Holly Janet Pattenden – Physiotherapist | Barrie, ON

Holly Janet Pattenden is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Georgian College in Barrie, ON, Holly is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Holly 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. Holly serves a diverse range of patients, tailoring her approach to meet each individual's unique needs and goals.

Holly Janet Pattenden completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 1982). With extensive clinical experience, Holly is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Holly has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Holly's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Barrie community through proactive physiotherapy. Holly maintains a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best possible care. Holly empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Holly offers consultations in English.

Holly Janet Pattenden provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Common Musculoskeletal

• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Common ankle injuries causing acute pain, persistent swelling, and instability, significantly affecting your ability to walk, run, or participate in sports.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Acute or chronic pain originating from various musculoskeletal sources, such as a pulled muscle (strain), inflamed tendon, or irritated bursa.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Aching, soreness, or sharp pain experienced in the neck, which may include muscle spasms, trigger points, or reduced flexibility.

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): 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.

Back Neck Pain

• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Symptoms resulting from a whiplash injury, which can vary in severity (WAD Grades I-III) and duration, requiring a comprehensive physiotherapy approach for recovery.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Muscular pain, trigger points, and tension headaches resulting from habitual poor posture, which can be addressed with postural re-education, exercises, and ergonomic advice.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Nerve compression symptoms due to a narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal or the small openings where nerves exit the spine (foramina), most commonly in the lumbar (lower back) or cervical (neck) regions.

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. Holly can assess your needs.

• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Skilled hands-on techniques, including gentle joint mobilizations (smooth, rhythmic movements) and, where appropriate and authorized, joint manipulations (quick, precise thrusts) to restore optimal movement, reduce pain, and improve joint function.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Gentle, active manual therapy techniques where you use your own specific muscle contractions against your therapist's controlled resistance to improve joint mobility, lengthen tight tissues, and reduce pain.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Specialized manual techniques aimed at restoring normal movement and function to peripheral nerves that may be compressed, adhered, or under tension.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Targeted exercises using resistance (such as bodyweight, resistance bands, free weights, or gym equipment) to build muscle strength, power, and endurance, tailored to your specific rehabilitation needs or performance goals.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized programs incorporating various stretching techniques (e.g., static, dynamic, PNF) to alleviate stiffness, increase tissue extensibility, and promote better posture.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Targeted exercises focused on strengthening the deep abdominal, back, pelvic floor, and diaphragm muscles to provide better support for your spine, improve posture, enhance balance, and increase movement efficiency.

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

• Many find that working on getting back to normal after a fracture or other surgery significantly impacts their ability to being able to kneel or squat down to play with pets or children. Holly helps patients target a better ability to cope with the physical stresses of daily life with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• The journey to greater confidence when walking, standing, or navigating challenging environments when faced with persistent dealing with pelvic pain or bladder/bowel control issues (for both men and women) is made smoother and more effective with Holly's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like managing shopping trips and carrying bags without excessive fatigue or pain.
• Tired of sharp pain shooting down my leg, feeling a lot like sciatica interfering with getting back to golfing 18 holes without their back acting up? Holly uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve improved overall mobility, making it easier to navigate their home and community and regain your freedom of movement.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from experiencing discomfort, back pain, or pelvic girdle pain during or after pregnancy and achieved a greater sense of body confidence and trust in their physical abilities under the skilled care of Holly. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as managing their personal care routines independently with a new lease on life.

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

Holly's practice at Georgian College is situated in the Downtown Barrie, East Bayfield neighborhood of Barrie. The clinic is conveniently located near Downtown Barrie and is accessible via Barrie Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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

To make your first appointment as smooth and productive as possible, please consider bringing: your health card, any doctor's referral letter (if applicable), results or reports of any imaging tests (X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs) related to your current condition, a list of any medications you are currently taking, and your extended health benefits information (insurance card/policy number) for direct billing if available at our clinic. Wearing comfortable clothes is also a good idea.

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, even though a referral isn't legally required to see a Physiotherapist, some private insurance plans may require one for coverage. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements for physiotherapy coverage.

Does Georgian College 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 of the fees not covered by your insurance.

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. It is strongly recommended to check your private insurance coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows the Physiotherapist to easily access and assess the area being treated, and permits you to move freely for any exercises or movements. For example, shorts are ideal for knee, hip, or ankle issues, while a tank top or loose t-shirt works well for shoulder, neck, or upper back problems. Athletic wear or gym attire is generally a good choice. You may also be provided with a gown if needed.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not be painful. While you might feel some discomfort or a stretching sensation as you work to regain movement or strength, especially in the initial stages of treatment, it should not be distressing or harmful. Your Physiotherapist will guide you through each step, modify treatments to suit your comfort and tolerance, and ensure that the overall experience is positive. The ultimate aim is to make you feel better, not worse.

Georgian College
1 Georgian Drive, School of Health & Wellness
Barrie, ON, L4M 3X9

Phone: (705) 728-1968

Holly Janet Pattenden 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: XXX78

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=a5148699-8902-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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