Mikko Antti Hugo Maunula – Physiotherapist | Thunder Bay, ON

Mikko Antti Hugo Maunula is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at George Jeffrey Children's Centre in Thunder Bay, ON, Mikko Maunula is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Mikko Maunula 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. Mikko Maunula serves infants, children, and adolescents.

Mikko Antti Hugo Maunula completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2015). With clinical experience, Mikko Maunula is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Mikko Maunula has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Mikko Maunula employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Mikko Maunula offers consultations in English.

Mikko Antti Hugo Maunula provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Common Musculoskeletal

• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Discomfort experienced in the hip region, groin, outer hip, or buttock, potentially stemming from joint inflammation (bursitis), muscle strains, tendinopathy, or conservative management of labral tears.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or stiffness in the wrist, hand, or fingers, often resulting from overuse, repetitive tasks, arthritis, or specific conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or De Quervain's tenosynovitis.

Back Neck Pain

• 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: Pain and muscle tension related to ergonomic factors at work or home, muscle imbalances, and suboptimal body mechanics or movement habits.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Symptoms resulting from a whiplash injury, which can vary in severity (WAD Grades I-III) and duration, requiring a comprehensive physiotherapy approach for recovery.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Sharp, shooting, electric-like, or burning pain that travels along the path of a nerve due to issues with intervertebral discs or other spinal structures.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Inflammation (tendinitis) or, more commonly, degeneration (tendinosis/tendinopathy) of tendons, leading to localized pain that typically worsens with activity or loading of the tendon.

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. Mikko Maunula can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Improving the mobility and health of your nervous system to reduce pain, restore sensation, and enhance overall function.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Targeted manual methods performed by your Physiotherapist to release tight or overactive muscles, address fascial restrictions, and alleviate pain arising from soft tissue dysfunction.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Manual treatments specifically designed to improve joint mechanics, alleviate discomfort, reduce stiffness, and enhance your range of motion in the spine or limbs.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Mikko Maunula, 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 George Jeffrey Children's Centre, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Mikko Maunula frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• The path to recovery from needing help to get moving again after a long period of illness or inactivity and achieving moving more freely and with greater agility than they have in years for enduring their daily commute, whether driving or on public transit, without stiffness often starts with expert guidance. Mikko Maunula, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• The journey to a noticeable reduction in daily discomfort, making everyday tasks easier and more enjoyable when faced with persistent a 'frozen shoulder' feeling, where my shoulder feels completely stuck is made smoother and more effective with Mikko Maunula's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like simply being able to get through a workday without constant pain interruptions.
• For those whose trouble with everyday tasks because of pain or weakness in my hands or grip has made performing self-care tasks like hair washing or reaching their back seem like a distant memory, Mikko Maunula's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward improved overall mobility, making it easier to navigate their home and community. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to performing self-care tasks like hair washing or reaching their back with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Mikko Maunula's clinic, common concerns like dealing with pelvic pain or bladder/bowel control issues (for both men and women) are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of getting back to hiking, running, or cycling pain-free and with renewed vigor. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like managing shopping trips and carrying bags without excessive fatigue or pain.

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

Mikko Maunula practices at George Jeffrey Children's Centre, situated in the Fort William East (Downtown South Core, East End) neighborhood of Thunder Bay. The clinic is conveniently located near Downtown Fort William (South Core) and is accessible via Thunder Bay Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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. We recommend you contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand the specifics of your plan. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If our clinic offers direct billing and your plan allows it, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance not covered by your plan at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and all necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.

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

Some temporary post-treatment soreness can be normal, much like after a good workout. However, if your pain significantly worsens, if you develop new concerning symptoms, or if the discomfort doesn't settle down within a day or two, please call us. Your Physiotherapist would want to know so they can offer guidance and make any necessary adjustments to your care plan. Open communication is key to your successful recovery.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, in almost all cases, you will receive a customized home exercise program. These exercises are carefully chosen by your Physiotherapist to specifically target your issues and help you achieve your functional goals faster and more effectively. Performing them as recommended is very important for your progress and for maintaining the improvements you make during your clinic visits.

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. We strongly advise checking your private insurance for coverage of services in private clinics.

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.

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.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not be painful. While some discomfort or stretching sensation might be felt, especially initially, it shouldn't be distressing. Your Physiotherapist will adjust treatments to ensure a positive experience.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your first appointment involves a comprehensive assessment: discussion of your medical history and symptoms, a physical examination evaluating range of motion, strength, etc., and development of a personalized treatment plan.

George Jeffrey Children's Centre
200 E Brock St. East
Thunder Bay, ON, P7E 0A2

Phone: (807) 623-4381

Mikko Antti Hugo Maunula 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: XXX13

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=6f6465a5-9202-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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