Laurie Rowbotham – Physiotherapist | Guelph, ON

Laurie Rowbotham is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at St. Joseph's Health Centre in Guelph, 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 Rowbotham completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Western 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 embraces a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Laurie demonstrates a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Laurie promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Guelph community through proactive physiotherapy. Laurie offers consultations in English.

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

Joint Pain

• 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.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Persistent tendon pain that can interfere with your sports, work, or daily activities, often requiring specific loading programs and advice from a physiotherapist for effective management.

Arthritis

• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Helping to manage the musculoskeletal aspects of psoriatic disease, working in conjunction with medical management to optimize your physical function and comfort.
• 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): Physiotherapy for ankylosing spondylitis focuses on maintaining spinal mobility and flexibility (especially extension), improving posture, strengthening core and back muscles, managing pain, and providing education on self-management and regular exercise.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Tailored exercise programs (including range of motion, strengthening, and low-impact aerobic exercises), pain relief modalities, and education on joint protection techniques and energy conservation for individuals with RA or similar conditions.

Post Surgical

• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): A carefully managed and individualized physiotherapy program to help you regain confidence in your spine, improve functional capacity, and prevent future issues after spinal surgery.
• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): Comprehensive post-operative recovery guidance following knee replacement, including exercises, manual therapy, and education to ensure you achieve your best possible function.
• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Comprehensive physiotherapy for knee ligament injuries post-operatively, focusing on restoring full knee function, power, and agility to meet your specific athletic or lifestyle demands.

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.

• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Employing different types of electrotherapy to support your rehabilitation goals, including promoting tissue healing or improving motor control.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: A specialized physiotherapy treatment that uses a traction table or manual techniques to gently decompress spinal structures, relieve pressure, and promote healing.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Specific stretches designed by your therapist to target tight muscle groups relevant to your condition, helping to improve your flexibility and reduce your risk of injury.
• 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.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Using therapeutic ultrasound as an adjunct treatment to help reduce pain, decrease inflammation, break down scar tissue, and accelerate the repair of injured soft tissues.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Developing muscular strength and endurance to aid in injury recovery, support affected joints, improve biomechanics, and enhance athletic performance or demanding physical tasks.

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 St. Joseph's Health Centre, 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:

• Through personalized physiotherapy at Laurie's clinic, common concerns like shoulder pain that makes simple things like lifting my arm or reaching overhead difficult are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of successfully avoiding or delaying the need for more invasive treatments or surgery. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like using garden tools effectively and without pain.
• Laurie frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of feeling unsteady on my feet or experiencing dizziness and balance problems. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets successfully integrating safe movement strategies into their daily routines and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like taking long photography walks to capture nature or cityscapes.
• Patients often come to Laurie feeling defeated by my child complaining of 'growing pains' that keep them up at night. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving feeling a substantial improvement in their mobility and range of motion for easier movement and resuming playing actively and roughhousing with their young kids or grandkids becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• With Laurie's help, managing dealing with ongoing pain and stiffness after a car accident, like whiplash to achieve a renewed sense of vitality and enthusiasm for daily activities becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like taking energetic, long walks with their dog every day.

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

Laurie practices at St. Joseph's Health Centre, situated in the Downtown Guelph, Exhibition Park neighborhood of Guelph. The clinic is conveniently located near Riverside Park and is accessible via Guelph Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

What are St. Joseph's Health Centre's operating hours?

St. Joseph's Health Centre 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 clinic at (519) 824-1234 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. Always check your private insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

In physiotherapy, manual therapy encompasses a range of 'hands-on' interventions. Your Physiotherapist may use these techniques to help reduce your pain, increase joint movement, relax tight muscles, or improve the mobility of your nerves. Common approaches include joint glides, sustained pressures, specific soft tissue massage, and, when indicated, joint manipulations. It's a key part of helping your body move better.

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.

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

Bring your health card, any referral letters, and relevant medical reports or images. If you have private insurance, bring your insurance card or policy details. Wear comfortable clothing.

St. Joseph's Health Centre
100 Westmount Rd.
Guelph, ON, N1H 5H8

Phone: (519) 767-3414

Laurie Rowbotham 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: XXX16

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=96463792-8b02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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