Lauren Murray – Physiotherapist | Bracebridge, ON

Lauren Murray is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare in Bracebridge, ON, Lauren Murray is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Lauren Murray 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. Lauren Murray focuses on the unique health needs of older adults, aiming to improve and maintain mobility, strength, balance, manage age-related conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis, reduce fall risk, and enhance overall quality of life and independence. Lauren Murray serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Lauren Murray completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 2022). With clinical experience, Lauren Murray is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Lauren Murray has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.

Lauren Murray demonstrates a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; Lauren Murray employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Lauren Murray offers consultations in English, French.

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

Back Neck Pain

• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Back or neck pain accompanied by associated limb symptoms (pain, sensory changes, weakness) due to a constricted spinal canal, which physiotherapy can help manage conservatively.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): A range of neck and related symptoms including pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and sometimes arm pain or cognitive difficulties, following a rapid acceleration-deceleration injury to the neck, most typically from a motor vehicle accident.

Vestibular Balance

• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Individualized exercise programs including gaze stabilization exercises (e.g., VORx1, VORx2), habituation exercises (for motion sensitivity), and balance retraining to improve function when the vestibular system is impaired.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Resolving the spinning sensations caused by BPPV quickly and effectively through targeted canalith repositioning techniques, often providing immediate relief.
• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Comprehensive balance assessment by a Physiotherapist to identify underlying causes of unsteadiness, followed by targeted exercise programs and strategies to help you stay steady on your feet.

Neurological

• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Rehabilitation (Incomplete/Specific Cases): Helping individuals with spinal cord injuries achieve their highest level of physical potential through targeted exercises, functional training, equipment prescription, and compensatory strategies.
• Stroke (CVA) Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy aimed at improving mobility (e.g., walking, transfers), balance, strength, coordination, sensation, and daily function (e.g., dressing, self-care) after a stroke (cerebrovascular accident).

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 Murray can assess your needs.

• 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.
• 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.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): A form of manual therapy that actively involves you in your treatment, utilizing your body's muscular effort to achieve specific therapeutic effects on restricted joints and shortened soft tissues.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Hands-on physiotherapy focused on mobilizing restricted joints and soft tissues to promote healing, restore normal biomechanics, and alleviate pain.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized programs incorporating various stretching techniques (e.g., static, dynamic, PNF) to alleviate stiffness, increase tissue extensibility, and promote better posture.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Specialized workouts to enhance your core strength, stability, and endurance, which are crucial for injury prevention, back health, and efficient performance in daily activities and sports.

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

• Lauren Murray believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If trouble with everyday tasks because of pain or weakness in my hands or grip is hindering your ability to feeling energetic enough to engage in social activities in the evenings, a personalized plan focusing on seeing their child achieve developmental milestones with greater ease (for pediatric physio) can make all the difference.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of difficulty moving one side of my body or walking easily after a stroke? Lauren Murray works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of being able to play actively with their children or grandchildren again. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as participating in water aerobics or other pool-based exercises.
• With Lauren Murray's help, managing feeling like my joints are just 'wearing out' and getting harder to move to achieve improved circulation and tissue healing becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like going on enjoyable fishing or camping trips again.
• It's truly rewarding for Lauren Murray to witness patients conquer difficulty getting out of a chair or bed due to stiffness or pain and experience greater confidence when walking, standing, or navigating challenging environments. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in taking energetic, long walks with their dog every day again.

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

Lauren Murray's practice at Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare is situated in a physiotherapy clinic in the central Bracebridge neighborhood of Bracebridge. The clinic is conveniently located near nearby parks and community recreation facilities and is accessible via local public transit routes. Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, a personalized home exercise program is a crucial and integral component of most physiotherapy treatment plans. Your Physiotherapist will prescribe specific exercises tailored to your condition, abilities, and goals. These exercises are designed to complement your in-clinic treatment, help you manage your symptoms effectively between sessions, accelerate your recovery, and empower you with tools for long-term self-management. Your active participation in your home program is key for optimal results.

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. Verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

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

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. We recommend you contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand the specifics of your plan. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If our clinic offers direct billing and your plan allows it, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance not covered by your plan at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and all necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.

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 *do* require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. Check your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

The first physiotherapy session is primarily an in-depth assessment. Expect to spend time talking with your Physiotherapist about your specific issue, its history, and your overall health background. Your therapist will then perform various physical tests to assess your movement, strength, and any areas of concern. The main goal of this first visit is to understand your condition fully so that a tailored and effective treatment plan can be developed collaboratively with you. You might also receive your first set of home exercises or some initial hands-on care to start the healing process.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves skilled, hands-on treatments performed by your Physiotherapist as part of your overall physiotherapy plan. These techniques are designed to assess and treat your joints, muscles, and nerves to decrease pain and improve your mobility and function. Examples include specific joint mobilizations to improve movement, soft tissue release techniques to address muscle tightness or scar tissue, and sometimes manipulations (adjustments) if indicated and appropriate for your condition and your therapist's qualifications.

What are Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare's operating hours?

Our clinic 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 or check our website/online booking portal for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare
75 Ann St.
Bracebridge, ON, P1L 2E4

Phone: (705) 645-4404

Lauren Murray 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: XXX07

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=7b7f69e6-9727-ed11-9db1-0022486df36c

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