Michelle Marie Arsenault – Physiotherapist | Brantford, ON

Michelle Matheson is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Brantford General Hospital in Brantford, ON, Michelle Matheson is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Michelle Matheson 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. Michelle Matheson serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Michelle Matheson completed their degree in Physiotherapy from D'Youville University (Graduating Class of 2007). With extensive clinical experience, Michelle Matheson is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Michelle Matheson has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Michelle Matheson embraces a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Michelle Matheson utilizes a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Michelle Matheson promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Brantford community through proactive physiotherapy. Michelle Matheson offers consultations in English.

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

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.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Lower back issues that restrict your ability to bend, lift, sit for long periods, or enjoy your usual activities without discomfort.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: A 'rolled' or twisted ankle with subsequent swelling, tenderness, and difficulty putting your full weight on the foot.

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): A condition where a finger or thumb gets stuck or 'catches' in a bent position, then may snap straight (like pulling a trigger). Caused by inflammation and narrowing of the tendon sheath around the flexor tendon.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Physiotherapy to help you regain optimal use of your hand and wrist after an injury, surgery, or due to a chronic condition, enabling you to return to work, hobbies, and daily 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. Michelle Matheson can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Utilizing targeted electrical currents to help alleviate pain, manage discomfort, and support healing in conjunction with other physiotherapy interventions.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): A common physiotherapy treatment for acute injuries, designed to help numb pain, decrease bleeding into the tissues, and minimize secondary hypoxic injury.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): Targeted shockwave application to promote tissue regeneration, modulate pain, and improve function in chronic injuries, often with lasting results.
• 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: A comforting physiotherapy modality that helps to soothe tight muscles, decrease pain perception, and improve the flexibility of soft tissues.

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

• Tired of that 'arthritic' pain in my hands, hips, or knees interfering with driving for longer periods without neck or back pain? Michelle Matheson uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve a greater sense of body confidence and trust in their physical abilities and regain your freedom of movement.
• Struggling with the frustration of needing help to get moving again after a long period of illness or inactivity? Michelle Matheson develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving a reduction in nerve-related symptoms like tingling or numbness. This is key to helping you get back to doing keeping up with their team during our weekly soccer match with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• Many individuals seek help from Michelle Matheson, their physiotherapist, when shoulder pain that makes simple things like lifting my arm or reaching overhead difficult starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve feeling less fatigued during physical activities and throughout the day, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like giving presentations or speaking publicly with confidence and good posture.
• The path to recovery from persistent dizziness that isn't a spinning vertigo but makes me feel unsteady and achieving more comfortable and efficient movement when transitioning between positions (e.g., sit to stand) for playing their musical instrument (guitar, piano, violin, etc.) for extended periods often starts with expert guidance. Michelle Matheson, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.

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

Michelle Matheson's practice at Brantford General Hospital is situated in the Holmedale, North Ward neighborhood of Brantford. The clinic is conveniently located near the Downtown Core and is accessible via Brantford Transit. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

How can I book an appointment at Brantford General Hospital?

You can book an appointment by calling the clinic directly at (519) 751-5544 during business hours. The clinic may also offer online booking through their website. The friendly reception team will assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

Does Brantford General 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 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 coverage of services in private clinics.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows the Physiotherapist to easily access and assess the area being treated, and permits you to move freely for any exercises or movements. For example, shorts are ideal for knee, hip, or ankle issues, while a tank top or loose t-shirt works well for shoulder, neck, or upper back problems. Athletic wear or gym attire is generally a good choice. You may also be provided with a gown if needed.

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.

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 of physiotherapy services. Check your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

Brantford General Hospital
200, Terrace Hill Street
Brantford, ON, N3R 1G9

Phone: (519) 751-5544

Michelle Marie Arsenault 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: XXX21

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=53492424-8f02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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