Julie Island – Physiotherapist | Kitchener, ON

Julie Island is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Geriatric Physiotherapy Focus / Seniors' Health). Practicing at Sunnyside Seniors' Services in Kitchener, ON, Julie Island is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Julie Island 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. Julie Island serves seniors within the Kitchener-Waterloo community and surrounding areas.

Julie Island completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2003). With extensive clinical experience, Julie Island is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Julie Island has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health, ensuring that Julie Island's patients receive the most up-to-date and effective care.

Julie Island empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Julie Island adopts a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Julie Island offers consultations in English.

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

Neurological

• Parkinson's Disease Management & Movement Therapy: Specialized physiotherapy exercises and movement strategies (e.g., LSVT BIG® principles, amplitude-based training, cueing techniques) to improve balance, gait (walking), posture, flexibility, coordination, and overall motor function in individuals with Parkinson's Disease.
• Functional Neurological Disorders (FND) - Movement Retraining: Supporting individuals with FND to improve their physical function, reduce symptom burden, and enhance participation in daily life activities through specialized physiotherapy.

Vestibular Balance

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Effective, non-invasive treatment for positional dizziness and vertigo using specific head and body movements performed by a trained Vestibular Physiotherapist.
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): Addressing chronic subjective dizziness and unsteadiness through targeted rehabilitation designed to reduce symptoms and improve functional abilities for individuals with PPPD/3PD.
• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Individualized exercise programs including gaze stabilization exercises (e.g., VORx1, VORx2), habituation exercises (for motion sensitivity), and balance retraining to improve function when the vestibular system is impaired.
• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Physiotherapy aimed at improving your balance, coordination, lower limb strength, reaction time, and confidence to reduce your risk of falling and enhance safe mobility in your home and community.

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 Island can assess your needs.

• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): A systematic screening process, such as FMS™ or SFMA™ (if your Physiotherapist is certified), to understand how you move and guide preventative or corrective exercise programs.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A thorough evaluation by your Physiotherapist to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Education on optimal body mechanics and corrective strategies to improve your posture during daily activities, work, and recreation.
• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Helping you stay steady on your feet and maintain your independence through targeted balance and coordination exercises, and practical fall prevention education.
• Geriatric Physiotherapy & Seniors' Health: Tailored exercise prescription, education on safe movement, manual therapy (gentle techniques), and functional training to help seniors maintain their independence, enhance safety in their home and community, and promote active and healthy aging.
• 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.

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

• For those whose hip pain when I walk, climb stairs, or try to sleep on my side has made simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around their neighborhood for fresh air seem like a distant memory, Julie Island's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward a better understanding of ergonomics for their work and home environment. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around their neighborhood for fresh air with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• When numbness, tingling, or weakness in my hands, arms, feet, or legs is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing playing their musical instrument (guitar, piano, violin, etc.) for extended periods, physiotherapy with Julie Island can help you work towards a deeper understanding of their condition and how to manage it proactively for long-term well-being. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Tired of that persistent ache in my lower back that just won't quit interfering with safely meeting the lifting requirements at their workplace? Julie Island uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve better managing flare-ups with personalized strategies and feeling more in control of their symptoms and regain your freedom of movement.
• Struggling with the frustration of widespread muscle pain and fatigue that my doctor thinks might be fibromyalgia? Julie Island develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving feeling more resilient and less vulnerable to minor strains or injuries. This is key to helping you get back to doing resuming their weightlifting routine at the gym safely with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.

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

Julie Island practices at Sunnyside Seniors' Services, located in the Stanley Park East, Centreville neighborhood of Kitchener. The clinic is conveniently located near Fairview Park Mall and is accessible via Grand River Transit (GRT) (Bus and ION Light Rail). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

How can I book an appointment at Sunnyside Seniors' Services?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (519) 893-8494 during our business hours. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

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

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (this is known as direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check the specific requirements of your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

This is very individual and depends on many factors. After your comprehensive initial assessment, your Physiotherapist will be able to give you a better idea of the anticipated number of sessions and the frequency of visits needed to achieve your specific goals. We believe in open communication and will regularly review your progress with you, adjusting the treatment plan as you improve and as needed.

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 Sunnyside Seniors' Services offers direct billing 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.

What is Sunnyside Seniors' Services's appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice (or one business day) for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients who may be waiting for care. A fee may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments (no-shows) without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

The primary goal of physiotherapy is generally to reduce pain and improve function, not to cause significant or lasting pain. Some assessment techniques or specific treatments (like deep soft tissue work, joint mobilization, or certain exercises) might cause mild, temporary discomfort or soreness, especially if the tissues being treated are sensitive, inflamed, or very stiff. However, your Physiotherapist will always work within your tolerance levels, communicate clearly about what to expect, and encourage open feedback. If you experience notable or unacceptable pain during treatment, please inform your therapist immediately so adjustments can be made to ensure your comfort.

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. It is strongly advised that you check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

Sunnyside Seniors' Services
247 Franklin Street North
Kitchener, ON, N2A 1Y5

Phone: (519) 893-8494

Julie Island 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: XXX42

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=40c6e4cd-8d02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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