Helen Christine Schelfhaut – Physiotherapist | Burlington, ON

Helen Christine Schelfhaut is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy Focus). Practicing at Joseph Brant Hospital in Burlington, ON, Helen is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Helen's focus is managing acute and chronic conditions affecting the heart and lungs, such as COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis, post-operative cardiac or respiratory recovery, and post-COVID symptoms. This involves breathing exercises, airway clearance, exercise prescription, and education. Helen serves adults.

Helen Christine Schelfhaut completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 1996). With extensive clinical experience, Helen is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Helen has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy.

Helen's practice philosophy centers on a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Helen has a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care, and promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Burlington community through proactive physiotherapy. Helen offers consultations in English.

Helen Christine Schelfhaut provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Persistent tendon pain that can interfere with your sports, work, or daily activities, often requiring specific loading programs and advice from a physiotherapist for effective management.
• 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.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Common back problems that can impact your posture, ability to perform daily activities, and overall mobility, addressed with targeted physiotherapy.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Aching, sharp pain, a feeling of the knee 'giving way', or difficulty fully bending or straightening your knee.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Pain affecting the hip joint and surrounding musculature, which can limit activities like walking, standing for long periods, rising from a chair, or lying on the affected side.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Disorders affecting hand and wrist function, making daily tasks such as gripping objects, typing, writing, or fine motor activities difficult and painful.

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. Helen can assess your needs.

• 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.
• 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.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Hands-on physiotherapy focused on mobilizing restricted joints and soft tissues to promote healing, restore normal biomechanics, and alleviate pain.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Identifying inefficient or compensatory movement patterns that could be contributing to your pain or hindering your physical performance.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Detailed analysis of your static and dynamic posture, with tailored exercises, stretches, and advice to help you improve alignment and reduce strain on your body.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Empowering you with a clear understanding of your condition, its causes, and practical tools for effective self-management and lasting relief.

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

• Many individuals seek help from Helen, their physiotherapist, when recovering from a burn and needing help with scar mobility and movement starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve developing better body awareness and understanding of healthy movement patterns, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like participating in community events and social gatherings more actively.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of dealing with ongoing pain and stiffness after a car accident, like whiplash? Helen works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of a return to intimacy without the fear of pain or discomfort. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as getting back to cycling for leisure or commuting.
• Patients often come to Helen feeling defeated by managing stiffness, tremors, and movement challenges with Parkinson's disease. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving feeling more stable and confident on their feet, especially on uneven surfaces and resuming enjoying long, challenging hikes on weekends again becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Rediscover your ability to reading a good book for hours without experiencing neck pain or headaches without the constant burden of swelling in my arm or leg, possibly lymphedema, after surgery or treatment. Helen focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to getting their strength back after surgery or a period of inactivity, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.

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

Helen practices at Joseph Brant Hospital, located in the Aldershot South neighborhood of Burlington. The clinic is conveniently located near Spencer Smith Park and is accessible via Burlington Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

While some physiotherapy techniques might feel uncomfortable or cause a temporary increase in soreness (similar to muscle soreness after a new workout), especially when working on stiff joints or tight muscles, it should not be excessively or intolerably painful. Your Physiotherapist will discuss what sensations you might expect with different treatments and will always aim to adjust the intensity and techniques to ensure you are as comfortable as possible while still achieving therapeutic benefits. Constant communication about your comfort level is very important.

Is there parking available at or near Joseph Brant Hospital?

Ample free patient parking is available directly in front of and beside Joseph Brant Hospital. Look for the designated patient spots. Additional street parking is available, but please check for time limits and restrictions.

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

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services in private outpatient clinics. 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. Check your private insurance for coverage, as many plans offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Joseph Brant Hospital treat?

Physiotherapists at Joseph Brant Hospital treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, back and neck pain, joint problems (arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, and nerve pain. We also have therapists specializing in cardiorespiratory physiotherapy. Treatments often involve manual therapy, neural mobilization techniques, exercise prescription, and patient education.

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

No, you do not need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist in Ontario. However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement; check your insurance policy before your appointment.

Joseph Brant Hospital
1245 Lakeshore Road
Burlington, ON, L7S 0A2

Phone: (905) 632-3737

Helen Christine Schelfhaut 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: XXX02

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=2a871dca-8b02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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