Mary Jennifer Wagar – Physiotherapist | St. Catharines, ON

Mary Jennifer Wagar is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Niagara Health System - St. Catharines General Hospital in St. Catharines, ON, Jennifer is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Jennifer'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. Jennifer serves adults.

Mary Jennifer Wagar completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2002). With clinical experience, Mary Jennifer Wagar is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Mary Jennifer Wagar has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Jennifer promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the St. Catharines community through proactive physiotherapy; Jennifer employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Mary Jennifer Wagar offers consultations in English.

Mary Jennifer Wagar provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Arthritis

• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A physiotherapy approach to address the unique challenges of AS, aiming to keep you as mobile and active as possible and support your spinal health and overall well-being.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: An autoimmune condition causing chronic inflammation, pain, stiffness, swelling, and potential deformity in multiple joints, often symmetrically. Physiotherapy aims to manage pain, maintain joint function and mobility, improve strength and endurance, provide joint protection strategies, and support self-management.

Back Neck Pain

• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Symptoms like 'neurogenic claudication' – leg pain, cramping, or heaviness with walking or prolonged standing that typically eases with rest or bending forward (flexion).
• 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.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: A common cause of persistent back and neck pain due to the cumulative strain of prolonged sitting, standing, or performing tasks in non-ideal positions.
• 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.

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).

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. Jennifer can assess your needs.

• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Progressive resistance training programs designed by your Physiotherapist to improve muscle performance, support joint health, and enhance functional capacity for daily life or sport.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Comprehensive exercise plans developed by your Physiotherapist to combat deconditioning, enhance overall physical well-being, and promote an active lifestyle.
• 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.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Teaching you essential strategies and exercises to manage your symptoms independently, accelerate recovery, and prevent future problems.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Education and instruction on effective and safe stretching techniques to help you maintain or improve your body's flexibility and joint mobility.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Jennifer, 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 Niagara Health System - St. Catharines General Hospital, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Jennifer frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Discover how physiotherapy with Jennifer can help you move beyond trying to stay as mobile and active as possible while living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The focus is on effectively managing chronic pain and reclaiming an active lifestyle, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as enduring their daily commute, whether driving or on public transit, without stiffness.
• At Jennifer's physiotherapy practice, individuals with loss of strength in one of my limbs after an injury are guided towards better managing flare-ups with personalized strategies and feeling more in control of their symptoms. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and dexterity with ease.
• For those whose difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning shirts or writing due to hand pain has made hitting the slopes for a full day of skiing or snowboarding in winter seem like a distant memory, Jennifer's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward getting their strength back after surgery or a period of inactivity. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to hitting the slopes for a full day of skiing or snowboarding in winter with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• If experiencing discomfort, back pain, or pelvic girdle pain during or after pregnancy is preventing you from fully enjoying driving for longer periods without neck or back pain, Jennifer offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining a noticeable reduction in daily discomfort, making everyday tasks easier and more enjoyable, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.

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

Jennifer practices at Niagara Health System - St. Catharines General Hospital, situated in the Western Hill, Glen Ridge neighborhood of St. Catharines. The clinic is conveniently located near the Downtown Core and is accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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, some private/extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider to understand their specific requirements before your first appointment.

How can I book an appointment at Niagara Health System - St. Catharines General Hospital?

You can book an appointment by calling the clinic directly at (905) 378-4647 during business hours. Online booking may also be available through the hospital's website. The reception team can assist you in finding a suitable appointment time.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial physiotherapy appointment will involve a comprehensive assessment. Jennifer will discuss your medical history, symptoms, concerns, and goals for physiotherapy. This will be followed by a thorough physical examination, evaluating your range of motion, strength, posture, balance, and movement patterns. Based on this, Jennifer will provide a clinical impression, discuss a personalized treatment plan, and often begin initial treatment or provide a home exercise program.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of sessions needed varies depending on your individual condition and recovery progress. Some conditions may resolve in a few sessions, while others may require a longer course of treatment. Jennifer will provide an estimated timeline after your initial assessment, which will be reviewed as your treatment progresses.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

Bring your health card, any referral letters, and relevant medical reports or images (X-rays, MRIs). If you have private insurance, bring your insurance card and policy details. Comfortable clothing that allows for easy movement is also recommended.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Niagara Health System - St. Catharines General Hospital treat?

Physiotherapists at Niagara Health System - St. Catharines General Hospital treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes back and neck pain, joint problems (arthritis, post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, and nerve pain. Jennifer also has expertise in orthopedic and musculoskeletal physiotherapy. Treatments often involve manual therapy, exercise prescription, and patient education.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

OHIP generally does not cover physiotherapy services in private outpatient clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations (e.g., post-hospitalization) but eligibility criteria are strict. Check your private insurance coverage, as many plans offer significant physiotherapy coverage.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer coverage for physiotherapy. Contact your insurer before your appointment to understand your plan's specifics (annual maximum, per-visit limits, co-payments, referral requirements, and direct billing options). If direct billing is available, we can bill your insurer directly. Otherwise, you will receive a receipt to submit to your insurer.

Niagara Health System - St. Catharines General Hospital
142 Queenston St.
St. Catharines, ON, L2R 2Z7

Phone: (905) 378-4647

Mary Jennifer Wagar 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: XXX71

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=b3c65235-8d02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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