Denise Michelle Taylor – Physiotherapist | Thunder Bay, ON

Denise Michelle Taylor is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at St. Joseph's Care Group in Thunder Bay, ON, Denise Taylor is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Denise Taylor's focus is assisting individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life after neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Denise Taylor serves adults.

Denise Michelle Taylor completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Western University (Graduating Class of 1993). With extensive clinical experience, Denise Taylor is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Denise Taylor has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Neurological Physiotherapy.

Denise Taylor employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Denise Taylor empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Denise Taylor offers consultations in English.

Denise Michelle Taylor provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Neurological

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Symptom Management & Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy support for the physical challenges of Multiple Sclerosis, focusing on maximizing mobility, safety, and participation in daily life.
• Parkinson's Disease Management & Movement Therapy: Specialized physiotherapy exercises and movement strategies (e.g., LSVT BIG® principles, amplitude-based training, cueing techniques) to improve balance, gait (walking), posture, flexibility, coordination, and overall motor function in individuals with Parkinson's Disease.
• Muscular Dystrophy / Myopathy - Supportive Physiotherapy Care: Gentle exercises, stretching programs, and strategies to preserve strength and function, and to manage secondary complications associated with muscular dystrophies.
• Facial Palsy / Bell's Palsy Rehabilitation: Targeted exercises and techniques provided by a Physiotherapist to manage symptoms of facial palsy and support optimal recovery of facial muscle control.

Joint Pain

• 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).
• 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.

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. Denise Taylor can assess your needs.

• Postural Assessment and Correction: Detailed analysis of your static and dynamic posture, with tailored exercises, stretches, and advice to help you improve alignment and reduce strain on your body.
• 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.
• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Effective virtual physiotherapy care to help you manage your condition, progress your rehabilitation, and receive professional advice when in-person visits are challenging or not preferred.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Empowering you with a clear understanding of your condition, its causes, and practical tools for effective self-management and lasting relief.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A complete assessment of your musculoskeletal system to pinpoint issues, set clear rehabilitation goals, and get you started on the path to recovery.
• Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio): In-home rehabilitation programs tailored to your living space and functional needs, helping you regain independence with daily activities, manage pain, and improve mobility where you live.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Denise Taylor, 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 St. Joseph's Care Group, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Denise Taylor frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Physiotherapy with Denise Taylor can be a transformative turning point for those affected by knee pain, especially when going up/down stairs or after a run. The shared goal is achieving feeling a substantial improvement in their mobility and range of motion for easier movement, paving the way for you to enjoy walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue or breathlessness and a more active, vibrant life.
• If wrist pain and tingling, possibly from carpal tunnel syndrome, especially at night is preventing you from fully enjoying joining in on pickup basketball games at the local court, Denise Taylor offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining a noticeable reduction in daily discomfort, making everyday tasks easier and more enjoyable, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• Many find that needing to improve my breathing patterns or lung capacity significantly impacts their ability to easily carrying groceries in from the car in one or two trips. Denise Taylor helps patients target seeing their child achieve developmental milestones with greater ease (for pediatric physio) with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• At Denise Taylor's physiotherapy practice, individuals with managing stiffness, tremors, and movement challenges with Parkinson's disease are guided towards successfully integrating safe movement strategies into their daily routines. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event.

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

Denise Taylor practices at St. Joseph's Care Group, located in the Port Arthur Central (Downtown North Core, Waterfront area) neighborhood of Thunder Bay. The clinic is conveniently located near the Thunder Bay Historical Museum and is accessible via Thunder Bay 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 can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a doctor's referral. This is known as direct access. However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for coverage, so it's essential to check your insurance 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 clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in certain situations (e.g., post-hospitalization, for specific populations), but eligibility is strict. Most people rely on private insurance for coverage in private clinics. Always check your private insurance plan for details.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your first appointment will involve a thorough discussion of your medical history and symptoms, followed by a physical examination to assess your movement and function. Your therapist will then discuss a personalized treatment plan.

Does St. Joseph's Care Group offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Please contact St. Joseph's Care Group directly to inquire about their direct billing policies. Regardless, bring your insurance information to your appointment, and always confirm coverage details with your provider.

What is St. Joseph's Care Group's appointment cancellation policy?

We request at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations or rescheduling. A fee may be charged for late cancellations or missed appointments. Please contact the clinic as soon as possible if you need to change your appointment.

St. Joseph's Care Group
35 Algoma St. North, PO Box 3251
Thunder Bay, ON, P7B 5G7

Phone: (807) 343-2431

Denise Michelle Taylor 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: XXX08

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=1e697c38-8b02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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