Mary Jane O’Donovan – Physiotherapist | Kingston, ON

Mary Jane O'Donovan is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Best Health Physiotherapy in Kingston, ON, Mary Jane is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Mary Jane's focus is 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. Mary Jane serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Mary Jane O'Donovan completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Dalhousie University (Graduating Class of 1983). With extensive clinical experience, Mary Jane is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Mary Jane has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Mary Jane's practice philosophy centers on empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Mary Jane has a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care possible. Mary Jane adopts a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Mary Jane offers consultations in English.

Mary Jane O'Donovan provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Back Neck Pain

• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Often age-related changes leading to pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs with walking (neurogenic claudication in lumbar stenosis) or in the arms/hands (cervical stenosis).
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Discomfort, aching, stiffness, or muscle fatigue in the back or neck arising from sustained or awkward postures during daily activities, prolonged work (e.g., desk work, computer use), or sleep.
• 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.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Sharp, shooting, electric-like, or burning pain that travels along the path of a nerve due to issues with intervertebral discs or other spinal structures.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Common shoulder problems such as rotator cuff issues (tendinopathy, small tears), impingement syndrome, or adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) significantly affecting arm function and daily comfort.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Injury to muscle tissue that limits your strength, range of motion, and ability to perform specific movements or activities, requiring careful rehabilitation.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Aching, soreness, or sharp pain experienced in the neck, which may include muscle spasms, trigger points, or reduced flexibility.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Symptoms in your hand or wrist that impact your ability to perform your job, hobbies, or essential self-care tasks, addressed by specialized hand physiotherapy.

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. Mary Jane can assess your needs.

• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Using therapeutic cold to manage the initial stages of an injury (e.g., sprains, strains) and control inflammatory responses, helping to limit tissue damage.
• 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.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: A non-invasive electrotherapy modality aimed at reducing pain, muscle guarding, or swelling, and sometimes used for muscle strengthening, as part of your physiotherapy treatment.
• 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.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): The therapeutic use of different electrical currents by your Physiotherapist to achieve specific physiological effects, such as improving muscle contraction, reducing atrophy, or enhancing functional movement.

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

• The journey to a significantly reduced risk of falling, enhancing safety and independence when faced with persistent feeling like my joints are just 'wearing out' and getting harder to move is made smoother and more effective with Mary Jane's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like sleeping soundly through the night without being woken by pain or discomfort.
• Living with breathing difficulties and shortness of breath with COPD or asthma, especially during activity doesn't have to be your norm. Mary Jane applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards restored joint function, leading to smoother and more coordinated movements, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of handling their job that involves frequent standing, walking, or bending.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of clicking, popping, or pain in my jaw (TMJ issues) when I eat or talk? Mary Jane works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of being able to play actively with their children or grandchildren again. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as joining in on pickup basketball games at the local court.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Mary Jane can help you move beyond aches and pains that I'm pretty sure are from my bad posture at my desk. The focus is on a better ability to cope with the physical stresses of daily life, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as keeping up with their team during our weekly soccer match.

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

Mary Jane practices at Best Health Physiotherapy, situated in the Henderson Place, Reddendale neighborhood of Kingston. The clinic is conveniently located near Confederation Park and is accessible via Kingston Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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. Always check your private/extended health insurance plans, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics. Verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

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.

What is Best Health 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?

Physiotherapy should not be an ordeal of pain. While you might feel some discomfort or a stretching sensation as you work to regain movement or strength, especially in the initial stages of treatment for an acute injury or chronic stiffness, it's rarely 'painful' in a distressing or harmful way. Your Physiotherapist will guide you through each step, modify treatments to suit your comfort and tolerance, and ensure that the overall experience is positive. The ultimate aim is to make you feel better, not worse.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Your first physiotherapy appointment, which includes a detailed assessment and the development of your initial treatment plan, usually takes about 60 minutes. Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled for 30 to 45 minutes. The exact duration of each session will depend on the nature of your treatment and what your Physiotherapist has planned for that specific visit to best help you progress.

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.

Best Health Physiotherapy
2-1329 Gardiner's Road
Kingston, ON, K7P 0L8

Phone: (613) 634-2378

Mary Jane O'Donovan 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: XXX35

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=e35b69f5-8902-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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