Leah Thomas – Physiotherapist | Burlington, ON

Leah Thomas is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Resident Physiotherapist). Practicing at R3 Physiotherapy and Wellness in Burlington, ON, Leah Thomas is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Leah Thomas's focus is addressing 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. Leah Thomas serves adults.

Leah Thomas completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Western University (Graduating Class of 2024). With clinical experience, Leah Thomas is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Leah Thomas has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Leah Thomas demonstrates a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results; a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Leah Thomas offers consultations in English.

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

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): A condition where a finger or thumb gets stuck or 'catches' in a bent position, then may snap straight (like pulling a trigger). Caused by inflammation and narrowing of the tendon sheath around the flexor tendon.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Focused physiotherapy care for complex hand and wrist problems, often involving custom splinting or orthosis fabrication, manual therapy (joint and soft tissue mobilization), specific exercises to restore dexterity, strength, and range of motion, scar management, and sensory re-education.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.
• 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.

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. Leah Thomas can assess your needs.

• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: A non-invasive physiotherapy modality that uses sound energy to stimulate cellular activity, enhance circulation, and support tissue recovery from injury or inflammation.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): A non-invasive, evidence-based treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing, reduce pain, and promote tissue regeneration in stubborn soft tissue conditions that haven't responded to other therapies.
• 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.
• 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.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: Application of therapeutic heat to prepare tissues for exercise, manual therapy, or stretching, or to manage chronic muscle soreness and joint stiffness.
• 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 Leah Thomas, 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 R3 Physiotherapy and Wellness, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Leah Thomas frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Patients often come to Leah Thomas feeling defeated by managing stiffness, tremors, and movement challenges with Parkinson's disease. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving running their usual distance comfortably and with improved form and resuming playing a full game of recreational hockey with their friends becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Leah Thomas can help you move beyond dealing with ongoing pain and stiffness after a car accident, like whiplash. The focus is on a greater sense of body confidence and trust in their physical abilities, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as safely meeting the lifting requirements at their workplace.
• Leah Thomas believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If recovering from a concussion and dealing with lingering symptoms like dizziness or headaches is hindering your ability to resuming their weightlifting routine at the gym safely, a personalized plan focusing on the ability to manage symptoms independently if they occasionally recur can make all the difference.
• At Leah Thomas's physiotherapy practice, individuals with facial weakness or drooping on one side (like Bell's Palsy) are guided towards enjoying family vacations and outings with more energy and less pain. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as playing their musical instrument (guitar, piano, violin, etc.) for extended periods.

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

Leah Thomas practices at R3 Physiotherapy and Wellness, situated in the Headon Forest, Palmer neighborhood of Burlington. The clinic is conveniently located near Mapleview Shopping Centre and is accessible via Burlington Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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

In Ontario, you typically do not need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist. This is known as direct access. However, while a referral isn't legally required to book an appointment, some extended health insurance plans may require one for coverage. It's crucial to check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements for physiotherapy coverage.

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

OHIP generally does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available through specific programs, such as post-hospitalization care for certain conditions, for children and youth, seniors, or via Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams. Eligibility criteria are strict, and there may be waitlists. Most Ontarians will need to rely on private insurance or pay out-of-pocket for physiotherapy in private clinics. Check your private insurance coverage and verify your eligibility for any public programs directly with OHIP.

What are R3 Physiotherapy and Wellness's operating hours?

R3 Physiotherapy and Wellness 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 for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

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 types of conditions do Physiotherapists at R3 Physiotherapy and Wellness treat?

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

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

Some temporary post-treatment soreness can be normal, much like after a good workout. However, if your pain significantly worsens, if you develop new concerning symptoms, or if the discomfort doesn't settle down within a day or two, please call us. Your Physiotherapist would want to know so they can offer guidance and make any necessary adjustments to your care plan. Open communication is key to your successful recovery.

R3 Physiotherapy and Wellness
104 - 3430 South Service Road
Burlington, ON, L7N 3T9

Phone: (905) 616-9419

Leah Thomas 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: XXX78

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=477e7815-fe9a-ef11-8a6a-000d3af32d17

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