Maree Kaye de Wijn – Physiotherapist | London, ON

Maree Kaye de Wijn is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at London Health Sciences Centre - University Hospital in London, ON, Maree de Wijn is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Maree de Wijn's focus is 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. Maree de Wijn serves adults.

Maree Kaye de Wijn completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Melbourne (Graduating Class of 2014). With clinical experience, Maree de Wijn is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Maree de Wijn has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Neurological Physiotherapy.

Maree de Wijn empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results; Maree de Wijn adopts a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Maree de Wijn offers consultations in English.

Maree Kaye de Wijn provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Common Musculoskeletal

• 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.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Aching, sharp, or deep pain in the hip that may worsen with activity, specific movements, or even at rest.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Acute or chronic pain originating from various musculoskeletal sources, such as a pulled muscle (strain), inflamed tendon, or irritated bursa.
• 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.

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: A brain injury caused by a direct or indirect blow to the head, resulting in a range of symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, visual disturbances, cognitive difficulties (e.g., 'brain fog', memory issues), fatigue, and emotional changes. Post-Concussion Syndrome refers to symptoms persisting beyond the typical recovery window.

Vestibular Balance

• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): Addressing chronic subjective dizziness and unsteadiness through targeted rehabilitation designed to reduce symptoms and improve functional abilities for individuals with PPPD/3PD.
• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Practical strategies, exercises, and environmental modification advice to improve your balance, prevent falls, and maintain your independence and activity levels.
• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Reduced function of one (unilateral) or both (bilateral) inner ear balance systems (vestibular organs), leading to persistent dizziness, gaze instability (difficulty keeping vision clear during head movement), imbalance, and sometimes nausea.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Effective, non-invasive treatment for positional dizziness and vertigo using specific head and body movements performed by a trained Vestibular Physiotherapist.

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. Maree de Wijn can assess your needs.

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders: Effective therapy for various inner ear and balance disorders, including BPPV, vestibular neuritis/labyrinthitis, unilateral or bilateral vestibular hypofunction, Meniere's disease (symptom management), and persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD).
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Teaching you essential strategies and exercises to manage your symptoms independently, accelerate recovery, and prevent future problems.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): A form of manual therapy that actively involves you in your treatment, utilizing your body's muscular effort to achieve specific therapeutic effects on restricted joints and shortened soft tissues.
• 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: An in-depth examination to fully understand your specific condition, allowing your Physiotherapist to create an effective and personalized rehabilitation plan.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Manual treatments specifically designed to improve joint mechanics, alleviate discomfort, reduce stiffness, and enhance your range of motion in the spine or limbs.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Maree de Wijn, 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 London Health Sciences Centre - University Hospital, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Maree de Wijn frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• With Maree de Wijn's help, managing numbness, tingling, or weakness in my hands, arms, feet, or legs to achieve improved coordination for complex movements and fine motor tasks becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like sleeping soundly through the night without being woken by pain or discomfort.
• For those whose my child complaining of 'growing pains' that keep them up at night has made competing effectively in their curling league games seem like a distant memory, Maree de Wijn's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward improved overall mobility, making it easier to navigate their home and community. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to competing effectively in their curling league games with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Physiotherapy with Maree de Wijn can be a transformative turning point for those affected by trouble performing repetitive tasks at work without pain. The shared goal is achieving increased flexibility throughout their body, particularly in their back and major joints, paving the way for you to enjoy playing in their competitive volleyball league again and a more active, vibrant life.
• Maree de Wijn believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If tendonitis pain flaring up in my shoulder, knee, elbow, or foot is hindering your ability to participating fully in their martial arts practice, including sparring, a personalized plan focusing on greater ease in performing overhead activities or reaching can make all the difference.

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

Maree de Wijn practices at London Health Sciences Centre - University Hospital, situated in the Downtown London, North London East neighborhood of London. The clinic is conveniently located near Westmount Area and is accessible via London Transit Commission (LTC). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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, even though a referral isn't legally required to *see* a physiotherapist, some private or extended health insurance plans *do* require one for reimbursement of services. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements.

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.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows the Physiotherapist to easily access and assess the area being treated, and permits you to move freely for any exercises or movements. For example, shorts are ideal for knee, hip, or ankle issues, while a tank top or loose t-shirt works well for shoulder, neck, or upper back problems. Athletic wear or gym attire is generally a good choice. You may also be provided with a gown if needed.

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 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 outpatient clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations, 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. It's essential to check your private insurance coverage, as many plans offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Definitely. A key aspect of physiotherapy is not just treating current problems but also preventing future ones. A Physiotherapist can assess your movement, identify potential weaknesses or imbalances that could lead to injury, and provide you with a personalized program of exercises and strategies. This proactive approach is beneficial for athletes, individuals with physically demanding jobs, or anyone looking to maintain long-term musculoskeletal health and avoid recurring pain.

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.

London Health Sciences Centre - University Hospital
339 Windermere Rd., P.O. Box 5339
London, ON, N6A 5A5

Phone: (519) 685-8500

Maree Kaye de Wijn 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: XXX17

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=7b932dca-9302-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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