Karen Donna St. Jacques – Physiotherapist | Thunder Bay, ON

Karen Donna St. Jacques is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at St. Joseph's Care Group in Thunder Bay, ON, Karen St. Jacques is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Karen St. Jacques's focus is providing comprehensive assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions to help patients of all ages restore function, manage pain, and improve their quality of life. Karen St. Jacques serves adults.

Karen Donna St. Jacques completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Ottawa (Graduating Class of 1991). With extensive clinical experience, Karen St. Jacques is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Karen St. Jacques has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Karen St. Jacques's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Thunder Bay community through proactive physiotherapy; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results; and a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Karen St. Jacques offers consultations in English, French.

Karen Donna St. Jacques 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): Conditions like 'jumper's knee' (patellar tendinopathy), 'swimmer's shoulder' (rotator cuff tendinopathy), or 'tennis elbow' (lateral epicondylitis) caused by tendon issues that limit your ability to perform specific tasks.

Back Neck Pain

• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Back or neck pain that often radiates into an arm or leg, potentially with numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning sensations, due to a spinal disc problem (herniation, protrusion, or bulge) compressing or irritating a nearby nerve root (radiculopathy). Sciatica specifically refers to radicular pain down the leg.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Symptoms like 'neurogenic claudication' – leg pain, cramping, or heaviness with walking or prolonged standing that typically eases with rest or bending forward (flexion).
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Discomfort, aching, stiffness, or muscle fatigue in the back or neck arising from sustained or awkward postures during daily activities, prolonged work (e.g., desk work, computer use), or sleep.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Post-traumatic neck pain, restricted movement, and associated issues common after car accidents, which benefit from early and appropriate physiotherapy intervention.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Neck problems that interfere with your sleep quality, ability to work comfortably (especially at a desk), or perform everyday tasks without pain.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Common knee complaints that can affect your ability to walk, climb stairs, squat, run, or participate in sports, addressed through a tailored physiotherapy program.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Common ankle injuries causing acute pain, persistent swelling, and instability, significantly affecting your ability to walk, run, or participate in sports.
• 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.

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. Karen St. Jacques can assess your needs.

• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: A non-invasive physiotherapy modality that uses sound energy to stimulate cellular activity, enhance circulation, and support tissue recovery from injury or inflammation.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Utilizing targeted electrical currents to help alleviate pain, manage discomfort, and support healing in conjunction with other physiotherapy interventions.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Using therapeutic cold to manage the initial stages of an injury (e.g., sprains, strains) and control inflammatory responses, helping to limit tissue damage.
• 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.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): The therapeutic use of different electrical currents by your Physiotherapist to achieve specific physiological effects, such as improving muscle contraction, reducing atrophy, or enhancing functional movement.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Karen St. Jacques, 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 St. Joseph's Care Group, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Karen St. Jacques frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Karen St. Jacques believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If soreness and tightness in my Achilles tendon, especially after exercise is hindering your ability to playing fetch with their dog in the park for an extended time, a personalized plan focusing on a deeper understanding of their condition and how to manage it proactively for long-term well-being can make all the difference.
• Rediscover your ability to hitting the slopes for a full day of skiing or snowboarding in winter without the constant burden of trouble with a constantly stiff and sore neck, making turning my head a pain. Karen St. Jacques focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to a renewed sense of vitality and enthusiasm for daily activities, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• With Karen St. Jacques's help, managing persistent dizziness that isn't a spinning vertigo but makes me feel unsteady to achieve a return to intimacy without the fear of pain or discomfort becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event.
• Patients often come to Karen St. Jacques feeling defeated by difficulty getting out of a chair or bed due to stiffness or pain. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving a significant improvement in their overall quality of life and daily well-being and resuming managing their personal care routines independently becomes a realistic and attainable goal.

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

Karen St. Jacques practices at St. Joseph's Care Group, located in the Port Arthur Central (Downtown North Core, Waterfront area) neighborhood of Thunder Bay. The clinic is conveniently located near the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium and is accessible via Thunder Bay Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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

In Ontario, you typically do not need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist. This is known as direct access. However, some extended health insurance plans may require a referral for coverage, so it's crucial to check your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer coverage for physiotherapy. Before your first appointment, contact your insurance provider to understand your plan's specifics: annual maximum, per-visit limits, co-payments, referral requirements, and direct billing options. If St. Joseph's Care Group offers direct billing and your plan allows it, they can bill your insurer. You'll be responsible for any remaining balance. Bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. If direct billing isn't possible, you'll receive a receipt for insurance claims.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Initial assessments are usually 45-60 minutes; follow-up appointments are often 30-45 minutes. The duration depends on your needs and treatment plan.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, home exercises are essential for your recovery. Your physiotherapist will provide exercises tailored to your needs to reinforce in-clinic work and help you progress toward your goals.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your first appointment will involve a thorough assessment: discussion of your issue, health history, and physical tests to assess movement and strength. The goal is to understand your condition and develop a treatment plan.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of sessions needed varies greatly depending on your individual condition and response to treatment. Your physiotherapist will provide a better estimate after your initial assessment and will adjust the plan as needed.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

OHIP generally does not cover physiotherapy in private clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations (e.g., post-hospitalization), but eligibility is strict. Check your private insurance for coverage.

Does St. Joseph's Care Group offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Please contact St. Joseph's Care Group directly to inquire about their direct billing policies with private insurance companies. Regardless, bring your insurance information to your appointment to ensure proper processing of your claim.

St. Joseph's Care Group
35 Algoma St. North, PO Box 3251
Thunder Bay, ON, P7B 5G7

Phone: (807) 343-2431

Karen Donna St. Jacques 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: XXX85

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=d4ab74cc-8a02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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