David James Friesen – Physiotherapist | Peterborough, ON

David James Friesen is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Propel Physiotherapy in Peterborough, ON, David Friesen is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. David Friesen's focus is 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. David Friesen serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

David James Friesen completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2011). With extensive clinical experience, David Friesen is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. David Friesen has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

David Friesen's practice philosophy centers on a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Peterborough community through proactive physiotherapy; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. David Friesen offers consultations in English.

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

Post Surgical

• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): Comprehensive post-operative recovery guidance following knee replacement, including exercises, manual therapy, and education to ensure you achieve your best possible function.
• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Restoring your ability to perform daily tasks, work, and recreational activities by addressing pain, stiffness, and weakness after your shoulder surgery.
• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): Supportive physiotherapy to aid your recovery and help you manage symptoms after back or neck surgery, focusing on education, safe movement strategies, and specific exercises.
• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Physiotherapy aimed at restoring movement, strength, and function after surgical repair of broken bones (e.g., Open Reduction Internal Fixation - ORIF, intramedullary nailing), once the fracture site is sufficiently healed and cleared for rehabilitation by your surgeon.

Back Neck Pain

• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Symptoms resulting from a whiplash injury, which can vary in severity (WAD Grades I-III) and duration, requiring a comprehensive physiotherapy approach for recovery.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Often age-related changes leading to pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs with walking (neurogenic claudication in lumbar stenosis) or in the arms/hands (cervical stenosis).
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Symptoms of nerve compression originating from the spine, such as a 'slipped disc' or 'pinched nerve', causing radiating pain, altered sensation, or muscle weakness in a limb.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: A common cause of persistent back and neck pain due to the cumulative strain of prolonged sitting, standing, or performing tasks in non-ideal positions.

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. David Friesen can assess your needs.

• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): A common physiotherapy treatment for acute injuries, designed to help numb pain, decrease bleeding into the tissues, and minimize secondary hypoxic injury.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): The application of focused acoustic waves (Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy) by a trained Physiotherapist to treat chronic tendon issues (e.g., plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, Achilles tendinopathy), calcific tendinosis, and other persistent musculoskeletal conditions.
• 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.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Utilizing targeted electrical currents to help alleviate pain, manage discomfort, and support healing in conjunction with other physiotherapy interventions.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Targeted exercises using resistance (such as bodyweight, resistance bands, free weights, or gym equipment) to build muscle strength, power, and endurance, tailored to your specific rehabilitation needs or performance goals.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Specific stretches designed by your therapist to target tight muscle groups relevant to your condition, helping to improve your flexibility and reduce your risk of injury.

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

• David Friesen believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If feeling like my joints are just 'wearing out' and getting harder to move is hindering your ability to cycling longer distances with their cycling club, a personalized plan focusing on feeling empowered to take control of their physical health journey can make all the difference.
• For those whose working on getting back to normal after a fracture or other surgery has made maintaining their balance and stability while walking on uneven ground or trails seem like a distant memory, David Friesen's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward feeling less fatigued during physical activities and throughout the day. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to maintaining their balance and stability while walking on uneven ground or trails with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Many individuals seek help from David Friesen, their physiotherapist, when trouble with a constantly stiff and sore neck, making turning my head a pain starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve getting back to enjoying life's simple pleasures without physical limitations, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like getting back to golfing 18 holes without their back acting up.
• When an old ankle sprain that never seems to fully heal and still feels weak is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing tackling home renovation and DIY projects with confidence, physiotherapy with David Friesen can help you work towards greater ease with dressing, bathing, and other self-care activities. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.

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

David Friesen practices at Propel Physiotherapy, situated in the Downtown Peterborough, Central neighborhood of Peterborough. The clinic is conveniently located near Peterborough Square Mall and is accessible via Peterborough Transit. Our clinic is accessible. 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, while a referral isn't legally required to book an appointment, 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 coverage requirements before your first appointment.

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

Physiotherapy services in private clinics are generally not covered by OHIP. While OHIP may cover physiotherapy in certain circumstances, such as after a hospital stay or for specific populations (children, seniors, etc.) through specific programs and community clinics, most people will need to rely on their private insurance for coverage. It is crucial to check your private insurance policy for details of physiotherapy coverage and to verify your eligibility for any publicly funded programs through OHIP.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Your first physiotherapy appointment, which includes a detailed assessment and the development of your initial treatment plan, usually takes about 60 minutes. Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled for 30 to 45 minutes. The exact duration of each session will depend on the nature of your treatment and what your Physiotherapist has planned for that specific visit to best help you progress.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

For your first visit, please bring your provincial health card (e.g., Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card, if applicable for any publicly funded programs or simply for identification), any relevant medical information such as a doctor's referral note (if you have one), reports from recent imaging (like X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound scans), and a list of your current medications. Also, if you plan to use private health insurance, bring your insurance card or policy details. Finally, wear or bring comfortable clothing suitable for assessment and movement.

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

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows the Physiotherapist to easily access and assess the area being treated, and permits you to move freely for any exercises or movements. For example, shorts are ideal for knee, hip, or ankle issues, while a tank top or loose t-shirt works well for shoulder, neck, or upper back problems. Athletic wear or gym attire is generally a good choice. You may also be provided with a gown if needed.

What are Propel Physiotherapy's operating hours?

Propel Physiotherapy is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and some practitioners offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call our office at [Clinic Phone Number] or check our website/online booking portal at [Clinic Website] for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

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.

Propel Physiotherapy
Unit 9-160 Lansdowne St W
Peterborough, ON, K9J 7C7

Phone: (705) 304-2106

David James Friesen 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: XXX32

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=cdf6f8de-9002-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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