Shannon Christine McGuire – Physiotherapist | London, ON

Shannon Christine McGuire is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at St. Joseph's Health Care - Parkwood Institute in London, ON, Shannon is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Shannon focuses on assisting individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life after neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Shannon serves adults.

Shannon Christine McGuire completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 1996). With extensive clinical experience, Shannon is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Shannon has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Neurological Physiotherapy.

Shannon's practice philosophy centers on empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Shannon employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Shannon works collaboratively with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Shannon offers consultations in English.

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

Neurological

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Symptom Management & Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy strategies to help manage common MS symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, spasticity, balance problems, walking difficulties, pain, and bladder dysfunction, aiming to maintain function, improve quality of life, and promote self-management.
• Facial Palsy / Bell's Palsy Rehabilitation: May include specific facial exercises, neuromuscular re-education (PNF for the face), biofeedback, electrical stimulation (if appropriate), massage, and strategies to improve facial movement, symmetry, reduce synkinesis (unwanted movements), and manage eye care.
• Stroke (CVA) Rehabilitation: Personalized exercise programs, hands-on therapy, and functional retraining for post-stroke recovery, addressing issues like hemiparesis, spasticity, or neglect.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) / Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Rehabilitation: Comprehensive neurorehabilitation provided by a Physiotherapist to support functional recovery, improve independence in daily activities, and facilitate community reintegration after a head injury.

Vestibular Balance

• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): A chronic functional dizziness disorder characterized by persistent sensations of dizziness, unsteadiness, or non-spinning vertigo (often lasting for 3 months or more), typically exacerbated by upright posture, active or passive motion, or exposure to complex or moving visual environments (e.g., busy supermarkets, scrolling on a screen). Often follows an acute vestibular event, medical illness, or period of psychological distress.
• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Reduced function of one (unilateral) or both (bilateral) inner ear balance systems (vestibular organs), leading to persistent dizziness, gaze instability (difficulty keeping vision clear during head movement), imbalance, and sometimes nausea.
• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Comprehensive balance assessment by a Physiotherapist to identify underlying causes of unsteadiness, followed by targeted exercise programs and strategies to help you stay steady on your feet.

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. Shannon can assess your needs.

• Postural Assessment and Correction: Detailed analysis of your static and dynamic posture, with tailored exercises, stretches, and advice to help you improve alignment and reduce strain on your body.
• 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.
• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Effective virtual physiotherapy care to help you manage your condition, progress your rehabilitation, and receive professional advice when in-person visits are challenging or not preferred.
• Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio): Bringing expert physiotherapy services to you when clinic visits are challenging, ensuring continuity of care and personalized attention in your familiar surroundings.
• 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.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: An in-depth examination to fully understand your specific condition, allowing your Physiotherapist to create an effective and personalized rehabilitation plan.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Shannon, 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 St. Joseph's Health Care - Parkwood Institute, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Shannon frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Patients struggling with that burning pain between my shoulder blades from too much computer work can find dedicated and compassionate support from Shannon. 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 sitting comfortably through a movie at the cinema or a play.
• For those whose experiencing discomfort, back pain, or pelvic girdle pain during or after pregnancy has made participating fully in their martial arts practice, including sparring seem like a distant memory, Shannon's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward successfully avoiding or delaying the need for more invasive treatments or surgery. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to participating fully in their martial arts practice, including sparring with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Many find that my baby/child having trouble with their motor skills, like delayed rolling, sitting or walking significantly impacts their ability to running their usual 5k route without knee pain. Shannon helps patients target much better balance overall, reducing the risk of stumbles or falls with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• When recovering my strength and mobility after a knee or hip replacement surgery is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing swimming laps at the pool for fitness and relaxation, physiotherapy with Shannon can help you work towards improved hand and wrist function for tasks requiring dexterity. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.

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

Shannon practices at St. Joseph's Health Care - Parkwood Institute, located in the Woodfield, Wortley Village neighborhood of London. The clinic enjoys a convenient location near Labatt Memorial Park and is easily accessible via the London Transit Commission (LTC). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

While some physiotherapy techniques might feel uncomfortable or cause a temporary increase in soreness (similar to muscle soreness after a new workout), especially when working on stiff joints or tight muscles, it should not be excessively or intolerably painful. Your Physiotherapist will discuss what sensations you might expect with different treatments and will always aim to adjust the intensity and techniques to ensure you are as comfortable as possible while still achieving therapeutic benefits. Constant communication about your comfort level is very important.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

You can expect your initial physiotherapy visit to be around an hour long. This extended time allows for a comprehensive assessment of your condition and a collaborative discussion about your treatment goals. Subsequent follow-up sessions are generally between 30 and 45 minutes, though this can be adjusted based on your individual requirements. Your Physiotherapist will advise on the appropriate appointment length for your specific care.

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.

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, some extended health insurance plans may require a referral for coverage, so it's essential to check with your insurance provider before your appointment to understand their specific requirements.

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

OHIP generally does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available through certain programs, such as post-hospitalization care for specific conditions, or for children/youth, seniors, or via Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams. However, eligibility criteria are strict, and waitlists may apply. It is strongly recommended to check your private insurance coverage as many plans offer significant coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

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.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy refers to specialized hands-on techniques used by a Physiotherapist to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This can include joint mobilization (gentle, rhythmic gliding movements), joint manipulation (skilled, high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts, where appropriate and within the therapist's scope and with your consent), various soft tissue mobilization techniques (like massage, myofascial release, trigger point release), and neural mobilization (gentle techniques to improve nerve movement). The primary goals are to reduce pain, improve range of motion, restore optimal joint mechanics, reduce muscle tension, and enhance tissue repair and function.

St. Joseph's Health Care - Parkwood Institute
550 Wellington Rd.
London, ON, N6C 0A7

Shannon Christine McGuire 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: XXX31

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=14670ada-8b02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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