Jacqueline Mary Louise Laferrière – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Jacqueline Mary Louise Laferrière is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, ON, Jacqueline Laferrière is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Jacqueline Laferrière focuses on 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. Jacqueline Laferrière serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Jacqueline Mary Louise Laferrière completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2016). With extensive clinical experience, Jacqueline Laferrière is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Jacqueline Laferrière has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Jacqueline Laferrière employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Jacqueline Laferrière utilizes a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Jacqueline Laferrière offers consultations in English, French.

Jacqueline Mary Louise Laferrière provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Arthritis

• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Exercises and advice to manage the impact of gout on your joints, improve mobility, and reduce the likelihood of long-term joint damage.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A physiotherapy approach to address the unique challenges of AS, aiming to keep you as mobile and active as possible and support your spinal health and overall well-being.

Hand Wrist

• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Focused physiotherapy care for complex hand and wrist problems, often involving custom splinting or orthosis fabrication, manual therapy (joint and soft tissue mobilization), specific exercises to restore dexterity, strength, and range of motion, scar management, and sensory re-education.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): A condition where a finger or thumb gets stuck or 'catches' in a bent position, then may snap straight (like pulling a trigger). Caused by inflammation and narrowing of the tendon sheath around the flexor tendon.

Back Neck Pain

• 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.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Post-traumatic neck pain, restricted movement, and associated issues common after car accidents, which benefit from early and appropriate physiotherapy intervention.

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. Jacqueline Laferrière can assess your needs.

• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Structured physical activities and exercises aimed at helping you safely regain strength, stamina, and confidence in your body's abilities, tailored to your current level.
• 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.
• 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.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Customized exercise plans designed to help you recover from injury, manage chronic conditions, improve physical performance, and achieve your functional goals safely and effectively.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Gentle, specific movements and mobilizations designed to address nerve-related pain (like sciatica or carpal tunnel symptoms), tingling, numbness, or restrictions by improving the nerve's ability to glide freely and reducing irritation.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Education and instruction on effective and safe stretching techniques to help you maintain or improve your body's flexibility and joint mobility.

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

• Many find that loss of strength in one of my limbs after an injury significantly impacts their ability to simply being able to get through a workday without constant pain interruptions. Jacqueline Laferrière helps patients target waking up feeling more refreshed with considerably less pain and stiffness with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Jacqueline Laferrière can help you move beyond that burning pain between my shoulder blades from too much computer work. The focus is on developing better body awareness and understanding of healthy movement patterns, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as attending their favorite yoga and pilates classes without limitation.
• Struggling with the frustration of awful foot pain first thing in the morning, like I'm walking on glass (plantar fasciitis)? Jacqueline Laferrière develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving improved balance and coordination, leading to safer and more confident mobility in seniors. This is key to helping you get back to doing keeping up with their team during our weekly soccer match with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• Many individuals seek help from Jacqueline Laferrière, their physiotherapist, when an old ankle sprain that never seems to fully heal and still feels weak starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve a feeling of being 'unstuck' and more supple, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like pushing a stroller or shopping cart without difficulty.

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

Jacqueline Laferrière practices at St. Michael's Hospital, located in the St. James Town neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Toronto City Hall and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

In physiotherapy, manual therapy encompasses a range of 'hands-on' interventions. Your Physiotherapist may use these techniques to help reduce your pain, increase joint movement, relax tight muscles, or improve the mobility of your nerves. Common approaches include joint glides, sustained pressures, specific soft tissue massage, and, when indicated, joint manipulations. It's a key part of helping your body move better.

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

Does St. Michael's Hospital offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

St. Michael's Hospital may or may not offer direct billing. Please contact the clinic directly to confirm their billing practices. If direct billing is not available, you will receive an official receipt to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. Always confirm your coverage details, including annual maximums, per-visit limits, or deductibles, with your insurance provider before your appointment, as plans vary. You are responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.

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.

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

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations, such as 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 that you check your private insurance coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

St. Michael's Hospital
61 Queen St E, 2nd Floor
Toronto, ON, M5C 2T2

Phone: (416) 864-5180

Jacqueline Mary Louise Laferrière 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: XXX52

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=b555a452-9302-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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