Ellen Blanche Richards – Physiotherapist | Kitchener, ON

Ellen Blanche Richards is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at St. Mary's General Hospital in Kitchener, ON, Ellen Richards is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Ellen Richards focuses on 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. Ellen Richards serves a diverse range of patients, tailoring treatment plans to meet individual needs and goals.

Ellen Blanche Richards completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 1992). With extensive clinical experience, Ellen Richards is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Ellen Richards has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Ellen Richards employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Ellen Richards utilizes a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Ellen Richards maintains a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best possible care. Ellen Richards offers consultations in English.

Ellen Blanche Richards provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Inflammation (tendinitis) or, more commonly, degeneration (tendinosis/tendinopathy) of tendons, leading to localized pain that typically worsens with activity or loading of the tendon.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A chronic condition causing joint discomfort, stiffness (especially in the morning or after inactivity), and impacting your ability to perform daily activities, walk, or engage in hobbies.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Discomfort, limited range of motion, and persistent tension in the cervical spine (neck), often related to posture, an injury, stress, or sleeping position.
• 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.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Weakness, a feeling of the ankle 'giving way' repeatedly, or persistent pain after an initial sprain, indicating a need for targeted physiotherapy to restore stability and function.

Back Neck Pain

• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): A range of neck and related symptoms including pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and sometimes arm pain or cognitive difficulties, following a rapid acceleration-deceleration injury to the neck, most typically from a motor vehicle accident.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Pain and muscle tension related to ergonomic factors at work or home, muscle imbalances, and suboptimal body mechanics or movement habits.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Pain, pins and needles, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg resulting from irritation or compression of a spinal nerve, often managed effectively with physiotherapy techniques like McKenzie method or neural mobilization.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Nerve compression symptoms due to a narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal or the small openings where nerves exit the spine (foramina), most commonly in the lumbar (lower back) or cervical (neck) regions.

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. Ellen Richards can assess your needs.

• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A thorough evaluation by your Physiotherapist to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Assessing your fundamental movement patterns to identify limitations, asymmetries, and potential risk factors for injury or re-injury.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Specific stretches designed by your therapist to target tight muscle groups relevant to your condition, helping to improve your flexibility and reduce your risk of injury.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Helping you understand how your posture impacts your musculoskeletal health and providing you with tools for lasting postural improvement and pain relief.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Educating you about your diagnosis, expected recovery timeline (prognosis), and the reasons behind your treatment plan to encourage active participation in your healing.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: A carefully selected set of exercises specific to your condition and abilities, aimed at restoring function, reducing pain, improving movement, and preventing future issues.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Ellen Richards, 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 St. Mary's General Hospital, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Ellen Richards frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• For those whose awful foot pain first thing in the morning, like I'm walking on glass (plantar fasciitis) has made getting back to golfing 18 holes without their back acting up seem like a distant memory, Ellen Richards's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward being able to play actively with their children or grandchildren again. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to getting back to golfing 18 holes without their back acting up with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Living with managing stiffness, tremors, and movement challenges with Parkinson's disease doesn't have to be your norm. Ellen Richards applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards a better understanding of ergonomics for their work and home environment, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of painting or drawing for longer stretches without neck or shoulder ache.
• It's truly rewarding for Ellen Richards to witness patients conquer recurrent dislocations or a feeling of instability in my shoulder or knee and experience reduced muscle tension and a feeling of greater physical ease. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in keeping up with their team during our weekly soccer match again.
• Many individuals seek help from Ellen Richards, their physiotherapist, when facial weakness or drooping on one side (like Bell's Palsy) starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve reduced swelling and inflammation in injured areas, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like performing self-care tasks like hair washing or reaching their back.

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

Ellen Richards practices at St. Mary's General Hospital, situated in the Forest Heights, Forest Hill neighborhood of Kitchener. The clinic is conveniently located near Sunrise Shopping Centre and is accessible via Grand River Transit (GRT) (Bus and ION Light Rail). Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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 an appointment, some private insurance plans may require one for coverage. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider to understand their specific requirements before your first appointment.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

The first physiotherapy session is primarily an in-depth assessment. Expect to spend time talking with your Physiotherapist about your specific issue, its history, and your overall health background. Your therapist will then perform various physical tests to assess your movement, strength, and any areas of concern. The main goal of this first visit is to understand your condition fully so that a tailored and effective treatment plan can be developed collaboratively with you. You might also receive your first set of home exercises or some initial hands-on care to start the healing process.

Does St. Mary's General Hospital offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

St. Mary's General Hospital accepts many major private insurance plans. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. We will submit a claim on your behalf, but you are responsible for any amount not covered by your insurance. It is always recommended to confirm your coverage details, including any annual maximums, per-visit limits, or deductible requirements, directly with your insurance provider before your appointment.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

To make your first appointment as smooth and productive as possible, please consider bringing: your health card, any doctor's referral letter (if applicable), results or reports of any imaging tests (X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs) related to your current condition, a list of any medications you are currently taking, and your extended health benefits information (insurance card/policy number) for direct billing if available at our clinic. Wearing comfortable clothes is also a good idea.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement is best for your physiotherapy appointment – think about what you might wear to a gym or for light exercise. If you're being treated for a lower-body issue (like hip or knee pain), shorts are very helpful. For upper-body issues (like shoulder or neck pain), a tank top or loose t-shirt is suitable so the Physiotherapist can properly examine and treat the area.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

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

How can I book an appointment at St. Mary's General Hospital?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (519) 744-3311 during our business hours. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession dedicated to helping people of all ages improve their movement, function, and overall well-being. A registered Physiotherapist uses evidence-based techniques like targeted exercise, hands-on manual therapy, and personalized education to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of injuries, pain conditions, and physical impairments affecting your muscles, bones, joints, nerves, and even your cardiorespiratory system. It can help you reduce pain, increase mobility and strength, recover from surgery, prevent future injuries, and enhance your quality of life.

St. Mary's General Hospital
911 Queen's Boulevard
Kitchener, ON, N2M 1B2

Phone: (519) 744-3311

Ellen Blanche Richards 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: XXX06

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=e72b9ef0-8a02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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