Michele Nicole Wessels – Physiotherapist | Burlington, ON

Michele Nicole Wessels is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at MW Physiotherapy in Burlington, ON, Michele Wessels is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Michele Wessels's approach focuses on addressing 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. Michele Wessels serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Michele Nicole Wessels completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 2008). With extensive clinical experience, Michele Wessels is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Michele Wessels has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Michele Wessels's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Burlington community through proactive physiotherapy; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Michele Wessels offers consultations in Afrikaans, English.

Michele Nicole Wessels provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Arthritis

• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Individualized exercise programs and pain management strategies tailored for psoriatic arthritis to help reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life.
• 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.
• 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.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Conditions like 'jumper's knee' (patellar tendinopathy), 'swimmer's shoulder' (rotator cuff tendinopathy), or 'tennis elbow' (lateral epicondylitis) caused by tendon issues that limit your ability to perform specific tasks.

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. Michele Wessels can assess your needs.

• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Assessing your fundamental movement patterns to identify limitations, asymmetries, and potential risk factors for injury or re-injury.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A complete assessment of your musculoskeletal system to pinpoint issues, set clear rehabilitation goals, and get you started on the path to recovery.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
• 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.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Gentle, active manual therapy techniques where you use your own specific muscle contractions against your therapist's controlled resistance to improve joint mobility, lengthen tight tissues, and reduce pain.
• 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.

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

• Michele Wessels frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of recovering my strength and energy after being very sick (like with pneumonia or Long COVID). A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets feeling more positive, capable, and optimistic about their physical health and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like giving presentations or speaking publicly with confidence and good posture.
• Many individuals seek help from Michele Wessels, their physiotherapist, when a noticeable curve in my child's spine or uneven shoulders (scoliosis concerns) starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve resuming gardening, hobbies, or household tasks without strain or discomfort, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like keeping up with their team during our weekly soccer match.
• The journey to greater confidence when walking, standing, or navigating challenging environments when faced with persistent frequent headaches that seem to start from tension in my neck or shoulders is made smoother and more effective with Michele Wessels's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like returning to a specific physical hobby they had to give up due to pain.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Michele Wessels can help you move beyond facial weakness or drooping on one side (like Bell's Palsy). The focus is on a significant improvement in their overall quality of life and daily well-being, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as returning to dancing, whether it's ballet, salsa, or just for fun.

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

Michele Wessels's practice, MW Physiotherapy, is conveniently located in the Headon Forest, Palmer neighborhood of Burlington. The clinic is situated near the Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) and is easily accessible via Burlington Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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 Ontarians. 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 waitlists may apply. Always check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

It's difficult to say exactly how many sessions you'll need without a thorough assessment, as everyone's situation and recovery path is unique. Some acute conditions might resolve in just a few sessions, while more chronic, complex, or significant issues may require a longer period of care to achieve lasting results. Your Physiotherapist will provide an estimated treatment timeline and plan after your first visit, and this will be revisited as your treatment progresses.

What are MW Physiotherapy's operating hours?

MW Physiotherapy is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and some practitioners offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call our office or check our website/online booking portal for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

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.

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. Contact your insurer before your first appointment to understand your plan's specifics (annual maximum, per-visit limits, co-payments, referral requirements, and direct billing options). If MW Physiotherapy offers direct billing and your plan allows it, we can bill your insurer directly. Otherwise, we will provide a receipt for you to submit to your insurer.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at MW Physiotherapy treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes issues like back and neck pain, joint problems (arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, and nerve pain. We also have therapists with specialized skills in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and general physiotherapy. Treatments often involve Functional Movement Screening, Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment, and patient education.

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

Temporary soreness or a mild increase in symptoms after treatment is sometimes normal, especially initially. However, significant or sharp pain increase, new or worsening neurological symptoms (numbness, tingling, weakness), or prolonged soreness requires contacting MW Physiotherapy or your physician. They can advise, adjust your treatment, or arrange a reassessment.

MW Physiotherapy
3455 Harvester Rd., Unit 7
Burlington, ON, L7N 3P2

Phone: (905) 802-1317

Michele Nicole Wessels 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: XXX64

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=0702ada1-8f02-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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