Lisa Jean Germann – Physiotherapist | Waterloo, ON

Lisa Jean Germann is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Geriatric Physiotherapy Focus / Seniors' Health). Practicing at Ontario Health atHome in Waterloo, ON, Lisa is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Lisa 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. Lisa serves adults.

Lisa Jean Germann completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 1998). With clinical experience, Lisa Jean Germann is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Lisa Jean Germann has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.

Lisa employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Lisa Jean Germann offers consultations in English.

Lisa Jean Germann provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

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 physiotherapy approach to address the unique challenges of AS, aiming to keep you as mobile and active as possible and support your spinal health and overall well-being.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Supportive physiotherapy for individuals with psoriatic arthritis, focusing on managing joint pain and swelling, maintaining range of motion and strength, improving function, and providing advice on activity modification and joint protection.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Physiotherapy as an important part of a multidisciplinary team approach to managing rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis), helping to minimize disease impact and maximize quality of life.

Neurological

• Stroke (CVA) Rehabilitation: Comprehensive neurological rehabilitation provided by a Neuro Physiotherapist to help individuals regain independence, maximize their recovery potential, and adapt to any residual impairments following a stroke.
• Muscular Dystrophy / Myopathy - Supportive Physiotherapy Care: Helping individuals with muscular dystrophies and myopathies adapt to changes in their physical abilities and maintain their participation in meaningful activities through tailored physiotherapy.
• Facial Palsy / Bell's Palsy Rehabilitation: May include specific facial exercises, neuromuscular re-education (PNF for the face), biofeedback, electrical stimulation (if appropriate), massage, and strategies to improve facial movement, symmetry, reduce synkinesis (unwanted movements), and manage eye care.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Knee problems that limit your ability to stay active, perform daily tasks, or enjoy your hobbies, for which physiotherapy offers effective solutions.
• 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.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Common injuries in active individuals, athletes, or resulting from accidents, leading to localized pain, swelling, bruising, and weakness in the affected muscle (e.g., hamstring, calf, quadriceps, groin, rotator cuff).

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. Lisa can assess your needs.

• Chronic & Persistent Pain Management Programs: A holistic and active approach to managing long-standing pain, empowering you with tools and knowledge for better daily living, increased activity tolerance, and improved mood.
• Fibromyalgia & Widespread Pain Management: Helping you manage fibromyalgia symptoms through targeted exercise, education on pain mechanisms, and self-care strategies to improve daily function and overall quality of life.
• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Receiving personalized physiotherapy care online through secure and interactive video sessions with your qualified Physiotherapist, including real-time exercise correction and tailored advice.
• Geriatric Physiotherapy & Seniors' Health: Helping older adults stay active, mobile, independent, and confident in their physical abilities through compassionate and evidence-based physiotherapy.
• Rehabilitation for Age-Related Deconditioning & Loss of Autonomy: Targeted physiotherapy programs to help seniors regain strength, endurance, balance, and functional abilities after an illness, surgery, hospitalization, or a period of inactivity or decline.
• Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio): Bringing expert physiotherapy services to you when clinic visits are challenging, ensuring continuity of care and personalized attention in your familiar surroundings.

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

• The journey to a safe and confident return to their favorite sport or recreational activity when faced with persistent that 'arthritic' pain in my hands, hips, or knees is made smoother and more effective with Lisa's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like taking energetic, long walks with their dog every day.
• Lisa believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If widespread muscle pain and fatigue that my doctor thinks might be fibromyalgia is hindering your ability to walking their children to school or the park, a personalized plan focusing on improved hand and wrist function for tasks requiring dexterity can make all the difference.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of difficulty getting out of a chair or bed due to stiffness or pain? Lisa works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of a smoother and stronger postpartum recovery. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as tackling home renovation and DIY projects with confidence.
• Rediscover your ability to performing self-care tasks like hair washing or reaching their back without the constant burden of recovering from a painful and limiting work-related injury (WCB/CNESST/WorkSafe claim). Lisa focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to a significantly reduced risk of falling, enhancing safety and independence, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.

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

Lisa practices at Ontario Health atHome, situated in the Waterloo East (Glenridge, Lincoln Heights) neighborhood of Waterloo. The clinic is conveniently located near Waterloo North Hydro and is accessible via Grand River Transit (GRT) (Bus and ION Light Rail). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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

It's helpful to bring your health card, any referral letters from other healthcare providers if you were referred, and any reports or images from relevant medical tests (X-rays, MRIs, etc.) related to your condition. If you have private insurance coverage for physiotherapy, please bring your insurance card or policy details for billing purposes. Comfortable attire that allows for easy movement during the assessment is also recommended.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy refers to specialized hands-on techniques used by a Physiotherapist to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This can include joint mobilization (gentle, rhythmic gliding movements), joint manipulation (skilled, high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts, where appropriate and within the therapist's scope and with your consent), various soft tissue mobilization techniques (like massage, myofascial release, trigger point release), and neural mobilization (gentle techniques to improve nerve movement). The primary goals are to reduce pain, improve range of motion, restore optimal joint mechanics, reduce muscle tension, and enhance tissue repair and function.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, in almost all cases, you will receive a customized home exercise program. These exercises are carefully chosen by your Physiotherapist to specifically target your issues and help you achieve your functional goals faster and more effectively. Performing them as recommended is very important for your progress and for maintaining the improvements you make during your clinic visits.

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 insurance plans may require a referral for coverage. It's crucial to check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

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

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services in private clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations (e.g., post-hospitalization) but eligibility is strict. Check your private insurance for coverage.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Ontario Health atHome treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, back and neck pain, joint problems (arthritis, post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, and nerve pain. We also specialize in Geriatric Physiotherapy and offer services like Chronic & Persistent Pain Management Programs and Fibromyalgia & Widespread Pain Management.

Ontario Health atHome
141 Weber Street South
Waterloo, ON, N2J 2A9

Phone: (519) 748-2222

Lisa Jean Germann 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: XXX12

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=7cf19d4b-8c02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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