Josie Marie Germano – Physiotherapist | Oakville, ON

Josie Marie Germano is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at It's Your Move! Physiotherapy in Oakville, ON, Josie Germano is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Josie Germano 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. Josie Germano serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Josie Marie Germano completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 1987). With extensive clinical experience, Josie Germano is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Josie Germano has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Josie Germano employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Josie Germano offers consultations in English.

Josie Marie Germano provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Arthritis

• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Supportive physiotherapy care for joint recovery and function after gout flares, focusing on restoring range of motion, reducing inflammation, and providing advice on joint protection and lifestyle factors.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A type of chronic inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spine (especially the sacroiliac joints and vertebrae), leading to pain, stiffness, and potential fusion of vertebrae, which can result in a stooped posture if not managed.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): An inflammatory arthritis that can affect some people with psoriasis (a skin condition), causing joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and sometimes affecting tendons (enthesitis) and ligaments. Can affect small or large joints, often asymmetrically, and sometimes the spine.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Inflammation (tendinitis) or, more commonly, degeneration (tendinosis/tendinopathy) of tendons, leading to localized pain that typically worsens with activity or loading of the tendon.
• 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.

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. Josie Germano can assess your needs.

• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: A non-invasive light therapy used in physiotherapy to treat various musculoskeletal conditions, promote faster healing, reduce pain, and modulate inflammation without generating heat.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Employing different types of electrotherapy to support your rehabilitation goals, including promoting tissue healing or improving motor control.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Specific stretches designed by your therapist to target tight muscle groups relevant to your condition, helping to improve your flexibility and reduce your risk of injury.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Development of a tailored therapeutic exercise program by your Physiotherapist, focused on your specific rehabilitation needs, strength goals, flexibility improvements, balance, and overall conditioning.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: Utilizing traction techniques to create space within the spine, reduce nerve irritation, improve disc hydration, and alleviate back or neck pain.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Targeted exercises focused on strengthening the deep abdominal, back, pelvic floor, and diaphragm muscles to provide better support for your spine, improve posture, enhance balance, and increase movement efficiency.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Josie Germano, 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 It's Your Move! Physiotherapy, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Josie Germano frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Patients often come to Josie Germano feeling defeated by breathing difficulties and shortness of breath with COPD or asthma, especially during activity. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving enhanced ability to participate in social and community events and resuming operating machinery or tools safely and efficiently at work becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Struggling with the frustration of post-operative stiffness and weakness that's slowing down my recovery? Josie Germano develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving improved performance in work-related physical demands. This is key to helping you get back to doing taking long photography walks to capture nature or cityscapes with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• Physiotherapy with Josie Germano can be a transformative turning point for those affected by that persistent ache in my lower back that just won't quit. The shared goal is achieving restored joint function, leading to smoother and more coordinated movements, paving the way for you to enjoy shoveling snow or raking leaves without aggravating their back and a more active, vibrant life.
• If my child complaining of 'growing pains' that keep them up at night is preventing you from fully enjoying cycling longer distances with their cycling club, Josie Germano offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining a return to intimacy without the fear of pain or discomfort, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.

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

Josie Germano's practice at It's Your Move! Physiotherapy is situated in the West Oak Trails, Glen Abbey West neighborhood of Oakville. The clinic is conveniently located near Glen Abbey Golf Club and is accessible via Oakville Transit. Please inquire regarding specific accessibility needs for our clinic. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

What are It's Your Move! Physiotherapy's operating hours?

It's Your Move! Physiotherapy is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and some practitioners offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call our office or check our website/online booking portal for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

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 It's Your Move! Physiotherapy or your physician directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

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 plans, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for 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.

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.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

Bring: your health card, any doctor's referral letter (if applicable), results or reports of any imaging tests (X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs) related to your current condition, a list of any medications you are currently taking, and your extended health benefits information (insurance card/policy number) for direct billing if available at our clinic. Wear comfortable clothes.

Is there parking available at or near It's Your Move! Physiotherapy?

Please contact the clinic directly for information about parking.

It's Your Move! Physiotherapy
200 North Service Rd. W., Unit 1
Oakville, ON, L6M 2Y1

Phone: (905) 616-2955

Josie Marie Germano 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: XXX38

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=33db1324-8a02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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