Irene Cernal Shields – Physiotherapist | Mississauga, ON

Irene Cernal Shields is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Trelawny Health Centre in Mississauga, ON, Irene Shields is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Irene Shields's focus is 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. Irene Shields serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Irene Cernal Shields completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Remedios Trinidad Romualdez Medical Foundation (Graduating Class of 2000). With extensive clinical experience, Irene Shields is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Irene Shields has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Irene Shields maintains a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Irene Shields employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Irene Shields offers consultations in English and Tagalog.

Irene Cernal Shields 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 degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.

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.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Neck problems that interfere with your sleep quality, ability to work comfortably (especially at a desk), or perform everyday tasks without pain.

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Addressing the inflammation, pain, and restricted movement associated with stenosing tenosynovitis of the finger or thumb.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Physiotherapy to help you regain optimal use of your hand and wrist after an injury, surgery, or due to a chronic condition, enabling you to return to work, hobbies, and daily tasks.

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. Irene Shields can assess your needs.

• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Evaluation of your body's basic movements (like squatting, lunging, reaching) to highlight areas for improvement in stability, mobility, and motor control.
• 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.
• 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.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Manual treatments specifically designed to improve joint mechanics, alleviate discomfort, reduce stiffness, and enhance your range of motion in the spine or limbs.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Educating you about your diagnosis, expected recovery timeline (prognosis), and the reasons behind your treatment plan to encourage active participation in your healing.

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

• It's truly rewarding for Irene Shields to witness patients conquer needing to improve my breathing patterns or lung capacity and experience improved ability to lift and carry objects correctly and safely. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in taking energetic, long walks with their dog every day again.
• Patients often come to Irene Shields feeling defeated by needing help to get moving again after a long period of illness or inactivity. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving achieving personal fitness goals that once seemed out of reach and resuming simply being able to get through a workday without constant pain interruptions becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Many find that post-operative stiffness and weakness that's slowing down my recovery significantly impacts their ability to playing a few sets of tennis without shoulder pain. Irene Shields helps patients target achieving their specific mobility goals, whether big or small with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of that burning pain between my shoulder blades from too much computer work? Irene Shields works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of improved joint health and a slowing of degenerative processes through better biomechanics. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as participating in community events and social gatherings more actively.

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

Irene Shields practices at Trelawny Health Centre, situated in the Churchill Meadows neighborhood of Mississauga. The clinic is conveniently located near Centennial Park (West edge) and is accessible via MiWay (Mississauga Transit). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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 Ontarians. 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. Always verify your specific eligibility directly with OHIP.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Definitely. A key aspect of physiotherapy is not just treating current problems but also preventing future ones. A Physiotherapist can assess your movement, identify potential weaknesses or imbalances that could lead to injury, and provide you with a personalized program of exercises and strategies. This proactive approach is beneficial for athletes, individuals with physically demanding jobs, or anyone looking to maintain long-term musculoskeletal health and avoid recurring pain.

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.

Does Trelawny Health Centre 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.

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

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

Trelawny Health Centre
7-3899 Trelawny Circle
Mississauga, ON, L5M 6S3

Phone: (905) 824-2007

Irene Cernal Shields 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: XXX32

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=6f1744a6-9302-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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