Marzana C. Bates

Marzana C. Bates provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Post Surgical

• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): Comprehensive post-operative recovery guidance following knee replacement, including exercises, manual therapy, and education to ensure you achieve your best possible function.
• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): Gentle and progressive physiotherapy rehabilitation following spinal surgery (e.g., for disc herniation, spinal stenosis, or spinal fusion), initiated once cleared by your surgeon, to improve mobility, core strength, posture, reduce pain, and safely return to daily activities.

Back Neck Pain

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Chronic Pain

• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) - Supportive Care: A careful and specialized physiotherapy approach for CRPS, focusing on pain reduction, functional restoration, and supporting you through this complex condition.
• Fibromyalgia: A chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep disturbances, memory and mood issues (often called 'fibro fog'), and tender points.
• Persistent Post-Surgical Pain (Chronic): Physiotherapy strategies to help manage long-term pain, hypersensitivity, and functional limitations following an operation, improving your quality of life.
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) - Activity Management: Supporting individuals with CFS/ME to manage their symptoms, avoid PEM, and find sustainable ways to engage in activity, often in collaboration with other healthcare providers.

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. Marzana can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Pre-Natal (Pregnancy) Physiotherapy: Safe and effective exercise guidance, postural education, core strengthening (including pelvic floor preparation), and body mechanics training for expectant mothers to prepare for childbirth, manage pregnancy-related discomfort, and maintain fitness.
• Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy (Assessment & Treatment - Internal exams where authorized/applicable and with consent): Comprehensive and confidential care for a range of pelvic health concerns, utilizing evidence-based techniques including specific exercises (Kegels and beyond), manual therapy, biofeedback, and education.
• 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.
• Post-Natal (Postpartum) Rehabilitation: Supportive and restorative care to help new mothers regain core strength and function, restore pelvic floor health, manage musculoskeletal pain or weakness, and navigate the physical demands of caring for a newborn.
• Biofeedback for Pelvic Floor Muscle Retraining: Using specialized electronic monitoring devices (biofeedback) to help you gain better awareness and voluntary control over your pelvic floor muscle activity (contraction, relaxation, endurance).

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

• Patients struggling with my baby/child having trouble with their motor skills, like delayed rolling, sitting or walking can find dedicated and compassionate support from Marzana. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving improved core stability and control, leading to better posture and reduced strain, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as actively participating in family outings and vacations without holding others back.
• At Marzana's physiotherapy practice, individuals with persistent dizziness that isn't a spinning vertigo but makes me feel unsteady are guided towards enhanced pelvic floor function and control (for relevant conditions). The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain.
• Many individuals seek help from Marzana, their physiotherapist, when working on getting back to normal after a fracture or other surgery starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve greater confidence when walking, standing, or navigating challenging environments, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like setting up and taking down equipment for hobbies or sports.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Marzana can help you move beyond awful foot pain first thing in the morning, like I'm walking on glass (plantar fasciitis). The focus is on feeling more stable and confident on their feet, especially on uneven surfaces, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as being able to kneel or squat down to play with pets or children.

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

Marzana C. Bates Physiotherapist is situated in the Fort William East (Downtown South Core, East End) neighborhood of Thunder Bay. The clinic is conveniently located near Magnus Theatre and is accessible via Thunder Bay Transit. Please inquire regarding specific accessibility needs for our clinic. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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 plan, 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).

Does Marzana C. Bates Physiotherapist offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

While we do 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.

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?

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 of physiotherapy services. Check your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Marzana C. Bates Physiotherapist treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain, joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, and nerve pain. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like Pelvic Health Physiotherapy and Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve Manual Therapy, Pre-Natal Physiotherapy, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

Marzana C. Bates Physiotherapist
1315 Crawford Ave.
Thunder Bay, ON, P7E 3E3

Phone: (807) 622-4774

Marzana C. Bates 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: XXX76

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=a00eea84-8a02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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