Joanna Lesley Parkes – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Joanna Lesley Parkes is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy Focus). Practicing at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, ON, Jo is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Jo specializes in managing acute and chronic conditions affecting the heart and lungs, such as COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis, post-operative cardiac or respiratory recovery, and post-COVID symptoms. Jo's approach involves breathing exercises, airway clearance techniques, exercise prescription, and patient education, all tailored to meet the specific needs of each individual. Jo serves adult patients.

Joanna Lesley Parkes completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Queen's University (Graduating Class of 2005). With extensive clinical experience, Jo is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Jo has a particular interest and further training in cardiorespiratory physiotherapy.

Jo embraces a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Jo's patient-centered approach actively involves individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting, ensuring that care is tailored to their unique circumstances and aspirations. Jo offers consultations in English.

Joanna Lesley Parkes provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Conditions like 'jumper's knee' (patellar tendinopathy), 'swimmer's shoulder' (rotator cuff tendinopathy), or 'tennis elbow' (lateral epicondylitis) caused by tendon issues that limit your ability to perform specific tasks.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.

Cardioresp

• Bronchiectasis Management (Airway Clearance): Improving lung hygiene, reducing cough burden, and enhancing quality of life for those with bronchiectasis through tailored physiotherapy interventions.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Management (e.g., Chronic Bronchitis, Emphysema): A progressive lung disease characterized by airflow limitation (making it hard to breathe out), leading to common symptoms like persistent breathlessness (especially with activity), chronic cough, and sputum (mucus) production.
• Post-Cardiac Event Rehabilitation (Supportive Care, e.g., after MI or CABG): Physiotherapy exercise guidance, education on safe activity progression, and risk factor modification support as part of a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program following events like a heart attack (myocardial infarction - MI), heart surgery (e.g., coronary artery bypass graft - CABG, valve replacement), or angioplasty.

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. Jo can assess your needs.

• Post-COVID-19 Condition / Long COVID Rehabilitation: A structured physiotherapy approach to address the diverse and often fluctuating symptoms of Long COVID, aiming to improve exercise tolerance gradually, manage fatigue, and support a return to meaningful activities.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Structured physical activities and exercises aimed at helping you safely regain strength, stamina, and confidence in your body's abilities, tailored to your current level.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Developing muscular strength and endurance to aid in injury recovery, support affected joints, improve biomechanics, and enhance athletic performance or demanding physical tasks.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Education and instruction on effective and safe stretching techniques to help you maintain or improve your body's flexibility and joint mobility.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: A progressive program designed to build a strong and stable core, improving your body's foundation for all movements and reducing strain on other structures.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Customized exercise plans designed to help you recover from injury, manage chronic conditions, improve physical performance, and achieve your functional goals safely and effectively.

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

• Many find that a noticeable curve in my child's spine or uneven shoulders (scoliosis concerns) significantly impacts their ability to operating machinery or tools safely and efficiently at work. Jo helps patients target getting back to enjoying life's simple pleasures without physical limitations with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Jo's clinic, common concerns like experiencing discomfort, back pain, or pelvic girdle pain during or after pregnancy are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of regaining full function in an injured area, enabling a return to cherished activities. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like safely meeting the lifting requirements at their workplace.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of my child walking on their toes most of the time? Jo works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of feeling more like their 'old self' before their injury or condition began. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as participating in light recreational activities like bowling or mini-golf.
• Tired of facial weakness or drooping on one side (like Bell's Palsy) interfering with giving presentations or speaking publicly with confidence and good posture? Jo uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve improved overall mobility, making it easier to navigate their home and community and regain your freedom of movement.

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

Jo practices at St. Michael's Hospital, located in the St. James Town neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently situated near Lee's Palace and is easily accessible via the TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Absolutely! Home exercises are a vital part of your rehabilitation journey and empower you to take an active role in your recovery process. Your Physiotherapist will carefully select and teach you exercises specific to your needs. These exercises help to reinforce what's done in the clinic, manage your condition effectively, and ensure you continue progressing towards your goals even when you're not in a session.

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 to check your private insurance for coverage of 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.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

This is very individual and depends on many factors. After your comprehensive initial assessment, your Physiotherapist will be able to give you a better idea of the anticipated number of sessions and the frequency of visits needed to achieve your specific goals. We believe in open communication and will regularly review your progress with you, adjusting the treatment plan as you improve and as needed.

What is St. Michael's Hospital'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.

St. Michael's Hospital
61 Queen St E, 2nd Floor
Toronto, ON, M5C 2T2

Phone: (416) 864-5180

Joanna Lesley Parkes 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: XXX39

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=4b74331e-8e02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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