Grace T. Espe – Physiotherapist | London, ON

Grace T. Espe is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Geriatric Physiotherapy Focus / Seniors' Health). Practicing at CBI Health Group in London, ON, Grace T. Espe is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Grace T. Espe 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. Grace T. Espe serves seniors.

Grace T. Espe completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Pines City Educational Center (Graduating Class of 1997). With clinical experience, Grace T. Espe is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Grace T. Espe has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.

Grace T. Espe empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results; 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. Grace T. Espe offers consultations in English.

Grace T. Espe provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Arthritis

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: An autoimmune condition causing chronic inflammation, pain, stiffness, swelling, and potential deformity in multiple joints, often symmetrically. Physiotherapy aims to manage pain, maintain joint function and mobility, improve strength and endurance, provide joint protection strategies, and support self-management.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): An inflammatory arthritis that can affect some people with psoriasis (a skin condition), causing joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and sometimes affecting tendons (enthesitis) and ligaments. Can affect small or large joints, often asymmetrically, and sometimes the spine.
• 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.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A physiotherapy approach to address the unique challenges of AS, aiming to keep you as mobile and active as possible and support your spinal health and overall well-being.

Neurological

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Symptom Management & Rehabilitation: Individualized exercise programs (e.g., strength, aerobic, balance, flexibility), energy conservation techniques, and compensatory strategies tailored by a Neuro Physiotherapist for individuals living with Multiple Sclerosis.
• Stroke (CVA) Rehabilitation: Utilizing evidence-based neuroplasticity principles, motor relearning techniques, and task-specific training to help stroke survivors improve movement and achieve their functional goals.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) / Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy addressing physical impairments following a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or acquired brain injury (ABI), including issues with balance, coordination, strength, mobility, spasticity, endurance, and cognitive-physical integration.

Vestibular Balance

• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Physiotherapy aimed at improving your balance, coordination, lower limb strength, reaction time, and confidence to reduce your risk of falling and enhance safe mobility in your home and community.
• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Individualized exercise programs including gaze stabilization exercises (e.g., VORx1, VORx2), habituation exercises (for motion sensitivity), and balance retraining to improve function when the vestibular system is impaired.
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): A chronic functional dizziness disorder characterized by persistent sensations of dizziness, unsteadiness, or non-spinning vertigo (often lasting for 3 months or more), typically exacerbated by upright posture, active or passive motion, or exposure to complex or moving visual environments (e.g., busy supermarkets, scrolling on a screen). Often follows an acute vestibular event, medical illness, or period of psychological distress.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Effective, non-invasive treatment for positional dizziness and vertigo using specific head and body movements performed by a trained Vestibular Physiotherapist.

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. Grace T. Espe 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.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Teaching you essential strategies and exercises to manage your symptoms independently, accelerate recovery, and prevent future problems.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Education on optimal body mechanics and corrective strategies to improve your posture during daily activities, work, and recreation.
• Fibromyalgia & Widespread Pain Management: Tailored physiotherapy including gentle exercise prescription (e.g., aquatic therapy, graded aerobic exercise), pain management education, activity pacing strategies, stress reduction techniques, and gentle manual therapies for individuals living with fibromyalgia or other widespread pain conditions.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: An in-depth examination to fully understand your specific condition, allowing your Physiotherapist to create an effective and personalized rehabilitation plan.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Assessing your fundamental movement patterns to identify limitations, asymmetries, and potential risk factors for injury or re-injury.

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

• Don't let shoulder pain that makes simple things like lifting my arm or reaching overhead difficult dictate what you can and cannot do. Grace T. Espe offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at decreased frequency and intensity of headaches related to neck or postural issues, helping you reclaim attending their favorite yoga and pilates classes without limitation and enjoy a more functional life.
• The journey to restored joint function, leading to smoother and more coordinated movements when faced with persistent that persistent ache in my lower back that just won't quit is made smoother and more effective with Grace T. Espe's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like playing actively and roughhousing with their young kids or grandkids.
• At Grace T. Espe's physiotherapy practice, individuals with frequent headaches that seem to start from tension in my neck or shoulders are guided towards enhanced recovery from post-surgical procedures with fewer complications. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as participating fully in their martial arts practice, including sparring.
• Many individuals seek help from Grace T. Espe, their physiotherapist, when clicking, popping, or pain in my jaw (TMJ issues) when I eat or talk starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve improved breathing mechanics and capacity through postural correction, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like maintaining an upright posture while working on their computer for hours.

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

Grace T. Espe practices at CBI Health Group, situated in the Argyle, Huron Heights neighborhood of London. The clinic is conveniently located near Various Plazas North and South and is accessible via London Transit Commission (LTC). Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, a personalized home exercise program is a crucial and integral component of most physiotherapy treatment plans. Your Physiotherapist will prescribe specific exercises tailored to your condition, abilities, and goals. These exercises are designed to complement your in-clinic treatment, help you manage your symptoms effectively between sessions, accelerate your recovery, and empower you with tools for long-term self-management. Your active participation in your home program is key for optimal results.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at CBI Health Group 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, joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, 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, Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies, and patient education to help you achieve your functional 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.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not be painful. While some discomfort or stretching sensation might be felt, especially initially, it shouldn't be distressing or harmful. Your Physiotherapist will adjust treatments to ensure a positive experience.

How can I book an appointment at CBI Health Group?

You can book an appointment by calling the clinic directly at (519) 547-2171 during business hours. The reception team can assist you in finding a suitable appointment time.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

Bring your health card, doctor's referral letter (if applicable), imaging test results, medication list, and extended health benefits information (for direct billing if available). Wear comfortable clothing.

CBI Health Group
1920 Dundas St East
London, ON, N5V 3P1

Phone: (519) 547-2171

Grace T. Espe 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: XXX58

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=52730031-9002-e811-813f-480fcff40721

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