Natalie Poirier – Physiotherapist | Hawkesbury, ON

Natalie Poirier is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Hawkesbury General Hospital in Hawkesbury, ON, Natalie Poirier is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Natalie Poirier addresses 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. Natalie Poirier serves a diverse range of patients, tailoring treatment plans to meet individual needs and goals.

Natalie Poirier completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Ottawa (Graduating Class of 1995). With extensive clinical experience, Natalie Poirier is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Natalie Poirier has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Natalie Poirier's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Hawkesbury community through proactive physiotherapy. Natalie Poirier maintains a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care possible. Natalie Poirier offers consultations in English, French.

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

Arthritis

• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A type of chronic inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spine (especially the sacroiliac joints and vertebrae), leading to pain, stiffness, and potential fusion of vertebrae, which can result in a stooped posture if not managed.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: An autoimmune condition causing chronic inflammation, pain, stiffness, swelling, and potential deformity in multiple joints, often symmetrically. Physiotherapy aims to manage pain, maintain joint function and mobility, improve strength and endurance, provide joint protection strategies, and support self-management.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): An inflammatory arthritis that can affect some people with psoriasis (a skin condition), causing joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and sometimes affecting tendons (enthesitis) and ligaments. Can affect small or large joints, often asymmetrically, and sometimes the spine.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Exercises and advice to manage the impact of gout on your joints, improve mobility, and reduce the likelihood of long-term joint damage.

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): Persistent tendon pain that can interfere with your sports, work, or daily activities, often requiring specific loading programs and advice from a physiotherapist for effective management.

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 Poirier can assess your needs.

• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Developing muscular strength and endurance to aid in injury recovery, support affected joints, improve biomechanics, and enhance athletic performance or demanding physical tasks.
• 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.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Targeted therapy to alleviate symptoms such as shooting pain, pins and needles, or weakness arising from neural tension or entrapment.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: A progressive approach to rebuilding your physical condition, allowing for a safe return to daily activities, work demands, and hobbies you enjoy.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Using controlled isometric and isotonic muscle contractions, as directed by your Physiotherapist, to address joint restrictions and muscle imbalances effectively.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Education and instruction on effective and safe stretching techniques to help you maintain or improve your body's flexibility and joint mobility.

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

• Patients often come to Natalie Poirier feeling defeated by widespread muscle pain and fatigue that my doctor thinks might be fibromyalgia. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving a reduction in nerve-related symptoms like tingling or numbness and resuming using garden tools effectively and without pain becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Natalie Poirier's clinic, common concerns like that 'pins and needles' feeling that won't go away are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of feeling equipped with effective self-management strategies and exercises. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like participating in water aerobics or other pool-based exercises.
• The path to recovery from one leg feeling shorter than the other, causing hip or back pain and achieving improved overall mobility, making it easier to navigate their home and community for participating in light recreational activities like bowling or mini-golf often starts with expert guidance. Natalie Poirier, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• Many find that feeling like my joints are just 'wearing out' and getting harder to move significantly impacts their ability to sleeping soundly through the night without being woken by pain or discomfort. Natalie Poirier helps patients target understanding how to prevent future flare-ups and manage their condition long-term with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.

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

Natalie Poirier's practice is located at Hawkesbury General Hospital, in a physiotherapy clinic in the central Hawkesbury neighborhood of Hawkesbury. The clinic is conveniently located near nearby parks and community recreation facilities and is accessible via local public transit routes. Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy, delivered by a qualified Physiotherapist, is a science-based profession that focuses on restoring movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness, or disability. It can also help to reduce your risk of future problems. Your physiotherapist will use techniques such as therapeutic exercise, manual therapy (hands-on treatment), education, and advice, empowering you to manage your health independently and achieve your physical goals.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

In physiotherapy, manual therapy encompasses a range of 'hands-on' interventions. Your Physiotherapist may use these techniques to help reduce your pain, increase joint movement, relax tight muscles, or improve the mobility of your nerves. Common approaches include joint glides, sustained pressures, specific soft tissue massage, and, when indicated, joint manipulations. It's a key part of helping your body move better.

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

It's recommended to wear or bring clothing that allows unrestricted movement and provides easy access for your physiotherapist to examine the body part being assessed or treated. For instance, if you have a knee problem, please wear or bring shorts. For shoulder issues, a sleeveless top or a top with loose armholes is often helpful. The goal is to make the assessment and treatment as effective as possible.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

It's difficult to say exactly how many sessions you'll need without a thorough assessment, as everyone's situation and recovery path is unique. Some acute conditions might resolve in just a few sessions, while more chronic, complex, or significant issues may require a longer period of care to achieve lasting results. Your Physiotherapist will provide an estimated treatment timeline and plan after your first visit, and this will be revisited as your treatment progresses.

Is there parking available at or near Hawkesbury General Hospital?

Paid parking is available in the parkade adjacent to the hospital. Limited free street parking may also be found in the vicinity, but please check local signage for restrictions.

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 (direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement. Check your 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. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations (e.g., post-hospitalization), but eligibility is strict. Check your private insurance for coverage.

Hawkesbury General Hospital
1111 Ghislain St.
Hawkesbury, ON, K6A 3G5

Phone: (613) 632-1111

Natalie Poirier 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: XXX64

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=ba361294-8b02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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