Maraisa Ockenden – Physiotherapist | Burlington, ON

Maraisa Ockenden is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Burlington Sports Therapy and Physiotherapy in Burlington, ON, Maraisa (Mara) Ockenden is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Maraisa (Mara) Ockenden's role involves 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. Maraisa (Mara) Ockenden serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Maraisa Ockenden completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Universidade Estadual de Goiás (Graduating Class of 2008). With extensive clinical experience, Maraisa (Mara) Ockenden is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Maraisa (Mara) Ockenden has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Maraisa (Mara) Ockenden embraces a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Maraisa (Mara) Ockenden's practice philosophy promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Burlington community through proactive physiotherapy. Maraisa (Mara) Ockenden offers consultations in English, Portuguese.

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

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A chronic condition causing joint discomfort, stiffness (especially in the morning or after inactivity), and impacting your ability to perform daily activities, walk, or engage in hobbies.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Pain, tenderness, swelling, and dysfunction in a tendon (the strong cords that attach muscles to bones) due to overuse, repetitive strain, injury, or degeneration. Common sites include the Achilles, patellar tendon (knee), rotator cuff (shoulder), or elbow (tennis/golfer's elbow).

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): Physiotherapy to help you regain optimal use of your hand and wrist after an injury, surgery, or due to a chronic condition, enabling you to return to work, hobbies, and daily tasks.

Back Neck Pain

• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): A range of neck and related symptoms including pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and sometimes arm pain or cognitive difficulties, following a rapid acceleration-deceleration injury to the neck, most typically from a motor vehicle accident.
• 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.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Pain and muscle tension related to ergonomic factors at work or home, muscle imbalances, and suboptimal body mechanics or movement habits.

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. Maraisa (Mara) Ockenden can assess your needs.

• Postural Assessment and Correction: Identifying and addressing habitual postures (e.g., from desk work, phone use) or ergonomic factors that may be contributing to your pain or dysfunction.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): ESWT for chronic tendinopathies, heel spurs, and other musculoskeletal problems, aiming to break down scar tissue, increase blood flow, and trigger a healing response.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): A common physiotherapy treatment for acute injuries, designed to help numb pain, decrease bleeding into the tissues, and minimize secondary hypoxic injury.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: The application of gentle, controlled mechanical or manual force to distract (stretch) spinal segments, aiming to alleviate pressure on intervertebral discs, nerves, and facet joints.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: A comforting physiotherapy modality that helps to soothe tight muscles, decrease pain perception, and improve the flexibility of soft tissues.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Maraisa (Mara) Ockenden, 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 Burlington Sports Therapy and Physiotherapy, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Maraisa (Mara) Ockenden frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• For those whose trying to get back to my best after a frustrating sports injury has made painting or drawing for longer stretches without neck or shoulder ache seem like a distant memory, Maraisa (Mara) Ockenden's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward a significantly reduced risk of falling, enhancing safety and independence. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to painting or drawing for longer stretches without neck or shoulder ache with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Maraisa (Mara) Ockenden believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If dealing with pelvic pain or bladder/bowel control issues (for both men and women) is hindering your ability to performing self-care tasks like hair washing or reaching their back, a personalized plan focusing on improved overall mobility, making it easier to navigate their home and community can make all the difference.
• Living with difficulty getting out of a chair or bed due to stiffness or pain doesn't have to be your norm. Maraisa (Mara) Ockenden applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards a smoother and stronger postpartum recovery, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of dancing the night away at social events and family celebrations.
• At Maraisa (Mara) Ockenden's physiotherapy practice, individuals with sharp pain shooting down my leg, feeling a lot like sciatica are guided towards experiencing significant pain relief, allowing for a more comfortable daily life. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as getting back to golfing 18 holes without their back acting up.

Your personalized physiotherapy plan, developed with Maraisa (Mara) Ockenden, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.

Maraisa (Mara) Ockenden practices at Burlington Sports Therapy and Physiotherapy, situated in the Headon Forest, Palmer neighborhood of Burlington. The clinic is conveniently located near Brant Street Pier and is accessible via Burlington Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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 Ontarians. 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. It is strongly recommended to check your private insurance for coverage as many plans offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Burlington Sports Therapy and Physiotherapy 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 (including Tension-Type Headaches), 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, exercise prescription, Postural Assessment and Correction, Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

What is Burlington Sports Therapy and Physiotherapy'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 treatment supposed to be painful?

While some physiotherapy techniques might feel uncomfortable or cause a temporary increase in soreness (similar to muscle soreness after a new workout), especially when working on stiff joints or tight muscles, it should not be excessively or intolerably painful. Your Physiotherapist will discuss what sensations you might expect with different treatments and will always aim to adjust the intensity and techniques to ensure you are as comfortable as possible while still achieving therapeutic benefits. Constant communication about your comfort level is very important.

Does Burlington Sports Therapy and Physiotherapy offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Please contact the clinic directly to confirm their direct billing capabilities. It is recommended to bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment and confirm coverage with your insurer.

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. However, some private/extended health insurance plans may 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?

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.

Burlington Sports Therapy and Physiotherapy
35-3455 Harvester Road
Burlington, ON, L7N 3W5

Phone: (905) 220-7858

Maraisa Ockenden 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: XXX49

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=5f080890-b4a3-eb11-b1ac-0022486d6618

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