Cathryn E. Furlong

Cathryn E. Furlong provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Sports Injury

• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): Dull, aching pain in the front of the knee, often related to issues with the alignment and movement of the patella within the femoral groove.
• Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): Inflammation of the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue (periosteum) around the tibia, which requires rest, activity modification, and specific physiotherapy interventions for recovery.
• IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): Pain, typically sharp or burning, located on the outside (lateral aspect) of the knee, or sometimes the hip. Common in runners, cyclists, and other endurance athletes, caused by irritation or inflammation of the iliotibial (IT) band as it rubs over bony prominences.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Knee problems that limit your ability to stay active, perform daily tasks, or enjoy your hobbies, for which physiotherapy offers effective solutions.
• 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.

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.

• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: An in-depth examination to fully understand your specific condition, allowing your Physiotherapist to create an effective and personalized rehabilitation plan.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Application of skilled soft tissue techniques to manage pain, stiffness, and improve function in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Educating you about your diagnosis, expected recovery timeline (prognosis), and the reasons behind your treatment plan to encourage active participation in your healing.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Targeted therapy to alleviate symptoms such as shooting pain, pins and needles, or weakness arising from neural tension or entrapment.
• 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 Georgian Bay General Hospital, Midland Site, 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 my baby/child having trouble with their motor skills, like delayed rolling, sitting or walking has made simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around their neighborhood for fresh air seem like a distant memory, Cathy's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward sleeping more soundly through the night due to reduced pain and discomfort. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around their neighborhood for fresh air with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Cathy's clinic, common concerns like tendonitis pain flaring up in my shoulder, knee, elbow, or foot are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of effectively managing chronic pain and reclaiming an active lifestyle. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like dancing the night away at social events and family celebrations.
• Many individuals seek help from Cathy, their physiotherapist, when persistent dizziness that isn't a spinning vertigo but makes me feel unsteady starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve better joint stability during movement and weight-bearing activities, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like maintaining their balance and stability while walking on uneven ground or trails.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning shirts or writing due to hand pain and achieved feeling more positive, capable, and optimistic about their physical health under the skilled care of Cathy. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as playing in their competitive volleyball league again with a new lease on life.

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

Cathy practices at Georgian Bay General Hospital, Midland Site, situated in a physiotherapy clinic in the central Midland neighborhood of Midland. The clinic is conveniently located near nearby parks and community recreation facilities and is accessible via local public transit routes. Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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.

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

It's not uncommon to experience some temporary soreness or a mild increase in symptoms after certain physiotherapy treatments, especially in the initial stages or if you're starting new exercises. This usually subsides within 24-48 hours. However, if you experience a significant or sharp increase in pain, new or worsening neurological symptoms (like numbness, tingling, or weakness), or if your soreness lasts longer than expected, it's important to contact Cathy or your Physiotherapist directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapist in ON?

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral. This is known as direct access. However, some private/extended health insurance plans may require a doctor's referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check the specific requirements of your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

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 advised that you check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial physiotherapy appointment will be a comprehensive assessment. Cathy 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, Cathy 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.

Georgian Bay General Hospital, Midland Site
1112 St. Andrew's Drive
Midland, ON, L4R 4P4

Phone: (705) 526-1300

Cathryn E. Furlong 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: XXX82

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=6ebfc253-8902-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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