Gabrielle Pickens – Physiotherapist | Tecumseh, ON

Gabrielle Pickens is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Tecumseh Physiotherapy Clinic in Tecumseh, ON, Gabrielle is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Gabrielle's focus is addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. This includes everything from acute injuries like sprains and strains, to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. Gabrielle serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Gabrielle Pickens completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Ottawa (Graduating Class of 2022). With clinical experience, Gabrielle Pickens is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Gabrielle Pickens has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Gabrielle employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Gabrielle utilizes a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Gabrielle Pickens offers consultations in English, French.

Gabrielle Pickens provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Common Musculoskeletal

• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Lower back issues that restrict your ability to bend, lift, sit for long periods, or enjoy your usual activities without discomfort.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Discomfort experienced in the hip region, groin, outer hip, or buttock, potentially stemming from joint inflammation (bursitis), muscle strains, tendinopathy, or conservative management of labral tears.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: A 'rolled' or twisted ankle with subsequent swelling, tenderness, and difficulty putting your full weight on the foot.

Post Surgical

• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): Restoring spinal function, core stability, and body mechanics post-operatively, ensuring a safe progression back to work, hobbies, and an active lifestyle.
• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Guiding your rehabilitation journey after ACL or other ligament surgery, from early post-operative care to advanced sport-specific training and return-to-play testing.
• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): The crucial rehabilitation phase following total or partial knee replacement surgery, with physiotherapy focusing on restoring range of motion, building strength, improving balance, managing pain and swelling, and enabling functional mobility (e.g., walking, stairs, getting in/out of a car).
• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Comprehensive shoulder rehabilitation after surgical intervention, following surgeon-specific protocols, to ensure optimal healing, manage pain and swelling, and restore your arm's functional capacity.

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. Gabrielle can assess your needs.

• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Teaching you essential strategies and exercises to manage your symptoms independently, accelerate recovery, and prevent future problems.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Manual treatments specifically designed to improve joint mechanics, alleviate discomfort, reduce stiffness, and enhance your range of motion in the spine or limbs.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Gentle, specific movements and mobilizations designed to address nerve-related pain (like sciatica or carpal tunnel symptoms), tingling, numbness, or restrictions by improving the nerve's ability to glide freely and reducing irritation.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): A form of manual therapy that actively involves you in your treatment, utilizing your body's muscular effort to achieve specific therapeutic effects on restricted joints and shortened soft tissues.
• 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.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Application of skilled soft tissue techniques to manage pain, stiffness, and improve function in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.

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

• Many find that frequent headaches that seem to start from tension in my neck or shoulders significantly impacts their ability to enduring their daily commute, whether driving or on public transit, without stiffness. Gabrielle helps patients target a noticeable reduction in daily discomfort, making everyday tasks easier and more enjoyable with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Living with my infant having a tilted head or a flat spot on their head (torticollis/plagiocephaly) doesn't have to be your norm. Gabrielle applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards increased flexibility throughout their body, particularly in their back and major joints, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of maintaining their balance and stability while walking on uneven ground or trails.
• Patients often come to Gabrielle feeling defeated by post-operative stiffness and weakness that's slowing down my recovery. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving regaining full function in an injured area, enabling a return to cherished activities and resuming reading a good book for hours without experiencing neck pain or headaches becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Tired of feeling like my posture is hunched or rounded, causing discomfort interfering with cycling longer distances with their cycling club? Gabrielle uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve greater confidence when walking, standing, or navigating challenging environments and regain your freedom of movement.

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

Gabrielle practices at Tecumseh Physiotherapy Clinic, situated in a physiotherapy clinic in central Tecumseh neighborhood of Tecumseh. The clinic is conveniently located near nearby parks and community recreation facilities and is accessible via local public transit routes. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not be an ordeal of pain. While you might feel some discomfort or a stretching sensation as you work to regain movement or strength, especially in the initial stages of treatment for an acute injury or chronic stiffness, it's rarely 'painful' in a distressing or harmful way. Your Physiotherapist will guide you through each step, modify treatments to suit your comfort and tolerance, and ensure that the overall experience is positive. The ultimate aim is to make you feel better, not worse.

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 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. Always check your private/extended health insurance plans, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

In physiotherapy, manual therapy encompasses a range of 'hands-on' interventions. Your Physiotherapist may use these techniques to help reduce your pain, increase joint movement, relax tight muscles, or improve the mobility of your nerves. Common approaches include joint glides, sustained pressures, specific soft tissue massage, and, when indicated, joint manipulations. It's a key part of helping your body move better.

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 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.

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

Patients in ON 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.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. Contact your insurer before your first appointment to understand your plan's specifics (annual maximum, per-visit limits, co-payments, referral requirements, and direct billing options). If direct billing is possible, we can bill your insurer; otherwise, we'll provide a receipt for you to submit.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Tecumseh Physiotherapy Clinic treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. This includes back and neck pain, joint problems (arthritis, post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, and nerve pain. We also offer specialized services in orthopedic and musculoskeletal physiotherapy. Treatments often involve manual therapy, exercise prescription, and patient education.

Tecumseh Physiotherapy Clinic
394 Manning Rd.
Tecumseh, ON, N8N 4W5

Phone: (519) 979-2266

Gabrielle Pickens 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: XXX78

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=b8f84944-df1d-ed11-b83d-0022486df36c

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