Jo-Anna Papageorgiou – Physiotherapist | Ajax, ON

Jo-Anna Papageorgiou is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Durham Orthopaedic Clinic in Ajax, ON, Anna Papageorgiou is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Anna Papageorgiou's focus is 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. Anna Papageorgiou serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Anna Papageorgiou completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 1987). With extensive clinical experience, Anna Papageorgiou is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Anna Papageorgiou has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Anna Papageorgiou employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Anna Papageorgiou promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Ajax community through proactive physiotherapy and utilizes a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Anna Papageorgiou offers consultations in English.

Anna Papageorgiou 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 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.

Common Musculoskeletal

• 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.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Pain, weakness, or restricted movement in the shoulder joint, often experienced with overhead activities, lifting, reaching behind your back, or sleeping on the affected side.

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. Anna Papageorgiou can assess your needs.

• Therapeutic Heat Application: The use of moist heat packs, paraffin wax, or other heat sources by your Physiotherapist to relax muscles, increase local blood flow, reduce stiffness, alleviate chronic pain, and improve tissue extensibility.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Assessing your fundamental movement patterns to identify limitations, asymmetries, and potential risk factors for injury or re-injury.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: The use of specific electrical stimulation devices (IFC or TENS) by your Physiotherapist to provide pain relief, reduce muscle spasm, decrease swelling, or promote muscle activation and re-education.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Helping you understand how your posture impacts your musculoskeletal health and providing you with tools for lasting postural improvement and pain relief.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): A non-invasive, evidence-based treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing, reduce pain, and promote tissue regeneration in stubborn soft tissue conditions that haven't responded to other therapies.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Providing clear guidance on self-care techniques, activity modifications, and beneficial lifestyle adjustments for long-term well-being and injury prevention.

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

• Through personalized physiotherapy at Anna Papageorgiou's clinic, common concerns like that 'arthritic' pain in my hands, hips, or knees are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of feeling more positive, capable, and optimistic about their physical health. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like operating machinery or tools safely and efficiently at work.
• If working on getting back to normal after a fracture or other surgery is preventing you from fully enjoying performing self-care tasks like hair washing or reaching their back, Anna Papageorgiou offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining enhanced recovery from post-surgical procedures with fewer complications, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• When trouble with a constantly stiff and sore neck, making turning my head a pain is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing attending concerts or theatre shows and sitting comfortably throughout, physiotherapy with Anna Papageorgiou can help you work towards a better ability to cope with the physical stresses of daily life. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Many individuals seek help from Anna Papageorgiou, their physiotherapist, when difficulty coordinating my movements, feeling clumsy starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve much better balance overall, reducing the risk of stumbles or falls, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like participating in community events and social gatherings more actively.

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

Anna Papageorgiou practices at Durham Orthopaedic Clinic, situated in the Southwood, Pickering Beach neighborhood of Ajax. The clinic is conveniently located near Westney Heights Area and is accessible via Durham Region Transit (DRT). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

What are Durham Orthopaedic Clinic's operating hours?

Durham Orthopaedic Clinic 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 (905) 428-7800 or check our website/online booking portal for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

How can I book an appointment at Durham Orthopaedic Clinic?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (905) 428-7800 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 types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Durham Orthopaedic 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), and nerve pain. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve manual therapy, exercise prescription, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

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.

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.

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 plans, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

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.

Durham Orthopaedic Clinic
60 Randall Dr., Unit 7 & 8
Ajax, ON, L1S 6L3

Phone: (905) 428-7800

Jo-Anna Papageorgiou 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: XXX74

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=cc652330-8a02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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