Scott Bugler – Physiotherapist | London, ON

Scott Bugler is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Meridian Spine and Joint Physiotherapy - North West London in London, ON, Scott is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Scott 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. Scott serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Scott Bugler completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Western University (Graduating Class of 1999). With extensive clinical experience, Scott is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Scott has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Scott employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Scott promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the London community through proactive physiotherapy and utilizes a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Scott Bugler offers consultations in English.

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

Back Neck Pain

• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Pain and muscle tension related to ergonomic factors at work or home, muscle imbalances, and suboptimal body mechanics or movement habits.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Nerve compression symptoms due to a narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal or the small openings where nerves exit the spine (foramina), most commonly in the lumbar (lower back) or cervical (neck) regions.
• 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.

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): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.

Arthritis

• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Individualized exercise programs and pain management strategies tailored for psoriatic arthritis to help reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Helping you regain mobility, reduce discomfort, and improve function in affected joints after a gout episode, as part of your overall gout management plan.

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. Scott can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A thorough evaluation by your Physiotherapist to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: A variety of hands-on methods such as therapeutic massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and active release style techniques to reduce muscle tension, break down scar tissue, improve circulation, and enhance tissue flexibility.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Identifying inefficient or compensatory movement patterns that could be contributing to your pain or hindering your physical performance.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Scott, 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 Meridian Spine and Joint Physiotherapy - North West London, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Scott frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Patients struggling with trouble with everyday tasks because of pain or weakness in my hands or grip can find dedicated and compassionate support from Scott. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving a renewed sense of vitality and enthusiasm for daily activities, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as comfortably cooking and meal prepping for their family.
• Physiotherapy with Scott can be a transformative turning point for those affected by shoulder pain that makes simple things like lifting my arm or reaching overhead difficult. The shared goal is achieving running their usual distance comfortably and with improved form, paving the way for you to enjoy playing a full game of recreational hockey with their friends and a more active, vibrant life.
• Living with that 'arthritic' pain in my hands, hips, or knees doesn't have to be your norm. Scott applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards a smoother and stronger postpartum recovery, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of pushing a stroller or shopping cart without difficulty.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from feeling like my joints are just 'wearing out' and getting harder to move and achieved better joint stability during movement and weight-bearing activities under the skilled care of Scott. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as getting back to their regular, consistent gym workouts with a new lease on life.

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

Scott practices at Meridian Spine and Joint Physiotherapy - North West London, situated in the Oakridge, Westmount North neighborhood of London. The clinic is conveniently located near the Old East Village Business District and is accessible via the London Transit Commission (LTC). Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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

In Ontario, you typically do not need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist. This is known as direct access. However, while a referral isn't legally required to *see* a physiotherapist, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement of services. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial physiotherapy appointment is a comprehensive assessment. Your Physiotherapist will start by discussing your medical history, the details of your current symptoms or injury, your concerns, and what you hope to achieve with physiotherapy (your functional goals). This is followed by a thorough physical examination, which may include evaluating your range of motion, strength, posture, balance, and specific movement patterns, as well as performing special tests relevant to your condition. Based on these findings, your therapist will provide a clinical impression or diagnosis, discuss a personalized treatment plan with you, and often begin some initial treatment or provide education and a home exercise program to get you started.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiotherapist can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) generally does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private outpatient clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in certain situations, such as post-hospitalization for specific conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams; however, eligibility criteria are strict and there may be waitlists. It's essential to check with OHIP directly to verify your eligibility for any public coverage. Most individuals will need to rely on private or extended health insurance for coverage of physiotherapy services in private clinics, so checking your private insurance plan is strongly recommended.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, in almost all cases, you will receive a customized home exercise program. These exercises are carefully chosen by your Physiotherapist to specifically target your issues and help you achieve your functional goals faster and more effectively. Performing them as recommended is very important for your progress and for maintaining the improvements you make during your clinic visits.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Initial assessment appointments are generally longer to allow for a thorough evaluation and discussion, typically lasting between 45 to 60 minutes. Subsequent follow-up treatment sessions are usually shorter, often ranging from 30 to 45 minutes. However, the duration can vary depending on your specific needs, the complexity of your condition, the type of treatment being provided, and the treatment plan designed by your Physiotherapist.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

It's helpful to bring your health card, any referral letters from other healthcare providers if you were referred, and any reports or images from relevant medical tests (X-rays, MRIs, etc.) related to your condition. If you have private insurance coverage for physiotherapy, please bring your insurance card or policy details for billing purposes. Comfortable attire that allows for easy movement during the assessment is also recommended.

Meridian Spine and Joint Physiotherapy - North West London
1261 Beaverbrook Ave., Unit 3
London, ON, N6H 0G6

Phone: (519) 472-0454

Scott Bugler 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: XXX25

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=f7c9fc66-8c02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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