Judith Katherine Lalonde – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Judith Katherine Lalonde is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at VHA Rehab Solutions - A Division of VHA Home HealthCare in Toronto, ON, Judith is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Judith's approach focuses on addressing 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. Judith serves a significant senior population within her practice.

Judith Katherine Lalonde completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Teesside University (Graduating Class of 1984). With extensive clinical experience, Judith is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Judith has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Judith's practice philosophy centers on a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best possible care. Judith adopts a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Judith Katherine Lalonde offers consultations in English.

Judith Katherine Lalonde provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Joint Pain

• 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.
• 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).

Arthritis

• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Individualized exercise programs and pain management strategies tailored for psoriatic arthritis to help reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Tailored exercise programs (including range of motion, strengthening, and low-impact aerobic exercises), pain relief modalities, and education on joint protection techniques and energy conservation for individuals with RA or similar conditions.

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. Judith can assess your needs.

• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: Therapeutic traction for the cervical (neck) or lumbar (low back) spine, used by physiotherapists to help reduce pain, decompress nerve roots, and improve symptoms associated with conditions like disc herniations, sciatica, or spinal stenosis.
• 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.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: Utilizing therapeutic laser to enhance tissue regeneration, reduce pain signals, and manage inflammation as part of your comprehensive physiotherapy care.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): ESWT for chronic tendinopathies, heel spurs, and other musculoskeletal problems, aiming to break down scar tissue, increase blood flow, and trigger a healing response.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Application of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) or Interferential Current (IFC) for managing acute or chronic pain conditions by modulating pain signals or promoting the release of endorphins.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): The application of cold packs, ice massage, or other cold modalities by your Physiotherapist to reduce swelling, inflammation, muscle spasm, and acute pain, particularly after an injury.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Judith, 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 VHA Rehab Solutions - A Division of VHA Home HealthCare, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Judith frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Patients often come to Judith feeling defeated by my infant having a tilted head or a flat spot on their head (torticollis/plagiocephaly). With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving returning to their workout routine with greater confidence and better performance and resuming being able to perform deep cleaning tasks around the house becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• The path to recovery from trouble performing repetitive tasks at work without pain and achieving enjoying less stiffness in the mornings and throughout the day for participating fully in their martial arts practice, including sparring often starts with expert guidance. Judith, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• With Judith's help, managing general muscle strains and pulls from overdoing it at the gym or in the garden to achieve getting back their independence with daily activities and personal care becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like reading a good book for hours without experiencing neck pain or headaches.
• If my baby/child having trouble with their motor skills, like delayed rolling, sitting or walking is preventing you from fully enjoying working at their desk all day without developing back or neck stiffness, Judith offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining the ability to manage symptoms independently if they occasionally recur, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.

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

Judith practices at VHA Rehab Solutions - A Division of VHA Home HealthCare, situated in the Lawrence Manor, Lawrence Heights neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near St. Lawrence Hall and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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

Comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement is best for your physiotherapy appointment – think about what you might wear to a gym or for light exercise. If you're being treated for a lower-body issue (like hip or knee pain), shorts are very helpful. For upper-body issues (like shoulder or neck pain), a tank top or loose t-shirt is suitable so the Physiotherapist can properly examine and treat the area.

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 Ontarians. 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 coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

While some physiotherapy techniques might feel uncomfortable or cause a temporary increase in soreness (similar to muscle soreness after a new workout), especially when working on stiff joints or tight muscles, it should not be excessively or intolerably painful. Your Physiotherapist will discuss what sensations you might expect with different treatments and will always aim to adjust the intensity and techniques to ensure you are as comfortable as possible while still achieving therapeutic benefits. Constant communication about your comfort level is very important.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

You can expect your initial physiotherapy visit to be around an hour long. This extended time allows for a comprehensive assessment of your condition and a collaborative discussion about your treatment goals. Subsequent follow-up sessions are generally between 30 and 45 minutes, though this can be adjusted based on your individual requirements. Your Physiotherapist will advise on the appropriate appointment length for your specific care.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at VHA Rehab Solutions - A Division of VHA Home HealthCare treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain, joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), and sports injuries. We also utilize services like Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction and Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES), and incorporate patient education to help achieve functional goals.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapist in ON?

Patients in Ontario can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral. However, some private/extended health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

VHA Rehab Solutions - A Division of VHA Home HealthCare
310-700 Lawrence Avenue West
Toronto, ON, M6A 3B4

Phone: (416) 489-2500

Judith Katherine Lalonde 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: XXX30

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=75543631-8a02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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