Melanie-Dawn Ailey

Melanie-Dawn Ailey provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Post Surgical

• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): Physiotherapy rehabilitation after total or partial hip replacement surgery, aimed at restoring mobility, strength, balance, and improving your gait pattern, allowing you to perform daily activities safely and effectively.
• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): A progressive exercise program, often combined with manual therapy, designed to gradually restore your shoulder's range of motion, strength, and coordination following your operation.

Back Neck Pain

• 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.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Nerve compression symptoms due to a narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal or the small openings where nerves exit the spine (foramina), most commonly in the lumbar (lower back) or cervical (neck) regions.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Discomfort, aching, stiffness, or muscle fatigue in the back or neck arising from sustained or awkward postures during daily activities, prolonged work (e.g., desk work, computer use), or sleep.

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. Melanie Dawn Ailey can assess your needs.

• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Customized strength training to address specific weaknesses identified in your assessment, helping to correct imbalances, improve movement efficiency, and achieve your physical objectives.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Using controlled isometric and isotonic muscle contractions, as directed by your Physiotherapist, to address joint restrictions and muscle imbalances effectively.
• 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.
• 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.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Hands-on physiotherapy focused on mobilizing restricted joints and soft tissues to promote healing, restore normal biomechanics, and alleviate pain.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Application of skilled soft tissue techniques to manage pain, stiffness, and improve function in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.

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

• Many find that that 'pins and needles' feeling that won't go away significantly impacts their ability to handling their job that involves frequent standing, walking, or bending. Melanie Dawn Ailey helps patients target improved joint health and a slowing of degenerative processes through better biomechanics with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Patients often come to Melanie Dawn Ailey feeling defeated by hip pain when I walk, climb stairs, or try to sleep on my side. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving getting back to enjoying life's simple pleasures without physical limitations and resuming comfortably cooking and meal prepping for their family becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• It's truly rewarding for Melanie Dawn Ailey to witness patients conquer experiencing discomfort, back pain, or pelvic girdle pain during or after pregnancy and experience improved core stability and control, leading to better posture and reduced strain. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in carrying a backpack or shoulder bag comfortably again.
• Tired of numbness, tingling, or weakness in my hands, arms, feet, or legs interfering with managing the physical demands of their job without constant pain? Melanie Dawn Ailey uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve successfully avoiding or delaying the need for more invasive treatments or surgery and regain your freedom of movement.

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

Melanie Dawn Ailey practices at MOVE Therapy, situated in the Fort William West (Westfort, Neebing) neighborhood of Thunder Bay. The clinic is conveniently located near Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and is accessible via Thunder Bay Transit. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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

In Ontario, you typically do not need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist. This is known as direct access. However, while a referral isn't legally required to book an appointment, some private insurance plans may require one for coverage. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements for physiotherapy coverage.

Does MOVE Therapy offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

MOVE Therapy provides detailed official receipts for submission to your insurance company. While we do not offer direct billing at this time, we will provide you with the necessary documentation for easy reimbursement. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. Always confirm your coverage details, including annual maximums, per-visit limits, or deductibles, with your insurance provider, as plans vary significantly. You are responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.

What is MOVE Therapy's appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients. A fee may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves skilled, hands-on treatments performed by your Physiotherapist as part of your overall physiotherapy plan. These techniques are designed to assess and treat your joints, muscles, and nerves to decrease pain and improve your mobility and function. Examples include specific joint mobilizations to improve movement, soft tissue release techniques to address muscle tightness or scar tissue, and sometimes manipulations (adjustments) if indicated and appropriate for your condition and your therapist's qualifications.

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 specific situations, such as post-hospitalization for certain conditions or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams, but eligibility criteria are strict and there may be waitlists. Most Ontarians will need to rely on private insurance for coverage of physiotherapy services received in private clinics. It is crucial to check your private insurance plan for coverage details and to verify your eligibility for any public coverage directly with OHIP.

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?

Your initial physiotherapy visit will be approximately one hour long to allow for a thorough assessment and discussion of your treatment goals. Follow-up appointments are generally between 30 and 45 minutes, but this can be adjusted based on your individual needs. Your Physiotherapist will advise you on the appropriate appointment length for your care.

MOVE Therapy
768 North James Street
Thunder Bay, ON, P7C 5N3

Phone: (807) 577-6683

Melanie-Dawn Ailey 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: XXX51

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=52ea5f20-9702-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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