Lauren Collins

Lauren Collins provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Hand Wrist

• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Physiotherapy to help you regain optimal use of your hand and wrist after an injury, surgery, or due to a chronic condition, enabling you to return to work, hobbies, and daily tasks.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Addressing the inflammation, pain, and restricted movement associated with stenosing tenosynovitis of the finger or thumb.

Arthritis

• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Exercises and advice to manage the impact of gout on your joints, improve mobility, and reduce the likelihood of long-term joint damage.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A type of chronic inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spine (especially the sacroiliac joints and vertebrae), leading to pain, stiffness, and potential fusion of vertebrae, which can result in a stooped posture if not managed.

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. Lauren can assess your needs.

• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): Targeted shockwave application to promote tissue regeneration, modulate pain, and improve function in chronic injuries, often with lasting results.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Empowering you with a clear understanding of your condition, its causes, and practical tools for effective self-management and lasting relief.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: Detailed physical assessment of your joints, muscles, nerves, and movement patterns to identify the root cause of your symptoms and guide your treatment.
• 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.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: The use of moist heat packs, paraffin wax, or other heat sources by your Physiotherapist to relax muscles, increase local blood flow, reduce stiffness, alleviate chronic pain, and improve tissue extensibility.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: The application of gentle, controlled mechanical or manual force to distract (stretch) spinal segments, aiming to alleviate pressure on intervertebral discs, nerves, and facet joints.

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

• Through personalized physiotherapy at Lauren's clinic, common concerns like breathing difficulties and shortness of breath with COPD or asthma, especially during activity are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of sleeping more soundly through the night due to reduced pain and discomfort. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like playing a full game of recreational hockey with their friends.
• The journey to a deeper understanding of their condition and how to manage it proactively for long-term well-being when faced with persistent a noticeable curve in my child's spine or uneven shoulders (scoliosis concerns) is made smoother and more effective with Lauren's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event.
• Living with persistent dizziness that isn't a spinning vertigo but makes me feel unsteady doesn't have to be your norm. Lauren applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards running their usual distance comfortably and with improved form, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of working at their desk all day without developing back or neck stiffness.
• Are you finding that trying to stay as mobile and active as possible while living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) stops you from enjoying tackling home renovation and DIY projects with confidence? Lauren is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve building the necessary muscle support for their joints, reducing the risk of re-injury through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.

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

Lauren practices at Orillia Soldiers Memorial Hospital, situated in a physiotherapy clinic in the central Orillia neighborhood of Orillia. The clinic is conveniently located near nearby parks and community recreation facilities and is accessible via local public transit routes. Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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.

Does Orillia Soldiers Memorial Hospital offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

While Orillia Soldiers Memorial Hospital does not offer direct billing at this time, we provide detailed official receipts that you can easily submit to your insurer for reimbursement according to your plan. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. Always confirm your specific coverage details, including any annual maximums, per-visit limits, or deductible requirements, directly with your insurance provider, as plans vary significantly. You are responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Absolutely! Home exercises are a vital part of your rehabilitation journey and empower you to take an active role in your recovery process. Your Physiotherapist will carefully select and teach you exercises specific to your needs. These exercises help to reinforce what's done in the clinic, manage your condition effectively, and ensure you continue progressing towards your goals even when you're not in a session.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Orillia Soldiers Memorial Hospital treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain, joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), and sports injuries. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve manual therapy, Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

You can expect your initial physiotherapy visit to be around an hour long. This extended time allows for a comprehensive assessment of your condition and a collaborative discussion about your treatment goals. Subsequent follow-up sessions are generally between 30 and 45 minutes, though this can be adjusted based on your individual requirements. Your Physiotherapist will advise on the appropriate appointment length for your specific care.

What are Orillia Soldiers Memorial Hospital's operating hours?

Orillia Soldiers Memorial Hospital is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call the hospital or check their website for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

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. We strongly advise checking your private insurance for private clinic coverage.

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.

Orillia Soldiers Memorial Hospital
170 Colborne St. West
Orillia, ON, L3V 2Z3

Phone: (705) 325-2201

Lauren Collins 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: XXX77

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=71952261-8b24-ec11-b6e6-000d3a09e914

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