Katrina Lyn LaFontaine – Physiotherapist | Oshawa, ON

Katrina Lyn LaFontaine is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Lakeridge Health in Oshawa, ON, Katrina is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Katrina addresses a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. This includes everything from acute injuries like sprains and strains, to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. Katrina serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Katrina Lyn LaFontaine completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Western University (Graduating Class of 2014). With extensive clinical experience, Katrina is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Katrina has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Katrina empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Katrina maintains a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Katrina Lyn LaFontaine offers consultations in English.

Katrina Lyn LaFontaine provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Helping to alleviate the symptoms of a catching, locking, or painful finger/thumb through targeted physiotherapy interventions, potentially avoiding the need for injections or surgery in some cases.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Managing a variety of acute and chronic conditions of the hand and wrist, aiming to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent long-term disability.

Joint Pain

• 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.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.

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. Katrina can assess your needs.

• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Evidence-based exercise programs designed by your physiotherapist, including instruction and progression, to optimize your recovery and enhance your physical well-being.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: A variety of hands-on methods such as therapeutic massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and active release style techniques to reduce muscle tension, break down scar tissue, improve circulation, and enhance tissue flexibility.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Using controlled isometric and isotonic muscle contractions, as directed by your Physiotherapist, to address joint restrictions and muscle imbalances effectively.
• 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.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Gentle, specific movements and mobilizations designed to address nerve-related pain (like sciatica or carpal tunnel symptoms), tingling, numbness, or restrictions by improving the nerve's ability to glide freely and reducing irritation.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.

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

• Physiotherapy with Katrina can be a transformative turning point for those affected by feeling 'off-balance' and worried about falling, especially as I get older. The shared goal is achieving feeling equipped with effective self-management strategies and exercises, paving the way for you to enjoy playing a few sets of tennis without shoulder pain and a more active, vibrant life.
• With Katrina's help, managing feeling like my joints are just 'wearing out' and getting harder to move to achieve getting back to hiking, running, or cycling pain-free and with renewed vigor becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like getting on and off the floor with ease.
• When working on getting back to normal after a fracture or other surgery is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing reading a good book for hours without experiencing neck pain or headaches, physiotherapy with Katrina can help you work towards seeing their child achieve developmental milestones with greater ease (for pediatric physio). The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Tired of that grinding or crunching feeling in my knee or shoulder interfering with playing in their competitive volleyball league again? Katrina uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve a deeper understanding of their condition and how to manage it proactively for long-term well-being and regain your freedom of movement.

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

Katrina practices at Lakeridge Health, situated in the Vanier, McLaughlin West neighborhood of Oshawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Legends Centre and is accessible via Durham Region Transit (DRT). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Definitely. A key aspect of physiotherapy is not just treating current problems but also preventing future ones. A Physiotherapist can assess your movement, identify potential weaknesses or imbalances that could lead to injury, and provide you with a personalized program of exercises and strategies. This proactive approach is beneficial for athletes, individuals with physically demanding jobs, or anyone looking to maintain long-term musculoskeletal health and avoid recurring pain.

What is Lakeridge Health'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 or missed appointments without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

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.

How can I book an appointment at Lakeridge Health?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (905) 576-8711 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?

Patients in ON can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral. However, some private/extended health insurance plans *do* require one for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. Check your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

Lakeridge Health
58 Rossland Rd. West
Oshawa, ON, L1G 2V5

Phone: (905) 576-8711

Katrina Lyn LaFontaine 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: XXX46

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=a701ba03-9202-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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