Rosemarie Christine Harrison – Physiotherapist | Peterborough, ON

Rosemarie Christine Harrison is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Optimal Health Physiotherapy in Peterborough, ON, Rose Harrison is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Rose Harrison'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. Rose Harrison serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Rosemarie Christine Harrison completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2010). With extensive clinical experience, Rose Harrison is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Rose Harrison has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Rose Harrison's practice philosophy centers on a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Rose Harrison adopts a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Rose Harrison offers consultations in English.

Rosemarie Christine Harrison provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Conditions like 'jumper's knee' (patellar tendinopathy), 'swimmer's shoulder' (rotator cuff tendinopathy), or 'tennis elbow' (lateral epicondylitis) caused by tendon issues that limit your ability to perform specific tasks.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Commonly known as 'wear-and-tear' arthritis, this condition affects various joints, often worsening with age, overuse, or previous injury, and can significantly impact daily function.

Arthritis

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Physiotherapy as an important part of a multidisciplinary team approach to managing rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis), helping to minimize disease impact and maximize quality of life.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Supportive physiotherapy for individuals with psoriatic arthritis, focusing on managing joint pain and swelling, maintaining range of motion and strength, improving function, and providing advice on activity modification and joint protection.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Physiotherapy for ankylosing spondylitis focuses on maintaining spinal mobility and flexibility (especially extension), improving posture, strengthening core and back muscles, managing pain, and providing education on self-management and regular exercise.

Back Neck Pain

• 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.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): A range of neck and related symptoms including pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and sometimes arm pain or cognitive difficulties, following a rapid acceleration-deceleration injury to the neck, most typically from a motor vehicle accident.
• 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).

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. Rose Harrison can assess your needs.

• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Guided stretching routines and flexibility exercises prescribed by your Physiotherapist, aimed at improving your range of motion, reducing muscle tightness or stiffness, and enhancing overall movement quality.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Application of skilled soft tissue techniques to manage pain, stiffness, and improve function in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Development of a tailored therapeutic exercise program by your Physiotherapist, focused on your specific rehabilitation needs, strength goals, flexibility improvements, balance, and overall conditioning.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Specialized manual techniques aimed at restoring normal movement and function to peripheral nerves that may be compressed, adhered, or under tension.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Skilled hands-on techniques, including gentle joint mobilizations (smooth, rhythmic movements) and, where appropriate and authorized, joint manipulations (quick, precise thrusts) to restore optimal movement, reduce pain, and improve joint function.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Customized strength training to address specific weaknesses identified in your assessment, helping to correct imbalances, improve movement efficiency, and achieve your physical objectives.

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

• Don't let breathing difficulties and shortness of breath with COPD or asthma, especially during activity dictate what you can and cannot do. Rose Harrison offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at waking up feeling more refreshed with considerably less pain and stiffness, helping you reclaim participating in water aerobics or other pool-based exercises and enjoy a more functional life.
• Tired of sharp pain shooting down my leg, feeling a lot like sciatica interfering with attending their favorite yoga and pilates classes without limitation? Rose Harrison uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve regaining full function in an injured area, enabling a return to cherished activities and regain your freedom of movement.
• Patients struggling with needing help to get moving again after a long period of illness or inactivity can find dedicated and compassionate support from Rose Harrison. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving improved coordination for complex movements and fine motor tasks, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as swimming laps at the pool for fitness and relaxation.
• The journey to increased endurance for walking, allowing for longer and more enjoyable outings when faced with persistent soreness and tightness in my Achilles tendon, especially after exercise is made smoother and more effective with Rose Harrison's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like engaging in volunteer work that might have physical demands.

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

Rose Harrison practices at Optimal Health Physiotherapy, situated in the Downtown Peterborough, Central neighborhood of Peterborough. The clinic is conveniently located near Lansdowne Place Mall and is accessible via Peterborough Transit. Please inquire regarding specific accessibility needs for our clinic. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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 Optimal Health Physiotherapy 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.

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. We strongly advise checking your private insurance for coverage of services in private clinics.

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.

Is there parking available at or near Optimal Health Physiotherapy?

Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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 can I book an appointment at Optimal Health Physiotherapy?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (705) 243-6633 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.

Optimal Health Physiotherapy
193 Dalhousie Street
Peterborough, ON, K9J 2M1

Phone: (705) 243-6633

Rosemarie Christine Harrison 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: XXX88

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=b85b5255-9002-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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