Natalie Elizabeth Bertrand

Natalie Elizabeth Bertrand provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Common Musculoskeletal

• Ankle Sprains and Instability: A 'rolled' or twisted ankle with subsequent swelling, tenderness, and difficulty putting your full weight on the foot.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Common injuries in active individuals, athletes, or resulting from accidents, leading to localized pain, swelling, bruising, and weakness in the affected muscle (e.g., hamstring, calf, quadriceps, groin, rotator cuff).
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Painful neck conditions that can make head movements difficult, sometimes leading to headaches or radiating pain into the shoulders.

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): Managing a variety of acute and chronic conditions of the hand and wrist, aiming to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent long-term disability.

Arthritis

• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Supportive physiotherapy care for joint recovery and function after gout flares, focusing on restoring range of motion, reducing inflammation, and providing advice on joint protection and lifestyle factors.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Helping you live well with rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory arthropathies through targeted physiotherapy interventions designed to manage symptoms, preserve function, and promote overall well-being.

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. Natalie Bertrand can assess your needs.

• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): A systematic screening process, such as FMS™ or SFMA™ (if your Physiotherapist is certified), to understand how you move and guide preventative or corrective exercise programs.
• 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.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): The therapeutic use of different electrical currents by your Physiotherapist to achieve specific physiological effects, such as improving muscle contraction, reducing atrophy, or enhancing functional movement.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Providing clear guidance on self-care techniques, activity modifications, and beneficial lifestyle adjustments for long-term well-being and injury prevention.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: A non-invasive electrotherapy modality aimed at reducing pain, muscle guarding, or swelling, and sometimes used for muscle strengthening, as part of your physiotherapy treatment.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Ultrasound therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, often used to prepare tissues for manual therapy or exercise, or to manage acute and chronic soft tissue injuries.

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

• For those whose one leg feeling shorter than the other, causing hip or back pain has made doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain seem like a distant memory, Natalie Bertrand's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward decreased frequency and intensity of headaches related to neck or postural issues. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• The path to recovery from swelling in my arm or leg, possibly lymphedema, after surgery or treatment and achieving improved joint health and a slowing of degenerative processes through better biomechanics for driving for longer periods without neck or back pain often starts with expert guidance. Natalie Bertrand, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• Tired of a 'frozen shoulder' feeling, where my shoulder feels completely stuck interfering with performing self-care tasks like hair washing or reaching their back? Natalie Bertrand uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve a feeling of being 'unstuck' and more supple and regain your freedom of movement.
• If pain in my shins when I try to run or be active (shin splints) is preventing you from fully enjoying participating in water aerobics or other pool-based exercises, Natalie Bertrand offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining feeling less fatigued during physical activities and throughout the day, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.

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

Natalie Bertrand's practice is located at the Arthritis & Sports Medicine Centre, a physiotherapy clinic in the central Ancaster neighborhood of Ancaster. The clinic is conveniently located near nearby parks and community recreation facilities and is accessible via local public transit routes. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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.

How can I book an appointment at Arthritis & Sports Medicine Centre?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (905) 648-6500 during our business hours. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

Is there parking available at or near Arthritis & Sports Medicine Centre?

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside our building. Look for the designated patient spots.

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 Arthritis & Sports Medicine Centre or your Physiotherapist directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapist in ON?

Patients in Ontario can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (this is known as direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It is strongly advised to check the specific requirements of your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

Does Arthritis & Sports Medicine Centre offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Please contact the clinic directly to inquire about direct billing options with your specific insurance provider.

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 private clinic coverage.

Arthritis & Sports Medicine Centre
7-49 Wilson Street West
Ancaster, ON, L9G 1N1

Phone: (905) 648-6500

Natalie Elizabeth Bertrand 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: XXX58

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=9e34121b-8ef7-e911-a813-000d3af4346a

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