Danica Petre – Physiotherapist | Aurora, ON

Danica Petre is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at York Catholic District School Board in Aurora, ON, Danica Petre is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Danica Petre'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. Danica Petre serves infants, children, and adolescents.

Danica Petre completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 2014). With clinical experience, Danica Petre is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Danica Petre has a particular interest or further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Danica Petre employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting; a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Danica Petre offers consultations in English, Serbian.

Danica Petre provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Sports Injury

• Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): An overuse injury affecting the lower leg, common in athletes, dancers, and military recruits, characterized by diffuse pain along the tibia.
• 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.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Muscle Strains and Tears: Damage or tearing of muscle fibers, ranging from a mild overstretch (Grade 1 strain) to a partial or complete rupture (Grade 2 or 3 tear), typically caused by sudden forceful contraction, excessive stretch, or direct trauma.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Neck problems that interfere with your sleep quality, ability to work comfortably (especially at a desk), or perform everyday tasks without pain.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or stiffness in the wrist, hand, or fingers, often resulting from overuse, repetitive tasks, arthritis, or specific conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or De Quervain's tenosynovitis.

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. Danica Petre can assess your needs.

• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Application of various forms of electrical stimulation, such as Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) for muscle strengthening and re-education, or Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) to assist with movement, as prescribed by your Physiotherapist.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: A non-invasive physiotherapy modality that uses sound energy to stimulate cellular activity, enhance circulation, and support tissue recovery from injury or inflammation.
• 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.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: The application of specific wavelengths of light energy (cold laser) by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and accelerate tissue repair and regeneration at a cellular level.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: Utilizing traction techniques to create space within the spine, reduce nerve irritation, improve disc hydration, and alleviate back or neck pain.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Graded exercise programs designed to improve your overall physical fitness, endurance, strength, and functional capacity, especially beneficial after illness, surgery, or periods of prolonged inactivity.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Danica Petre, 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 York Catholic District School Board, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Danica Petre frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Many find that clicking, popping, or pain in my jaw (TMJ issues) when I eat or talk significantly impacts their ability to doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain. Danica Petre helps patients target resuming gardening, hobbies, or household tasks without strain or discomfort with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Patients often come to Danica Petre feeling defeated by needing to improve my breathing patterns or lung capacity. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving less reliance on pain medication, trusting more in their body's ability to heal and function and resuming setting up and taking down equipment for hobbies or sports becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of an awkward gait or limping when I walk? Danica Petre works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of getting back their independence with daily activities and personal care. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as driving for longer periods without neck or back pain.
• Danica Petre frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of trouble performing repetitive tasks at work without pain. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets reduced muscle tension and a feeling of greater physical ease and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like taking group exercise classes at the community center.

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

Danica Petre's practice at York Catholic District School Board is situated in the Aurora Village (Downtown), Aurora Heights, Aurora Highlands, Bayview Northeast, Hills of St. Andrew, Bayview Southeast neighborhood of Aurora. The clinic is conveniently located near Aurora Family Leisure Complex and is accessible via York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva. Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at York Catholic District School Board treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain (Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs - e.g., Repetitive Strain Injury, Low Back Pain from Lifting)), joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries (like Postural Dysfunction / Pain Related to Poor Posture), and nerve pain. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve manual therapy, exercise prescription, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

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

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

Is there parking available at or near York Catholic District School Board?

Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby. Please check the signage for any restrictions.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available through specific programs and in certain 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. Check with OHIP directly and your private insurance provider to determine your coverage.

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

Some temporary post-treatment soreness can be normal, much like after a good workout. However, if your pain significantly worsens, if you develop new concerning symptoms, or if the discomfort doesn't settle down within a day or two, please call us. Your Physiotherapist would want to know so they can offer guidance and make any necessary adjustments to your care plan. Open communication is key to your successful recovery.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of sessions needed varies greatly depending on individual circumstances. Your Physiotherapist will provide an estimated timeline after your initial assessment, which may be adjusted as your treatment progresses.

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

Wear comfortable clothing that allows for easy movement. Shorts are recommended for lower-body treatments, and a tank top or loose t-shirt is suitable for upper-body treatments.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy uses hands-on techniques to assess and treat joints, muscles, and nerves to reduce pain and improve mobility and function. Examples include joint mobilizations, soft tissue release, and sometimes manipulations (adjustments).

York Catholic District School Board
320 Bloomington Rd. W
Aurora, ON, L4G 0M1

Phone: (905) 713-2711

Danica Petre 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: XXX28

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=fba3b269-9202-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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