Melanie Werstine – Physiotherapist | London, ON

Melanie Werstine is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at St. Joseph's Hospital in London, ON, Melanie Werstine is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Melanie Werstine 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. Melanie Werstine serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Melanie Werstine completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 1995). With extensive clinical experience, Melanie Werstine is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Melanie Werstine has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Melanie Werstine employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Melanie Werstine has a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Melanie Werstine offers consultations in English.

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

Arthritis

• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Helping you regain mobility, reduce discomfort, and improve function in affected joints after a gout episode, as part of your overall gout management plan.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Tailored exercise programs (including range of motion, strengthening, and low-impact aerobic exercises), pain relief modalities, and education on joint protection techniques and energy conservation for individuals with RA or similar conditions.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Common injuries related to physical activity, sports participation, accidental falls, or overuse from daily or work-related tasks.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Aching, sharp pain, a feeling of the knee 'giving way', or difficulty fully bending or straightening your knee.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Discomfort, limited range of motion, and persistent tension in the cervical spine (neck), often related to posture, an injury, stress, or sleeping position.

Back Neck Pain

• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Symptoms of nerve compression originating from the spine, such as a 'slipped disc' or 'pinched nerve', causing radiating pain, altered sensation, or muscle weakness in a limb.
• 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.
• 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).
• 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. Melanie Werstine can assess your needs.

• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Employing different types of electrotherapy to support your rehabilitation goals, including promoting tissue healing or improving motor control.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: A non-invasive physiotherapy modality that uses sound energy to stimulate cellular activity, enhance circulation, and support tissue recovery from injury or inflammation.
• 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.
• 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.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: Utilizing therapeutic laser to enhance tissue regeneration, reduce pain signals, and manage inflammation as part of your comprehensive physiotherapy care.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Application of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) or Interferential Current (IFC) for managing acute or chronic pain conditions by modulating pain signals or promoting the release of endorphins.

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

• It's truly rewarding for Melanie Werstine to witness patients conquer my baby/child having trouble with their motor skills, like delayed rolling, sitting or walking and experience feeling a substantial improvement in their mobility and range of motion for easier movement. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in hitting the slopes for a full day of skiing or snowboarding in winter again.
• Living with pain and difficulty with overhead movements like reaching into a cupboard doesn't have to be your norm. Melanie Werstine applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards running their usual distance comfortably and with improved form, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of engaging in detailed crafting, sewing, or knitting hobbies for hours.
• Patients often come to Melanie Werstine feeling defeated by difficulty coordinating my movements, feeling clumsy. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving increased flexibility throughout their body, particularly in their back and major joints and resuming performing self-care tasks like hair washing or reaching their back becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• The journey to a feeling of being 'unstuck' and more supple when faced with persistent dealing with pelvic pain or bladder/bowel control issues (for both men and women) is made smoother and more effective with Melanie Werstine's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like getting back to golfing 18 holes without their back acting up.

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

Melanie Werstine practices at St. Joseph's Hospital, situated in the Downtown London, North London East neighborhood of London. The clinic is conveniently located near Victoria Hospital (LHSC) and is accessible via London Transit Commission (LTC). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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

It's not uncommon to experience some temporary soreness or a mild increase in symptoms after certain physiotherapy treatments, especially in the initial stages or if you're starting new exercises. This usually subsides within 24-48 hours. However, if you experience a significant or sharp increase in pain, new or worsening neurological symptoms (like numbness, tingling, or weakness), or if your soreness lasts longer than expected, it's important to contact Melanie Werstine or your physician directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

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.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

The primary goal of physiotherapy is generally to reduce pain and improve function, not to cause significant or lasting pain. Some assessment techniques or specific treatments (like deep soft tissue work, joint mobilization, or certain exercises) might cause mild, temporary discomfort or soreness, especially if the tissues being treated are sensitive, inflamed, or very stiff. However, your Physiotherapist will always work within your tolerance levels, communicate clearly about what to expect, and encourage open feedback. If you experience notable or unacceptable pain during treatment, please inform your therapist immediately so adjustments can be made to ensure your comfort.

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, while a doctor's referral may not be legally required to see a Physiotherapist, some private/extended health insurance plans do require one for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It is strongly advised to check the specific requirements of your individual 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 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. It is strongly advised to check your private insurance for private clinic coverage.

St. Joseph's Hospital
268 Grosvenor Street
London, ON, N6A 4V2

Phone: (519) 646-6100

Melanie Werstine 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: XXX78

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=563026b0-8b02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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