Dougal Alexander McIntosh Bale – Physiotherapist | Kingston, ON

Dougal Alexander McIntosh Bale is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Vestibular & Balance Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at Kingston Ear Institute in Kingston, ON, Dougal Bale is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Dougal Bale offers specialized assessment and treatment for dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders caused by inner ear or central vestibular system issues. Dougal Bale aims to reduce symptoms, improve stability, and reduce fall risk, serving patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Dougal Alexander McIntosh Bale completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Otago (Graduating Class of 2002). With extensive clinical experience, Dougal Bale is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Dougal Bale has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Vestibular and Balance Rehabilitation.

Dougal Bale empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Dougal Bale demonstrates a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Dougal Bale offers consultations in English, French.

Dougal Alexander McIntosh Bale provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Vestibular Balance

• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): A common cause of chronic dizziness that can be helped with specific physiotherapy strategies aimed at desensitizing the brain to provocative stimuli and normalizing reliance on sensory inputs.
• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Helping your brain adapt to a weakened inner ear balance sense, reducing chronic dizziness, improving visual focus during movement, and enhancing your overall balance and stability.
• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Practical strategies, exercises, and environmental modification advice to improve your balance, prevent falls, and maintain your independence and activity levels.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Brief, often intense, episodes of dizziness or a spinning sensation (vertigo) triggered by specific changes in head position (e.g., rolling over in bed, looking up, bending down), caused by displaced inner ear crystals (otoconia).

Common Musculoskeletal

• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Pain, weakness, or restricted movement in the shoulder joint, often experienced with overhead activities, lifting, reaching behind your back, or sleeping on the affected side.
• 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.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Hip problems that interfere with your mobility, sleep, and daily comfort, which can be effectively managed with physiotherapy interventions.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Common ankle injuries causing acute pain, persistent swelling, and instability, significantly affecting your ability to walk, run, or participate in sports.

Neurological

• Parkinson's Disease Management & Movement Therapy: Helping individuals with Parkinson's Disease maintain mobility, functional independence, and safety, and improve their quality of movement and life.
• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Rehabilitation (Incomplete/Specific Cases): Helping individuals with spinal cord injuries achieve their highest level of physical potential through targeted exercises, functional training, equipment prescription, and compensatory 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. Dougal Bale can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Teaching you essential strategies and exercises to manage your symptoms independently, accelerate recovery, and prevent future problems.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Skilled hands-on techniques, including gentle joint mobilizations (smooth, rhythmic movements) and, where appropriate and authorized, joint manipulations (quick, precise thrusts) to restore optimal movement, reduce pain, and improve joint function.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Evaluation of your body's basic movements (like squatting, lunging, reaching) to highlight areas for improvement in stability, mobility, and motor control.
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders: Customized exercise-based programs (e.g., gaze stabilization, habituation, balance retraining exercises) prescribed by a trained Vestibular Physiotherapist to reduce vestibular symptoms, improve functional balance, decrease fall risk, and enhance confidence in movement.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: Detailed physical assessment of your joints, muscles, nerves, and movement patterns to identify the root cause of your symptoms and guide your treatment.

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

• It's truly rewarding for Dougal Bale to witness patients conquer soreness and tightness in my Achilles tendon, especially after exercise and experience a significantly reduced risk of falling, enhancing safety and independence. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain again.
• At Dougal Bale's physiotherapy practice, individuals with needing to improve my breathing patterns or lung capacity are guided towards improved core stability and control, leading to better posture and reduced strain. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as competing effectively in their curling league games.
• Dougal Bale believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If recovering from a painful and limiting work-related injury (WCB/CNESST/WorkSafe claim) is hindering your ability to attending their favorite yoga and pilates classes without limitation, a personalized plan focusing on enjoying family vacations and outings with more energy and less pain can make all the difference.
• Struggling with the frustration of trying to stay as mobile and active as possible while living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)? Dougal Bale develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving moving more freely and with greater agility than they have in years. This is key to helping you get back to doing reaching for items on high shelves or in cupboards without shoulder strain with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.

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

Dougal Bale's practice at Kingston Ear Institute is situated in the Henderson Place, Reddendale neighborhood of Kingston. The clinic is conveniently located near Cataraqui Centre (West end) and is accessible via Kingston Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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 Ontarians. 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. Always check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

Some temporary post-treatment soreness can be normal, much like after a good workout. However, if your pain significantly worsens, if you develop new concerning symptoms, or if the discomfort doesn't settle down within a day or two, please call us. Your Physiotherapist would want to know so they can offer guidance and make any necessary adjustments to your care plan. Open communication is key to your successful recovery.

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.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Kingston Ear Institute treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and vestibular 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 Vestibular and Balance Rehabilitation and general physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve manual therapy, exercise prescription, patient education, and self-management strategies to help you achieve your functional goals.

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

Patients in ON 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. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

Kingston Ear Institute
2724 Princess Street
Kingston, ON, K7P 2W6

Dougal Alexander McIntosh Bale 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: XXX58

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=737eeb99-8e02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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