Johanna Fraser – Physiotherapist | London, ON

Johanna Fraser is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at London Health Sciences Centre - University Hospital in London, ON, Johanna Fraser is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Johanna Fraser focuses on providing comprehensive assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions to help patients of all ages restore function, manage pain, and improve their quality of life. Johanna Fraser serves adults.

Johanna Fraser completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Mohawk College (Graduating Class of 1989). With extensive clinical experience, Johanna Fraser is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Johanna Fraser has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

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

Johanna Fraser provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Sports Injury

• IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): Pain, typically sharp or burning, located on the outside (lateral aspect) of the knee, or sometimes the hip. Common in runners, cyclists, and other endurance athletes, caused by irritation or inflammation of the iliotibial (IT) band as it rubs over bony prominences.
• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): A common overuse injury in active individuals and athletes, sometimes referred to as 'runner's knee' or 'anterior knee pain', often related to biomechanical issues in how the kneecap tracks.
• Ligament Sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL, PCL, Ankle Ligaments): Damage to ligaments that can range from mild (Grade 1 - overstretched) to moderate (Grade 2 - partial tear) to severe (Grade 3 - complete tear), impacting joint integrity and function.
• Stress Fractures (Activity-Related - Conservative Management/Rehab): Tiny cracks or severe bruising within a bone caused by repetitive force, overuse, or cumulative stress, common in weight-bearing bones of the lower leg (tibia, fibula), foot (metatarsals, navicular), or hip in athletes involved in high-impact sports.

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 chronic condition causing joint discomfort, stiffness (especially in the morning or after inactivity), and impacting your ability to perform daily activities, walk, or engage in hobbies.

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. Johanna Fraser can assess your needs.

• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): Targeted shockwave application to promote tissue regeneration, modulate pain, and improve function in chronic injuries, often with lasting results.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: LLLT or 'cold laser' therapy to stimulate your body's natural healing processes, provide pain relief, and improve function in conditions like tendinopathies, arthritis, or soft tissue injuries.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Ultrasound therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, often used to prepare tissues for manual therapy or exercise, or to manage acute and chronic soft tissue injuries.
• 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.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: A non-invasive electrotherapy modality aimed at reducing pain, muscle guarding, or swelling, and sometimes used for muscle strengthening, as part of your physiotherapy treatment.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: A specialized physiotherapy treatment that uses a traction table or manual techniques to gently decompress spinal structures, relieve pressure, and promote healing.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Johanna Fraser, 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 London Health Sciences Centre - University Hospital, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Johanna Fraser frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Are you finding that my infant having a tilted head or a flat spot on their head (torticollis/plagiocephaly) stops you from enjoying being able to perform deep cleaning tasks around the house? Johanna Fraser is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve effectively managing chronic pain and reclaiming an active lifestyle through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• Many find that widespread muscle pain and fatigue that my doctor thinks might be fibromyalgia significantly impacts their ability to hitting the slopes for a full day of skiing or snowboarding in winter. Johanna Fraser helps patients target feeling a substantial improvement in their mobility and range of motion for easier movement with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Physiotherapy with Johanna Fraser can be a transformative turning point for those affected by loss of strength in one of my limbs after an injury. The shared goal is achieving resuming gardening, hobbies, or household tasks without strain or discomfort, paving the way for you to enjoy simply being able to get through a workday without constant pain interruptions and a more active, vibrant life.
• For those whose dealing with pelvic pain or bladder/bowel control issues (for both men and women) has made dressing myself independently and without difficulty, including shoes and socks seem like a distant memory, Johanna Fraser's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward the ability to sit for longer periods (e.g., at a desk, in a car) without significant discomfort. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to dressing myself independently and without difficulty, including shoes and socks with greater comfort and renewed confidence.

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

Johanna Fraser practices at London Health Sciences Centre - University Hospital, situated in the Downtown London, North London East neighborhood of London. The clinic is conveniently located near Westminster Ponds and is accessible via London Transit Commission (LTC). 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 can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a doctor's referral. This is known as direct access. However, some private health insurance plans may require a referral for coverage. It is crucial to check with your insurance provider before your appointment to understand their specific requirements.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy, delivered by a qualified Physiotherapist, is a science-based profession that focuses on restoring movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness, or disability. It can also help to reduce your risk of future problems. Your physiotherapist will use techniques such as therapeutic exercise, manual therapy (hands-on treatment), education, and advice, empowering you to manage your health independently and achieve your physical goals.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. We recommend you contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand the specifics of your plan. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If direct billing is possible and your plan allows it, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance not covered by your plan at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and all necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services in private outpatient clinics. 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. Check your private insurance for coverage; many plans offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

Some temporary post-treatment soreness can be normal, much like after a good workout. However, if your pain significantly worsens, if you develop new concerning symptoms, or if the discomfort doesn't settle down within a day or two, please call us. Your Physiotherapist would want to know so they can offer guidance and make any necessary adjustments to your care plan. Open communication is key to your successful recovery.

London Health Sciences Centre - University Hospital
339 Windermere Rd., P.O. Box 5339
London, ON, N6A 5A5

Phone: (519) 685-8500

Johanna Fraser 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: XXX31

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=e1cf4c84-8a02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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