John Paul Underhill – Physiotherapist | Barrie, ON

John Paul Underhill is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Geriatric Physiotherapy Focus / Seniors' Health). Practicing at Closing The Gap Healthcare Group in Barrie, ON, John is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. John focuses on the unique health needs of older adults, aiming to improve and maintain mobility, strength, balance, manage age-related conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis, reduce fall risk, and enhance overall quality of life and independence. John serves seniors in the Barrie community.

John Paul Underhill completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 1994). With extensive clinical experience, John is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. John has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.

John embraces a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. John empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. John promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Barrie community through proactive physiotherapy. John offers consultations in English.

John Paul Underhill provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Arthritis

• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Helping you regain mobility, reduce discomfort, and improve function in affected joints after a gout episode, as part of your overall gout management plan.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Physiotherapy as an important part of a multidisciplinary team approach to managing rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis), helping to minimize disease impact and maximize quality of life.

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. John can assess your needs.

• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: An in-depth examination to fully understand your specific condition, allowing your Physiotherapist to create an effective and personalized rehabilitation plan.
• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Receiving personalized physiotherapy care online through secure and interactive video sessions with your qualified Physiotherapist, including real-time exercise correction and tailored advice.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Education on optimal body mechanics and corrective strategies to improve your posture during daily activities, work, and recreation.
• 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.
• Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio): Bringing expert physiotherapy services to you when clinic visits are challenging, ensuring continuity of care and personalized attention in your familiar surroundings.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Evaluation of your body's basic movements (like squatting, lunging, reaching) to highlight areas for improvement in stability, mobility, and motor control.

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

• Don't let clicking, popping, or pain in my jaw (TMJ issues) when I eat or talk dictate what you can and cannot do. John offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at running their usual distance comfortably and with improved form, helping you reclaim participating in water aerobics or other pool-based exercises and enjoy a more functional life.
• Patients struggling with frequent headaches that seem to start from tension in my neck or shoulders can find dedicated and compassionate support from John. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving increased endurance for walking, allowing for longer and more enjoyable outings, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as going on birdwatching outings in various terrains.
• Many find that my baby/child having trouble with their motor skills, like delayed rolling, sitting or walking significantly impacts their ability to attending concerts or theatre shows and sitting comfortably throughout. John helps patients target improved hand and wrist function for tasks requiring dexterity with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• John frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of managing stiffness, tremors, and movement challenges with Parkinson's disease. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets sleeping more soundly through the night due to reduced pain and discomfort and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like performing self-care tasks like hair washing or reaching their back.

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

John practices at Closing The Gap Healthcare Group, situated in the Letitia Heights, Sunnidale neighborhood of Barrie. The clinic is conveniently located near Meridian Place and is accessible via Barrie Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

It's recommended to wear or bring clothing that allows unrestricted movement and provides easy access for your physiotherapist to examine the body part being assessed or treated. For instance, if you have a knee problem, please wear or bring shorts. For shoulder issues, a sleeveless top or a top with loose armholes is often helpful. The goal is to make the assessment and treatment as effective as possible.

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, while a referral isn't legally required to see a Physiotherapist, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider to understand their specific requirements before your first appointment.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

In physiotherapy, manual therapy encompasses a range of 'hands-on' interventions. Your Physiotherapist may use these techniques to help reduce your pain, increase joint movement, relax tight muscles, or improve the mobility of your nerves. Common approaches include joint glides, sustained pressures, specific soft tissue massage, and, when indicated, joint manipulations. It's a key part of helping your body move better.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial physiotherapy appointment is a comprehensive assessment. Your Physiotherapist will start by discussing your medical history, the details of your current symptoms or injury, your concerns, and what you hope to achieve with physiotherapy (your functional goals). This is followed by a thorough physical examination, which may include evaluating your range of motion, strength, posture, balance, and specific movement patterns, as well as performing special tests relevant to your condition. Based on these findings, your therapist will provide a clinical impression or diagnosis, discuss a personalized treatment plan with you, and often begin some initial treatment or provide education and a home exercise program to get you started.

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

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services provided in private outpatient clinics for most Ontarians. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific circumstances, such as 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. You should check your private insurance coverage, as many plans offer significant coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics. It is strongly recommended to verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

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

It's not uncommon to experience some temporary soreness or a mild increase in symptoms after certain physiotherapy treatments, especially in the initial stages or if you're starting new exercises. This usually subsides within 24-48 hours. However, if you experience a significant or sharp increase in pain, new or worsening neurological symptoms (like numbness, tingling, or weakness), or if your soreness lasts longer than expected, it's important to contact Closing The Gap Healthcare Group or your physician directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Your first physiotherapy appointment, which includes a detailed assessment and the development of your initial treatment plan, usually takes about 60 minutes. Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled for 30 to 45 minutes. The exact duration of each session will depend on the nature of your treatment and what your Physiotherapist has planned for that specific visit to best help you progress.

Closing The Gap Healthcare Group
507-80 Bradford St.
Barrie, ON, L4N 6S7

Phone: (437) 826-7245

John Paul Underhill 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: XXX96

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=0651cb75-8b02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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