Helen Teresa Sumpter – Physiotherapist | London, ON

Helen Teresa Sumpter is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at LHSC - Windermere Rd in London, ON, Helen Sumpter is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Helen Sumpter focuses on providing comprehensive assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions to help patients of all ages restore function, manage pain, and improve their quality of life. Helen Sumpter serves adults.

Helen Teresa Sumpter completed their degree in Physiotherapy from West Middlesex University Hospital (Graduating Class of 1983). With extensive clinical experience, Helen Sumpter is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Helen Sumpter has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Helen Sumpter's practice philosophy centers on empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Helen Sumpter employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Helen Sumpter offers consultations in English.

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

Common Musculoskeletal

• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Damage to the body's movement system, including issues like joint inflammation, ligament tears, or muscle overstretching, often requiring physiotherapy for optimal recovery.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Painful neck conditions that can make head movements difficult, sometimes leading to headaches or radiating pain into the shoulders.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Pain, discomfort, or stiffness in the lumbar spine region, whether it's a sudden onset or a long-lasting issue affecting your daily life.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Discomfort experienced in the hip region, groin, outer hip, or buttock, potentially stemming from joint inflammation (bursitis), muscle strains, tendinopathy, or conservative management of labral tears.

Sports Injury

• Stress Fractures (Activity-Related - Conservative Management/Rehab): A bone injury resulting from an imbalance between bone resorption and bone formation due to repetitive mechanical loading, often seen in runners or athletes who rapidly increase their training.
• Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): Pain and tenderness along the inner edge of the shinbone (tibia), often resulting from running, jumping, or other repetitive impact activities, especially with sudden increases in training intensity or volume.

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 Sumpter can assess your needs.

• Therapeutic Heat Application: A comforting physiotherapy modality that helps to soothe tight muscles, decrease pain perception, and improve the flexibility of soft tissues.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): ESWT for chronic tendinopathies, heel spurs, and other musculoskeletal problems, aiming to break down scar tissue, increase blood flow, and trigger a healing response.
• 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.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: The application of specific wavelengths of light energy (cold laser) by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and accelerate tissue repair and regeneration at a cellular level.
• 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.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Using therapeutic cold to manage the initial stages of an injury (e.g., sprains, strains) and control inflammatory responses, helping to limit tissue damage.

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

• Through personalized physiotherapy at Helen Sumpter's clinic, common concerns like pain and difficulty with overhead movements like reaching into a cupboard are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of successfully integrating safe movement strategies into their daily routines. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like managing shopping trips and carrying bags without excessive fatigue or pain.
• For those whose persistent dizziness that isn't a spinning vertigo but makes me feel unsteady has made working at their desk all day without developing back or neck stiffness seem like a distant memory, Helen Sumpter's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward enjoying family vacations and outings with more energy and less pain. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to working at their desk all day without developing back or neck stiffness with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• The path to recovery from difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning shirts or writing due to hand pain and achieving experiencing significant pain relief, allowing for a more comfortable daily life for using garden tools effectively and without pain often starts with expert guidance. Helen Sumpter, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• At Helen Sumpter's physiotherapy practice, individuals with knee pain, especially when going up/down stairs or after a run are guided towards less reliance on pain medication, trusting more in their body's ability to heal and function. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event.

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

Helen Sumpter's practice is located at LHSC - Windermere Rd in the Downtown London, North London East neighborhood of London, ON. The clinic is conveniently located near the Fanshawe Conservation Area and is easily accessible via the London Transit Commission (LTC). Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

The primary goal of physiotherapy is generally to reduce pain and improve function, not to cause significant or lasting pain. Some assessment techniques or specific treatments (like deep soft tissue work, joint mobilization, or certain exercises) might cause mild, temporary discomfort or soreness, especially if the tissues being treated are sensitive, inflamed, or very stiff. However, your Physiotherapist will always work within your tolerance levels, communicate clearly about what to expect, and encourage open feedback. If you experience notable or unacceptable pain during treatment, please inform your therapist immediately so adjustments can be made to ensure your comfort.

Does LHSC - Windermere Rd offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

While we do not offer direct billing at this time, we provide detailed official receipts that you can easily submit to your insurer for reimbursement according to your plan. 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.

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

Some temporary post-treatment soreness can be normal, much like after a good workout. However, if your pain significantly worsens, if you develop new concerning symptoms, or if the discomfort doesn't settle down within a day or two, please call us. Your Physiotherapist would want to know so they can offer guidance and make any necessary adjustments to your care plan. Open communication is key to your successful recovery.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

During your first visit, the Physiotherapist will conduct a detailed evaluation to get a full picture of your condition. This usually involves a thorough discussion about your symptoms, how they impact your daily life, any relevant medical history, and your personal goals for therapy. A physical assessment will then be performed to help pinpoint the cause of your problem and assess your physical capabilities. Afterwards, your therapist will explain their findings, collaborate with you to set treatment goals, and outline a proposed plan of care. You'll likely receive some initial advice, exercises, or hands-on treatment to begin your recovery journey.

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 (direct access). However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your appointment.

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 demographics) but eligibility is strict. Check your private insurance coverage for private clinic physiotherapy services.

LHSC - Windermere Rd
339 Windermere Rd., P.O Box 5339
London, ON, N6A 5A5

Phone: (519) 685-8500

Helen Teresa Sumpter 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: XXX91

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=de54293d-8a02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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