Colleen Jennifer Browne – Physiotherapist | Mississauga, ON

Colleen Jennifer Browne is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Closing the Gap Healthcare in Mississauga, ON, Colleen is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Colleen'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. Colleen serves a diverse range of patients.

Colleen Jennifer Browne completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McGill University (Graduating Class of 1996). With extensive clinical experience, Colleen is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Colleen has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Colleen's practice philosophy centers on empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Colleen adopts a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Colleen offers consultations in English.

Colleen Jennifer Browne provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Sports Injury

• Muscle Strains (e.g., Hamstring, Calf, Groin, Quadriceps, Rotator Cuff): Acute pain, swelling, bruising, localized tenderness, and weakness in a muscle, often occurring during activities like sprinting, jumping, lifting, or throwing.
• Ligament Sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL, PCL, Ankle Ligaments): Common joint injuries in athletes affecting stability, causing immediate pain, swelling, bruising, and functional loss, often requiring a structured rehabilitation program.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Inflammation (tendinitis) or, more commonly, degeneration (tendinosis/tendinopathy) of tendons, leading to localized pain that typically worsens with activity or loading of the tendon.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Difficulty with activities like reaching for objects, dressing, personal care, or carrying items due to underlying shoulder issues, which physiotherapy can help diagnose and treat.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Painful neck conditions that can make head movements difficult, sometimes leading to headaches or radiating pain into the shoulders.

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. Colleen can assess your needs.

• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.
• 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.
• 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.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Structured physical activities and exercises aimed at helping you safely regain strength, stamina, and confidence in your body's abilities, tailored to your current level.
• 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.

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

• Struggling with the frustration of that nagging tennis elbow (or golfer's elbow) that flares up with activity? Colleen develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving sleeping more soundly through the night due to reduced pain and discomfort. This is key to helping you get back to doing performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and dexterity with ease with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• Tired of trouble performing repetitive tasks at work without pain interfering with hitting the slopes for a full day of skiing or snowboarding in winter? Colleen uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve seeing their child achieve developmental milestones with greater ease (for pediatric physio) and regain your freedom of movement.
• Patients often come to Colleen feeling defeated by tendonitis pain flaring up in my shoulder, knee, elbow, or foot. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving greater ease in performing overhead activities or reaching and resuming maintaining an upright posture while working on their computer for hours becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Don't let soreness and tightness in my Achilles tendon, especially after exercise dictate what you can and cannot do. Colleen offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at being active again without the constant worry of pain or re-injury, helping you reclaim easily carrying groceries in from the car in one or two trips and enjoy a more functional life.

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

Colleen practices at Closing the Gap Healthcare, situated in the Gateway, Hurontario Business Parks neighborhood of Mississauga. The clinic is conveniently located near Eglinton Avenue West Extension and is accessible via MiWay (Mississauga Transit). Please inquire regarding specific accessibility needs for our clinic. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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

In Ontario, you typically do not need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist. This is known as direct access. However, even though a referral isn't legally required to see a physiotherapist, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider to understand their specific requirements before your first appointment.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer coverage for registered physiotherapy services, either full or partial. Before your first appointment, contact your insurance provider to understand your plan's specifics. Key details to confirm include your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is needed for reimbursement, and if your plan permits direct billing by the clinic. If Closing the Gap Healthcare offers direct billing and your plan allows it, we can bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You'll be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance not covered by your plan at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. If direct billing isn't possible, we'll provide a receipt for submission to your insurer.

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. However, eligibility criteria are strict, and waitlists may apply. Check with OHIP directly to verify your eligibility. Most Ontarians rely on private insurance for physiotherapy coverage in private clinics.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

It's difficult to say exactly how many sessions you'll need without a thorough assessment, as everyone's situation and recovery path is unique. Some acute conditions might resolve in just a few sessions, while more chronic, complex, or significant issues may require a longer period of care to achieve lasting results. Your Physiotherapist will provide an estimated treatment timeline and plan after your first visit, and this will be revisited as your treatment progresses.

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.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Essentially, physiotherapy helps you get moving and stay moving effectively and comfortably. Whether you're dealing with an acute injury, chronic pain, post-surgical recovery, or a condition affecting your physical abilities, your Physiotherapist will work with you. They'll use their expertise in body mechanics, rehabilitation, and pain management to create a personalized treatment plan involving exercises, hands-on techniques, and practical advice to help you achieve your functional goals and live a more active, fulfilling life.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement is best for your physiotherapy appointment – think about what you might wear to a gym or for light exercise. If you're being treated for a lower-body issue (like hip or knee pain), shorts are very helpful. For upper-body issues (like shoulder or neck pain), a tank top or loose t-shirt is suitable so the Physiotherapist can properly examine and treat the area.

Closing the Gap Healthcare
2810 Matheson Blvd E
Mississauga, ON, L4W 4X7

Phone: (905) 306-0202

Colleen Jennifer Browne 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: XXX42

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=3eaf02e0-8b02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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