Denise Ward – Physiotherapist | Barrie, ON

Denise Ward is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Bear Creek Physiotherapy & Wellness in Barrie, 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 Ward completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 2009). 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 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. Denise Ward offers consultations in English.

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

Hand Wrist

• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Specialized physiotherapy for conditions affecting the intricate structures of the hand and wrist, such as fractures (e.g., Colles', scaphoid), tendon lacerations or ruptures (e.g., flexor/extensor tendon repairs), ligament sprains/tears (e.g., skier's thumb, TFCC injuries), repetitive strain injuries, or arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis). Includes both conservative management and post-operative rehabilitation.
• 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.

Back Neck Pain

• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Discomfort, aching, stiffness, or muscle fatigue in the back or neck arising from sustained or awkward postures during daily activities, prolonged work (e.g., desk work, computer use), or sleep.
• 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.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Common knee complaints that can affect your ability to walk, climb stairs, squat, run, or participate in sports, addressed through a tailored physiotherapy program.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Painful neck conditions that can make head movements difficult, sometimes leading to headaches or radiating pain into the shoulders.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: A 'rolled' or twisted ankle with subsequent swelling, tenderness, and difficulty putting your full weight on the foot.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Aching, sharp, or deep pain in the hip that may worsen with activity, specific movements, or even at rest.

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.

• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Using therapeutic cold to manage the initial stages of an injury (e.g., sprains, strains) and control inflammatory responses, helping to limit tissue damage.
• 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.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: The use of moist heat packs, paraffin wax, or other heat sources by your Physiotherapist to relax muscles, increase local blood flow, reduce stiffness, alleviate chronic pain, and improve tissue extensibility.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Targeted manual methods performed by your Physiotherapist to release tight or overactive muscles, address fascial restrictions, and alleviate pain arising from soft tissue dysfunction.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Targeted therapy to alleviate symptoms such as shooting pain, pins and needles, or weakness arising from neural tension or entrapment.
• 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.

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 Bear Creek Physiotherapy & Wellness, 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:

• Living with breathing difficulties and shortness of breath with COPD or asthma, especially during activity doesn't have to be your norm. Denise applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards a smooth and confident transition back to their work duties, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of shoveling snow or raking leaves without aggravating their back.
• Many individuals seek help from Denise, their physiotherapist, when an old ankle sprain that never seems to fully heal and still feels weak starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve improved core stability and control, leading to better posture and reduced strain, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like handling their job that involves frequent standing, walking, or bending.
• Denise believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If that 'pins and needles' feeling that won't go away is hindering your ability to getting back to their regular, consistent gym workouts, a personalized plan focusing on a better understanding of ergonomics for their work and home environment can make all the difference.
• For those whose working on getting back to normal after a fracture or other surgery has made spending hours gardening comfortably, without subsequent back or knee strain seem like a distant memory, Denise's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward more comfortable and efficient movement when transitioning between positions (e.g., sit to stand). Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to spending hours gardening comfortably, without subsequent back or knee strain 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 Bear Creek Physiotherapy & Wellness, located in the Letitia Heights, Sunnidale neighborhood of Barrie. The clinic is conveniently located near the Barrie Community Sports Complex and is accessible via Barrie Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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

In Ontario, you typically do not need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist. This is known as direct access. However, while a referral isn't legally required for your appointment, some extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement of your physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider to understand their specific requirements before your first appointment.

Does Bear Creek Physiotherapy & Wellness offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Bear Creek Physiotherapy & Wellness provides detailed official receipts that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. While we do not offer direct billing, we will provide you with all the necessary documentation for easy claims submission. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. Remember to always confirm your specific coverage details, including annual maximums, per-visit limits, or deductible requirements, 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?

Physiotherapy services in private outpatient clinics are generally not covered by OHIP. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available through specific programs, such as 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's essential to check your private insurance coverage for services in private clinics, as many plans offer significant coverage for physiotherapy.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Bear Creek Physiotherapy & Wellness treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, back and neck pain, joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, and nerve pain. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve manual therapy, electrotherapy, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial physiotherapy appointment is a comprehensive assessment. Your Physiotherapist will start by discussing your medical history, the details of your current symptoms or injury, your concerns, and what you hope to achieve with physiotherapy (your functional goals). This is followed by a thorough physical examination, which may include evaluating your range of motion, strength, posture, balance, and specific movement patterns, as well as performing special tests relevant to your condition. Based on these findings, your therapist will provide a clinical impression or diagnosis, discuss a personalized treatment plan with you, and often begin some initial treatment or provide education and a home exercise program to get you started.

Bear Creek Physiotherapy & Wellness
92 Caplan Avenue, Suite 308
Barrie, ON, L4N 9J2

Phone: (705) 739-2323

Denise Ward 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: XXX36

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=a7a81f19-9002-e811-813f-480fcff40721

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