Danielle Ashley St. Pierre – Physiotherapist | Greater Sudbury, ON

Danielle Ashley St. Pierre is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Geriatric Physiotherapy Focus / Seniors' Health). Practicing at Sudbury Outpatient Centre - Health Sciences North in Greater Sudbury, ON, Danielle is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Danielle focuses on the unique health needs of older adults, aiming to improve and maintain mobility, strength, balance, manage age-related conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis, reduce fall risk, and enhance overall quality of life and independence. Danielle serves adults within the Greater Sudbury community.

Danielle Ashley St. Pierre completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 2015). With clinical experience, Danielle Ashley St. Pierre is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Danielle Ashley St. Pierre has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.

Danielle employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results; and a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Danielle Ashley St. Pierre offers consultations in English.

Danielle Ashley St. Pierre provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Common Musculoskeletal

• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Discomfort felt around the shoulder blade, at the top of the shoulder, or radiating down the arm, making simple tasks challenging.
• 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.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: A 'rolled' or twisted ankle with subsequent swelling, tenderness, and difficulty putting your full weight on the foot.

Geriatric

• Mobility Issues & Gait Disturbances in Seniors: Physiotherapy aimed at improving safe and efficient movement, gait quality (e.g., step length, speed, pattern), balance, and confidence in mobility for seniors. May include assessment and prescription of appropriate mobility aids (e.g., cane, walker).
• Age-Related Deconditioning / Frailty / Sarcopenia Management: Helping seniors stay strong, mobile, active, and independent for longer through tailored exercise and functional rehabilitation programs.

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. Danielle can assess your needs.

• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: An in-depth examination to fully understand your specific condition, allowing your Physiotherapist to create an effective and personalized rehabilitation plan.
• Geriatric Physiotherapy & Seniors' Health: Specialized physiotherapy programs focused on addressing the unique physical needs of older adults, aiming to improve mobility, strength, balance, flexibility, manage age-related conditions (e.g., osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, sarcopenia), and reduce the risk of falls.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Identifying and addressing habitual postures (e.g., from desk work, phone use) or ergonomic factors that may be contributing to your pain or dysfunction.
• Rehabilitation for Age-Related Deconditioning & Loss of Autonomy: Helping seniors regain their physical capacity, reduce dependency, and improve their ability to manage at home safely and effectively.
• Chronic & Persistent Pain Management Programs: Comprehensive strategies developed with your Physiotherapist to help you understand and live better with chronic pain, focusing on improving function, reducing pain's impact, and enhancing self-efficacy rather than solely on pain elimination.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Identifying inefficient or compensatory movement patterns that could be contributing to your pain or hindering your physical performance.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Danielle, 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 Sudbury Outpatient Centre - Health Sciences North, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Danielle frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Rediscover your ability to taking long photography walks to capture nature or cityscapes without the constant burden of feeling unsteady on my feet or experiencing dizziness and balance problems. Danielle focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to implementing practical strategies to avoid re-injury during work or daily life, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Danielle believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If persistent dizziness that isn't a spinning vertigo but makes me feel unsteady is hindering your ability to spending hours gardening comfortably, without subsequent back or knee strain, a personalized plan focusing on achieving their specific mobility goals, whether big or small can make all the difference.
• Danielle frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of recovering from surgery to my hand or wrist. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets improved hand and wrist function for tasks requiring dexterity and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like competing effectively in their curling league games.
• Physiotherapy with Danielle can be a transformative turning point for those affected by knee pain, especially when going up/down stairs or after a run. The shared goal is achieving improved balance and coordination, leading to safer and more confident mobility in seniors, paving the way for you to enjoy getting in and out of the car smoothly and without wincing and a more active, vibrant life.

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

Danielle practices at Sudbury Outpatient Centre - Health Sciences North, a physiotherapy clinic in central Greater Sudbury. 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.

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 book an appointment, some extended health insurance plans may require one for coverage. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to confirm their specific requirements.

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

Physiotherapy services in private clinics are generally not covered by OHIP. While publicly funded physiotherapy is available through certain programs (e.g., post-hospitalization, for specific age groups or income levels, or via Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams), eligibility criteria are strict and waitlists may apply. It's essential to check your private insurance coverage as many plans offer significant reimbursement for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

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.

Is there parking available at or near Sudbury Outpatient Centre - Health Sciences North?

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside the building. Look for the designated patient spots.

What is Sudbury Outpatient Centre - Health Sciences North's appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients who may be waiting for care. A fee may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

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 Sudbury Outpatient Centre - Health Sciences North or your physician directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

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.

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.

Sudbury Outpatient Centre - Health Sciences North
865 Regent Street South
Greater Sudbury, ON, P3E 3Y9

Phone: (705) 523-7100

Danielle Ashley St. Pierre 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: XXX65

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=e3c8cfd9-9702-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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