Dale A. Blenkhorn – Physiotherapist | North Bay, ON

Dale A. Blenkhorn is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Access Pain Management in North Bay, ON, Dale Blenkhorn is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Dale Blenkhorn'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. Dale Blenkhorn serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Dale A. Blenkhorn completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McGill University (Graduating Class of 1981). With extensive clinical experience, Dale Blenkhorn is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Dale Blenkhorn has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Dale Blenkhorn's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the North Bay community through proactive physiotherapy. Dale Blenkhorn employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Dale Blenkhorn fosters a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Dale Blenkhorn offers consultations in English and French.

Dale A. Blenkhorn provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

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): Pain, tenderness, swelling, and dysfunction in a tendon (the strong cords that attach muscles to bones) due to overuse, repetitive strain, injury, or degeneration. Common sites include the Achilles, patellar tendon (knee), rotator cuff (shoulder), or elbow (tennis/golfer's elbow).

Common Musculoskeletal

• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Disorders affecting hand and wrist function, making daily tasks such as gripping objects, typing, writing, or fine motor activities difficult and painful.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: A 'rolled' or twisted ankle with subsequent swelling, tenderness, and difficulty putting your full weight on the foot.
• 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.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Common shoulder problems such as rotator cuff issues (tendinopathy, small tears), impingement syndrome, or adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) significantly affecting arm function and daily comfort.

Sports Injury

• Ligament Sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL, PCL, Ankle Ligaments): Damage to ligaments that can range from mild (Grade 1 - overstretched) to moderate (Grade 2 - partial tear) to severe (Grade 3 - complete tear), impacting joint integrity and function.
• Muscle Strains (e.g., Hamstring, Calf, Groin, Quadriceps, Rotator Cuff): Damage to muscle tissue that can range from minor micro-tears to more significant partial or complete tears, impacting strength, power, and range of motion.

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. Dale Blenkhorn can assess your needs.

• Therapeutic Heat Application: The use of moist heat packs, paraffin wax, or other heat sources by your Physiotherapist to relax muscles, increase local blood flow, reduce stiffness, alleviate chronic pain, and improve tissue extensibility.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Empowering you with a clear understanding of your condition, its causes, and practical tools for effective self-management and lasting relief.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: The use of specific electrical stimulation devices (IFC or TENS) by your Physiotherapist to provide pain relief, reduce muscle spasm, decrease swelling, or promote muscle activation and re-education.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Evaluation of your body's basic movements (like squatting, lunging, reaching) to highlight areas for improvement in stability, mobility, and motor control.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: The application of gentle, controlled mechanical or manual force to distract (stretch) spinal segments, aiming to alleviate pressure on intervertebral discs, nerves, and facet joints.
• 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.

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

• Discover how physiotherapy with Dale Blenkhorn can help you move beyond needing help to get moving again after a long period of illness or inactivity. The focus is on being active again without the constant worry of pain or re-injury, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as managing the physical demands of their job without constant pain.
• If shoulder pain that makes simple things like lifting my arm or reaching overhead difficult is preventing you from fully enjoying travelling more comfortably on planes, trains, or in cars for longer durations, Dale Blenkhorn offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining enhanced recovery from post-surgical procedures with fewer complications, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• Many individuals seek help from Dale Blenkhorn, their physiotherapist, when soreness and tightness in my Achilles tendon, especially after exercise starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve developing better body awareness and understanding of healthy movement patterns, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like reaching for items on high shelves or in cupboards without shoulder strain.
• Living with feeling 'off-balance' and worried about falling, especially as I get older doesn't have to be your norm. Dale Blenkhorn applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards being able to play actively with their children or grandchildren again, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of going on enjoyable fishing or camping trips again.

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

Dale Blenkhorn practices at Access Pain Management, located in the Downtown North Bay, Central neighborhood of North Bay. The clinic enjoys a convenient location near North Bay Memorial Gardens (Arena) and is easily accessible via North Bay Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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 Ontarians. 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 waitlists may apply. Always check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics. Verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

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.

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 (direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

How can I book an appointment at Access Pain Management?

You can book an appointment by calling the clinic directly at (705) 475-9000 during business hours. The clinic may also offer online booking; check their website for details. Their reception team can assist you in finding a suitable appointment time.

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

Some temporary post-treatment soreness is normal. However, if your pain significantly worsens, you develop new symptoms, or discomfort doesn't subside within a day or two, contact the clinic immediately. Open communication is key to your successful recovery.

Access Pain Management
1831 Cassells St.
North Bay, ON, P1B 4C8

Phone: (705) 475-9000

Dale A. Blenkhorn 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=f7729b81-8902-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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