Debbie Ann Fenwick – Physiotherapist | St. Catharines, ON

Debbie Ann Fenwick is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Niagara Health System in St. Catharines, ON, Debbie A. Fenwick is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Debbie A. Fenwick's practice focuses on 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. Debbie A. Fenwick serves adults within the St. Catharines community.

Debbie Ann Fenwick completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Queen Margaret University (Graduating Class of 1998). With extensive clinical experience, Debbie A. Fenwick is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Debbie A. Fenwick has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Debbie A. Fenwick's practice philosophy centers on empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Debbie A. Fenwick adopts a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Debbie A. Fenwick is committed to promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the St. Catharines community through proactive physiotherapy. Debbie A. Fenwick offers consultations in English.

Debbie Ann Fenwick provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

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): Persistent tendon pain that can interfere with your sports, work, or daily activities, often requiring specific loading programs and advice from a physiotherapist for effective management.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Pain, discomfort, or stiffness in the lumbar spine region, whether it's a sudden onset or a long-lasting issue affecting your daily life.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Aching, soreness, or sharp pain experienced in the neck, which may include muscle spasms, trigger points, or reduced flexibility.

Arthritis

• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Helping to manage the musculoskeletal aspects of psoriatic disease, working in conjunction with medical management to optimize your physical function and comfort.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Helping you live well with rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory arthropathies through targeted physiotherapy interventions designed to manage symptoms, preserve function, and promote overall well-being.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Helping you regain mobility, reduce discomfort, and improve function in affected joints after a gout episode, as part of your overall gout management plan.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A type of chronic inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spine (especially the sacroiliac joints and vertebrae), leading to pain, stiffness, and potential fusion of vertebrae, which can result in a stooped posture if not managed.

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. Debbie A. Fenwick can assess your needs.

• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Gentle, specific movements and mobilizations designed to address nerve-related pain (like sciatica or carpal tunnel symptoms), tingling, numbness, or restrictions by improving the nerve's ability to glide freely and reducing irritation.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Customized strength training to address specific weaknesses identified in your assessment, helping to correct imbalances, improve movement efficiency, and achieve your physical objectives.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Development of a tailored therapeutic exercise program by your Physiotherapist, focused on your specific rehabilitation needs, strength goals, flexibility improvements, balance, and overall conditioning.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Application of skilled soft tissue techniques to manage pain, stiffness, and improve function in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized programs incorporating various stretching techniques (e.g., static, dynamic, PNF) to alleviate stiffness, increase tissue extensibility, and promote better posture.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Gentle, active manual therapy techniques where you use your own specific muscle contractions against your therapist's controlled resistance to improve joint mobility, lengthen tight tissues, and reduce pain.

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

• The journey to a noticeable reduction in daily discomfort, making everyday tasks easier and more enjoyable when faced with persistent that 'arthritic' pain in my hands, hips, or knees is made smoother and more effective with Debbie A. Fenwick's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like managing the physical demands of their job without constant pain.
• Living with pain or weakness that's stopping me from enjoying my favorite hobbies doesn't have to be your norm. Debbie A. Fenwick applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards a feeling of being 'unstuck' and more supple, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of comfortably cooking and meal prepping for their family.
• Don't let tendonitis pain flaring up in my shoulder, knee, elbow, or foot dictate what you can and cannot do. Debbie A. Fenwick offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at feeling more like their 'old self' before their injury or condition began, helping you reclaim keeping up with their team during our weekly soccer match and enjoy a more functional life.
• Debbie A. Fenwick frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of shoulder pain that makes simple things like lifting my arm or reaching overhead difficult. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets achieving their specific mobility goals, whether big or small and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like running their usual 5k route without knee pain.

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

Debbie A. Fenwick's practice at Niagara Health System is situated in the Port Dalhousie neighborhood of St. Catharines. The clinic is conveniently located near Port Dalhousie Pier & Carousel and is accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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 of the population. 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.

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.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of physiotherapy sessions required varies greatly from person to person. It depends on several factors, including the nature and severity of your condition, how long you've had the issue (acute vs. chronic), your individual treatment goals, your body's unique response to therapy, and how consistently you are able to follow your prescribed home exercise program and self-management advice. Your Physiotherapist will discuss a proposed treatment frequency and estimated duration after your initial assessment and will continually re-evaluate your progress with you.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Initial assessment appointments are generally longer to allow for a thorough evaluation and discussion, typically lasting between 45 to 60 minutes. Subsequent follow-up treatment sessions are usually shorter, often ranging from 30 to 45 minutes. However, the duration can vary depending on your specific needs, the complexity of your condition, the type of treatment being provided, and the treatment plan designed by your Physiotherapist.

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.

Niagara Health System
1200 Fourth Ave
St. Catharines, ON, L2S 0A9

Phone: (905) 378-4647

Debbie Ann Fenwick 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: XXX33

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=0559bffd-9102-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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