Dawn M. O’Connor-Rea – Physiotherapist | Guelph, ON

Dawn M. O'Connor-Rea is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Homewood Health in Guelph, ON, Dawn O'Connor-Rea is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Dawn O'Connor-Rea's role involves 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. Dawn O'Connor-Rea serves a diverse range of patients, tailoring treatment plans to meet individual needs and goals.

Dawn M. O'Connor-Rea completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 1984). With extensive clinical experience, Dawn O'Connor-Rea is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Dawn O'Connor-Rea has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Dawn O'Connor-Rea's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Guelph community through proactive physiotherapy. Dawn O'Connor-Rea demonstrates a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best possible care. Dawn O'Connor-Rea offers consultations in English.

Dawn M. O'Connor-Rea provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Back Neck Pain

• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Back or neck pain accompanied by associated limb symptoms (pain, sensory changes, weakness) due to a constricted spinal canal, which physiotherapy can help manage conservatively.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Neck, shoulder, and upper back discomfort, often accompanied by headaches or 'brain fog', after a sudden jerking motion of the head, such as in a rear-end collision.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Back or neck pain that often radiates into an arm or leg, potentially with numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning sensations, due to a spinal disc problem (herniation, protrusion, or bulge) compressing or irritating a nearby nerve root (radiculopathy). Sciatica specifically refers to radicular pain down the leg.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.
• 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

• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Aching, sharp, or deep pain in the hip that may worsen with activity, specific movements, or even at rest.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Acute or chronic pain originating from various musculoskeletal sources, such as a pulled muscle (strain), inflamed tendon, or irritated bursa.

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. Dawn O'Connor-Rea can assess your needs.

• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: LLLT or 'cold laser' therapy to stimulate your body's natural healing processes, provide pain relief, and improve function in conditions like tendinopathies, arthritis, or soft tissue injuries.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Structured physical activities and exercises aimed at helping you safely regain strength, stamina, and confidence in your body's abilities, tailored to your current level.
• 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.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): ESWT for chronic tendinopathies, heel spurs, and other musculoskeletal problems, aiming to break down scar tissue, increase blood flow, and trigger a healing response.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Dawn O'Connor-Rea, 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 Homewood Health, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Dawn O'Connor-Rea frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• The path to recovery from my child complaining of 'growing pains' that keep them up at night and achieving a noticeable reduction in daily discomfort, making everyday tasks easier and more enjoyable for dancing the night away at social events and family celebrations often starts with expert guidance. Dawn O'Connor-Rea, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• When recovering from a painful and limiting work-related injury (WCB/CNESST/WorkSafe claim) is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing playing a few sets of tennis without shoulder pain, physiotherapy with Dawn O'Connor-Rea can help you work towards understanding how to prevent future flare-ups and manage their condition long-term. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• It's truly rewarding for Dawn O'Connor-Rea to witness patients conquer feeling unsteady on my feet or experiencing dizziness and balance problems 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 getting back to cycling for leisure or commuting again.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Dawn O'Connor-Rea's clinic, common concerns like that 'pins and needles' feeling that won't go away are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of successfully avoiding or delaying the need for more invasive treatments or surgery. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like actively participating in family outings and vacations without holding others back.

Your personalized physiotherapy plan, developed with Dawn O'Connor-Rea, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.

Dawn O'Connor-Rea's practice at Homewood Health is situated in the Grange Road Area, Victoria North neighborhood of Guelph. The clinic is conveniently located near Guelph Central Station (GO/Via/Bus) and is accessible via Guelph Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

Is there parking available at or near Homewood Health?

Ample free patient parking is available directly in front of and beside the building. Look for the designated patient spots. Please check for any time restrictions.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiotherapist can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Homewood Health treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, back and neck pain (including Whiplash Associated Disorders), joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, and nerve pain. We also offer services such as manual therapy, Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), and exercise prescription to help you achieve your functional goals.

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.

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 (direct access). However, some private health insurance plans may require a referral for coverage, so check your policy before your appointment.

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

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services in private outpatient clinics. 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. Check your private insurance for coverage.

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, joint manipulation (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. The primary goals are to reduce pain, improve range of motion, restore optimal joint mechanics, reduce muscle tension, and enhance tissue repair and function.

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

Some temporary soreness is normal, but significant worsening pain, new neurological symptoms (numbness, tingling, weakness), or prolonged soreness requires contacting the clinic immediately for advice or reassessment.

Homewood Health
200-49 Emma St.
Guelph, ON, N1E 6X1

Phone: (800) 265-8310

Dawn M. O'Connor-Rea 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: XXX47

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=30d19bbf-8902-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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