Marie-Claude Istchenko – Physiotherapist | Peterborough, ON

Marie-Claude Istchenko is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Peterborough Regional Health Center in Peterborough, ON, Marie-Claude Istchenko is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Marie-Claude Istchenko'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. Marie-Claude Istchenko serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Marie-Claude Istchenko completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Ottawa (Graduating Class of 2008). With clinical experience, Marie-Claude Istchenko is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Marie-Claude Istchenko has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Marie-Claude Istchenko employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting; a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Marie-Claude Istchenko offers consultations in English, French.

Marie-Claude Istchenko provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Back Neck Pain

• 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.
• 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.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Back or neck pain that often radiates into an arm or leg, potentially with numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning sensations, due to a spinal disc problem (herniation, protrusion, or bulge) compressing or irritating a nearby nerve root (radiculopathy). Sciatica specifically refers to radicular pain down the leg.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Conditions like 'jumper's knee' (patellar tendinopathy), 'swimmer's shoulder' (rotator cuff tendinopathy), or 'tennis elbow' (lateral epicondylitis) caused by tendon issues that limit your ability to perform specific tasks.

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. Marie-Claude Istchenko can assess your needs.

• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Employing different types of electrotherapy to support your rehabilitation goals, including promoting tissue healing or improving motor control.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: The use of specific electrical stimulation devices (IFC or TENS) by your Physiotherapist to provide pain relief, reduce muscle spasm, decrease swelling, or promote muscle activation and re-education.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: Utilizing traction techniques to create space within the spine, reduce nerve irritation, improve disc hydration, and alleviate back or neck pain.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): Targeted shockwave application to promote tissue regeneration, modulate pain, and improve function in chronic injuries, often with lasting results.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: Utilizing therapeutic laser to enhance tissue regeneration, reduce pain signals, and manage inflammation as part of your comprehensive physiotherapy care.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: The application of high-frequency sound waves by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to promote deep tissue heating, increase local blood flow, reduce pain, and facilitate the healing process in soft tissues like muscles, tendons, or ligaments.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Marie-Claude Istchenko, 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 Peterborough Regional Health Center, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Marie-Claude Istchenko frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Living with recovering my strength and energy after being very sick (like with pneumonia or Long COVID) doesn't have to be your norm. Marie-Claude Istchenko applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards enhanced pelvic floor function and control (for relevant conditions), so you can get back to the simple pleasure of spending hours gardening comfortably, without subsequent back or knee strain.
• It's truly rewarding for Marie-Claude Istchenko to witness patients conquer feeling generally stiff, achy, and less mobile than I used to be and experience enhanced ability to participate in social and community events. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in engaging in volunteer work that might have physical demands again.
• At Marie-Claude Istchenko's physiotherapy practice, individuals with needing help to get moving again after a long period of illness or inactivity are guided towards regaining full function in an injured area, enabling a return to cherished activities. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as being able to carry their baby or toddler without straining their back or arms.
• Physiotherapy with Marie-Claude Istchenko can be a transformative turning point for those affected by feeling 'off-balance' and worried about falling, especially as I get older. The shared goal is achieving feeling more resilient and less vulnerable to minor strains or injuries, paving the way for you to enjoy joining in on pickup basketball games at the local court and a more active, vibrant life.

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

Marie-Claude Istchenko practices at Peterborough Regional Health Center, situated in the Downtown Peterborough, Central neighborhood of Peterborough. The clinic is conveniently located near Peterborough Lift Lock National Historic Site and is accessible via Peterborough Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiotherapist can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

Does Peterborough Regional Health Center offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

While Peterborough Regional Health Center does not offer direct billing at this time, we provide detailed official receipts that you can easily submit to your insurer for reimbursement according to your plan. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. Always confirm your specific coverage details, including any annual maximums, per-visit limits, or deductible requirements, directly with your insurance provider, as plans vary significantly. You are responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.

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 Peterborough Regional Health Center offered direct billing and your plan allowed it, we could 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.

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 coverage of services in private clinics.

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.

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.

Peterborough Regional Health Center
1 Hospital Drive
Peterborough, ON, K9J 7C6

Phone: (705) 743-2121

Marie-Claude Istchenko 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: XXX00

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=f7d307ba-8f02-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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