Jennifer Catherine Wakefield – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Jennifer Catherine Wakefield is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Bayview Physiotherapy & Sports Medicine Clinic in Toronto, ON, Jennifer Wakefield is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Jennifer Wakefield addresses 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 Wakefield serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Jennifer Catherine Wakefield completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Queen's University (Graduating Class of 1991). With extensive clinical experience, Jennifer Wakefield is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Jennifer Wakefield has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Jennifer Wakefield empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results; promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy; and employing a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Jennifer Wakefield offers consultations in English, French.

Jennifer Catherine Wakefield provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Post Surgical

• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Helping you manage pain, improve scar mobility, and regain optimal strength and range of motion in a limb following fracture fixation surgery.
• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Specialized physiotherapy focused on regaining shoulder movement, strength, stability, and function after various types of shoulder surgeries, such as rotator cuff repair, labral tear repair, shoulder stabilization procedures (e.g., Bankart repair), or shoulder joint replacement (arthroplasty).
• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): A structured physiotherapy plan to help you recover full function, independence, and confidence in your new hip after replacement surgery.

Back Neck Pain

• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Pain, pins and needles, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg resulting from irritation or compression of a spinal nerve, often managed effectively with physiotherapy techniques like McKenzie method or neural mobilization.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Back or neck pain accompanied by associated limb symptoms (pain, sensory changes, weakness) due to a constricted spinal canal, which physiotherapy can help manage conservatively.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: A common cause of persistent back and neck pain due to the cumulative strain of prolonged sitting, standing, or performing tasks in non-ideal positions.

Arthritis

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Tailored exercise programs (including range of motion, strengthening, and low-impact aerobic exercises), pain relief modalities, and education on joint protection techniques and energy conservation for individuals with RA or similar conditions.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Individualized exercise programs and pain management strategies tailored for psoriatic arthritis to help reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Supportive physiotherapy care for joint recovery and function after gout flares, focusing on restoring range of motion, reducing inflammation, and providing advice on joint protection and lifestyle factors.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A type of chronic inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spine (especially the sacroiliac joints and vertebrae), leading to pain, stiffness, and potential fusion of vertebrae, which can result in a stooped posture if not managed.

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 Wakefield can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: A carefully selected set of exercises specific to your condition and abilities, aimed at restoring function, reducing pain, improving movement, and preventing future issues.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized programs incorporating various stretching techniques (e.g., static, dynamic, PNF) to alleviate stiffness, increase tissue extensibility, and promote better posture.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: A progressive approach to rebuilding your physical condition, allowing for a safe return to daily activities, work demands, and hobbies you enjoy.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Application of skilled soft tissue techniques to manage pain, stiffness, and improve function in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.

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

• Patients often come to Jennifer Wakefield feeling defeated by clicking, popping, or pain in my jaw (TMJ issues) when I eat or talk. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving achieving personal fitness goals that once seemed out of reach and resuming running their usual 5k route without knee pain becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Jennifer Wakefield believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If wrist pain and tingling, possibly from carpal tunnel syndrome, especially at night is hindering your ability to walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue or breathlessness, a personalized plan focusing on getting their strength back after surgery or a period of inactivity can make all the difference.
• Jennifer Wakefield frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of my infant having a tilted head or a flat spot on their head (torticollis/plagiocephaly). A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets restoring normal movement patterns essential for everyday tasks and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like travelling more comfortably on planes, trains, or in cars for longer durations.
• When feeling like my joints are just 'wearing out' and getting harder to move is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing being able to perform deep cleaning tasks around the house, physiotherapy with Jennifer Wakefield can help you work towards a reduction in nerve-related symptoms like tingling or numbness. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.

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

Jennifer Wakefield's practice is located at Bayview Physiotherapy & Sports Medicine Clinic in the Leaside neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic enjoys a convenient location near the Financial District Core and is easily accessible via the TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Bayview Physiotherapy & Sports Medicine Clinic 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 Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and general physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve manual therapy, exercise prescription, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

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.

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. We strongly advise checking your private insurance for private clinic coverage.

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

Patients in ON 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. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Essentially, physiotherapy helps you get moving and stay moving effectively and comfortably. Whether you're dealing with an acute injury, chronic pain, post-surgical recovery, or a condition affecting your physical abilities, your Physiotherapist will work with you. They'll use their expertise in body mechanics, rehabilitation, and pain management to create a personalized treatment plan involving exercises, hands-on techniques, and practical advice to help you achieve your functional goals and live a more active, fulfilling life.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. Contact your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand your plan's specifics. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If our clinic offers direct billing and your plan allows it, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance not covered by your plan at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and all necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.

How can I book an appointment at Bayview Physiotherapy & Sports Medicine Clinic?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (416) 429-7873 during our business hours. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

Temporary soreness or a mild increase in symptoms after physiotherapy is sometimes normal, especially initially or with 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, contact the clinic immediately. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

Bayview Physiotherapy & Sports Medicine Clinic
20 Brentcliffe Rd, Unit 4
Toronto, ON, M4G 0C6

Phone: (416) 429-7873

Jennifer Catherine Wakefield 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: XXX57

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=0b98c3a8-9602-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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