Julie Marie Dignard – Physiotherapist | Pembroke, ON

Julie Marie Dignard is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Geriatric Physiotherapy Focus / Seniors' Health). Practicing at Ontario Health atHome in Pembroke, ON, Julie Dignard is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Julie Dignard 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 Dignard serves adults.

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

Julie Dignard demonstrates a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Julie Dignard offers consultations in English, French.

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

Common Musculoskeletal

• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Disorders affecting hand and wrist function, making daily tasks such as gripping objects, typing, writing, or fine motor activities difficult and painful.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: A 'pulled' muscle, often occurring during activities like sprinting, jumping, lifting, or sudden changes in direction, causing immediate pain and difficulty using the muscle.

Neurological

• Facial Palsy / Bell's Palsy Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy for weakness or paralysis of facial muscles, often affecting one side of the face (e.g., Bell's Palsy, Ramsay Hunt syndrome, post-surgical facial nerve injury).
• Functional Neurological Disorders (FND) - Movement Retraining: Rehabilitation strategies tailored to the unique and often variable presentation of FND, working collaboratively with the patient to achieve their functional goals.
• Stroke (CVA) Rehabilitation: Utilizing evidence-based neuroplasticity principles, motor relearning techniques, and task-specific training to help stroke survivors improve movement and achieve their functional goals.
• Muscular Dystrophy / Myopathy - Supportive Physiotherapy Care: Supportive physiotherapy care designed to enhance quality of life, manage the physical challenges of various muscle diseases, and promote independence for as long as possible.

Vestibular Balance

• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Practical strategies, exercises, and environmental modification advice to improve your balance, prevent falls, and maintain your independence and activity levels.
• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for inner ear balance problems, involving customized exercises that promote central nervous system compensation and adaptation to the weakened vestibular input.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): A common cause of vertigo that is highly treatable with specific physiotherapy maneuvers, such as the Epley maneuver or Semont maneuver, designed to reposition the displaced inner ear crystals.

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 Dignard can assess your needs.

• Rehabilitation for Age-Related Deconditioning & Loss of Autonomy: Rehabilitation focused on reversing the effects of deconditioning, combating frailty, and restoring autonomy for seniors, enabling them to live more fully.
• 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.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Education and instruction on effective and safe stretching techniques to help you maintain or improve your body's flexibility and joint mobility.
• Geriatric Physiotherapy & Seniors' Health: Specialized physiotherapy programs focused on addressing the unique physical needs of older adults, aiming to improve mobility, strength, balance, flexibility, manage age-related conditions (e.g., osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, sarcopenia), and reduce the risk of falls.
• 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.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: A progressive approach to rebuilding your physical condition, allowing for a safe return to daily activities, work demands, and hobbies you enjoy.

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

• For those whose recovering from surgery to my hand or wrist has made travelling more comfortably on planes, trains, or in cars for longer durations seem like a distant memory, Julie Dignard's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward improved balance and coordination, leading to safer and more confident mobility in seniors. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to travelling more comfortably on planes, trains, or in cars for longer durations with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• The path to recovery from that grinding or crunching feeling in my knee or shoulder and achieving the ability to sit for longer periods (e.g., at a desk, in a car) without significant discomfort for hitting the slopes for a full day of skiing or snowboarding in winter often starts with expert guidance. Julie Dignard, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Julie Dignard's clinic, common concerns like that 'arthritic' pain in my hands, hips, or knees are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of feeling a substantial improvement in their mobility and range of motion for easier movement. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like reaching for items on high shelves or in cupboards without shoulder strain.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from post-operative stiffness and weakness that's slowing down my recovery and achieved implementing practical strategies to avoid re-injury during work or daily life under the skilled care of Julie Dignard. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as engaging in detailed crafting, sewing, or knitting hobbies for hours with a new lease on life.

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

Julie Dignard practices at Ontario Health atHome, situated in a physiotherapy clinic in the central Pembroke neighborhood of Pembroke. The clinic is conveniently located near nearby parks and community recreation facilities and is accessible via local public transit routes. 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 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.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

It's difficult to say exactly how many sessions you'll need without a thorough assessment, as everyone's situation and recovery path is unique. Some acute conditions might resolve in just a few sessions, while more chronic, complex, or significant issues may require a longer period of care to achieve lasting results. Your Physiotherapist will provide an estimated treatment timeline and plan after your first visit, and this will be revisited as your treatment progresses.

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 Ontario Health atHome 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 manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves skilled, hands-on treatments performed by your Physiotherapist as part of your overall physiotherapy plan. These techniques are designed to assess and treat your joints, muscles, and nerves to decrease pain and improve your mobility and function. Examples include specific joint mobilizations to improve movement, soft tissue release techniques to address muscle tightness or scar tissue, and sometimes manipulations (adjustments) if indicated and appropriate for your condition and your therapist's qualifications.

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 kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows the Physiotherapist to easily access and assess the area being treated, and permits you to move freely for any exercises or movements. For example, shorts are ideal for knee, hip, or ankle issues, while a tank top or loose t-shirt works well for shoulder, neck, or upper back problems. Athletic wear or gym attire is generally a good choice. You may also be provided with a gown if needed.

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 Ontario Health atHome or your Physiotherapist directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, a personalized home exercise program is a crucial and integral component of most physiotherapy treatment plans. Your Physiotherapist will prescribe specific exercises tailored to your condition, abilities, and goals. These exercises are designed to complement your in-clinic treatment, help you manage your symptoms effectively between sessions, accelerate your recovery, and empower you with tools for long-term self-management. Your active participation in your home program is key for optimal results.

Ontario Health atHome
1100 Pembroke St E
Pembroke, ON, K8A 6Y7

Phone: (866) 994-8124

Julie Marie Dignard 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: XXX76

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=57155162-8b02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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