Joan Patricia Scannell – Physiotherapist | Etobicoke, ON

Joan Patricia Scannell is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Life Force Physiotherapy in Etobicoke, ON, Joan Scannell is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Joan Scannell 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. Joan Scannell serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Joan Patricia Scannell completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Trinity College Dublin (Graduating Class of 1993). With extensive clinical experience, Joan Scannell is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Joan Scannell has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Joan Scannell's practice philosophy centers on a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Joan Scannell adopts a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Joan Scannell offers consultations in English.

Joan Patricia Scannell provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Common Musculoskeletal

• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Discomfort felt around the shoulder blade, at the top of the shoulder, or radiating down the arm, making simple tasks challenging.
• 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.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Injury to muscle tissue that limits your strength, range of motion, and ability to perform specific movements or activities, requiring careful rehabilitation.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or stiffness in the wrist, hand, or fingers, often resulting from overuse, repetitive tasks, arthritis, or specific conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or De Quervain's tenosynovitis.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Pain, tenderness, swelling, and dysfunction in a tendon (the strong cords that attach muscles to bones) due to overuse, repetitive strain, injury, or degeneration. Common sites include the Achilles, patellar tendon (knee), rotator cuff (shoulder), or elbow (tennis/golfer's elbow).

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. Joan Scannell can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: An in-depth examination to fully understand your specific condition, allowing your Physiotherapist to create an effective and personalized rehabilitation plan.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Identifying inefficient or compensatory movement patterns that could be contributing to your pain or hindering your physical performance.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Application of skilled soft tissue techniques to manage pain, stiffness, and improve function in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Detailed analysis of your static and dynamic posture, with tailored exercises, stretches, and advice to help you improve alignment and reduce strain on your body.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Skilled hands-on techniques, including gentle joint mobilizations (smooth, rhythmic movements) and, where appropriate and authorized, joint manipulations (quick, precise thrusts) to restore optimal movement, reduce pain, and improve joint function.

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

• It's truly rewarding for Joan Scannell to witness patients conquer knee pain, especially when going up/down stairs or after a run and experience a feeling of being 'unstuck' and more supple. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in driving for longer periods without neck or back pain again.
• For those whose managing stiffness, tremors, and movement challenges with Parkinson's disease has made walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue or breathlessness seem like a distant memory, Joan Scannell's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward greater ease in performing overhead activities or reaching. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue or breathlessness with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Joan Scannell believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If post-operative stiffness and weakness that's slowing down my recovery is hindering your ability to peacefully paddling their kayak or canoe on the lake for hours, a personalized plan focusing on effectively managing chronic pain and reclaiming an active lifestyle can make all the difference.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of swelling in my arm or leg, possibly lymphedema, after surgery or treatment? Joan Scannell works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of feeling empowered to take control of their physical health journey. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as competing effectively in their curling league games.

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

Joan Scannell practices at Life Force Physiotherapy, a physiotherapy clinic in the central Etobicoke neighborhood of Etobicoke. 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.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiotherapist can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy refers to specialized hands-on techniques used by a Physiotherapist to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This can include joint mobilization (gentle, rhythmic gliding movements), joint manipulation (skilled, high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts, where appropriate and within the therapist's scope and with your consent), various soft tissue mobilization techniques (like massage, myofascial release, trigger point release), and neural mobilization (gentle techniques to improve nerve movement). The primary goals are to reduce pain, improve range of motion, restore optimal joint mechanics, reduce muscle tension, and enhance tissue repair and function.

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

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a doctor's referral. This is known as direct access. However, some private/extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider to understand their specific requirements before your first appointment.

How can I book an appointment at Life Force Physiotherapy?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (416) 207-9395 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.

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. It is strongly recommended that you check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

Life Force Physiotherapy
1 - 577 Burnhamthorpe Road
Etobicoke, ON, M9C 2Y3

Phone: (416) 207-9395

Joan Patricia Scannell 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: XXX15

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=fdb81bac-8b02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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