Laurie Franks – Physiotherapist | Bracebridge, ON

Laurie Franks is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare in Bracebridge, ON, Laurie is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Laurie 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. Laurie serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Laurie Franks completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Queen's University (Graduating Class of 1995). With extensive clinical experience, Laurie is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Laurie has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Laurie's practice philosophy centers on empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Laurie employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Laurie Franks offers consultations in English.

Laurie Franks 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): Managing a variety of acute and chronic conditions of the hand and wrist, aiming to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent long-term disability.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Addressing the inflammation, pain, and restricted movement associated with stenosing tenosynovitis of the finger or thumb.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): A broad term for common injuries affecting muscles, tendons (tendinitis/tendinopathy), ligaments (sprains), joint capsules (capsulitis), and bursae (bursitis), leading to pain, inflammation, and functional limitations.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Lower back issues that restrict your ability to bend, lift, sit for long periods, or enjoy your usual activities without discomfort.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Aching, burning, sharp pain, or a 'pins and needles' sensation in the wrist, thumb, or hand region, sometimes waking you at night.

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. Laurie can assess your needs.

• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): The application of focused acoustic waves (Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy) by a trained Physiotherapist to treat chronic tendon issues (e.g., plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, Achilles tendinopathy), calcific tendinosis, and other persistent musculoskeletal conditions.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: Utilizing traction techniques to create space within the spine, reduce nerve irritation, improve disc hydration, and alleviate back or neck pain.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Cold therapy techniques applied by your therapist to effectively alleviate acute pain, reduce inflammation, and manage muscle soreness or spasm.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: The application of high-frequency sound waves by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to promote deep tissue heating, increase local blood flow, reduce pain, and facilitate the healing process in soft tissues like muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Utilizing electrophysical agents as an adjunct to your physiotherapy treatments to aid recovery, improve muscle function, manage pain, or reduce swelling, tailored to your specific condition.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: A non-invasive electrotherapy modality aimed at reducing pain, muscle guarding, or swelling, and sometimes used for muscle strengthening, as part of your physiotherapy treatment.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Laurie, 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. Laurie frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• For those whose dealing with ongoing pain and stiffness after a car accident, like whiplash has made pushing a stroller or shopping cart without difficulty seem like a distant memory, Laurie's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward resuming gardening, hobbies, or household tasks without strain or discomfort. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to pushing a stroller or shopping cart without difficulty with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Laurie can help you move beyond trying to get back to my best after a frustrating sports injury. The focus is on a smoother and stronger postpartum recovery, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as playing fetch with their dog in the park for an extended time.
• Tired of that burning pain between my shoulder blades from too much computer work interfering with participating in water aerobics or other pool-based exercises? Laurie uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve feeling empowered to take control of their physical health journey and regain your freedom of movement.
• Physiotherapy with Laurie can be a transformative turning point for those affected by aches and pains that I'm pretty sure are from my bad posture at my desk. The shared goal is achieving a noticeable improvement in their gait and walking efficiency, paving the way for you to enjoy going on birdwatching outings in various terrains and a more active, vibrant life.

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

Laurie practices at Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare, 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. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

It's difficult to say exactly how many sessions you'll need without a thorough assessment, as everyone's situation and recovery path is unique. Some acute conditions might resolve in just a few sessions, while more chronic, complex, or significant issues may require a longer period of care to achieve lasting results. Your Physiotherapist will provide an estimated treatment timeline and plan after your first visit, and this will be revisited as your treatment progresses.

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.

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 health insurance plans may require a referral for coverage. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to confirm their requirements.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial physiotherapy appointment is a comprehensive assessment. Your Physiotherapist will start by discussing your medical history, the details of your current symptoms or injury, your concerns, and what you hope to achieve with physiotherapy (your functional goals). This is followed by a thorough physical examination, which may include evaluating your range of motion, strength, posture, balance, and specific movement patterns, as well as performing special tests relevant to your condition. Based on these findings, your therapist will provide a clinical impression or diagnosis, discuss a personalized treatment plan with you, and often begin some initial treatment or provide education and a home exercise program to get you started.

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.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services in private outpatient clinics. 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. Check your private insurance coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

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

Phone: (705) 645-4404

Laurie Franks 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: XXX70

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=0f9c119a-8b02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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