Megan Dennis Sabirsh – Physiotherapist | London, ON

Megan Dennis Sabirsh is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Resident Physiotherapist) (Geriatric Physiotherapy Focus / Seniors' Health). Practicing at Parkwood Institute in London, ON, Megan Dennis Sabirsh is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards.

Megan Dennis Sabirsh's role focuses on the unique health needs of older adults, aiming to improve and maintain mobility, strength, balance, manage age-related conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis, reduce fall risk, and enhance overall quality of life and independence. Megan Dennis Sabirsh serves seniors and tailors treatment plans to address their specific needs and goals, promoting active participation in their recovery and overall well-being.

Megan Dennis Sabirsh completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Western University (Graduating Class of 2024). With clinical experience, Megan Dennis Sabirsh is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Megan Dennis Sabirsh has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health. Megan Dennis Sabirsh's practice philosophy centers around a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results; a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Megan Dennis Sabirsh offers consultations in English.

Megan Dennis Sabirsh provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Neurological

• Stroke (CVA) Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy aimed at improving mobility (e.g., walking, transfers), balance, strength, coordination, sensation, and daily function (e.g., dressing, self-care) after a stroke (cerebrovascular accident).
• Facial Palsy / Bell's Palsy Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy for weakness or paralysis of facial muscles, often affecting one side of the face (e.g., Bell's Palsy, Ramsay Hunt syndrome, post-surgical facial nerve injury).
• Functional Neurological Disorders (FND) - Movement Retraining: Rehabilitation strategies tailored to the unique and often variable presentation of FND, working collaboratively with the patient to achieve their functional goals.

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): Persistent tendon pain that can interfere with your sports, work, or daily activities, often requiring specific loading programs and advice from a physiotherapist for effective management.

Vestibular Balance

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Resolving the spinning sensations caused by BPPV quickly and effectively through targeted canalith repositioning techniques, often providing immediate relief.
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): A common cause of chronic dizziness that can be helped with specific physiotherapy strategies aimed at desensitizing the brain to provocative stimuli and normalizing reliance on sensory inputs.
• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Practical strategies, exercises, and environmental modification advice to improve your balance, prevent falls, and maintain your independence and activity levels.

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. Megan Dennis Sabirsh can assess your needs.

• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Educating you about your diagnosis, expected recovery timeline (prognosis), and the reasons behind your treatment plan to encourage active participation in your healing.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Specific stretches designed by your therapist to target tight muscle groups relevant to your condition, helping to improve your flexibility and reduce your risk of injury.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: A carefully selected set of exercises specific to your condition and abilities, aimed at restoring function, reducing pain, improving movement, and preventing future issues.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: A progressive program designed to build a strong and stable core, improving your body's foundation for all movements and reducing strain on other structures.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Structured physical activities and exercises aimed at helping you safely regain strength, stamina, and confidence in your body's abilities, tailored to your current level.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Evaluation of your body's basic movements (like squatting, lunging, reaching) to highlight areas for improvement in stability, mobility, and motor control.

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

• Patients often come to Megan Dennis Sabirsh feeling defeated by feeling 'off-balance' and worried about falling, especially as I get older. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving more comfortable and efficient movement when transitioning between positions (e.g., sit to stand) and resuming peacefully paddling their kayak or canoe on the lake for hours becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• If needing help to get moving again after a long period of illness or inactivity is preventing you from fully enjoying managing their personal care routines independently, Megan Dennis Sabirsh offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining greater confidence when walking, standing, or navigating challenging environments, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• Living with trouble with a constantly stiff and sore neck, making turning my head a pain doesn't have to be your norm. Megan Dennis Sabirsh applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards getting back to enjoying life's simple pleasures without physical limitations, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of participating fully in their martial arts practice, including sparring.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Megan Dennis Sabirsh's clinic, common concerns like my child complaining of 'growing pains' that keep them up at night are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of a better understanding of ergonomics for their work and home environment. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like participating in community events and social gatherings more actively.

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

Megan Dennis Sabirsh practices at Parkwood Institute, situated in the Woodfield, Wortley Village neighborhood of London. The clinic is conveniently located near Victoria Park and is accessible via London Transit Commission (LTC). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Parkwood Institute 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 Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health and general physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies, Stretching & Flexibility Programs, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of physiotherapy sessions required varies greatly from person to person. It depends on several factors, including the nature and severity of your condition, how long you've had the issue (acute vs. chronic), your individual treatment goals, your body's unique response to therapy, and how consistently you are able to follow your prescribed home exercise program and self-management advice. Your Physiotherapist will discuss a proposed treatment frequency and estimated duration after your initial assessment and will continually re-evaluate your progress with you.

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

To make your first appointment as smooth and productive as possible, please consider bringing: your health card, any doctor's referral letter (if applicable), results or reports of any imaging tests (X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs) related to your current condition, a list of any medications you are currently taking, and your extended health benefits information (insurance card/policy number) for direct billing if available at our clinic. Wearing comfortable clothes is also a good idea.

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 Parkwood Institute offers direct billing and your plan allows it, we can often 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.

Does Parkwood Institute 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 first appointment and 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.

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.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not be painful. While some discomfort or stretching sensation might be felt, especially initially, your Physiotherapist will ensure a positive experience.

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. Check your private insurance for private clinic coverage.

Parkwood Institute
550 Wellington Road
London, ON, N6C 5J1

Phone: (519) 646-6100

Megan Dennis Sabirsh 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: XXX74

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=d4e42028-ba6b-ef11-a670-0022483e3cc5

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