Heidi M. Caputo – Physiotherapist | Guelph, ON

Heidi M. Caputo is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at South City Physiotherapy in Guelph, ON, Heidi is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Heidi focuses on 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. Heidi serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

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

Heidi employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Heidi utilizes a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Heidi empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Heidi offers consultations in English.

Heidi M. Caputo provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Post Surgical

• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): A structured physiotherapy program to manage post-operative pain and swelling, improve knee flexibility and strength, and re-educate your gait pattern after a TKA or PKA.
• 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.

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): Commonly known as 'wear-and-tear' arthritis, this condition affects various joints, often worsening with age, overuse, or previous injury, and can significantly impact daily function.

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. Heidi can assess your needs.

• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Targeted manual methods performed by your Physiotherapist to release tight or overactive muscles, address fascial restrictions, and alleviate pain arising from soft tissue dysfunction.
• 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.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: Utilizing therapeutic laser to enhance tissue regeneration, reduce pain signals, and manage inflammation as part of your comprehensive physiotherapy care.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: The use of specific electrical stimulation devices (IFC or TENS) by your Physiotherapist to provide pain relief, reduce muscle spasm, decrease swelling, or promote muscle activation and re-education.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Utilizing electrophysical agents as an adjunct to your physiotherapy treatments to aid recovery, improve muscle function, manage pain, or reduce swelling, tailored to your specific condition.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Improving the mobility and health of your nervous system to reduce pain, restore sensation, and enhance overall function.

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

• Discover how physiotherapy with Heidi can help you move beyond feeling like my joints are just 'wearing out' and getting harder to move. The focus is on a safe and confident return to their favorite sport or recreational activity, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as keeping up with their team during our weekly soccer match.
• With Heidi's help, managing facial weakness or drooping on one side (like Bell's Palsy) to achieve implementing practical strategies to avoid re-injury during work or daily life becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like handling their job that involves frequent standing, walking, or bending.
• When a 'frozen shoulder' feeling, where my shoulder feels completely stuck is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing performing self-care tasks like hair washing or reaching their back, physiotherapy with Heidi can help you work towards improved ability to lift and carry objects correctly and safely. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Patients often come to Heidi feeling defeated by feeling 'off-balance' and worried about falling, especially as I get older. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving better joint stability during movement and weight-bearing activities and resuming doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain becomes a realistic and attainable goal.

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

Heidi practices at South City Physiotherapy, located in the Kortright Hills, Hanlon Creek neighborhood of Guelph. The clinic enjoys a convenient location near the Downtown Core and is easily accessible via Guelph Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a doctor's referral. This is known as direct access. However, while a referral isn't legally required to see a Physiotherapist, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement. It's essential to check your individual insurance policy before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services provided in private outpatient clinics for most Ontarians. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations, such as post-hospitalization for certain conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams. However, eligibility criteria are strict, and there may be waitlists. Most people will need to rely on their private/extended health insurance for coverage of physiotherapy services in private clinics. Always check your private insurance plan's coverage details and verify your eligibility for any public coverage directly with OHIP.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Absolutely! Home exercises are a vital part of your rehabilitation journey and empower you to take an active role in your recovery process. Your Physiotherapist will carefully select and teach you exercises specific to your needs. These exercises help to reinforce what's done in the clinic, manage your condition effectively, and ensure you continue progressing towards your goals even when you're not in a session.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Initial assessment appointments are generally longer to allow for a thorough evaluation and discussion, typically lasting between 45 to 60 minutes. Subsequent follow-up treatment sessions are usually shorter, often ranging from 30 to 45 minutes. However, the duration can vary depending on your specific needs, the complexity of your condition, the type of treatment being provided, and the treatment plan designed by your Physiotherapist.

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.

South City Physiotherapy
620 Scottsdale Dr.
Guelph, ON, N1G 3M2

Phone: (519) 763-2885

Heidi M. Caputo 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: XXX87

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=bfdfbfb4-8a02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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