Marcia Jean de Gouw – Physiotherapist | Strathroy, ON

Marcia Jean de Gouw is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Damen Optimal Health Team in Strathroy, ON, Marcia de Gouw is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Marcia de Gouw addresses 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. Marcia de Gouw serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Marcia Jean de Gouw completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Western University (Graduating Class of 2005). With extensive clinical experience, Marcia de Gouw is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Marcia de Gouw has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Marcia de Gouw employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Marcia de Gouw utilizes a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Marcia de Gouw empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Marcia de Gouw offers consultations in English.

Marcia Jean de Gouw 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 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): 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).

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.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Aching, sharp pain, a feeling of the knee 'giving way', or difficulty fully bending or straightening your knee.

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. Marcia de Gouw can assess your needs.

• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Specialized workouts to enhance your core strength, stability, and endurance, which are crucial for injury prevention, back health, and efficient performance in daily activities and sports.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Educating you about your diagnosis, expected recovery timeline (prognosis), and the reasons behind your treatment plan to encourage active participation in your healing.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Development of a tailored therapeutic exercise program by your Physiotherapist, focused on your specific rehabilitation needs, strength goals, flexibility improvements, balance, and overall conditioning.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Developing muscular strength and endurance to aid in injury recovery, support affected joints, improve biomechanics, and enhance athletic performance or demanding physical tasks.
• 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.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Assessing your fundamental movement patterns to identify limitations, asymmetries, and potential risk factors for injury or re-injury.

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

• Through personalized physiotherapy at Marcia de Gouw's clinic, common concerns like an awkward gait or limping when I walk are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of reduced muscle tension and a feeling of greater physical ease. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like giving presentations or speaking publicly with confidence and good posture.
• At Marcia de Gouw's physiotherapy practice, individuals with trying to get back to my best after a frustrating sports injury are guided towards enhanced ability to participate in social and community events. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as taking energetic, long walks with their dog every day.
• Living with recovering from surgery to my hand or wrist doesn't have to be your norm. Marcia de Gouw applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards feeling empowered to take control of their physical health journey, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of performing self-care tasks like hair washing or reaching their back.
• Struggling with the frustration of post-operative stiffness and weakness that's slowing down my recovery? Marcia de Gouw develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving experiencing significant pain relief, allowing for a more comfortable daily life. This is key to helping you get back to doing participating in water aerobics or other pool-based exercises with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.

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

Marcia de Gouw practices at Damen Optimal Health Team, a physiotherapy clinic in the central Strathroy neighborhood of Strathroy. The clinic is conveniently located near nearby parks and community recreation facilities and is accessible via local public transit routes. Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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

It's not uncommon to experience some temporary soreness or a mild increase in symptoms after certain physiotherapy treatments, especially in the initial stages or if you're starting new exercises. This usually subsides within 24-48 hours. However, if you experience a significant or sharp increase in pain, new or worsening neurological symptoms (like numbness, tingling, or weakness), or if your soreness lasts longer than expected, it's important to contact Damen Optimal Health Team or your Physiotherapist directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

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. It is strongly advised to check your private insurance for private clinic coverage and verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Absolutely! Home exercises are a vital part of your rehabilitation journey and empower you to take an active role in your recovery process. Your Physiotherapist will carefully select and teach you exercises specific to your needs. These exercises help to reinforce what's done in the clinic, manage your condition effectively, and ensure you continue progressing towards your goals even when you're not in a session.

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 require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

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.

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.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

The primary goal of physiotherapy is generally to reduce pain and improve function, not to cause significant or lasting pain. Some assessment techniques or specific treatments (like deep soft tissue work, joint mobilization, or certain exercises) might cause mild, temporary discomfort or soreness, especially if the tissues being treated are sensitive, inflamed, or very stiff. However, your Physiotherapist will always work within your tolerance levels, communicate clearly about what to expect, and encourage open feedback. If you experience notable or unacceptable pain during treatment, please inform your therapist immediately so adjustments can be made to ensure your comfort.

Damen Optimal Health Team
8 Front Street East
Strathroy, ON, N7G 1Y4

Phone: (519) 205-0329

Marcia Jean de Gouw 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: XXX98

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=09273928-8e02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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