Laura R. Hey – Physiotherapist | London, ON

Laura R. Hey is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Arthritis Society - London Regional Office in London, ON, Laura Hey is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Laura Hey focuses on 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. Laura Hey serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Laura R. Hey completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 1979). With extensive clinical experience, Laura Hey is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Laura Hey has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Laura Hey's practice philosophy centers on empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results; Laura Hey promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the London community through proactive physiotherapy. Laura Hey offers consultations in English, Italian.

Laura R. Hey provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Back Neck Pain

• 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.
• 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.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Neck, shoulder, and upper back discomfort, often accompanied by headaches or 'brain fog', after a sudden jerking motion of the head, such as in a rear-end collision.

Common Musculoskeletal

• 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.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Pain affecting the hip joint and surrounding musculature, which can limit activities like walking, standing for long periods, rising from a chair, or lying on the affected side.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Painful neck conditions that can make head movements difficult, sometimes leading to headaches or radiating pain into the shoulders.
• 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.

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. Laura Hey can assess your needs.

• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: Superficial heat application carefully monitored by your therapist to promote relaxation, pain relief, and enhance the effectiveness of other treatments.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Cold therapy techniques applied by your therapist to effectively alleviate acute pain, reduce inflammation, and manage muscle soreness or spasm.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Improving the mobility and health of your nervous system to reduce pain, restore sensation, and enhance overall function.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: LLLT or 'cold laser' therapy to stimulate your body's natural healing processes, provide pain relief, and improve function in conditions like tendinopathies, arthritis, or soft tissue injuries.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Application of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) or Interferential Current (IFC) for managing acute or chronic pain conditions by modulating pain signals or promoting the release of endorphins.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Laura Hey, 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 Arthritis Society - London Regional Office, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Laura Hey frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Tired of experiencing discomfort, back pain, or pelvic girdle pain during or after pregnancy interfering with playing fetch with their dog in the park for an extended time? Laura Hey uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve feeling less fatigued during physical activities and throughout the day and regain your freedom of movement.
• Are you finding that an old ankle sprain that never seems to fully heal and still feels weak stops you from enjoying going on enjoyable fishing or camping trips again? Laura Hey is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve a feeling of being 'unstuck' and more supple through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of that nagging tennis elbow (or golfer's elbow) that flares up with activity? Laura Hey works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of much better balance overall, reducing the risk of stumbles or falls. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as keeping up with their team during our weekly soccer match.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Laura Hey can help you move beyond trouble with a constantly stiff and sore neck, making turning my head a pain. The focus is on a better ability to cope with the physical stresses of daily life, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as getting back to golfing 18 holes without their back acting up.

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

Laura Hey's practice at Arthritis Society - London Regional Office is located in the Old East Village, SoHo (South of Horton) neighborhood of London. The clinic is conveniently located near Cherryhill Village Mall and is accessible via London Transit Commission (LTC). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a doctor's referral. This is known as direct access. However, some private/extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider to understand their specific requirements before your first appointment.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

To make your first appointment as smooth and productive as possible, please consider bringing: your health card, any doctor's referral letter (if applicable), results or reports of any imaging tests (X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs) related to your current condition, a list of any medications you are currently taking, and your extended health benefits information (insurance card/policy number) for direct billing if available at our clinic. Wearing comfortable clothes is also a good idea.

What are Arthritis Society - London Regional Office's operating hours?

Arthritis Society - London Regional Office is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and some practitioners offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call our office at (519) 433-2191 or check our website for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

What is Arthritis Society - London Regional Office'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.

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 Arthritis Society - London Regional Office 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 advised that you check your private insurance coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

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.

How can I book an appointment at Arthritis Society - London Regional Office?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (519) 433-2191 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.

Arthritis Society - London Regional Office
400 York St., Suite 204
London, ON, N6B 3N2

Phone: (519) 433-2191

Laura R. Hey 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=ab75994b-8902-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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