Meghan Schnurr – Physiotherapist | Burlington, ON

Meghan Schnurr is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Joseph Brant Hospital in Burlington, ON, Meghan Schnurr is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Meghan Schnurr addresses 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. Meghan Schnurr 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. Meghan Schnurr serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Meghan Schnurr completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 2018). With clinical experience, Meghan Schnurr is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Meghan Schnurr has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.

Meghan Schnurr employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Meghan Schnurr offers consultations in English.

Meghan Schnurr provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Neurological

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Symptom Management & Rehabilitation: Individualized exercise programs (e.g., strength, aerobic, balance, flexibility), energy conservation techniques, and compensatory strategies tailored by a Neuro Physiotherapist for individuals living with Multiple Sclerosis.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) / Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy addressing physical impairments following a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or acquired brain injury (ABI), including issues with balance, coordination, strength, mobility, spasticity, endurance, and cognitive-physical integration.
• Parkinson's Disease Management & Movement Therapy: Physiotherapy interventions focusing on large-amplitude movements, rhythmic activities, and strategies to overcome movement difficulties associated with Parkinson's.

Arthritis

• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Supportive physiotherapy care for joint recovery and function after gout flares, focusing on restoring range of motion, reducing inflammation, and providing advice on joint protection and lifestyle factors.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Helping to manage the musculoskeletal aspects of psoriatic disease, working in conjunction with medical management to optimize your physical function and comfort.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Physiotherapy for ankylosing spondylitis focuses on maintaining spinal mobility and flexibility (especially extension), improving posture, strengthening core and back muscles, managing pain, and providing education on self-management and regular exercise.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Physiotherapy as an important part of a multidisciplinary team approach to managing rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis), helping to minimize disease impact and maximize quality of life.

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. Meghan Schnurr can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Ultrasound therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, often used to prepare tissues for manual therapy or exercise, or to manage acute and chronic soft tissue injuries.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: LLLT or 'cold laser' therapy to stimulate your body's natural healing processes, provide pain relief, and improve function in conditions like tendinopathies, arthritis, or soft tissue injuries.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): The application of focused acoustic waves (Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy) by a trained Physiotherapist to treat chronic tendon issues (e.g., plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, Achilles tendinopathy), calcific tendinosis, and other persistent musculoskeletal conditions.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Utilizing targeted electrical currents to help alleviate pain, manage discomfort, and support healing in conjunction with other physiotherapy interventions.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Application of various forms of electrical stimulation, such as Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) for muscle strengthening and re-education, or Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) to assist with movement, as prescribed by your Physiotherapist.

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

• Struggling with the frustration of that burning pain between my shoulder blades from too much computer work? Meghan Schnurr develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving increased flexibility throughout their body, particularly in their back and major joints. This is key to helping you get back to doing playing in their competitive volleyball league again with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from numbness, tingling, or weakness in my hands, arms, feet, or legs and achieved being able to travel more comfortably and with less planning around physical limitations under the skilled care of Meghan Schnurr. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as carrying a backpack or shoulder bag comfortably with a new lease on life.
• When pain in my shins when I try to run or be active (shin splints) is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing working on detailed woodworking projects in their shop without hand pain, physiotherapy with Meghan Schnurr can help you work towards feeling equipped with effective self-management strategies and exercises. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Meghan Schnurr believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning shirts or writing due to hand pain is hindering your ability to shoveling snow or raking leaves without aggravating their back, a personalized plan focusing on being active again without the constant worry of pain or re-injury can make all the difference.

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

Meghan Schnurr practices at Joseph Brant Hospital, situated in the Aldershot South neighborhood of Burlington. The clinic is conveniently located near Joseph Brant Museum and is accessible via Burlington Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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

In Ontario, you can usually see a Physiotherapist directly without a doctor's referral. This is called direct access. However, even though a referral isn't legally required to make an appointment, some private insurance plans may require one for coverage. It's essential to check your insurance policy before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements for physiotherapy coverage.

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

Some temporary post-treatment soreness can be normal, much like after a good workout. However, if your pain significantly worsens, if you develop new concerning symptoms, or if the discomfort doesn't settle down within a day or two, please call us. Your Physiotherapist would want to know so they can offer guidance and make any necessary adjustments to your care plan. Open communication is key to your successful recovery.

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

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in Ontario through specific programs (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. Most people will need to rely on their private or extended health insurance plans for coverage of physiotherapy services in private clinics. Always check your private insurance policy for details about coverage, and verify eligibility with OHIP directly if you think you may qualify for publicly funded services.

Does Joseph Brant Hospital 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.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

While some physiotherapy techniques might feel uncomfortable or cause a temporary increase in soreness (similar to muscle soreness after a new workout), especially when working on stiff joints or tight muscles, it should not be excessively or intolerably painful. Your Physiotherapist will discuss what sensations you might expect with different treatments and will always aim to adjust the intensity and techniques to ensure you are as comfortable as possible while still achieving therapeutic benefits. Constant communication about your comfort level is very important.

Joseph Brant Hospital
1245 Lakeshore Road
Burlington, ON, L7S 0A2

Phone: (905) 632-3737

Meghan Schnurr 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: XXX06

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=b54ea6e8-4bbd-e811-817b-480fcff40721

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