Evelyn Sandra Stelpstra – Physiotherapist | Burlington, ON

Evelyn Sandra Stelpstra is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Geriatric Physiotherapy Focus / Seniors' Health). Practicing at Joseph Brant Hospital in Burlington, ON, Evelyn Stelpstra is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Evelyn Stelpstra 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. Evelyn Stelpstra serves adults within the Burlington community.

Evelyn Sandra Stelpstra completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Western University (Graduating Class of 1998). With extensive clinical experience, Evelyn Stelpstra is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Evelyn Stelpstra has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.

Evelyn Stelpstra's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Burlington community through proactive physiotherapy; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Evelyn Stelpstra offers consultations in English.

Evelyn Sandra Stelpstra provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Arthritis

• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Physiotherapy for ankylosing spondylitis focuses on maintaining spinal mobility and flexibility (especially extension), improving posture, strengthening core and back muscles, managing pain, and providing education on self-management and regular exercise.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Supportive physiotherapy for individuals with psoriatic arthritis, focusing on managing joint pain and swelling, maintaining range of motion and strength, improving function, and providing advice on activity modification and joint protection.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Helping you regain mobility, reduce discomfort, and improve function in affected joints after a gout episode, as part of your overall gout management plan.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Conditions like 'jumper's knee' (patellar tendinopathy), 'swimmer's shoulder' (rotator cuff tendinopathy), or 'tennis elbow' (lateral epicondylitis) caused by tendon issues that limit your ability to perform specific tasks.
• 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.

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. Evelyn Stelpstra can assess your needs.

• Chronic & Persistent Pain Management Programs: Comprehensive strategies developed with your Physiotherapist to help you understand and live better with chronic pain, focusing on improving function, reducing pain's impact, and enhancing self-efficacy rather than solely on pain elimination.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): A systematic screening process, such as FMS™ or SFMA™ (if your Physiotherapist is certified), to understand how you move and guide preventative or corrective exercise programs.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: Detailed physical assessment of your joints, muscles, nerves, and movement patterns to identify the root cause of your symptoms and guide your treatment.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Identifying and addressing habitual postures (e.g., from desk work, phone use) or ergonomic factors that may be contributing to your pain or dysfunction.
• 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.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Empowering you with a clear understanding of your condition, its causes, and practical tools for effective self-management and lasting relief.

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

• For those whose knee pain, especially when going up/down stairs or after a run has made performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and dexterity with ease seem like a distant memory, Evelyn Stelpstra's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward feeling equipped with effective self-management strategies and exercises. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and dexterity with ease with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Many individuals seek help from Evelyn Stelpstra, their physiotherapist, when recovering from a concussion and dealing with lingering symptoms like dizziness or headaches starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve better managing flare-ups with personalized strategies and feeling more in control of their symptoms, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like playing in their competitive volleyball league again.
• Physiotherapy with Evelyn Stelpstra can be a transformative turning point for those affected by trouble with everyday tasks because of pain or weakness in my hands or grip. The shared goal is achieving understanding how to prevent future flare-ups and manage their condition long-term, paving the way for you to enjoy sitting comfortably through a movie at the cinema or a play and a more active, vibrant life.
• Many find that awful foot pain first thing in the morning, like I'm walking on glass (plantar fasciitis) significantly impacts their ability to painting or drawing for longer stretches without neck or shoulder ache. Evelyn Stelpstra helps patients target feeling more positive, capable, and optimistic about their physical health with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.

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

Evelyn Stelpstra's practice at Joseph Brant Hospital is located in the Aldershot South neighborhood of Burlington. The clinic is conveniently located near Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) and is accessible via Burlington Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Joseph Brant Hospital treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain (Tendinopathy (e.g., Achilles, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow)), joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries (like Post-Hip Replacement (Total or Partial)), and nerve pain. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health and general physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve Chronic & Persistent Pain Management Programs, Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified), and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial physiotherapy appointment is a comprehensive assessment. Your Physiotherapist will start by discussing your medical history, the details of your current symptoms or injury, your concerns, and what you hope to achieve with physiotherapy (your functional goals). This is followed by a thorough physical examination, which may include evaluating your range of motion, strength, posture, balance, and specific movement patterns, as well as performing special tests relevant to your condition. Based on these findings, your therapist will provide a clinical impression or diagnosis, discuss a personalized treatment plan with you, and often begin some initial treatment or provide education and a home exercise program to get you started.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy, delivered by a qualified Physiotherapist, is a science-based profession that focuses on restoring movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness, or disability. It can also help to reduce your risk of future problems. Your physiotherapist will use techniques such as therapeutic exercise, manual therapy (hands-on treatment), education, and advice, empowering you to manage your health independently and achieve your physical goals.

Does Joseph Brant Hospital offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

While we do not offer direct billing at this time, we provide detailed official receipts that you can easily submit to your insurer for reimbursement according to your plan. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. Always confirm your specific coverage details, including any annual maximums, per-visit limits, or deductible requirements, directly with your insurance provider, as plans vary significantly. You are responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.

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

In Ontario, you 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. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations (e.g., post-hospitalization, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams), but eligibility criteria are strict. Check your private insurance for coverage and verify your eligibility for any public coverage directly with OHIP.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

It's difficult to say exactly how many sessions you'll need without a thorough assessment, as everyone's situation and recovery path is unique. Some acute conditions might resolve in just a few sessions, while more chronic, complex, or significant issues may require a longer period of care to achieve lasting results. Your Physiotherapist will provide an estimated treatment timeline and plan after your first visit, and this will be revisited as your treatment progresses.

Joseph Brant Hospital
1245 Lakeshore Road
Burlington, ON, L7S 0A2

Phone: (905) 632-3737

Evelyn Sandra Stelpstra 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: XXX89

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=417eb71e-8c02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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