Gordon John Van Der Pol – Physiotherapist | Burlington, ON

Gordon John Van Der Pol is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Ontario Osteopathic & Rehabilitation in Burlington, ON, Gordon is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Gordon'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. Gordon serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Gordon John Van Der Pol completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 1991). With extensive clinical experience, Gordon is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Gordon has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Gordon'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. Gordon offers consultations in English.

Gordon John Van Der Pol provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Arthritis

• 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.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Supportive physiotherapy care for joint recovery and function after gout flares, focusing on restoring range of motion, reducing inflammation, and providing advice on joint protection and lifestyle factors.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Aching, sharp, or deep pain in the hip that may worsen with activity, specific movements, or even at rest.
• 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-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): Physiotherapy rehabilitation after total or partial hip replacement surgery, aimed at restoring mobility, strength, balance, and improving your gait pattern, allowing you to perform daily activities safely and effectively.
• 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-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): Gentle and progressive physiotherapy rehabilitation following spinal surgery (e.g., for disc herniation, spinal stenosis, or spinal fusion), initiated once cleared by your surgeon, to improve mobility, core strength, posture, reduce pain, and safely return to daily activities.

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. Gordon can assess your needs.

• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Guided stretching routines and flexibility exercises prescribed by your Physiotherapist, aimed at improving your range of motion, reducing muscle tightness or stiffness, and enhancing overall movement quality.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Structured physical activities and exercises aimed at helping you safely regain strength, stamina, and confidence in your body's abilities, tailored to your current level.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Evidence-based exercise programs designed by your physiotherapist, including instruction and progression, to optimize your recovery and enhance your physical well-being.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Targeted therapy to alleviate symptoms such as shooting pain, pins and needles, or weakness arising from neural tension or entrapment.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Using controlled isometric and isotonic muscle contractions, as directed by your Physiotherapist, to address joint restrictions and muscle imbalances effectively.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Targeted exercises using resistance (such as bodyweight, resistance bands, free weights, or gym equipment) to build muscle strength, power, and endurance, tailored to your specific rehabilitation needs or performance goals.

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

• Many patients have found lasting relief from recovering from a painful and limiting work-related injury (WCB/CNESST/WorkSafe claim) and achieved feeling more stable and confident on their feet, especially on uneven surfaces under the skilled care of Gordon. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as returning to a specific physical hobby they had to give up due to pain with a new lease on life.
• Struggling with the frustration of recovering from a burn and needing help with scar mobility and movement? Gordon develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving feeling more positive, capable, and optimistic about their physical health. This is key to helping you get back to doing driving for longer periods without neck or back pain with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• Physiotherapy with Gordon can be a transformative turning point for those affected by difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning shirts or writing due to hand pain. The shared goal is achieving successfully avoiding or delaying the need for more invasive treatments or surgery, paving the way for you to enjoy peacefully paddling their kayak or canoe on the lake for hours and a more active, vibrant life.
• With Gordon's help, managing sharp pain shooting down my leg, feeling a lot like sciatica to achieve reduced muscle tension and a feeling of greater physical ease becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like running their usual 5k route without knee pain.

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

Gordon practices at Ontario Osteopathic & Rehabilitation, situated in the Elizabeth Gardens, Shoreacres neighborhood of Burlington. The clinic is conveniently located near Spencer Smith Park and is accessible via Burlington Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

What is Ontario Osteopathic & Rehabilitation'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.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Ontario Osteopathic & Rehabilitation 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 (Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery), joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries (like Tendinopathy (e.g., Achilles, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow)), and nerve pain. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and general physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve Stretching & Flexibility Programs, General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

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.

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 referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It is strongly advised to check the specific requirements of your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

It's not uncommon to experience some temporary soreness or a mild increase in symptoms after certain physiotherapy treatments, especially in the initial stages or if you're starting new exercises. This usually subsides within 24-48 hours. However, if you experience a significant or sharp increase in pain, new or worsening neurological symptoms (like numbness, tingling, or weakness), or if your soreness lasts longer than expected, it's important to contact Ontario Osteopathic & Rehabilitation or your physician directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

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. It is strongly advised to check your private insurance for private clinic coverage and verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

Ontario Osteopathic & Rehabilitation
1001 Champlain Ave
Burlington, ON, L7L 5Z4

Phone: (905) 335-5533

Gordon John Van Der Pol 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: XXX33

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=913d74ba-8a02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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