Louise L. Sylvestre – Physiotherapist | North Bay, ON

Louise L. Sylvestre is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Louise Sylvestre, Physiotherapist/physiothérapeute in North Bay, ON, Louise Sylvestre is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Louise Sylvestre provides comprehensive assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions to help patients of all ages restore function, manage pain, and improve their quality of life. Louise Sylvestre serves a diverse range of patients within the North Bay community and surrounding areas.

Louise L. Sylvestre completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Queen's University (Graduating Class of 1982). With extensive clinical experience, Louise Sylvestre is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Louise Sylvestre has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy, ensuring that Louise Sylvestre's patients receive the most up-to-date and effective care.

Louise Sylvestre demonstrates a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the North Bay community through proactive physiotherapy; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Louise Sylvestre offers consultations in English, French.

Louise L. Sylvestre provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Common Musculoskeletal

• 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: Injury to muscle tissue that limits your strength, range of motion, and ability to perform specific movements or activities, requiring careful rehabilitation.

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): Post-traumatic neck pain, restricted movement, and associated issues common after car accidents, which benefit from early and appropriate physiotherapy intervention.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Muscular pain, trigger points, and tension headaches resulting from habitual poor posture, which can be addressed with postural re-education, exercises, and ergonomic advice.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Symptoms of nerve compression originating from the spine, such as a 'slipped disc' or 'pinched nerve', causing radiating pain, altered sensation, or muscle weakness in a limb.

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. Louise Sylvestre can assess your needs.

• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Comprehensive exercise plans developed by your Physiotherapist to combat deconditioning, enhance overall physical well-being, and promote an active lifestyle.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Evaluation of your body's basic movements (like squatting, lunging, reaching) to highlight areas for improvement in stability, mobility, and motor control.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Teaching you essential strategies and exercises to manage your symptoms independently, accelerate recovery, and prevent future problems.
• 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.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Education on optimal body mechanics and corrective strategies to improve your posture during daily activities, work, and recreation.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized programs incorporating various stretching techniques (e.g., static, dynamic, PNF) to alleviate stiffness, increase tissue extensibility, and promote better posture.

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

• It's truly rewarding for Louise Sylvestre to witness patients conquer a noticeable curve in my child's spine or uneven shoulders (scoliosis concerns) and experience feeling more stable and confident on their feet, especially on uneven surfaces. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in setting up and taking down equipment for hobbies or sports again.
• Physiotherapy with Louise Sylvestre can be a transformative turning point for those affected by an old ankle sprain that never seems to fully heal and still feels weak. The shared goal is achieving the ability to sit for longer periods (e.g., at a desk, in a car) without significant discomfort, paving the way for you to enjoy actively participating in family outings and vacations without holding others back and a more active, vibrant life.
• Louise Sylvestre 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 getting back to golfing 18 holes without their back acting up, a personalized plan focusing on improved performance in work-related physical demands can make all the difference.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of needing to improve my breathing patterns or lung capacity? Louise Sylvestre works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of a safe and confident return to their favorite sport or recreational activity. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as playing a few sets of tennis without shoulder pain.

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

Louise Sylvestre, Physiotherapist/physiothérapeute, is conveniently located in the West Ferris, Lakeshore Drive Area neighborhood of North Bay. The clinic is easily accessible near the Canadore College / Nipissing University Campus and is accessible via North Bay Transit. Please inquire regarding specific accessibility needs for our clinic. 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 reimbursement. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider to understand their specific requirements before your first appointment.

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.

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.

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

The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available through specific programs, such as post-hospitalization for certain conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams. However, eligibility criteria are strict and there may be waitlists. Most Ontarians will need to rely on private or extended health insurance coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics. It's essential to check your private insurance plan's coverage details and your eligibility for any public programs.

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.

Louise Sylvestre, Physiotherapist/physiothérapeute
19 Avalon St.
North Bay, ON, P1A 4H6

Phone: (705) 472-7042

Louise L. Sylvestre 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: XXX89

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=bbce8d93-8902-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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