicking, locking, or instability in or around the knee joint from various causes like ligament sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL), meniscal tears (managed conservatively), or patellofemoral (kneecap) pain.
- Ankle Sprains and Instability: Injuries to ankle ligaments, typically from twisting or 'rolling' motions, leading to pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. Can result in recurrent sprains and chronic instability if not properly rehabilitated.
Post Surgical
- 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-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Comprehensive shoulder rehabilitation after surgical intervention, following surgeon-specific protocols, to ensure optimal healing, manage pain and swelling, and restore your arm's functional capacity.
- Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): A carefully managed and individualized physiotherapy program to help you regain confidence in your spine, improve functional capacity, and prevent future issues after spinal surgery.
- 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.
Arthritis
- 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.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Tailored exercise programs (including range of motion, strengthening, and low-impact aerobic exercises), pain relief modalities, and education on joint protection techniques and energy conservation for individuals with RA or similar conditions.
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.
- Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Assessing your fundamental movement patterns to identify limitations, asymmetries, and potential risk factors for injury or re-injury.
- 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: Detailed analysis of your static and dynamic posture, with tailored exercises, stretches, and advice to help you improve alignment and reduce strain on your body.
- Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Hands-on physiotherapy focused on mobilizing restricted joints and soft tissues to promote healing, restore normal biomechanics, and alleviate pain.
- Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Specialized manual techniques aimed at restoring normal movement and function to peripheral nerves that may be compressed, adhered, or under tension.
- Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Using controlled isometric and isotonic muscle contractions, as directed by your Physiotherapist, to address joint restrictions and muscle imbalances effectively.
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 St. Joseph's Health Care - London, 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:
- Patients struggling with an awkward gait or limping when I walk can find dedicated and compassionate support from Cathy. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving reduced swelling and inflammation in injured areas, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as participating in water aerobics or other pool-based exercises.
- Many individuals seek help from Cathy, their physiotherapist, when trying to get back to my best after a frustrating sports injury starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve enhanced ability to participate in social and community events, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like resuming their weightlifting routine at the gym safely.
- Struggling with the frustration of breathing difficulties and shortness of breath with COPD or asthma, especially during activity? Cathy develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving restoring normal movement patterns essential for everyday tasks. This is key to helping you get back to doing returning to a specific physical hobby they had to give up due to pain with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
- At Cathy's physiotherapy practice, individuals with difficulty moving one side of my body or walking easily after a stroke are guided towards more comfortable and efficient movement when transitioning between positions (e.g., sit to stand). 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.
Your personalized physiotherapy plan, developed with Cathy, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.
Cathy practices at St. Joseph's Health Care - London, situated in the Downtown London, North London East neighborhood of London. The clinic is conveniently located near Storybook Gardens and is accessible via London Transit Commission (LTC). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.
- Will I be given exercises to do at home?
- Yes, in almost all cases, you will receive a customized home exercise program. These exercises are carefully chosen by your Physiotherapist to specifically target your issues and help you achieve your functional goals faster and more effectively. Performing them as recommended is very important for your progress and for maintaining the improvements you make during your clinic visits.
- What are St. Joseph's Health Care - London's operating hours?
- St. Joseph's Health Care - London is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call their office or check their website for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.
- 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?
- Patients in Ontario 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 of physiotherapy services. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.
- Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?
- Physiotherapy should not be painful. While some discomfort or stretching sensation might be felt, especially initially, it shouldn't be distressing. Your Physiotherapist will adjust treatments to ensure a positive experience.
- 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), but eligibility is strict. Check your private insurance for coverage.
St. Joseph's Health Care - London
268 Grosvenor Street, P.O. Box 5777
London, ON, N6A 4V2
Phone: (519) 646-6001
Cathleen Mary Pasternak 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: XXX24
Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=43642066-8a02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671
Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.