Denise R Fogal-Smith – Physiotherapist | Guelph, ON

Denise R Fogal-Smith is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at Motion Plus Physiotherapy in Guelph, ON, Denise is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Denise'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 serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Denise R Fogal-Smith completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 1990). With extensive clinical experience, Denise R Fogal-Smith is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Denise R Fogal-Smith has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Neurological Physiotherapy.

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

Denise R Fogal-Smith provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Joint Pain

• 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.
• 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.

Peripheral Nerve

• Nerve Entrapments / Compressions (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Sciatica, Meralgia Paresthetica): Addressing conditions affecting nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, aiming to relieve pressure on the nerve, reduce inflammation, restore normal nerve function, and alleviate symptoms.
• Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic, Chemotherapy-Induced, Idiopathic): Physiotherapy focuses on improving balance, strength, sensation (where possible), reducing fall risk, managing pain, and providing education on foot care (especially for diabetic neuropathy) and adaptive 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 can assess your needs.

• Postural Assessment and Correction: Identifying and addressing habitual postures (e.g., from desk work, phone use) or ergonomic factors that may be contributing to your pain or dysfunction.
• 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.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Educating you about your diagnosis, expected recovery timeline (prognosis), and the reasons behind your treatment plan to encourage active participation in your healing.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Identifying inefficient or compensatory movement patterns that could be contributing to your pain or hindering your physical performance.
• 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 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 Motion Plus Physiotherapy, 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:

• Through personalized physiotherapy at Denise's clinic, common concerns like that persistent ache in my lower back that just won't quit are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of moving more freely and with greater agility than they have in years. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like performing self-care tasks like hair washing or reaching their back.
• Struggling with the frustration of trouble with everyday tasks because of pain or weakness in my hands or grip? Denise develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving decreased frequency and intensity of headaches related to neck or postural issues. This is key to helping you get back to doing carrying a backpack or shoulder bag comfortably with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• With Denise's help, managing pain or weakness that's stopping me from enjoying my favorite hobbies to achieve noticeable strength gains in their limbs, supporting more demanding tasks becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like swimming laps at the pool for fitness and relaxation.
• Patients often come to Denise feeling defeated by shoulder pain that makes simple things like lifting my arm or reaching overhead difficult. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving a noticeable improvement in their gait and walking efficiency and resuming simply being able to get through a workday without constant pain interruptions becomes a realistic and attainable goal.

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

Denise practices at Motion Plus Physiotherapy, located in the Kortright Hills, Hanlon Creek neighborhood of Guelph. The clinic is conveniently located near the Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate and is accessible via Guelph Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

What are Motion Plus Physiotherapy's operating hours?

Motion Plus Physiotherapy is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and some practitioners offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call our office at +1-519-824-1111 or check our website for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

What is Motion Plus Physiotherapy's appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients who may be waiting for care. A fee equivalent to 50% of the service cost may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments (no-shows) without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

Does Motion Plus Physiotherapy offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, Motion Plus Physiotherapy 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. 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.

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. However, some private/extended health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. Check your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services in private outpatient clinics. 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.

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.

Motion Plus Physiotherapy
35 Harvard Rd., Suite 21
Guelph, ON, N1G 3A2

Phone: (519) 767-7587

Denise R Fogal-Smith 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: XXX59

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=5a025296-8a02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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