M. Julie Dajay Lo – Physiotherapist | Thunder Bay, ON

M. Julie Dajay Lo is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at St. Joseph's Care Group in Thunder Bay, ON, Julie is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Julie focuses on assisting individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life after neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Julie serves adults.

M. Julie Dajay Lo completed their degree in Physiotherapy from De La Salle University (Graduating Class of 1997). With extensive clinical experience, M. Julie Dajay Lo is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. M. Julie Dajay Lo has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Neurological Physiotherapy.

Julie employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Thunder Bay community through proactive physiotherapy. M. Julie Dajay Lo offers consultations in English, Filipino, and Tagalog.

M. Julie Dajay Lo provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Peripheral Nerve

• Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic, Chemotherapy-Induced, Idiopathic): Improving safety, function, and quality of life for those with impaired sensation or strength due to various types of peripheral neuropathy.
• Nerve Entrapments / Compressions (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Sciatica, Meralgia Paresthetica): Addressing conditions affecting nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, aiming to relieve pressure on the nerve, reduce inflammation, restore normal nerve function, and alleviate symptoms.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Muscle Strains and Tears: A 'pulled' muscle, often occurring during activities like sprinting, jumping, lifting, or sudden changes in direction, causing immediate pain and difficulty using the muscle.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Pain, swelling, clicking, locking, or instability in or around the knee joint from various causes like ligament sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL), meniscal tears (managed conservatively), or patellofemoral (kneecap) pain.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: A 'rolled' or twisted ankle with subsequent swelling, tenderness, and difficulty putting your full weight on the foot.

Neurological

• Muscular Dystrophy / Myopathy - Supportive Physiotherapy Care: Physiotherapy aimed at maintaining optimal function, managing contractures (joint stiffness), optimizing mobility (including prescription of mobility aids), adapting activities, and managing respiratory function (if applicable) for individuals with progressive muscle weakness due to muscular dystrophy or other myopathies.
• Stroke (CVA) Rehabilitation: Utilizing evidence-based neuroplasticity principles, motor relearning techniques, and task-specific training to help stroke survivors improve movement and achieve their functional goals.
• Parkinson's Disease Management & Movement Therapy: Helping individuals with Parkinson's Disease maintain mobility, functional independence, and safety, and improve their quality of movement and life.

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. Julie can assess your needs.

• Postural Assessment and Correction: Helping you understand how your posture impacts your musculoskeletal health and providing you with tools for lasting postural improvement and pain relief.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Targeted exercises focused on strengthening the deep abdominal, back, pelvic floor, and diaphragm muscles to provide better support for your spine, improve posture, enhance balance, and increase movement efficiency.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Structured physical activities and exercises aimed at helping you safely regain strength, stamina, and confidence in your body's abilities, tailored to your current level.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Providing clear guidance on self-care techniques, activity modifications, and beneficial lifestyle adjustments for long-term well-being and injury prevention.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): A systematic screening process, such as FMS™ or SFMA™ (if your Physiotherapist is certified), to understand how you move and guide preventative or corrective exercise programs.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A thorough evaluation by your Physiotherapist to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.

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

• Don't let a 'frozen shoulder' feeling, where my shoulder feels completely stuck dictate what you can and cannot do. Julie offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at feeling a substantial improvement in their mobility and range of motion for easier movement, helping you reclaim participating in water aerobics or other pool-based exercises and enjoy a more functional life.
• The path to recovery from trying to get back to my best after a frustrating sports injury and achieving feeling more energetic and less weighed down by physical discomfort for playing a full game of recreational hockey with their friends often starts with expert guidance. Julie, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• Patients struggling with that nagging tennis elbow (or golfer's elbow) that flares up with activity can find dedicated and compassionate support from Julie. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving being able to play actively with their children or grandchildren again, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as performing self-care tasks like hair washing or reaching their back.
• Physiotherapy with Julie can be a transformative turning point for those affected by clicking, popping, or pain in my jaw (TMJ issues) when I eat or talk. The shared goal is achieving less reliance on pain medication, trusting more in their body's ability to heal and function, paving the way for you to enjoy swimming laps at the pool for fitness and relaxation and a more active, vibrant life.

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

Julie practices at St. Joseph's Care Group, located in the Port Arthur Central (Downtown North Core, Waterfront area) neighborhood of Thunder Bay. The clinic enjoys a convenient location near Intercity Shopping Centre and is easily accessible via Thunder Bay Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

This is very individual and depends on many factors. After your comprehensive initial assessment, your Physiotherapist will be able to give you a better idea of the anticipated number of sessions and the frequency of visits needed to achieve your specific goals. We believe in open communication and will regularly review your progress with you, adjusting the treatment plan as you improve and as needed.

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.

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.

What is St. Joseph's Care Group's appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients who may be waiting for care. A fee may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

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. We strongly advise checking your private insurance for private clinic coverage.

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 St. Joseph's Care Group 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.

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?

Patients in ON can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans *do* require one for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

St. Joseph's Care Group
35 Algoma St. North, PO Box 3251
Thunder Bay, ON, P7B 5G7

Phone: (807) 343-2431

M. Julie Dajay Lo 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: XXX95

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=07bfbaf5-8f02-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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