Gary Heeran – Physiotherapist | Mississauga, ON

Gary Heeran is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Applewood Sports & Physiotherapy Clinic in Mississauga, ON, Gary Heeran is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Gary Heeran addresses 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. Gary Heeran serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Gary Heeran completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Queen Margaret University (Graduating Class of 2020). With clinical experience, Gary Heeran is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Gary Heeran has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

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

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

Post Surgical

• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Specialized physiotherapy focused on regaining shoulder movement, strength, stability, and function after various types of shoulder surgeries, such as rotator cuff repair, labral tear repair, shoulder stabilization procedures (e.g., Bankart repair), or shoulder joint replacement (arthroplasty).
• 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).

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.

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. Gary Heeran can assess your needs.

• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): A common physiotherapy treatment for acute injuries, designed to help numb pain, decrease bleeding into the tissues, and minimize secondary hypoxic injury.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): A non-invasive, evidence-based treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing, reduce pain, and promote tissue regeneration in stubborn soft tissue conditions that haven't responded to other therapies.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: Utilizing traction techniques to create space within the spine, reduce nerve irritation, improve disc hydration, and alleviate back or neck pain.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Utilizing targeted electrical currents to help alleviate pain, manage discomfort, and support healing in conjunction with other physiotherapy interventions.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.

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

• When trying to get back to my best after a frustrating sports injury is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and dexterity with ease, physiotherapy with Gary Heeran can help you work towards experiencing significant pain relief, allowing for a more comfortable daily life. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• With Gary Heeran's help, managing difficulty coordinating my movements, feeling clumsy to achieve resuming gardening, hobbies, or household tasks without strain or discomfort becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like maintaining an upright posture while working on their computer for hours.
• Many find that recovering my strength and energy after being very sick (like with pneumonia or Long COVID) significantly impacts their ability to operating machinery or tools safely and efficiently at work. Gary Heeran helps patients target increased endurance for walking, allowing for longer and more enjoyable outings with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Don't let recurrent dislocations or a feeling of instability in my shoulder or knee dictate what you can and cannot do. Gary Heeran offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at much better balance overall, reducing the risk of stumbles or falls, helping you reclaim taking group exercise classes at the community center and enjoy a more functional life.

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

Gary Heeran's practice is located at Applewood Sports & Physiotherapy Clinic, situated in the Cooksville East, Mississauga Valleys neighborhood of Mississauga. The clinic is conveniently located near Meadowvale Conservation Area (South edge) and is accessible via MiWay (Mississauga Transit). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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. We recommend you contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand the specifics of your plan. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If Applewood Sports & Physiotherapy Clinic offers direct billing and your plan allows it, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance not covered by your plan at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and all necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.

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.

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.

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 Applewood Sports & Physiotherapy Clinic'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 (or one business day) 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 equivalent to 50% of the service cost may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments (no-shows) without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

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 (this is known as direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans do require a doctor's referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. We strongly advise you to check the specific requirements of your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

Does Applewood Sports & Physiotherapy Clinic offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Applewood Sports & Physiotherapy Clinic offers direct billing for most major private insurance companies. 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.

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. We strongly advise checking your private insurance for coverage.

Applewood Sports & Physiotherapy Clinic
1077 North Service Rd., Unit 25
Mississauga, ON, L4Y 1A6

Phone: (905) 277-1782

Gary Heeran 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: XXX39

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=741d79fe-4ac2-ec11-983e-000d3a09ea50

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