Helena Dackovic – Physiotherapist | Waterloo, ON

Helena Dackovic is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Pelvic Health Focus). Practicing at KW Pelvic Health in Waterloo, ON, Helena Dackovic is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Helena Dackovic provides specialized assessment and treatment for conditions related to the pelvic floor and surrounding region for all genders. This includes issues such as incontinence, pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse, sexual dysfunction, and pre/post-natal concerns. Helena Dackovic serves adults.

Helena Dackovic completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 2018). With clinical experience, Helena Dackovic is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Helena Dackovic has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Pelvic Health Physiotherapy.

Helena Dackovic employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Waterloo community through proactive physiotherapy; a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Helena Dackovic offers consultations in English, Serbian.

Helena Dackovic provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Chronic Pain

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) - Activity Management: A complex, chronic illness characterized by profound, persistent fatigue (not relieved by rest and often worsened by exertion - Post-Exertional Malaise or PEM), accompanied by other symptoms like pain, cognitive difficulties ('brain fog'), unrefreshing sleep, and orthostatic intolerance. Physiotherapy focuses on careful activity management and pacing, not graded exercise therapy that pushes through fatigue.
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) - Supportive Care: Gentle, carefully progressed, and specialized physiotherapy to help manage the challenging symptoms of CRPS and improve functional abilities.

Pelvic Health

• Prostatitis Symptoms / Chronic Pelvic Pain in Men (Supportive Care): Physiotherapy interventions focusing on pelvic floor muscle relaxation, trigger point release (internal and external), nerve gliding, bladder retraining, and pain management strategies for men experiencing prostatitis-like symptoms such as perineal pain, urinary urgency/frequency, or pain with ejaculation.
• Pelvic Organ Prolapse (Conservative Management): Conservative management of pelvic organ prolapse symptoms, focusing on pelvic floor muscle strengthening and coordination exercises (Kegels), pessary guidance (if applicable), postural advice, and lifestyle modifications to reduce symptoms and improve support.
• Painful Intercourse (Dyspareunia) / Vaginismus / Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder: Addressing the physical (musculoskeletal and neuromuscular) components of painful intercourse or penetration difficulties through targeted physiotherapy interventions.
• Urinary Incontinence (Stress, Urge, Mixed - Men & Women): Specialized physiotherapy management of bladder leakage issues through targeted pelvic floor muscle training (Kegels and more), bladder retraining techniques, education, and lifestyle advice.

Common Musculoskeletal

• 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): Lower back issues that restrict your ability to bend, lift, sit for long periods, or enjoy your usual activities without discomfort.

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. Helena Dackovic can assess your needs.

• Chronic & Persistent Pain Management Programs: Multifaceted and individualized physiotherapy approaches including pain science education (understanding your pain), graded exercise therapy, pacing strategies, coping mechanisms, manual therapy (where appropriate), and relaxation techniques to help you manage persistent pain and improve your quality of life.
• Perineal & Pelvic Pain Rehabilitation: Addressing persistent pain and functional limitations in the pelvic region through targeted manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, pain science education, and self-management strategies.
• Biofeedback for Pelvic Floor Muscle Retraining: Guided exercises with visual or auditory biofeedback to improve your ability to correctly activate, strengthen, coordinate, or relax your pelvic floor muscles, enhancing treatment outcomes for incontinence or pelvic pain.
• 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.
• Pre-Natal (Pregnancy) Physiotherapy: Specialized physiotherapy care to manage common musculoskeletal pain and discomfort during pregnancy, such as low back pain, pelvic girdle pain (PGP), sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, and rib pain.
• Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy (Assessment & Treatment - Internal exams where authorized/applicable and with consent): Comprehensive and confidential care for a range of pelvic health concerns, utilizing evidence-based techniques including specific exercises (Kegels and beyond), manual therapy, biofeedback, and education.

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

• Many find that difficulty coordinating my movements, feeling clumsy significantly impacts their ability to challenging myself with indoor or outdoor rock climbing. Helena Dackovic helps patients target noticeable strength gains in their limbs, supporting more demanding tasks with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Helena Dackovic frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of that 'pins and needles' feeling that won't go away. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets enjoying family vacations and outings with more energy and less pain and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like using garden tools effectively and without pain.
• With Helena Dackovic's help, managing trouble performing repetitive tasks at work without pain to achieve being able to climb stairs with ease and confidence once again becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like shoveling snow or raking leaves without aggravating their back.
• The path to recovery from feeling unsteady on my feet or experiencing dizziness and balance problems and achieving better managing flare-ups with personalized strategies and feeling more in control of their symptoms for being able to carry their baby or toddler without straining their back or arms often starts with expert guidance. Helena Dackovic, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.

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

Helena Dackovic's practice, KW Pelvic Health, is situated in the Waterloo East (Glenridge, Lincoln Heights) neighborhood of Waterloo. The clinic is conveniently located near University Plaza and is accessible via Grand River Transit (GRT) (Bus and ION Light Rail). Please inquire regarding specific accessibility needs for our clinic. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at KW Pelvic Health 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 Pelvic Health Physiotherapy and general physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve Chronic & Persistent Pain Management Programs, Perineal & Pelvic Pain Rehabilitation, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

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 KW Pelvic Health or your physician directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

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

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. Check your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

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. Check your private insurance for private clinic coverage and verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with OHIP.

Is there parking available at or near KW Pelvic Health?

Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

KW Pelvic Health
48 Laurel Street
Waterloo, ON, N2J 2H2

Phone: (226) 212-5010

Helena Dackovic 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: XXX13

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=fa04779d-d0ba-e811-8178-480fcff40721

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