Pia Cua Hequibal – Physiotherapist | London, ON

Pia Cua Hequibal is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy Focus). Practicing at London Health Sciences Centre-Victoria Campus in London, ON, Pia Hequibal is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Pia Hequibal's focus is managing acute and chronic conditions affecting the heart and lungs, such as COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis, post-operative cardiac or respiratory recovery, and post-COVID symptoms. Pia Hequibal's approach involves breathing exercises, airway clearance, exercise prescription, and education, serving patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Pia Cua Hequibal completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of the Philippines (Graduating Class of 2015). With extensive clinical experience, Pia Hequibal is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Pia Hequibal has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy.

Pia Hequibal's practice philosophy centers on a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; and empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Pia Hequibal offers consultations in English, Filipino.

Pia Cua Hequibal provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Common Musculoskeletal

• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Pain, swelling, clicking, locking, or instability in or around the knee joint from various causes like ligament sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL), meniscal tears (managed conservatively), or patellofemoral (kneecap) pain.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Common back problems that can impact your posture, ability to perform daily activities, and overall mobility, addressed with targeted physiotherapy.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Damage or tearing of muscle fibers, ranging from a mild overstretch (Grade 1 strain) to a partial or complete rupture (Grade 2 or 3 tear), typically caused by sudden forceful contraction, excessive stretch, or direct trauma.

Cardioresp

• Post-Pneumonia / Respiratory Infection Recovery: Helping you get back on your feet, improve your stamina, and restore your respiratory health after a severe chest infection.
• Post-Cardiac Event Rehabilitation (Supportive Care, e.g., after MI or CABG): Physiotherapy exercise guidance, education on safe activity progression, and risk factor modification support as part of a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program following events like a heart attack (myocardial infarction - MI), heart surgery (e.g., coronary artery bypass graft - CABG, valve replacement), or angioplasty.
• Bronchiectasis Management (Airway Clearance): Teaching and supervising various airway clearance techniques (ACTs) and devices (e.g., PEP devices, Acapella, Flutter, postural drainage, active cycle of breathing techniques - ACBT) to help individuals with bronchiectasis clear lung secretions effectively, reduce infection risk, and improve breathing.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Management (e.g., Chronic Bronchitis, Emphysema): A progressive lung disease characterized by airflow limitation (making it hard to breathe out), leading to common symptoms like persistent breathlessness (especially with activity), chronic cough, and sputum (mucus) production.

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. Pia Hequibal can assess your needs.

• Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy (e.g., COPD, Asthma, Post-Pneumonia, Post-Cardiac Event Support): Physiotherapy to improve your breathing efficiency, manage symptoms of lung disease, clear your airways more effectively, and increase your cardiovascular fitness and activity tolerance.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Using controlled isometric and isotonic muscle contractions, as directed by your Physiotherapist, to address joint restrictions and muscle imbalances effectively.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Application of skilled soft tissue techniques to manage pain, stiffness, and improve function in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Gentle, specific movements and mobilizations designed to address nerve-related pain (like sciatica or carpal tunnel symptoms), tingling, numbness, or restrictions by improving the nerve's ability to glide freely and reducing irritation.
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs: Improving your breathing efficiency, increasing your exercise tolerance, reducing feelings of breathlessness, and enhancing your overall well-being and ability to perform daily activities when living with a chronic respiratory disease.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Pia Hequibal, 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 London Health Sciences Centre-Victoria Campus, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Pia Hequibal frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Are you finding that experiencing discomfort, back pain, or pelvic girdle pain during or after pregnancy stops you from enjoying participating in light recreational activities like bowling or mini-golf? Pia Hequibal is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve feeling more energetic and less weighed down by physical discomfort through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• Many individuals seek help from Pia Hequibal, their physiotherapist, when pain in my shins when I try to run or be active (shin splints) starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve feeling empowered to take control of their physical health journey, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like using garden tools effectively and without pain.
• With Pia Hequibal's help, managing recovering my strength and mobility after a knee or hip replacement surgery to achieve resuming gardening, hobbies, or household tasks without strain or discomfort becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like getting back to cycling for leisure or commuting.
• Patients struggling with recurrent dislocations or a feeling of instability in my shoulder or knee can find dedicated and compassionate support from Pia Hequibal. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving enhanced recovery from post-surgical procedures with fewer complications, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and dexterity with ease.

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

Pia Hequibal practices at London Health Sciences Centre-Victoria Campus, situated in the Woodfield, Wortley Village neighborhood of London. The clinic is conveniently located near the Westmount Area and is accessible via the London Transit Commission (LTC). 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. Always check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Essentially, physiotherapy helps you get moving and stay moving effectively and comfortably. Whether you're dealing with an acute injury, chronic pain, post-surgical recovery, or a condition affecting your physical abilities, your Physiotherapist will work with you. They'll use their expertise in body mechanics, rehabilitation, and pain management to create a personalized treatment plan involving exercises, hands-on techniques, and practical advice to help you achieve your functional goals and live a more active, fulfilling life.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not be an ordeal of pain. While you might feel some discomfort or a stretching sensation as you work to regain movement or strength, especially in the initial stages of treatment for an acute injury or chronic stiffness, it's rarely 'painful' in a distressing or harmful way. Your Physiotherapist will guide you through each step, modify treatments to suit your comfort and tolerance, and ensure that the overall experience is positive. The ultimate aim is to make you feel better, not worse.

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 types of conditions do Physiotherapists at London Health Sciences Centre-Victoria Campus treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory, and neurological conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain, joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, and nerve pain. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like general physiotherapy and Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve manual therapy, Muscle Energy Techniques (MET), exercise prescription, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

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 of physiotherapy services. Check your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

London Health Sciences Centre-Victoria Campus
800 Commissioners Road
London, ON, N6C 2R6

Phone: (519) 685-8500

Pia Cua Hequibal 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: XXX67

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=c8454e0a-b121-e911-a976-000d3af47939

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