Nancy Jean Spilchen – Physiotherapist | Pembroke, ON

Nancy Jean Spilchen is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Pembroke Regional Hospital in Pembroke, ON, Nancy is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Nancy focuses on providing comprehensive assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions to help patients of all ages restore function, manage pain, and improve their quality of life. Nancy serves adult patients.

Nancy Jean Spilchen completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Mohawk College (Graduating Class of 1989). With extensive clinical experience, Nancy is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Nancy has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Nancy's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Pembroke community through proactive physiotherapy. Nancy adopts a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Nancy offers consultations in English.

Nancy Jean Spilchen provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Back Neck Pain

• 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.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Discomfort, aching, stiffness, or muscle fatigue in the back or neck arising from sustained or awkward postures during daily activities, prolonged work (e.g., desk work, computer use), or sleep.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Often age-related changes leading to pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs with walking (neurogenic claudication in lumbar stenosis) or in the arms/hands (cervical stenosis).

Sports Injury

• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): Dull, aching pain in the front of the knee, often related to issues with the alignment and movement of the patella within the femoral groove.
• IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): Pain, typically sharp or burning, located on the outside (lateral aspect) of the knee, or sometimes the hip. Common in runners, cyclists, and other endurance athletes, caused by irritation or inflammation of the iliotibial (IT) band as it rubs over bony prominences.
• Muscle Strains (e.g., Hamstring, Calf, Groin, Quadriceps, Rotator Cuff): Common athletic injuries affecting major muscle groups such as the hamstrings, calves, groin (adductors), quadriceps, or rotator cuff muscles of the shoulder.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Aching, burning, sharp pain, or a 'pins and needles' sensation in the wrist, thumb, or hand region, sometimes waking you at night.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Acute or chronic pain originating from various musculoskeletal sources, such as a pulled muscle (strain), inflamed tendon, or irritated bursa.

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. Nancy can assess your needs.

• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: An in-depth examination to fully understand your specific condition, allowing your Physiotherapist to create an effective and personalized rehabilitation plan.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: The use of specific electrical stimulation devices (IFC or TENS) by your Physiotherapist to provide pain relief, reduce muscle spasm, decrease swelling, or promote muscle activation and re-education.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: Utilizing therapeutic laser to enhance tissue regeneration, reduce pain signals, and manage inflammation as part of your comprehensive physiotherapy care.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Identifying and addressing habitual postures (e.g., from desk work, phone use) or ergonomic factors that may be contributing to your pain or dysfunction.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): The application of cold packs, ice massage, or other cold modalities by your Physiotherapist to reduce swelling, inflammation, muscle spasm, and acute pain, particularly after an injury.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: The use of moist heat packs, paraffin wax, or other heat sources by your Physiotherapist to relax muscles, increase local blood flow, reduce stiffness, alleviate chronic pain, and improve tissue extensibility.

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

• Living with recovering my strength and energy after being very sick (like with pneumonia or Long COVID) doesn't have to be your norm. Nancy applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards a smoother and stronger postpartum recovery, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of getting back to their regular, consistent gym workouts.
• Patients struggling with sharp pain shooting down my leg, feeling a lot like sciatica can find dedicated and compassionate support from Nancy. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving a significant improvement in their overall quality of life and daily well-being, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as resuming their weightlifting routine at the gym safely.
• Patients often come to Nancy feeling defeated by numbness, tingling, or weakness in my hands, arms, feet, or legs. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving improved ability to lift and carry objects correctly and safely and resuming managing their personal care routines independently becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• At Nancy's physiotherapy practice, individuals with recovering from surgery to my hand or wrist are guided towards implementing practical strategies to avoid re-injury during work or daily life. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as participating in community events and social gatherings more actively.

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

Nancy practices at Pembroke Regional Hospital, situated in a physiotherapy clinic in the central Pembroke neighborhood of Pembroke. The clinic is conveniently located near nearby parks and community recreation facilities and is accessible via local public transit routes. Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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 recommended to check your private insurance for coverage of services in private clinics.

Does Pembroke Regional 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.

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.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

The first physiotherapy session is primarily an in-depth assessment. Expect to spend time talking with your Physiotherapist about your specific issue, its history, and your overall health background. Your therapist will then perform various physical tests to assess your movement, strength, and any areas of concern. The main goal of this first visit is to understand your condition fully so that a tailored and effective treatment plan can be developed collaboratively with you. You might also receive your first set of home exercises or some initial hands-on care to start the healing process.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Definitely. A key aspect of physiotherapy is not just treating current problems but also preventing future ones. A Physiotherapist can assess your movement, identify potential weaknesses or imbalances that could lead to injury, and provide you with a personalized program of exercises and strategies. This proactive approach is beneficial for athletes, individuals with physically demanding jobs, or anyone looking to maintain long-term musculoskeletal health and avoid recurring pain.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Your first physiotherapy appointment, which includes a detailed assessment and the development of your initial treatment plan, usually takes about 60 minutes. Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled for 30 to 45 minutes. The exact duration of each session will depend on the nature of your treatment and what your Physiotherapist has planned for that specific visit to best help you progress.

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

It's not uncommon to experience some temporary soreness or a mild increase in symptoms after certain physiotherapy treatments, especially in the initial stages or if you're starting new exercises. This usually subsides within 24-48 hours. However, if you experience a significant or sharp increase in pain, new or worsening neurological symptoms (like numbness, tingling, or weakness), or if your soreness lasts longer than expected, it's important to contact Pembroke Regional Hospital or your physician directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

Pembroke Regional Hospital
705 Mackay St.
Pembroke, ON, K8A 1G8

Phone: (613) 732-2811

Nancy Jean Spilchen 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: XXX49

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=0b55ef7e-8a02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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