Dr. Gaetan Tardif

As a Physiatrist, Dr. Gaetan Tardif addresses a variety of conditions related to physical function, pain, and rehabilitation, including but not limited to:

Debilitating Conditions Functional Improvement

• Debility & Deconditioning (e.g., post-illness, hospitalization): Helping patients regain strength, endurance, and mobility to improve their ability to perform daily tasks.
• Amputation Rehabilitation & Prosthetic Management: Comprehensive care for individuals with limb loss, including pre-prosthetic management, prosthetic prescription, gait training, and adjustment to life with a prosthesis.

Neurological Conditions

• Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident - CVA) Rehabilitation: Helping stroke survivors regain lost abilities and adapt to life after a stroke through specialized therapies.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) & Concussion Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation programs aimed at improving memory, attention, executive function, balance, and emotional regulation after brain injury.
• Parkinson's Disease - Functional Rehabilitation: Therapeutic interventions to address motor symptoms like rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability.

Chronic Pain Syndromes

• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): Treatment aimed at reducing severe pain, swelling, skin changes, and functional impairment associated with CRPS.
• Chronic Widespread Pain: Developing strategies to cope with and reduce the burden of chronic widespread pain.

Sports Injuries Rehab

• Sports-Related Musculoskeletal Injuries: Helping athletes recover from injury, regain strength and flexibility, and safely return to their sport.
• Overuse Injuries in Athletes: Managing conditions caused by repetitive stress and overuse, such as tendinopathies, shin splints, or stress reactions.

This list provides examples of conditions commonly managed. A comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan are always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Tardif, typically following referral. If your specific concern isn't listed, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic for more information.

• Therapeutic Injections (Joints, Soft Tissues, Nerves): Minimally invasive procedures to deliver medication directly to the source of pain or inflammation for therapeutic benefit.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation programs for patients recovering from mild, moderate, or severe traumatic brain injuries, addressing cognitive, physical, and behavioral sequelae.
• Treatment of Joint Pain (Arthritis, Tendinopathies): Managing pain and dysfunction related to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, tendinitis, bursitis, and other joint conditions.
• Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation: Specialized rehabilitation to help patients with spinal cord injuries achieve their maximum potential for independence.
• Stroke Rehabilitation: Maximizing functional recovery and independence after a cerebrovascular accident through a multidisciplinary team approach.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Tardif. Not all services may be listed, and the suitability of any treatment depends on individual assessment and referral where appropriate. For a comprehensive understanding or to discuss your specific medical needs, please schedule a consultation or speak with your referring physician.

All services by Dr. Gaetan Tardif adhere to the scope of practice for Physiatrists in ON and the standards of The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).

At Dr. Gaetan Tardif's practice, the focus is on partnering with you to maximize your functional abilities, manage your condition effectively, and improve your overall quality of life. Dr. Tardif frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• When patients discuss wanting to explore options for pain relief beyond just medication, Dr. Tardif outlines a path to being able to stand or sit for longer periods without severe discomfort, aiming to restore not just oral health but also the ability to comfortably lifting and carrying their young child or pet.
• If chronic pain that affects their mood and ability to enjoy life has unfortunately put enjoying intimate moments without being limited by pain or physical restriction on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Tardif works closely with patients towards attaining a personalized plan that addresses all aspects of their physical impairment, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.
• If not being able to use their hand effectively after a nerve injury is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Tardif develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at successfully adapting to using an assistive device or prosthesis. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy their child being able to keep up with friends during playtime.
• With Dr. Tardif's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing needing guidance on exercises that are safe and effective for their condition is focused on achieving restoration of more normal sensation in areas affected by neuropathy. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to resuming a favorite craft or artistic pursuit without dental concerns.

Your personalized rehabilitation plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Tardif, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional goals. Dr. Tardif is committed to empowering patients with the expertise and support needed to achieve their highest possible level of independence and well-being.

Dr. Tardif's practice, a rehabilitation clinic in Barrie, is situated in the Downtown Barrie, East Bayfield neighborhood of Barrie. The clinic is conveniently located near Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) and is accessible via Barrie Transit. Accessible patient parking is typically available near our facility.

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Tardif at the clinic?

The first visit with Dr. Tardif will typically involve a comprehensive assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of the patient's medical history, the nature and timeline of their current symptoms, how these symptoms impact their daily activities and quality of life, and any previous treatments. Dr. Tardif will then perform a thorough physical examination, which may focus on the musculoskeletal system (joints, muscles, spine) and/or neurological system depending on the presenting problem. Any prior imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT) or test results will be reviewed. Based on this comprehensive evaluation, Dr. Tardif will discuss their diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations if needed, and will outline potential treatment and rehabilitation options, working with the patient to establish functional goals.

Are services provided by a Physiatrist like Dr. Tardif covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP))?

Most physician consultations and medically necessary assessments by a registered specialist Physiatrist like Dr. Tardif are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON, provided the patient has a valid health card and appropriate referral if required by the plan or clinic. However, some specific treatments or procedures (e.g., certain types of injections, assistive devices, comprehensive multidisciplinary programs) may not be fully covered or may have associated fees for materials or facility use. It's always best for patients to inquire with the clinic about any potential out-of-pocket costs for recommended treatments and to check with their private insurance, if any, regarding coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.

What does a Physiatrist / Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist like Dr. Tardif do?

A Physiatrist like Dr. Tardif is a medical doctor (physician) who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing a wide range of conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. Their primary goal is to enhance and restore functional ability, reduce pain, and improve the quality of life for people with physical impairments or disabilities resulting from injury (e.g., sports injuries, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury), illness (e.g., stroke, multiple sclerosis, arthritis), or chronic pain. They use non-surgical treatments including medication, therapeutic exercise programs, targeted injections (if applicable), and coordinate comprehensive rehabilitation plans often involving a team of therapists.

Do I typically need a referral to see a Physiatrist (Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist) like Dr. Tardif?

Yes, in ON, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required to see a Physiatrist like Dr. Tardif for consultations and treatments covered by provincial health plans like Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). This referral helps ensure the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Tardif has the necessary background medical information. Speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor if you believe you need a physiatric assessment.

What are some common conditions a Physiatrist like Dr. Tardif treats?

Dr. Tardif treats a variety of conditions, including the consequences of stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury (including concussion), sports injuries, arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid), chronic low back and neck pain, peripheral neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and conditions requiring amputation rehabilitation. The focus is on improving function, reducing pain, and enhancing quality of life related to these and other physical impairments.

What are EMG and NCS tests, and why might Dr. Tardif recommend them?

Electromyography (EMG) evaluates the electrical activity produced by skeletal muscles, and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) measure how quickly and well electrical signals travel along nerves. Dr. Tardif might recommend these electrodiagnostic tests to help diagnose conditions such as pinched nerves (radiculopathy), carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage), muscular dystrophy, or other neuromuscular disorders. These tests help pinpoint the location and severity of nerve or muscle problems, guiding further treatment.

Unit Unit 3, 11 Lakeside Terrace, Unit 3
Barrie, ON, L4M 0H9

Phone: (705) 726-1113

Dr. Gaetan Tardif is a licensed Physiatrist in ON, regulated by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 & Medicine Act, 1991 (Ontario).

License Number: 52061

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Tardif-Gaetan/0038085-52061

A referral from a family physician or another specialist may be required to see Dr. Tardif. Dr. Tardif and the team are committed to providing comprehensive care. If you have a medical emergency, please proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911.