Jennifer Leigh Fitzgerald – Physiotherapist | Peterborough, ON

Jennifer Leigh Fitzgerald is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Pulse Physiotherapy in Peterborough, ON, Jenn Fitzgerald is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Jenn Fitzgerald's practice 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. Jenn Fitzgerald also provides specialized assessment and treatment for conditions related to the pelvic floor and surrounding region for all genders. This includes issues such as incontinence, pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse, sexual dysfunction, and pre/post-natal concerns. Jenn Fitzgerald serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Jennifer Leigh Fitzgerald completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2013). With extensive clinical experience, Jenn Fitzgerald is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Jenn Fitzgerald has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Pelvic Health Physiotherapy and Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Jenn Fitzgerald's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Peterborough community through proactive physiotherapy. Jenn Fitzgerald employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Jenn Fitzgerald maintains a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best possible care. Jenn Fitzgerald offers consultations in English.

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

Pregnancy Postpartum

• Postpartum Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (e.g., Incontinence, Pain, Prolapse): Pelvic floor issues arising after childbirth (vaginal or C-section), such as urinary or fecal incontinence, perineal pain, painful intercourse (dyspareunia), symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse, or tailbone pain.
• C-Section Scar Management and Abdominal Recovery: Addressing adhesions, discomfort, and functional limitations related to C-section scars, promoting better movement and core engagement.
• Pregnancy-Related Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) / Low Back Pain / Sciatica: Managing discomfort, improving stability, and maintaining function during pregnancy through safe and effective physiotherapy, including manual therapy, specific exercises, postural advice, and support belt recommendations.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Damage to the body's movement system, including issues like joint inflammation, ligament tears, or muscle overstretching, often requiring physiotherapy for optimal recovery.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Hip problems that interfere with your mobility, sleep, and daily comfort, which can be effectively managed with physiotherapy interventions.

Pelvic Health

• Urinary Incontinence (Stress, Urge, Mixed - Men & Women): Involuntary loss of urine, which can occur with physical exertion like coughing or jumping (stress incontinence), a strong, sudden urge to urinate (urge incontinence), or a combination of both. Affects both men and women and is often treatable with physiotherapy.
• Painful Intercourse (Dyspareunia) / Vaginismus / Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder: Pelvic or genital pain experienced before, during, or after sexual activity (dyspareunia), often related to pelvic floor muscle overactivity (hypertonicity/guarding), trigger points, scar tissue (e.g., from childbirth or surgery), nerve irritation, or conditions like vulvodynia or vestibulodynia. Vaginismus involves involuntary spasm of pelvic floor muscles making penetration difficult or impossible.
• Constipation / Bowel Dysfunction (Pelvic Floor Related): Difficulty with bowel movements, such as infrequent stools, straining, a sensation of incomplete emptying, or the need for manual maneuvers to defecate, which may be linked to pelvic floor muscle tension (hypertonicity), weakness, or incoordination (dyssynergic defecation).
• Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS - Men & Women): Persistent or recurrent pain experienced in the pelvic region (e.g., lower abdomen, perineum, genitals, rectum), which can have various causes including musculoskeletal dysfunction (e.g., tight pelvic floor muscles, trigger points), nerve irritation, or visceral issues. Affects both men and women.

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. Jenn Fitzgerald can assess your needs.

• Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy (Assessment & Treatment - Internal exams where authorized/applicable and with consent): Expert physiotherapy for issues related to bladder and bowel control, pelvic pain, prolapse symptoms, and sexual health, helping you regain confidence and comfort in your pelvic region.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Using controlled isometric and isotonic muscle contractions, as directed by your Physiotherapist, to address joint restrictions and muscle imbalances effectively.
• Biofeedback for Pelvic Floor Muscle Retraining: Enhancing pelvic floor rehabilitation through real-time feedback on muscle function, guided by your Pelvic Health Physiotherapist.
• Perineal & Pelvic Pain Rehabilitation: Specialized rehabilitation programs aimed at restoring optimal function, reducing pain, desensitizing tissues, and improving muscle coordination in the perineal and pelvic areas.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.
• 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.

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

• Struggling with the frustration of difficulty moving one side of my body or walking easily after a stroke? Jenn Fitzgerald develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving achieving their specific mobility goals, whether big or small. This is key to helping you get back to doing sitting comfortably through a movie at the cinema or a play with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• Don't let feeling generally stiff, achy, and less mobile than I used to be dictate what you can and cannot do. Jenn Fitzgerald offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at enhanced ability to participate in social and community events, helping you reclaim doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain and enjoy a more functional life.
• When post-operative stiffness and weakness that's slowing down my recovery is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing using garden tools effectively and without pain, physiotherapy with Jenn Fitzgerald can help you work towards decreased frequency and intensity of headaches related to neck or postural issues. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Jenn Fitzgerald believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If general muscle strains and pulls from overdoing it at the gym or in the garden is hindering your ability to engaging in volunteer work that might have physical demands, a personalized plan focusing on regaining full function in an injured area, enabling a return to cherished activities can make all the difference.

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

Jenn Fitzgerald practices at Pulse Physiotherapy, situated in the South End, Otonabee neighborhood of Peterborough. The clinic is conveniently located near Market Hall Performing Arts Centre and is accessible via Peterborough Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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. Always check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

What is Pulse Physiotherapy's appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients who may be waiting for care. A fee may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, a personalized home exercise program is a crucial and integral component of most physiotherapy treatment plans. Your Physiotherapist will prescribe specific exercises tailored to your condition, abilities, and goals. These exercises are designed to complement your in-clinic treatment, help you manage your symptoms effectively between sessions, accelerate your recovery, and empower you with tools for long-term self-management. Your active participation in your home program is key for optimal results.

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

Some temporary post-treatment soreness can be normal, much like after a good workout. However, if your pain significantly worsens, if you develop new concerning symptoms, or if the discomfort doesn't settle down within a day or two, please call us. Your Physiotherapist would want to know so they can offer guidance and make any necessary adjustments to your care plan. Open communication is key to your successful recovery.

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 of physiotherapy services. Check your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

Pulse Physiotherapy
2-886 Chemong Rd
Peterborough, ON, K9H 5Z8

Phone: (905) 874-0222

Jennifer Leigh Fitzgerald 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: XXX60

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=4dc40db6-9102-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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