Debra Susan Steele – Physiotherapist | Newmarket, ON

Debra Susan Steele is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at York Region District School Board in Newmarket, ON, Debra Steele is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Debra Steele focuses on 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. Debra Steele serves infants, children, and adolescents.

Debra Susan Steele completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 1979). With extensive clinical experience, Debra Steele is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Debra Steele has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Debra Steele's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Newmarket community through proactive physiotherapy. Debra Steele has 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. Debra Steele offers consultations in English.

Debra Susan Steele provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Back Neck Pain

• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Pain and muscle tension related to ergonomic factors at work or home, muscle imbalances, and suboptimal body mechanics or movement habits.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): A range of neck and related symptoms including pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and sometimes arm pain or cognitive difficulties, following a rapid acceleration-deceleration injury to the neck, most typically from a motor vehicle accident.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Symptoms like 'neurogenic claudication' – leg pain, cramping, or heaviness with walking or prolonged standing that typically eases with rest or bending forward (flexion).
• 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.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A chronic condition causing joint discomfort, stiffness (especially in the morning or after inactivity), and impacting your ability to perform daily activities, walk, or engage in hobbies.
• 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

• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Aching, soreness, or sharp pain experienced in the neck, which may include muscle spasms, trigger points, or reduced flexibility.
• 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.
• 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.

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. Debra Steele 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.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Skilled hands-on techniques, including gentle joint mobilizations (smooth, rhythmic movements) and, where appropriate and authorized, joint manipulations (quick, precise thrusts) to restore optimal movement, reduce pain, and improve joint function.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Assessing your fundamental movement patterns to identify limitations, asymmetries, and potential risk factors for injury or re-injury.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Education on optimal body mechanics and corrective strategies to improve your posture during daily activities, work, and recreation.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Providing clear guidance on self-care techniques, activity modifications, and beneficial lifestyle adjustments for long-term well-being and injury prevention.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): A form of manual therapy that actively involves you in your treatment, utilizing your body's muscular effort to achieve specific therapeutic effects on restricted joints and shortened soft tissues.

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

• At Debra Steele's physiotherapy practice, individuals with trying to stay as mobile and active as possible while living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) are guided towards greater confidence when walking, standing, or navigating challenging environments. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as hitting the slopes for a full day of skiing or snowboarding in winter.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of pain or weakness that's stopping me from enjoying my favorite hobbies? Debra Steele works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of improved joint health and a slowing of degenerative processes through better biomechanics. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as operating machinery or tools safely and efficiently at work.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Debra Steele's clinic, common concerns like persistent dizziness that isn't a spinning vertigo but makes me feel unsteady are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of a smoother and stronger postpartum recovery. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like working at their desk all day without developing back or neck stiffness.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Debra Steele can help you move beyond feeling like my posture is hunched or rounded, causing discomfort. The focus is in a noticeable improvement in their gait and walking efficiency, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as attending concerts or theatre shows and sitting comfortably throughout.

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

Debra Steele's practice at York Region District School Board is situated in the Central Newmarket, Gorham-College Manor neighborhood of Newmarket. The clinic is conveniently located near Mulock Park (Future) and is accessible via York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva. Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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

It's recommended to wear or bring clothing that allows unrestricted movement and provides easy access for your physiotherapist to examine the body part being assessed or treated. For instance, if you have a knee problem, please wear or bring shorts. For shoulder issues, a sleeveless top or a top with loose armholes is often helpful. The goal is to make the assessment and treatment as effective as possible.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves skilled, hands-on treatments performed by your Physiotherapist as part of your overall physiotherapy plan. These techniques are designed to assess and treat your joints, muscles, and nerves to decrease pain and improve your mobility and function. Examples include specific joint mobilizations to improve movement, soft tissue release techniques to address muscle tightness or scar tissue, and sometimes manipulations (adjustments) if indicated and appropriate for your condition and your therapist's qualifications.

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. This is known as direct access. However, some private/extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements.

How can I book an appointment at York Region District School Board?

You can book an appointment by calling the clinic directly at (905) 895-7227 during business hours. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

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

Some temporary post-treatment soreness can be normal, much like after a good workout. However, if your pain significantly worsens, if you develop new concerning symptoms, or if the discomfort doesn't settle down within a day or two, please call the clinic. Your Physiotherapist would want to know so they can offer guidance and make any necessary adjustments to your care plan. Open communication is key to your successful recovery.

What are York Region District School Board's operating hours?

York Region District School Board is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. However, hours can vary, so please call the office at (905) 895-7227 for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

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. It is strongly recommended that you check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

York Region District School Board
300 Harry Walker Parkway S.
Newmarket, ON, L3Y 8E2

Phone: (905) 895-7227

Debra Susan Steele 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: XXX03

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=2cfe9c3f-8902-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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