Erin Alexandra Blackwell – Physiotherapist | London, ON

Erin Alexandra Blackwell is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Geriatric Physiotherapy Focus / Seniors' Health). Practicing at Erin Blackwell, Physiotherapist in London, ON, Erin Blackwell is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Erin Blackwell focuses on the unique health needs of older adults, aiming to improve and maintain mobility, strength, balance, manage age-related conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis, reduce fall risk, and enhance overall quality of life and independence. Erin Blackwell serves seniors.

Erin Alexandra Blackwell completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Western University (Graduating Class of 2001). With clinical experience, Erin Blackwell is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Erin Blackwell has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.

Erin Blackwell demonstrates a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Erin Blackwell offers consultations in English.

Erin Alexandra Blackwell provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Vestibular Balance

• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Comprehensive balance assessment by a Physiotherapist to identify underlying causes of unsteadiness, followed by targeted exercise programs and strategies to help you stay steady on your feet.
• 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.
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): Vestibular rehabilitation therapy, including habituation exercises, sensory re-weighting, and balance training, often as part of a multidisciplinary approach (which may include medication or CBT), for managing the symptoms of PPPD/3PD.

Neurological

• Muscular Dystrophy / Myopathy - Supportive Physiotherapy Care: Helping individuals with muscular dystrophies and myopathies adapt to changes in their physical abilities and maintain their participation in meaningful activities through tailored physiotherapy.
• 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.

Arthritis

• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Physiotherapy to address residual joint stiffness, pain, swelling, and functional loss after an acute gout attack has subsided, or to help manage musculoskeletal impairments and tophi-related issues associated with chronic gout, always in conjunction with appropriate medical management for urate control.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): An inflammatory arthritis that can affect some people with psoriasis (a skin condition), causing joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and sometimes affecting tendons (enthesitis) and ligaments. Can affect small or large joints, often asymmetrically, and sometimes the spine.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Physiotherapy as an important part of a multidisciplinary team approach to managing rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis), helping to minimize disease impact and maximize quality of life.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Specific exercises (e.g., McKenzie exercises, stretching, postural exercises) and strategies to help individuals with ankylosing spondylitis maintain function, reduce stiffness, and prevent long-term spinal changes.

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. Erin Blackwell can assess your needs.

• Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio): Providing professional physiotherapy assessment, treatment, education, and exercise prescription directly in the comfort and convenience of your home environment, especially for those who have difficulty attending an outpatient clinic due to mobility issues, severe pain, or other constraints.
• Fibromyalgia & Widespread Pain Management: Improving daily function, energy levels, and reducing pain sensitivity for individuals with fibromyalgia through a carefully progressed and individualized physiotherapy plan.
• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Effective virtual physiotherapy care to help you manage your condition, progress your rehabilitation, and receive professional advice when in-person visits are challenging or not preferred.
• Rehabilitation for Age-Related Deconditioning & Loss of Autonomy: Comprehensive support for improving performance in activities of daily living (e.g., dressing, bathing, transferring, cooking) and rebuilding physical confidence and independence in older adults.
• Chronic & Persistent Pain Management Programs: Personalized physiotherapy programs designed to reduce the impact of chronic pain on your life, helping you to gradually increase activity levels and re-engage in meaningful activities.
• Geriatric Physiotherapy & Seniors' Health: Helping older adults stay active, mobile, independent, and confident in their physical abilities through compassionate and evidence-based physiotherapy.

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

• At Erin Blackwell's physiotherapy practice, individuals with my child complaining of 'growing pains' that keep them up at night are guided towards feeling more positive, capable, and optimistic about their physical health. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as carrying a backpack or shoulder bag comfortably.
• Erin Blackwell frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of my infant having a tilted head or a flat spot on their head (torticollis/plagiocephaly). A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets feeling significantly stronger and more capable in their physical abilities and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like giving presentations or speaking publicly with confidence and good posture.
• Are you finding that sharp pain shooting down my leg, feeling a lot like sciatica stops you from enjoying getting back to golfing 18 holes without their back acting up? Erin Blackwell is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve improved coordination for complex movements and fine motor tasks through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• It's truly rewarding for Erin Blackwell to witness patients conquer trouble performing repetitive tasks at work without pain and experience feeling equipped with effective self-management strategies and exercises. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in comfortably cooking and meal prepping for their family again.

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

Erin Blackwell, Physiotherapist, is conveniently located in the Westmount South, Southcrest neighborhood of London, ON, near Storybook Gardens and easily accessible via the London Transit Commission (LTC). Please inquire regarding specific accessibility needs for our clinic. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows the Physiotherapist to easily access and assess the area being treated, and permits you to move freely for any exercises or movements. For example, shorts are ideal for knee, hip, or ankle issues, while a tank top or loose t-shirt works well for shoulder, neck, or upper back problems. Athletic wear or gym attire is generally a good choice. You may also be provided with a gown if needed.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy refers to specialized hands-on techniques used by a Physiotherapist to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This can include joint mobilization (gentle, rhythmic gliding movements), joint manipulation (skilled, high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts, where appropriate and within the therapist's scope and with your consent), various soft tissue mobilization techniques (like massage, myofascial release, trigger point release), and neural mobilization (gentle techniques to improve nerve movement). The primary goals are to reduce pain, improve range of motion, restore optimal joint mechanics, reduce muscle tension, and enhance tissue repair and function.

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

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, in almost all cases, you will receive a customized home exercise program. These exercises are carefully chosen by your Physiotherapist to specifically target your issues and help you achieve your functional goals faster and more effectively. Performing them as recommended is very important for your progress and for maintaining the improvements you make during your clinic visits.

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

Physiotherapy services in private clinics are generally not covered by OHIP. OHIP may cover physiotherapy in specific situations, such as after hospitalization for certain conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams. Eligibility criteria are strict and there may be waitlists. It is essential to check your private insurance coverage, as many plans offer significant coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiotherapist can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

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

For your first visit, please bring your provincial health card (e.g., Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card, if applicable for any publicly funded programs or simply for identification), any relevant medical information such as a doctor's referral note (if you have one), reports from recent imaging (like X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound scans), and a list of your current medications. Also, if you plan to use private health insurance, bring your insurance card or policy details. Finally, wear or bring comfortable clothing suitable for assessment and movement.

Erin Blackwell, Physiotherapist
1110 Bramblewood Street
London, ON, N6K 4Y4

Phone: (519) 868-1146

Erin Alexandra Blackwell 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: XXX91

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=a0e94ff3-8c02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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