David Edwin Summers – Physiotherapist | Winchester, ON

David Edwin Summers is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Summers Physiotherapy in Winchester, ON, Dave Summers is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Dave Summers's role involves addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. This includes everything from acute injuries like sprains and strains, to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. Dave Summers serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

David Edwin Summers completed their degree in Physiotherapy from D'Youville University (Graduating Class of 2007). With extensive clinical experience, Dave Summers is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Dave Summers has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Dave Summers's practice philosophy centers on a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Dave Summers offers consultations in English, French.

David Edwin Summers provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Hand Wrist

• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Physiotherapy to help you regain optimal use of your hand and wrist after an injury, surgery, or due to a chronic condition, enabling you to return to work, hobbies, and daily tasks.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Addressing the inflammation, pain, and restricted movement associated with stenosing tenosynovitis of the finger or thumb.

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

• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Common ankle injuries causing acute pain, persistent swelling, and instability, significantly affecting your ability to walk, run, or participate in sports.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Aching, burning, sharp pain, or a 'pins and needles' sensation in the wrist, thumb, or hand region, sometimes waking you at night.
• 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.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Common injuries in active individuals, athletes, or resulting from accidents, leading to localized pain, swelling, bruising, and weakness in the affected muscle (e.g., hamstring, calf, quadriceps, groin, rotator cuff).

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. Dave Summers can assess your needs.

• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Application of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) or Interferential Current (IFC) for managing acute or chronic pain conditions by modulating pain signals or promoting the release of endorphins.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): A non-invasive, evidence-based treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing, reduce pain, and promote tissue regeneration in stubborn soft tissue conditions that haven't responded to other therapies.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Cold therapy techniques applied by your therapist to effectively alleviate acute pain, reduce inflammation, and manage muscle soreness or spasm.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: A non-invasive light therapy used in physiotherapy to treat various musculoskeletal conditions, promote faster healing, reduce pain, and modulate inflammation without generating heat.
• 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.
• 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.

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

• At Dave Summers's physiotherapy practice, individuals with a 'frozen shoulder' feeling, where my shoulder feels completely stuck are guided towards getting their strength back after surgery or a period of inactivity. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as engaging in detailed crafting, sewing, or knitting hobbies for hours.
• Dave Summers frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of post-operative stiffness and weakness that's slowing down my recovery. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets a smooth and confident transition back to their work duties and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like attending and enjoying their children's or grandchildren's sporting events.
• Rediscover your ability to carrying a backpack or shoulder bag comfortably without the constant burden of my infant having a tilted head or a flat spot on their head (torticollis/plagiocephaly). Dave Summers focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to a noticeable improvement in their gait and walking efficiency, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• It's truly rewarding for Dave Summers to witness patients conquer experiencing discomfort, back pain, or pelvic girdle pain during or after pregnancy and experience greater ease in performing overhead activities or reaching. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in playing in their competitive volleyball league again again.

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

Summers Physiotherapy is conveniently located in the central Winchester neighborhood of Winchester, ON. The clinic is situated near nearby parks and community recreation facilities and is accessible via local public transit routes. Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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 there may be waitlists. Always check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

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 Summers Physiotherapy or your physician directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

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

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. We recommend you contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand the specifics of your plan. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If Summers Physiotherapy offers direct billing and your plan allows it, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then 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 all necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession dedicated to helping people of all ages improve their movement, function, and overall well-being. A registered Physiotherapist uses evidence-based techniques like targeted exercise, hands-on manual therapy, and personalized education to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of injuries, pain conditions, and physical impairments affecting your muscles, bones, joints, nerves, and even your cardiorespiratory system. It can help you reduce pain, increase mobility and strength, recover from surgery, prevent future injuries, and enhance your quality of life.

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

Patients in ON can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of physiotherapy sessions varies greatly depending on the nature and severity of your condition, its duration, your treatment goals, your body's response to therapy, and your adherence to the home exercise program. Your Physiotherapist will discuss a proposed treatment plan after your initial assessment and re-evaluate your progress.

Summers Physiotherapy
530 Fred St., Unit H
Winchester, ON, K0C 2K0

Phone: (613) 774-4505

David Edwin Summers 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: XXX37

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=86f21e2a-8f02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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