Melissa Ginette Johanne Churma

Melissa Ginette Johanne Churma 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): Specialized physiotherapy after knee joint replacement surgery to help you regain independence, optimize your surgical outcome, and return to desired daily activities and hobbies.
• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): Supportive physiotherapy to aid your recovery and help you manage symptoms after back or neck surgery, focusing on education, safe movement strategies, and specific exercises.
• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Physiotherapy aimed at restoring movement, strength, and function after surgical repair of broken bones (e.g., Open Reduction Internal Fixation - ORIF, intramedullary nailing), once the fracture site is sufficiently healed and cleared for rehabilitation by your surgeon.
• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: A structured, progressive, and goal-oriented physiotherapy rehabilitation program crucial for restoring knee stability, strength, range of motion, and proprioception (joint position sense) after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or other knee ligament (e.g., PCL, MCL, LCL) reconstructive surgery.

Arthritis

• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Physiotherapy to address residual joint stiffness, pain, swelling, and functional loss after an acute gout attack has subsided, or to help manage musculoskeletal impairments and tophi-related issues associated with chronic gout, always in conjunction with appropriate medical management for urate control.
• 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.

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.

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. Melissa Churma can assess your needs.

• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Specialized manual techniques aimed at restoring normal movement and function to peripheral nerves that may be compressed, adhered, or under tension.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Customized exercise plans designed to help you recover from injury, manage chronic conditions, improve physical performance, and achieve your functional goals safely and effectively.
• 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.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: A variety of hands-on methods such as therapeutic massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and active release style techniques to reduce muscle tension, break down scar tissue, improve circulation, and enhance tissue flexibility.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized programs incorporating various stretching techniques (e.g., static, dynamic, PNF) to alleviate stiffness, increase tissue extensibility, and promote better posture.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Using controlled isometric and isotonic muscle contractions, as directed by your Physiotherapist, to address joint restrictions and muscle imbalances effectively.

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

• Patients often come to Melissa Churma feeling defeated by pain and difficulty with overhead movements like reaching into a cupboard. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving feeling more positive, capable, and optimistic about their physical health and resuming playing their musical instrument (guitar, piano, violin, etc.) for extended periods becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• When sharp pain shooting down my leg, feeling a lot like sciatica is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing being able to carry their baby or toddler without straining their back or arms, physiotherapy with Melissa Churma can help you work towards successfully integrating safe movement strategies into their daily routines. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• The path to recovery from frequent headaches that seem to start from tension in my neck or shoulders and achieving less reliance on pain medication, trusting more in their body's ability to heal and function for sitting comfortably through a movie at the cinema or a play often starts with expert guidance. Melissa Churma, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from swelling in my arm or leg, possibly lymphedema, after surgery or treatment and achieved the ability to manage symptoms independently if they occasionally recur under the skilled care of Melissa Churma. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as peacefully paddling their kayak or canoe on the lake for hours with a new lease on life.

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

Melissa Churma practices at Physio Plantagenet, a physiotherapy clinic in the central Plantagenet neighborhood of Plantagenet. The clinic is conveniently located near nearby parks and community recreation facilities and is accessible via local public transit routes. 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's essential to check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements.

What are Physio Plantagenet's operating hours?

Physio Plantagenet is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Some practitioners may offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary, so please call the clinic at [Clinic Phone Number] or check their website for the most up-to-date information.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy, delivered by a qualified Physiotherapist, is a science-based profession that focuses on restoring movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness, or disability. It can also help to reduce your risk of future problems. Your physiotherapist will use techniques such as therapeutic exercise, manual therapy (hands-on treatment), education, and advice, empowering you to manage your health independently and achieve your physical goals.

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

Generally, physiotherapy services in private clinics are not covered by OHIP. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available through specific programs (e.g., post-hospitalization, for certain populations), but eligibility criteria are strict. It's crucial to check your private insurance policy for coverage details, as many plans offer significant physiotherapy benefits.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiotherapist can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

Physio Plantagenet
160 Jessup's Falls Rd, PO Box 302
Plantagenet, ON, K0B 1L0

Phone: (613) 673-1977

Melissa Ginette Johanne Churma 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: XXX59

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=7ccc05f4-9302-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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