Karen L Guenette – Physiotherapist | Greater Sudbury, ON

Karen L Guenette is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy Focus). Practicing at Health Sciences North - Cardiac/Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Greater Sudbury, ON, Karen Guenette is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Karen Guenette's focus is managing acute and chronic conditions affecting the heart and lungs, such as COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis, post-operative cardiac or respiratory recovery, and post-COVID symptoms. Karen Guenette's practice involves breathing exercises, airway clearance, exercise prescription, and education. Karen Guenette serves adults.

Karen L Guenette completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Ottawa (Graduating Class of 2000). With extensive clinical experience, Karen Guenette is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Karen Guenette has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy.

Karen Guenette embraces a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Greater Sudbury community through proactive physiotherapy; and a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Karen Guenette offers consultations in English, French.

Karen L Guenette provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Post Surgical

• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): A structured physiotherapy program to manage post-operative pain and swelling, improve knee flexibility and strength, and re-educate your gait pattern after a TKA or PKA.
• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Physiotherapy aimed at restoring movement, strength, and function after surgical repair of broken bones (e.g., Open Reduction Internal Fixation - ORIF, intramedullary nailing), once the fracture site is sufficiently healed and cleared for rehabilitation by your surgeon.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Weakness, a feeling of the ankle 'giving way' repeatedly, or persistent pain after an initial sprain, indicating a need for targeted physiotherapy to restore stability and function.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Knee problems that limit your ability to stay active, perform daily tasks, or enjoy your hobbies, for which physiotherapy offers effective solutions.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Aching, sharp, or persistent pain located in the lower back, which may sometimes extend into the buttocks or legs, limiting your comfort.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Damage to the body's movement system, including issues like joint inflammation, ligament tears, or muscle overstretching, often requiring physiotherapy for optimal recovery.

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 Guenette can assess your needs.

• 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.
• 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.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: A carefully selected set of exercises specific to your condition and abilities, aimed at restoring function, reducing pain, improving movement, and preventing future issues.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Customized strength training to address specific weaknesses identified in your assessment, helping to correct imbalances, improve movement efficiency, and achieve your physical objectives.
• Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy (e.g., COPD, Asthma, Post-Pneumonia, Post-Cardiac Event Support): Physiotherapy management of conditions affecting the heart and lungs, including breathing exercises and retraining, airway clearance techniques (e.g., for mucus), education on self-management, and graded exercise programs to improve endurance, reduce breathlessness, and enhance quality of life.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: A progressive program designed to build a strong and stable core, improving your body's foundation for all movements and reducing strain on other structures.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Karen Guenette, 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 Health Sciences North - Cardiac/Pulmonary Rehabilitation, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Karen Guenette frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• The journey to running their usual distance comfortably and with improved form when faced with persistent widespread muscle pain and fatigue that my doctor thinks might be fibromyalgia is made smoother and more effective with Karen Guenette's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like attending their favorite yoga and pilates classes without limitation.
• Don't let recovering from a painful and limiting work-related injury (WCB/CNESST/WorkSafe claim) dictate what you can and cannot do. Karen Guenette offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at a deeper understanding of their condition and how to manage it proactively for long-term well-being, helping you reclaim running their usual 5k route without knee pain and enjoy a more functional life.
• Living with awful foot pain first thing in the morning, like I'm walking on glass (plantar fasciitis) doesn't have to be your norm. Karen Guenette applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards returning to their workout routine with greater confidence and better performance, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and dexterity with ease.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from pain and difficulty with overhead movements like reaching into a cupboard and achieved improved performance in work-related physical demands under the skilled care of Karen Guenette. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around their neighborhood for fresh air with a new lease on life.

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

Karen Guenette practices at Health Sciences North - Cardiac/Pulmonary Rehabilitation, a physiotherapy clinic in the central Greater Sudbury neighborhood of Greater Sudbury. 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.

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.

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 Health Sciences North - Cardiac/Pulmonary Rehabilitation or your physician directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

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 recommended to check your private insurance for private clinic coverage and to verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

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 of physiotherapy services. Check your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

What is Health Sciences North - Cardiac/Pulmonary Rehabilitation'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 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 without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

Health Sciences North - Cardiac/Pulmonary Rehabilitation
140 Durham Street
Greater Sudbury, ON, P3E 3M7

Phone: (705) 688-7310

Karen L Guenette 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: XXX95

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=cce866b1-8c02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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