Erin Maureen Puhalski – Physiotherapist | Thunder Bay, ON

Erin Maureen Puhalski is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at St. Joseph's Care Group; Thunder Bay in Thunder Bay, ON, Erin Puhalski is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Erin Puhalski 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. Erin Puhalski serves adults.

Erin Maureen Puhalski completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Manitoba (Graduating Class of 1994). With clinical experience, Erin Puhalski is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Erin Puhalski has a particular interest or further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Erin Puhalski employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Erin Puhalski demonstrates a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Erin Puhalski empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Erin Puhalski offers consultations in English.

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

Back Neck Pain

• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Symptoms like 'neurogenic claudication' – leg pain, cramping, or heaviness with walking or prolonged standing that typically eases with rest or bending forward (flexion).
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Neck, shoulder, and upper back discomfort, often accompanied by headaches or 'brain fog', after a sudden jerking motion of the head, such as in a rear-end collision.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Persistent tendon pain that can interfere with your sports, work, or daily activities, often requiring specific loading programs and advice from a physiotherapist for effective management.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief 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. Erin Puhalski can assess your needs.

• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): The application of cold packs, ice massage, or other cold modalities by your Physiotherapist to reduce swelling, inflammation, muscle spasm, and acute pain, particularly after an injury.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: Therapeutic traction for the cervical (neck) or lumbar (low back) spine, used by physiotherapists to help reduce pain, decompress nerve roots, and improve symptoms associated with conditions like disc herniations, sciatica, or spinal stenosis.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: Utilizing therapeutic laser to enhance tissue regeneration, reduce pain signals, and manage inflammation as part of your comprehensive physiotherapy care.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): ESWT for chronic tendinopathies, heel spurs, and other musculoskeletal problems, aiming to break down scar tissue, increase blood flow, and trigger a healing response.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Application of various forms of electrical stimulation, such as Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) for muscle strengthening and re-education, or Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) to assist with movement, as prescribed by your Physiotherapist.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Ultrasound therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, often used to prepare tissues for manual therapy or exercise, or to manage acute and chronic soft tissue injuries.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Erin Puhalski, 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. Joseph's Care Group; Thunder Bay, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Erin Puhalski frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Living with hip pain when I walk, climb stairs, or try to sleep on my side doesn't have to be your norm. Erin Puhalski applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards being able to travel more comfortably and with less planning around physical limitations, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of dancing the night away at social events and family celebrations.
• Don't let difficulty coordinating my movements, feeling clumsy dictate what you can and cannot do. Erin Puhalski offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at decreased frequency and intensity of headaches related to neck or postural issues, helping you reclaim reaching for items on high shelves or in cupboards without shoulder strain and enjoy a more functional life.
• Struggling with the frustration of aches and pains that I'm pretty sure are from my bad posture at my desk? Erin Puhalski develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving noticeable strength gains in their limbs, supporting more demanding tasks. This is key to helping you get back to doing giving presentations or speaking publicly with confidence and good posture with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• Many individuals seek help from Erin Puhalski, their physiotherapist, when that 'pins and needles' feeling that won't go away starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve a return to intimacy without the fear of pain or discomfort, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like playing fetch with their dog in the park for an extended time.

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

Erin Puhalski's practice at St. Joseph's Care Group; Thunder Bay is located in the Fort William East (Downtown South Core, East End) neighborhood of Thunder Bay. The clinic is conveniently located near Downtown Fort William (South Core) and is accessible via Thunder Bay Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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.

What is St. Joseph's Care Group; Thunder Bay's appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients who may be waiting for care. A fee may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

How can I book an appointment at St. Joseph's Care Group; Thunder Bay?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (807) 343-7100 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.

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

Patients in Ontario 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.

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 of the population. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations (e.g., post-hospitalization), but eligibility criteria are strict. Check your private insurance for coverage.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Your first appointment (assessment and treatment plan) usually takes about 60 minutes. Follow-up appointments are typically 30 to 45 minutes long.

St. Joseph's Care Group; Thunder Bay
325 S. Archibald St.
Thunder Bay, ON, P7E 1G6

Phone: (807) 343-7100

Erin Maureen Puhalski 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: XXX61

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=e765565c-8b02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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