Dr. Jacqueline Michelle Pierce – Pain Management Specialist / Physical Therapist | Victoria, BC

Dr. Jacqueline Michelle Pierce is a Physiatrist / Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist. Practicing at a rehabilitation clinic in Victoria, BC, Dr. Pierce is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused care in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. Dr. Pierce is licensed by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of the medical profession in BC.

As a certified specialist in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (also known as a Physiatrist), Dr. Pierce focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of patients with a wide range of conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. The goal is to enhance and restore functional ability and quality of life to those with physical impairments or disabilities. Dr. Pierce serves patients of all ages, from children and adolescents through to adults and seniors, requiring functional restoration.

Dr. Jacqueline Michelle Pierce earned a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from Mcmaster University, graduating in 2010. Subsequently, Dr. Pierce completed advanced specialty training in Specialty Practice in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Physiatry). With over 15 years of practice since 2010, Dr. Pierce's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Physiatry). Additionally, Dr. Pierce holds qualifications/certifications such as: Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Dr. Pierce is dedicated to ongoing professional development and continuing medical education to provide up-to-date, evidence-based care.

Key aspects of Dr. Pierce's medical practice philosophy include: promoting optimal quality of life and helping patients adapt to and overcome physical challenges; empowering patients through education about their condition and active participation in their treatment plan; collaborating closely with a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive and coordinated care. Dr. Pierce provides consultations in English.

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

Neurological Conditions

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) - Symptom Management & Functional Rehab: Rehabilitative support for patients with MS to optimize mobility, energy conservation, and overall well-being.
• Parkinson's Disease - Functional Rehabilitation: Therapeutic interventions to address motor symptoms like rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability.

Musculoskeletal Conditions

• Osteoarthritis & Other Arthritic Conditions: Treating joint pain and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory or degenerative joint diseases.
• Fibromyalgia & Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A multimodal approach to complex pain conditions involving muscles and connective tissues.
• Tendonitis & Bursitis: Care for conditions such as rotator cuff tendinopathy, tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, trochanteric bursitis, and Achilles tendonitis.
• Low Back Pain & Neck Pain (Non-Surgical): Managing acute or chronic pain in the lumbar, thoracic, or cervical spine due to disc issues, arthritis, muscle strain, or stenosis without surgery.

Post Surgical Rehab

• Post-Operative Rehabilitation (e.g., after joint replacement, spine surgery): Developing rehabilitation plans to optimize outcomes following surgeries like total knee/hip replacement, rotator cuff repair, or spinal fusion.

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

• Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation: Comprehensive care for individuals with paraplegia or quadriplegia, including bladder/bowel management, spasticity control, and assistive technology.
• Chronic Pain Management (Multimodal Approach): Comprehensive assessment and treatment of persistent pain conditions using a combination of therapies, including medication management, interventional procedures, physical therapy, and psychological support.
• Sports Injury Rehabilitation: Helping athletes recover from injuries and optimize performance through targeted therapies.
• Comprehensive Physiatric Assessment: In-depth assessment to diagnose conditions causing pain, weakness, or functional limitations and to determine rehabilitation potential.
• Spasticity Management (e.g., Botulinum Toxin Injections): Utilizing botulinum toxin (e.g., Botox®, Dysport®) injections to reduce muscle spasticity and improve range of motion in conditions like stroke, cerebral palsy, or spinal cord injury.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Pierce. 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. Jacqueline Michelle Pierce adhere to the scope of practice for Physiatrists in BC and the standards of The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC).

At Dr. Jacqueline Michelle Pierce'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. Pierce frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Pierce's comprehensive care for their persistent low back pain making it hard to sit or stand for long is meticulously designed to result in their pain being accurately diagnosed and effectively treated. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as sleeping through the night without being woken by pain without dental worries.
• The path to improved oral wellness, especially when facing their work-related injury preventing them from performing their job duties, involves working systematically towards feeling heard and supported throughout their treatment journey. Dr. Pierce expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including performing household repairs or light maintenance tasks.
• Effectively addressing feeling very stiff and having trouble moving because of their Parkinson's with Dr. Pierce's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of a noticeable improvement in their posture and body mechanics, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in resuming a favorite craft or artistic pursuit and social interactions.
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Pierce about their knee pain stopping them from climbing stairs or kneeling is to attain feeling stronger and more capable in their daily movements. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like walking around their neighborhood or a park comfortably.

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

Dr. Pierce's practice, a rehabilitation clinic in Victoria, is situated in the Fairfield East, Oaklands neighborhood of Victoria. The clinic is conveniently located near Fairmont Empress Hotel and is accessible via Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit). Accessible patient parking is typically available near our facility.

What are EMG and NCS tests, and why might Dr. Pierce 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. Pierce 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.

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

The first visit with Dr. Pierce 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. Pierce 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. Pierce will discuss her diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations if needed, and will outline potential treatment and rehabilitation options, working with the patient to establish functional goals.

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

A Physiatrist like Dr. Pierce 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.

What is the policy regarding missed appointments or late cancellations at our clinic?

We understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise. However, we kindly request at least 24 business hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment with Dr. Pierce. This allows us to offer the appointment time to another patient who may be waiting for care. Appointments cancelled or rescheduled with less than the requested notice, or missed without any notification, may be subject to a cancellation fee of $50. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us manage our schedule efficiently to serve all our patients.

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

Yes, in BC, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required to see a Physiatrist like Dr. Pierce for consultations and treatments covered by provincial health plans like Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC. This referral helps ensure the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Pierce 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. Pierce treats?

Physiatrists like Dr. Pierce treat diverse conditions such as 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. Dr. Pierce focuses on improving function, reducing pain, and enhancing quality of life related to these and other physical impairments.

Are services provided by a Physiatrist like Dr. Pierce covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC)?

Most physician consultations and medically necessary assessments by a registered specialist Physiatrist like Dr. Pierce are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC in BC, 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.

402-1990 Fort St
Victoria, BC, V8R 6V4

Phone: (250) 590-8837

Dr. Jacqueline Michelle Pierce is a licensed Physiatrist in BC, regulated by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act (British Columbia).

License Number: 67706

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/346719/Pierce%2CJacqueline

A referral from a family physician or another specialist may be required to see Dr. Pierce. Dr. Pierce 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.