Julie Ann Lessard

Julie Ann Lessard provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Long Covid

• Post-COVID-19 Condition / Long COVID Symptom Management: Managing a wide range of persistent or new symptoms that can occur for weeks, months, or longer after the acute COVID-19 infection, including profound fatigue, breathlessness, 'brain fog' (cognitive issues), muscle weakness, joint pain, exercise intolerance, dizziness, and POTS-like symptoms.

Cardioresp

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Management (e.g., Chronic Bronchitis, Emphysema): A progressive lung disease characterized by airflow limitation (making it hard to breathe out), leading to common symptoms like persistent breathlessness (especially with activity), chronic cough, and sputum (mucus) production.
• Bronchiectasis Management (Airway Clearance): A chronic lung condition where the airways (bronchi) become permanently widened and damaged, leading to mucus buildup, recurrent chest infections, chronic cough, and breathlessness. Physiotherapy focuses primarily on airway clearance techniques.
• Post-Pneumonia / Respiratory Infection Recovery: Physiotherapy to aid your recovery from serious respiratory illnesses and their lingering effects on your breathing and overall physical capacity.
• Post-Cardiac Event Rehabilitation (Supportive Care, e.g., after MI or CABG): Supportive physiotherapy care focusing on individually prescribed and monitored graded exercise, education on lifestyle changes, and strategies to manage symptoms and improve confidence post-heart event.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Muscle Strains and Tears: Damage or tearing of muscle fibers, ranging from a mild overstretch (Grade 1 strain) to a partial or complete rupture (Grade 2 or 3 tear), typically caused by sudden forceful contraction, excessive stretch, or direct trauma.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): A broad term for common injuries affecting muscles, tendons (tendinitis/tendinopathy), ligaments (sprains), joint capsules (capsulitis), and bursae (bursitis), leading to pain, inflammation, and functional limitations.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: A 'rolled' or twisted ankle with subsequent swelling, tenderness, and difficulty putting your full weight on the foot.

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. Julie can assess your needs.

• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Specialized workouts to enhance your core strength, stability, and endurance, which are crucial for injury prevention, back health, and efficient performance in daily activities and sports.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Structured physical activities and exercises aimed at helping you safely regain strength, stamina, and confidence in your body's abilities, tailored to your current level.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Guided stretching routines and flexibility exercises prescribed by your Physiotherapist, aimed at improving your range of motion, reducing muscle tightness or stiffness, and enhancing overall movement quality.
• Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy (e.g., COPD, Asthma, Post-Pneumonia, Post-Cardiac Event Support): Rehabilitation support following cardiac events (e.g., heart attack, bypass surgery - often as part of a cardiac rehab team) or for chronic respiratory conditions like COPD (emphysema, chronic bronchitis), asthma, or bronchiectasis.
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs: Enhancing daily function, reducing symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue, and improving the quality of life for people with ongoing lung disease through tailored exercise and education.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Targeted exercises using resistance (such as bodyweight, resistance bands, free weights, or gym equipment) to build muscle strength, power, and endurance, tailored to your specific rehabilitation needs or performance goals.

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

• Tired of difficulty coordinating my movements, feeling clumsy interfering with reaching for items on high shelves or in cupboards without shoulder strain? Julie uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve regaining full function in an injured area, enabling a return to cherished activities and regain your freedom of movement.
• Patients often come to Julie feeling defeated by clicking, popping, or pain in my jaw (TMJ issues) when I eat or talk. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving getting their strength back after surgery or a period of inactivity and resuming spending hours gardening comfortably, without subsequent back or knee strain becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• For those whose numbness, tingling, or weakness in my hands, arms, feet, or legs has made enjoying long, challenging hikes on weekends again seem like a distant memory, Julie's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward achieving their specific mobility goals, whether big or small. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to enjoying long, challenging hikes on weekends again with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Physiotherapy with Julie can be a transformative turning point for those affected by dealing with pelvic pain or bladder/bowel control issues (for both men and women). The shared goal is achieving improved ability to lift and carry objects correctly and safely, paving the way for you to enjoy swimming laps at the pool for fitness and relaxation and a more active, vibrant life.

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

Julie practices at the Seaway Valley Community Health Centre, a physiotherapy clinic in the central Cornwall neighborhood of Cornwall, ON. The clinic is conveniently located near nearby parks and community recreation facilities and is accessible via local public transit routes. Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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.

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.

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.

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

To make your first appointment as smooth and productive as possible, please consider bringing: 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. Wearing comfortable clothes is also a good idea.

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 (direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

Does Seaway Valley Community Health Centre offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Please contact Seaway Valley Community Health Centre directly to inquire about their direct billing policies with private insurance companies. Bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment to facilitate processing.

How can I book an appointment at Seaway Valley Community Health Centre?

You can book an appointment by calling Seaway Valley Community Health Centre directly at (613) 936-0306 during their business hours. Their friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time.

What is Seaway Valley Community Health Centre's appointment cancellation policy?

Seaway Valley Community Health Centre requests at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations or rescheduling. A fee may be charged for late cancellations or missed appointments. Contact the clinic as soon as possible if you need to change your appointment.

Seaway Valley Community Health Centre
353 Pitt St.
Cornwall, ON, K6J 3R1

Phone: (613) 936-0306

Julie Ann Lessard 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: XXX62

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=dee6d1e3-8f02-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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