Jessica Kate Manuel – Physiotherapist | Guelph, ON

Jessica Kate Manuel is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Defy Sports Performance & Physiotherapy in Guelph, ON, Jess is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Jess's approach 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. Jess serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Jessica Kate Manuel completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 2022). With clinical experience, Jess is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Jess has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

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

Jessica Kate Manuel provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Arthritis

• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Helping you regain mobility, reduce discomfort, and improve function in affected joints after a gout episode, as part of your overall gout management plan.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Physiotherapy as an important part of a multidisciplinary team approach to managing rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis), helping to minimize disease impact and maximize quality of life.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Helping to manage the musculoskeletal aspects of psoriatic disease, working in conjunction with medical management to optimize your physical function and comfort.

Post Surgical

• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): A tailored physiotherapy program following hip joint replacement to optimize your recovery, manage pain, ensure adherence to any precautions, and facilitate a return to an active lifestyle.
• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): A progressive rehabilitation program after surgery to fix a broken bone, helping you regain full use of your arm or leg and return to your normal activities.
• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): Supportive physiotherapy to aid your recovery and help you manage symptoms after back or neck surgery, focusing on education, safe movement strategies, and specific exercises.

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. Jess can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: Utilizing therapeutic laser to enhance tissue regeneration, reduce pain signals, and manage inflammation as part of your comprehensive physiotherapy care.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: The application of high-frequency sound waves by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to promote deep tissue heating, increase local blood flow, reduce pain, and facilitate the healing process in soft tissues like muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): The therapeutic use of different electrical currents by your Physiotherapist to achieve specific physiological effects, such as improving muscle contraction, reducing atrophy, or enhancing functional movement.
• 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.

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

• Physiotherapy with Jess can be a transformative turning point for those affected by trouble with everyday tasks because of pain or weakness in my hands or grip. The shared goal is achieving learning specific exercises that provide ongoing relief and maintain their progress, paving the way for you to enjoy running their usual 5k route without knee pain and a more active, vibrant life.
• Jess frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of my child complaining of 'growing pains' that keep them up at night. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets sleeping more soundly through the night due to reduced pain and discomfort and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like challenging myself with indoor or outdoor rock climbing.
• With Jess's help, managing pain or weakness that's stopping me from enjoying my favorite hobbies to achieve noticeable strength gains in their limbs, supporting more demanding tasks becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like returning to dancing, whether it's ballet, salsa, or just for fun.
• Many find that recovering my strength and mobility after a knee or hip replacement surgery significantly impacts their ability to working at their desk all day without developing back or neck stiffness. Jess helps patients target feeling more positive, capable, and optimistic about their physical health with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.

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

Jess practices at Defy Sports Performance & Physiotherapy, situated in the Westminster Woods, Pine Ridge neighborhood of Guelph. The clinic is conveniently located near Stone Road Mall and is accessible via Guelph Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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, even though a referral isn't legally required to *see* a physiotherapist, some private insurance plans may require one for coverage. It's crucial to check your individual insurance policy before your first appointment to avoid unexpected costs.

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 through specific programs (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. Most Ontarians utilize private insurance or pay out-of-pocket for physiotherapy services in private clinics. Check your private insurance coverage and contact OHIP directly to verify your eligibility for any publicly funded programs.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial physiotherapy appointment is a comprehensive assessment. Your Physiotherapist will start by discussing your medical history, the details of your current symptoms or injury, your concerns, and what you hope to achieve with physiotherapy (your functional goals). This is followed by a thorough physical examination, which may include evaluating your range of motion, strength, posture, balance, and specific movement patterns, as well as performing special tests relevant to your condition. Based on these findings, your therapist will provide a clinical impression or diagnosis, discuss a personalized treatment plan with you, and often begin some initial treatment or provide education and a home exercise program to get you started.

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?

Your first physiotherapy appointment, which includes a detailed assessment and the development of your initial treatment plan, usually takes about 60 minutes. Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled for 30 to 45 minutes. The exact duration of each session will depend on the nature of your treatment and what your Physiotherapist has planned for that specific visit to best help you progress.

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 are Defy Sports Performance & Physiotherapy's operating hours?

Defy Sports Performance & Physiotherapy is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and some practitioners offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call our office at 519-836-3339 or check our website for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

Defy Sports Performance & Physiotherapy
8 - 225 Hanlon Creek Boulevard
Guelph, ON, N1C 0A1

Phone: (226) 780-2529

Jessica Kate Manuel 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: XXX85

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=9aa00628-7612-ed11-b83e-0022486df36c

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