Denise Nichole Mortley – Physiotherapist | Guelph, ON

Denise Nichole Mortley is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Health and Performance Centre in Guelph, ON, Denise is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Denise's focus is 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. Denise serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Denise Nichole Mortley completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 2007). With extensive clinical experience, Denise is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Denise has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Denise's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Guelph community through proactive physiotherapy; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Denise Nichole Mortley offers consultations in English.

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

Post Surgical

• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Comprehensive physiotherapy for knee ligament injuries post-operatively, focusing on restoring full knee function, power, and agility to meet your specific athletic or lifestyle demands.
• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): A tailored physiotherapy program following hip joint replacement to optimize your recovery, manage pain, ensure adherence to any precautions, and facilitate a return to an active lifestyle.

Hand Wrist

• 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.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Addressing the inflammation, pain, and restricted movement associated with stenosing tenosynovitis of the finger or thumb.

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 can assess your needs.

• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): Targeted shockwave application to promote tissue regeneration, modulate pain, and improve function in chronic injuries, often with lasting results.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Utilizing electrophysical agents as an adjunct to your physiotherapy treatments to aid recovery, improve muscle function, manage pain, or reduce swelling, tailored to your specific condition.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Ultrasound therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, often used to prepare tissues for manual therapy or exercise, or to manage acute and chronic soft tissue injuries.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: A comforting physiotherapy modality that helps to soothe tight muscles, decrease pain perception, and improve the flexibility of soft tissues.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: Therapeutic traction for the cervical (neck) or lumbar (low back) spine, used by physiotherapists to help reduce pain, decompress nerve roots, and improve symptoms associated with conditions like disc herniations, sciatica, or spinal stenosis.
• 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.

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

• Many patients have found lasting relief from tendonitis pain flaring up in my shoulder, knee, elbow, or foot and achieved sleeping more soundly through the night due to reduced pain and discomfort under the skilled care of Denise. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as playing their musical instrument (guitar, piano, violin, etc.) for extended periods with a new lease on life.
• Patients often come to Denise feeling defeated by difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning shirts or writing due to hand pain. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving getting back their independence with daily activities and personal care and resuming enduring their daily commute, whether driving or on public transit, without stiffness becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Living with feeling like my joints are just 'wearing out' and getting harder to move doesn't have to be your norm. Denise applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards regaining full function in an injured area, enabling a return to cherished activities, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of dancing the night away at social events and family celebrations.
• For those whose that 'pins and needles' feeling that won't go away has made getting in and out of the car smoothly and without wincing seem like a distant memory, Denise's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward implementing practical strategies to avoid re-injury during work or daily life. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to getting in and out of the car smoothly and without wincing with greater comfort and renewed confidence.

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

Denise practices at the Health and Performance Centre, located in the Kortright Hills, Hanlon Creek neighborhood of Guelph. The clinic enjoys a convenient location near the Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate and is easily accessible via Guelph Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

Does Health and Performance Centre offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, Health and Performance Centre offers direct billing for most major private insurance companies such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, Blue Cross, etc. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. However, please 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. It is strongly recommended that you check your private insurance coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

It's helpful to bring your health card, any referral letters from other healthcare providers if you were referred, and any reports or images from relevant medical tests (X-rays, MRIs, etc.) related to your condition. If you have private insurance coverage for physiotherapy, please bring your insurance card or policy details for billing purposes. Comfortable attire that allows for easy movement during the assessment is also recommended.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapist in ON?

Patients in Ontario 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 of physiotherapy services. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of sessions needed varies greatly depending on individual factors. After your initial assessment, Denise will provide a better estimate of the number and frequency of visits needed to meet your goals. Your progress will be reviewed regularly, and the treatment plan will be adjusted as needed.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Your first appointment (assessment and treatment plan) is usually 60 minutes. Follow-up appointments are typically 30-45 minutes, depending on your treatment needs.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy is a science-based profession focused on restoring movement and function after injury, illness, or disability. It can also help prevent future problems. Denise will use techniques like therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, education, and advice to empower you to manage your health and achieve your physical goals.

Health and Performance Centre
John T Powell Building, 2nd Floor
Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1

Denise Nichole Mortley 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: XXX28

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=31bf3318-8f02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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