Mollie O’Donnell – Physiotherapist | St. Catharines, ON

Mollie O'Donnell is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Physipod Ltd in St. Catharines, ON, Mollie is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Mollie's focus is 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. Mollie serves adults.

Mollie O'Donnell completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Birmingham (Graduating Class of 2019). With clinical experience, Mollie O'Donnell is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Mollie O'Donnell has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Mollie's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the St. Catharines community through proactive physiotherapy; a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting; and a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Mollie O'Donnell offers consultations in English.

Mollie O'Donnell provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Back Neck Pain

• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Muscular pain, trigger points, and tension headaches resulting from habitual poor posture, which can be addressed with postural re-education, exercises, and ergonomic advice.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Neck, shoulder, and upper back discomfort, often accompanied by headaches or 'brain fog', after a sudden jerking motion of the head, such as in a rear-end collision.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Back or neck pain accompanied by associated limb symptoms (pain, sensory changes, weakness) due to a constricted spinal canal, which physiotherapy can help manage conservatively.

Hand Wrist

• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Specialized physiotherapy for conditions affecting the intricate structures of the hand and wrist, such as fractures (e.g., Colles', scaphoid), tendon lacerations or ruptures (e.g., flexor/extensor tendon repairs), ligament sprains/tears (e.g., skier's thumb, TFCC injuries), repetitive strain injuries, or arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis). Includes both conservative management and post-operative rehabilitation.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Addressing the inflammation, pain, and restricted movement associated with stenosing tenosynovitis of the finger or thumb.

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. Mollie can assess your needs.

• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Application of various forms of electrical stimulation, such as Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) for muscle strengthening and re-education, or Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) to assist with movement, as prescribed by your Physiotherapist.
• 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.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Utilizing targeted electrical currents to help alleviate pain, manage discomfort, and support healing in conjunction with other physiotherapy interventions.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: A comforting physiotherapy modality that helps to soothe tight muscles, decrease pain perception, and improve the flexibility of soft tissues.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Identifying inefficient or compensatory movement patterns that could be contributing to your pain or hindering your physical performance.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: The application of gentle, controlled mechanical or manual force to distract (stretch) spinal segments, aiming to alleviate pressure on intervertebral discs, nerves, and facet joints.

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

• Many patients have found lasting relief from recovering from a painful and limiting work-related injury (WCB/CNESST/WorkSafe claim) and achieved a deeper understanding of their condition and how to manage it proactively for long-term well-being under the skilled care of Mollie. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as getting back to their regular, consistent gym workouts with a new lease on life.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of my baby/child having trouble with their motor skills, like delayed rolling, sitting or walking? Mollie works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of regaining full function in an injured area, enabling a return to cherished activities. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as getting on and off the floor with ease.
• Living with trouble performing repetitive tasks at work without pain doesn't have to be your norm. Mollie applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards resuming gardening, hobbies, or household tasks without strain or discomfort, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of being able to perform deep cleaning tasks around the house.
• At Mollie's physiotherapy practice, individuals with needing help to get moving again after a long period of illness or inactivity are guided towards feeling empowered to take control of their physical health journey. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as taking group exercise classes at the community center.

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

Mollie practices at Physipod Ltd, situated in the Western Hill, Glen Ridge neighborhood of St. Catharines. The clinic is conveniently located near FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre and is accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

You can expect your initial physiotherapy visit to be around an hour long. This extended time allows for a comprehensive assessment of your condition and a collaborative discussion about your treatment goals. Subsequent follow-up sessions are generally between 30 and 45 minutes, though this can be adjusted based on your individual requirements. Your Physiotherapist will advise on the appropriate appointment length for your specific care.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Absolutely! Home exercises are a vital part of your rehabilitation journey and empower you to take an active role in your recovery process. Your Physiotherapist will carefully select and teach you exercises specific to your needs. These exercises help to reinforce what's done in the clinic, manage your condition effectively, and ensure you continue progressing towards your goals even when you're not in a session.

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, known as 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 recommended that you 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 that you check your private insurance for coverage of services in private clinics.

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.

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 Physipod Ltd 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 is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession dedicated to helping people of all ages improve their movement, function, and overall well-being. A registered Physiotherapist uses evidence-based techniques like targeted exercise, hands-on manual therapy, and personalized education to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of injuries, pain conditions, and physical impairments affecting your muscles, bones, joints, nerves, and even your cardiorespiratory system. It can help you reduce pain, increase mobility and strength, recover from surgery, prevent future injuries, and enhance your quality of life.

Physipod Ltd
3 Wolseley Avenue
St. Catharines, ON, L2R 4T4

Phone: (289) 407-1938

Mollie O'Donnell 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: XXX30

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=d19667dc-576f-ed11-81ac-002248d51760

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