Diane Elizabeth McLeod – Physiotherapist | LaSalle, ON

Diane Elizabeth McLeod is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Active Body Physical Therapy in LaSalle, ON, Diane is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Diane's focus is providing comprehensive assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions to help patients of all ages restore function, manage pain, and improve their quality of life. Diane serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Diane Elizabeth McLeod completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 1988). With extensive clinical experience, Diane is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Diane has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Diane's practice philosophy centers on a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the LaSalle community through proactive physiotherapy; and empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Diane offers consultations in English.

Diane Elizabeth McLeod provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

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): Conditions like 'jumper's knee' (patellar tendinopathy), 'swimmer's shoulder' (rotator cuff tendinopathy), or 'tennis elbow' (lateral epicondylitis) caused by tendon issues that limit your ability to perform specific tasks.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Symptoms in your hand or wrist that impact your ability to perform your job, hobbies, or essential self-care tasks, addressed by specialized hand physiotherapy.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Pain affecting the hip joint and surrounding musculature, which can limit activities like walking, standing for long periods, rising from a chair, or lying on the affected side.

Sports Injury

• IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): A common cause of lateral knee pain in athletes, often linked to training errors, muscle imbalances (e.g., weak hip abductors), or poor biomechanics, which physiotherapy aims to address.
• Stress Fractures (Activity-Related - Conservative Management/Rehab): An overuse injury where the bone is unable to withstand repetitive mechanical loading, requiring a period of offloading and gradual rehabilitation guided by a physiotherapist for safe return to activity.

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. Diane can assess your needs.

• 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.
• 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.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: Utilizing therapeutic laser to enhance tissue regeneration, reduce pain signals, and manage inflammation as part of your comprehensive physiotherapy care.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Cold therapy techniques applied by your therapist to effectively alleviate acute pain, reduce inflammation, and manage muscle soreness or spasm.
• 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: 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.

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

• At Diane's physiotherapy practice, individuals with trying to get back to my best after a frustrating sports injury are guided towards enhanced recovery from post-surgical procedures with fewer complications. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as playing their musical instrument (guitar, piano, violin, etc.) for extended periods.
• With Diane's help, managing feeling generally stiff, achy, and less mobile than I used to be to achieve feeling a substantial improvement in their mobility and range of motion for easier movement becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like enduring their daily commute, whether driving or on public transit, without stiffness.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Diane's clinic, common concerns like trouble with a constantly stiff and sore neck, making turning my head a pain are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of effectively managing chronic pain and reclaiming an active lifestyle. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like dancing the night away at social events and family celebrations.
• If clicking, popping, or pain in my jaw (TMJ issues) when I eat or talk is preventing you from fully enjoying working on detailed woodworking projects in their shop without hand pain, Diane offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining less reliance on pain medication, trusting more in their body's ability to heal and function, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.

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

Diane practices at Active Body Physical Therapy, a physiotherapy clinic in the central LaSalle neighborhood of LaSalle, ON. The clinic is conveniently located near nearby parks and community recreation facilities and is accessible via local public transit routes. Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Active Body Physical Therapy treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like 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 General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve manual therapy, exercise prescription, Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction, Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

You can expect your initial physiotherapy visit to be around an hour long. This extended time allows for a comprehensive assessment of your condition and a collaborative discussion about your treatment goals. Subsequent follow-up sessions are generally between 30 and 45 minutes, though this can be adjusted based on your individual requirements. Your Physiotherapist will advise on the appropriate appointment length for your specific care.

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

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (direct access). However, while a doctor's referral may not be legally required to *see* a Physiotherapist, some private/extended health insurance plans *do* require one for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It is strongly advised that you check the specific requirements of your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Definitely. A key aspect of physiotherapy is not just treating current problems but also preventing future ones. A Physiotherapist can assess your movement, identify potential weaknesses or imbalances that could lead to injury, and provide you with a personalized program of exercises and strategies. This proactive approach is beneficial for athletes, individuals with physically demanding jobs, or anyone looking to maintain long-term musculoskeletal health and avoid recurring pain.

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.

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 advised that you check your private insurance for private clinic coverage.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. We recommend you contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand the specifics of your plan. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If Active Body Physical Therapy offers direct billing and your plan allows it, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance not covered by your plan at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and all necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.

Active Body Physical Therapy
1765 Sprucewood Ave
LaSalle, ON, N9J 1X7

Phone: (519) 250-1855

Diane Elizabeth McLeod 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: XXX70

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=6aae274e-8a02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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