Joelle Lauren Small – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Joelle Lauren Small is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at West Park Healthcare Centre in Toronto, ON, Joelle Small is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Joelle Small's expertise lies in assisting individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life after neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Joelle Small also 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. Joelle Small serves adults.

Joelle Lauren Small completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2017). With extensive clinical experience, Joelle Small is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Joelle Small has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Neurological Physiotherapy.

Joelle Small employs a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Joelle Small has a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best possible care. Joelle Small offers consultations in English.

Joelle Lauren Small provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Neurological

• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Rehabilitation (Incomplete/Specific Cases): Physiotherapy aimed at maximizing functional independence, mobility (e.g., transfers, wheelchair skills, ambulation if appropriate), strength, range of motion, and managing secondary complications (e.g., pain, spasticity, respiratory issues) for individuals with incomplete or specific types of spinal cord injuries. Often part of a multidisciplinary team approach.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) / Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Rehabilitation: Comprehensive neurorehabilitation provided by a Physiotherapist to support functional recovery, improve independence in daily activities, and facilitate community reintegration after a head injury.
• Muscular Dystrophy / Myopathy - Supportive Physiotherapy Care: Helping individuals with muscular dystrophies and myopathies adapt to changes in their physical abilities and maintain their participation in meaningful activities through tailored physiotherapy.
• Stroke (CVA) Rehabilitation: Utilizing evidence-based neuroplasticity principles, motor relearning techniques, and task-specific training to help stroke survivors improve movement and achieve their functional goals.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Common ankle injuries causing acute pain, persistent swelling, and instability, significantly affecting your ability to walk, run, or participate in sports.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Symptoms in your hand or wrist that impact your ability to perform your job, hobbies, or essential self-care tasks, addressed by specialized hand physiotherapy.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Common shoulder problems such as rotator cuff issues (tendinopathy, small tears), impingement syndrome, or adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) significantly affecting arm function and daily comfort.

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. Joelle Small can assess your needs.

• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Using therapeutic cold to manage the initial stages of an injury (e.g., sprains, strains) and control inflammatory responses, helping to limit tissue damage.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): Targeted shockwave application to promote tissue regeneration, modulate pain, and improve function in chronic injuries, often with lasting results.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Using therapeutic ultrasound as an adjunct treatment to help reduce pain, decrease inflammation, break down scar tissue, and accelerate the repair of injured soft tissues.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Utilizing targeted electrical currents to help alleviate pain, manage discomfort, and support healing in conjunction with other physiotherapy interventions.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: The application of gentle, controlled mechanical or manual force to distract (stretch) spinal segments, aiming to alleviate pressure on intervertebral discs, nerves, and facet joints.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Utilizing electrophysical agents as an adjunct to your physiotherapy treatments to aid recovery, improve muscle function, manage pain, or reduce swelling, tailored to your specific condition.

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

• Living with one leg feeling shorter than the other, causing hip or back pain doesn't have to be your norm. Joelle Small applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards improved coordination for complex movements and fine motor tasks, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Joelle Small can help you move beyond dealing with pelvic pain or bladder/bowel control issues (for both men and women). The focus is on understanding how to prevent future flare-ups and manage their condition long-term, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as getting on and off the floor with ease.
• Struggling with the frustration of feeling 'off-balance' and worried about falling, especially as I get older? Joelle Small develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving greater ease in performing overhead activities or reaching. This is key to helping you get back to doing swimming laps at the pool for fitness and relaxation with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• Many individuals seek help from Joelle Small, their physiotherapist, when general muscle strains and pulls from overdoing it at the gym or in the garden starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve implementing practical strategies to avoid re-injury during work or daily life, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like handling their job that involves frequent standing, walking, or bending.

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

Joelle Small practices at West Park Healthcare Centre, located in the Keelesdale, Silverthorn, Mount Dennis, York neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Ontario Place and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

How can I book an appointment at West Park Healthcare Centre?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (416) 243-3600 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. Always check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics. Verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

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.

Does West Park Healthcare Centre offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

While we do not offer direct billing at this time, we provide detailed official receipts that you can easily submit to your insurer for reimbursement according to your plan. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. Always confirm your specific coverage details, including any annual maximums, per-visit limits, or deductible requirements, directly with your insurance provider, as plans vary significantly. You are responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves skilled, hands-on treatments performed by your Physiotherapist as part of your overall physiotherapy plan. These techniques are designed to assess and treat your joints, muscles, and nerves to decrease pain and improve your mobility and function. Examples include specific joint mobilizations to improve movement, soft tissue release techniques to address muscle tightness or scar tissue, and sometimes manipulations (adjustments) if indicated and appropriate for your condition and your therapist's qualifications.

What are West Park Healthcare Centre's operating hours?

Our clinic is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call our office at (416) 243-3600 for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

During your first visit, the Physiotherapist will conduct a detailed evaluation to get a full picture of your condition. This usually involves a thorough discussion about your symptoms, how they impact your daily life, any relevant medical history, and your personal goals for therapy. A physical assessment will then be performed to help pinpoint the cause of your problem and assess your physical capabilities. Afterwards, your therapist will explain their findings, collaborate with you to set treatment goals, and outline a proposed plan of care. You'll likely receive some initial advice, exercises, or hands-on treatment to begin your recovery journey.

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.

West Park Healthcare Centre
170 Emmett Avenue
Toronto, ON, M6M 2J5

Phone: (416) 243-3600

Joelle Lauren Small 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: XXX56

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=34da25d0-9302-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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