Jennifer Caroline Alford – Physiotherapist | Ancaster, ON

Jennifer Caroline Alford is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Meadowlands Physio & Fitness in Ancaster, ON, Jennifer is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Jennifer 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. Jennifer serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Jennifer Caroline Alford completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 2000). With extensive clinical experience, Jennifer is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Jennifer has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Jennifer's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Ancaster community through proactive physiotherapy. Jennifer has a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Jennifer Alford offers consultations in English.

Jennifer Caroline Alford 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): 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 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.

Arthritis

• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Individualized exercise programs and pain management strategies tailored for psoriatic arthritis to help reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Specific exercises (e.g., McKenzie exercises, stretching, postural exercises) and strategies to help individuals with ankylosing spondylitis maintain function, reduce stiffness, and prevent long-term spinal changes.

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. Jennifer can assess your needs.

• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Utilizing targeted electrical currents to help alleviate pain, manage discomfort, and support healing in conjunction with other physiotherapy interventions.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: Application of therapeutic heat to prepare tissues for exercise, manual therapy, or stretching, or to manage chronic muscle soreness and joint stiffness.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): The application of focused acoustic waves (Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy) by a trained Physiotherapist to treat chronic tendon issues (e.g., plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, Achilles tendinopathy), calcific tendinosis, and other persistent musculoskeletal conditions.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): The application of cold packs, ice massage, or other cold modalities by your Physiotherapist to reduce swelling, inflammation, muscle spasm, and acute pain, particularly after an injury.
• 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: The application of gentle, controlled mechanical or manual force to distract (stretch) spinal segments, aiming to alleviate pressure on intervertebral discs, nerves, and facet joints.

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

• Physiotherapy with Jennifer can be a transformative turning point for those affected by trying to get back to their best after a frustrating sports injury. The shared goal is achieving effectively managing chronic pain and reclaiming an active lifestyle, paving the way for them to enjoy engaging in volunteer work that might have physical demands and a more active, vibrant life.
• The path to recovery from pain and difficulty with overhead movements like reaching into a cupboard and achieving the ability to manage symptoms independently if they occasionally recur for easily carrying groceries in from the car in one or two trips often starts with expert guidance. Jennifer, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• Many individuals seek help from Jennifer, their physiotherapist, when recovering from a burn and needing help with scar mobility and movement starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve successfully avoiding or delaying the need for more invasive treatments or surgery, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like reading a good book for hours without experiencing neck pain or headaches.
• Tired of an awkward gait or limping when walking interfering with enduring their daily commute, whether driving or on public transit, without stiffness? Jennifer uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help them achieve experiencing significant pain relief, allowing for a more comfortable daily life and regain their freedom of movement.

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

Jennifer practices at Meadowlands Physio & Fitness, a physiotherapy clinic in the central Ancaster neighborhood of Ancaster, ON. The clinic is conveniently located near nearby parks and community recreation facilities and is accessible via local public transit routes. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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

In Ontario, you typically do not need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist. This is known as direct access. However, while a referral isn't legally required for *access* to physiotherapy services, some private or extended health 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 first appointment.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Absolutely! Home exercises are a vital part of your rehabilitation journey and empower you to take an active role in your recovery process. Your Physiotherapist will carefully select and teach you exercises specific to your needs. These exercises help to reinforce what's done in the clinic, manage your condition effectively, and ensure you continue progressing towards your goals even when you're not in a session.

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

Physiotherapy services in private clinics are generally not covered by OHIP for most Ontarians. 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. You should check your private insurance coverage as many plans offer significant coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

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

For your first visit, please bring your provincial health card (e.g., Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card, if applicable for any publicly funded programs or simply for identification), any relevant medical information such as a doctor's referral note (if you have one), reports from recent imaging (like X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound scans), and a list of your current medications. Also, if you plan to use private health insurance, bring your insurance card or policy details. Finally, wear or bring comfortable clothing suitable for assessment and movement.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

You can expect your initial physiotherapy visit to be around an hour long. This extended time allows for a comprehensive assessment of your condition and a collaborative discussion about your treatment goals. Subsequent follow-up sessions are generally between 30 and 45 minutes, though this can be adjusted based on your individual requirements. Your Physiotherapist will advise on the appropriate appointment length for your specific care.

Meadowlands Physio & Fitness
26 Legend Crt., Unit 8
Ancaster, ON, L9K 1J3

Phone: (905) 304-4430

Jennifer Caroline Alford 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: XXX00

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=9d69c0da-8c02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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