Deirdre Kirsten O’Sullivan-Drombolis – Physiotherapist | Fort Frances, ON

Deirdre Kirsten O'Sullivan-Drombolis is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Fort Frances Tribal Area Health Services Inc. Child’s First Initiative in Fort Frances, ON, Deirdre O'Sullivan-Drombolis is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Deirdre O'Sullivan-Drombolis'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. Deirdre O'Sullivan-Drombolis serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Deirdre Kirsten O'Sullivan-Drombolis completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Western University (Graduating Class of 2001). With extensive clinical experience, Deirdre O'Sullivan-Drombolis is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Deirdre O'Sullivan-Drombolis has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Deirdre O'Sullivan-Drombolis's philosophy centers on empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results; promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Fort Frances community through proactive physiotherapy. Deirdre O'Sullivan-Drombolis offers consultations in English.

Deirdre Kirsten O'Sullivan-Drombolis provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Conservative physiotherapy management for trigger digit, which may include splinting to rest the tendon, specific tendon gliding exercises, activity modification advice, modalities to reduce inflammation, and education to prevent recurrence.
• 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.

Arthritis

• 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.

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): Inflammation (tendinitis) or, more commonly, degeneration (tendinosis/tendinopathy) of tendons, leading to localized pain that typically worsens with activity or loading of the tendon.

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. Deirdre O'Sullivan-Drombolis can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: The application of gentle, controlled mechanical or manual force to distract (stretch) spinal segments, aiming to alleviate pressure on intervertebral discs, nerves, and facet joints.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: A non-invasive electrotherapy modality aimed at reducing pain, muscle guarding, or swelling, and sometimes used for muscle strengthening, as part of your physiotherapy treatment.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: A comforting physiotherapy modality that helps to soothe tight muscles, decrease pain perception, and improve the flexibility of soft tissues.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Cold therapy techniques applied by your therapist to effectively alleviate acute pain, reduce inflammation, and manage muscle soreness or spasm.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Application of various forms of electrical stimulation, such as Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) for muscle strengthening and re-education, or Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) to assist with movement, as prescribed by your Physiotherapist.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Deirdre O'Sullivan-Drombolis, 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 Fort Frances Tribal Area Health Services Inc. Child’s First Initiative, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Deirdre O'Sullivan-Drombolis frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• With Deirdre O'Sullivan-Drombolis's help, managing recurrent dislocations or a feeling of instability in my shoulder or knee to achieve less reliance on pain medication, trusting more in their body's ability to heal and function becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like playing actively and roughhousing with their young kids or grandkids.
• Physiotherapy with Deirdre O'Sullivan-Drombolis can be a transformative turning point for those affected by hip pain when I walk, climb stairs, or try to sleep on my side. The shared goal is achieving decreased frequency and intensity of headaches related to neck or postural issues, paving the way for you to enjoy playing a few sets of tennis without shoulder pain and a more active, vibrant life.
• Deirdre O'Sullivan-Drombolis frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of feeling generally stiff, achy, and less mobile than I used to be. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets a better understanding of ergonomics for their work and home environment and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like going on birdwatching outings in various terrains.
• If one leg feeling shorter than the other, causing hip or back pain is preventing you from fully enjoying getting in and out of the car smoothly and without wincing, Deirdre O'Sullivan-Drombolis offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining being able to climb stairs with ease and confidence once again, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.

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

Deirdre O'Sullivan-Drombolis practices at Fort Frances Tribal Area Health Services Inc. Child’s First Initiative, a physiotherapy clinic in the central Fort Frances neighborhood of Fort Frances. The clinic is conveniently located 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 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 are Fort Frances Tribal Area Health Services Inc. Child’s First Initiative's operating hours?

Fort Frances Tribal Area Health Services Inc. Child’s First Initiative is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call our office at (807) 274-2042 or check our website for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

Does Fort Frances Tribal Area Health Services Inc. Child’s First Initiative offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

While we do not offer direct billing at this time, we provide detailed official receipts that you can easily submit to your insurer for reimbursement according to your plan. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. Always confirm your specific coverage details, including any annual maximums, per-visit limits, or deductible requirements, directly with your insurance provider, as plans vary significantly. You are responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.

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. Check your private insurance for private clinic coverage and verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

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.

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.

How can I book an appointment at Fort Frances Tribal Area Health Services Inc. Child’s First Initiative?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (807) 274-2042 during our 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 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.

Fort Frances Tribal Area Health Services Inc. Child’s First Initiative
375 Scott Street
Fort Frances, ON, P9A 1H1

Phone: (807) 274-2042

Deirdre Kirsten O'Sullivan-Drombolis 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: XXX54

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=937ebae6-8c02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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