Mary Leah Anderson – Physiotherapist | Kingston, ON

Mary Leah Anderson is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Kingston Health Sciences Centre in Kingston, ON, Mimi is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Mimi focuses on 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. Mimi serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Mary Leah Anderson completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 1985). With extensive clinical experience, Mimi is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Mimi has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Mimi empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Mimi adopts a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Mimi uses a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Mary Leah Anderson offers consultations in English.

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

Hand Wrist

• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Physiotherapy to help you regain optimal use of your hand and wrist after an injury, surgery, or due to a chronic condition, enabling you to return to work, hobbies, and daily tasks.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Addressing the inflammation, pain, and restricted movement associated with stenosing tenosynovitis of the finger or thumb.

Back Neck Pain

• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Muscular pain, trigger points, and tension headaches resulting from habitual poor posture, which can be addressed with postural re-education, exercises, and ergonomic advice.
• 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: 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.
• 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.

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. Mimi can assess your needs.

• Therapeutic Heat Application: Application of therapeutic heat to prepare tissues for exercise, manual therapy, or stretching, or to manage chronic muscle soreness and joint stiffness.
• 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.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: Therapeutic traction for the cervical (neck) or lumbar (low back) spine, used by physiotherapists to help reduce pain, decompress nerve roots, and improve symptoms associated with conditions like disc herniations, sciatica, or spinal stenosis.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): A common physiotherapy treatment for acute injuries, designed to help numb pain, decrease bleeding into the tissues, and minimize secondary hypoxic injury.
• 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.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): ESWT for chronic tendinopathies, heel spurs, and other musculoskeletal problems, aiming to break down scar tissue, increase blood flow, and trigger a healing response.

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

• When recovering from surgery to my hand or wrist is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing returning to a specific physical hobby they had to give up due to pain, physiotherapy with Mimi can help you work towards increased flexibility throughout their body, particularly in their back and major joints. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• The path to recovery from awful foot pain first thing in the morning, like I'm walking on glass (plantar fasciitis) and achieving a safe and confident return to their favorite sport or recreational activity for setting up and taking down equipment for hobbies or sports often starts with expert guidance. Mimi, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Mimi can help you move beyond difficulty moving one side of my body or walking easily after a stroke. The focus is on enhanced pelvic floor function and control (for relevant conditions), enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as managing the physical demands of their job without constant pain.
• The journey to successfully avoiding or delaying the need for more invasive treatments or surgery when faced with persistent trying to stay as mobile and active as possible while living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is made smoother and more effective with Mimi's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like travelling more comfortably on planes, trains, or in cars for longer durations.

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

Mimi practices at Kingston Health Sciences Centre, situated in the Downtown Kingston, Queen's University Area, Sydenham Ward neighborhood of Kingston. The clinic is conveniently located near the Downtown Core and is accessible via Kingston Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Initial assessment appointments are generally longer to allow for a thorough evaluation and discussion, typically lasting between 45 to 60 minutes. Subsequent follow-up treatment sessions are usually shorter, often ranging from 30 to 45 minutes. However, the duration can vary depending on your specific needs, the complexity of your condition, the type of treatment being provided, and the treatment plan designed by your Physiotherapist.

What are Kingston Health Sciences Centre's operating hours?

Kingston Health Sciences Centre is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call the clinic at 613-549-6666 or check their website for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

Is there parking available at or near Kingston Health Sciences Centre?

Paid parking is available in the parkade adjacent to the Kingston Health Sciences Centre. Limited free street parking may also be found in the vicinity, but please check local signage for restrictions.

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.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

The first physiotherapy session is primarily an in-depth assessment. Expect to spend time talking with your Physiotherapist about your specific issue, its history, and your overall health background. Your therapist will then perform various physical tests to assess your movement, strength, and any areas of concern. The main goal of this first visit is to understand your condition fully so that a tailored and effective treatment plan can be developed collaboratively with you. You might also receive your first set of home exercises or some initial hands-on care to start the healing process.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapist in ON?

In Ontario, you 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.

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 is strict. Check your private insurance for coverage.

Kingston Health Sciences Centre
76 Stuart Street
Kingston, ON, K7L 2V6

Phone: (613) 549-6666

Mary Leah Anderson 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: XXX65

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=461671ef-8902-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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