Sharon Claire Cote – Physiotherapist | Oakville, ON

Sharon Claire Cote is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Pinnacle Physiotherapy in Oakville, ON, Sharon is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Sharon's focus is providing comprehensive assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions to help patients of all ages restore function, manage pain, and improve their quality of life. Sharon serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Sharon Claire Cote completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Dalhousie University (Graduating Class of 1991). With extensive clinical experience, Sharon is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Sharon has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Sharon's practice philosophy centers on a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Oakville community through proactive physiotherapy. Sharon offers consultations in English.

Sharon Claire Cote 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): Pain, tenderness, swelling, and dysfunction in a tendon (the strong cords that attach muscles to bones) due to overuse, repetitive strain, injury, or degeneration. Common sites include the Achilles, patellar tendon (knee), rotator cuff (shoulder), or elbow (tennis/golfer's elbow).
• 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.

Sports Injury

• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): Knee discomfort frequently experienced by runners, cyclists, and those involved in activities with repetitive knee bending, which physiotherapy can effectively manage through exercise and biomechanical correction.
• Stress Fractures (Activity-Related - Conservative Management/Rehab): An overuse injury where the bone is unable to withstand repetitive mechanical loading, requiring a period of offloading and gradual rehabilitation guided by a physiotherapist for safe return to activity.
• IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): Sharp or burning pain on the outer side of the knee that often starts gradually and worsens with continued activity, sometimes radiating up the thigh or down the leg.
• Muscle Strains (e.g., Hamstring, Calf, Groin, Quadriceps, Rotator Cuff): Acute pain, swelling, bruising, localized tenderness, and weakness in a muscle, often occurring during activities like sprinting, jumping, lifting, or throwing.

Back Neck Pain

• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Pain, pins and needles, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg resulting from irritation or compression of a spinal nerve, often managed effectively with physiotherapy techniques like McKenzie method or neural mobilization.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Symptoms resulting from a whiplash injury, which can vary in severity (WAD Grades I-III) and duration, requiring a comprehensive physiotherapy approach for recovery.

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. Sharon can assess your needs.

• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Teaching you essential strategies and exercises to manage your symptoms independently, accelerate recovery, and prevent future problems.
• 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.
• 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.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Identifying and addressing habitual postures (e.g., from desk work, phone use) or ergonomic factors that may be contributing to your pain or dysfunction.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A thorough evaluation by your Physiotherapist to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.

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

• For those whose feeling like my joints are just 'wearing out' and getting harder to move has made managing the physical demands of their job without constant pain seem like a distant memory, Sharon's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward enjoying cycling or swimming regularly without pain or limitation. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to managing the physical demands of their job without constant pain with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Don't let post-operative stiffness and weakness that's slowing down my recovery dictate what you can and cannot do. Sharon offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at feeling empowered to take control of their physical health journey, helping you reclaim travelling more comfortably on planes, trains, or in cars for longer durations and enjoy a more functional life.
• If recurrent dislocations or a feeling of instability in my shoulder or knee is preventing you from fully enjoying managing shopping trips and carrying bags without excessive fatigue or pain, Sharon offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining a smoother and stronger postpartum recovery, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• Struggling with the frustration of recovering from a concussion and dealing with lingering symptoms like dizziness or headaches? Sharon develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving developing better body awareness and understanding of healthy movement patterns. This is key to helping you get back to doing pushing a stroller or shopping cart without difficulty with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.

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

Sharon practices at Pinnacle Physiotherapy, situated in the Old Oakville, Eastlake neighborhood of Oakville. The clinic is conveniently located near Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital and is accessible via Oakville Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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?

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.

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. It is strongly advised to check your private insurance for private clinic coverage.

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

For your first visit, please bring your provincial health card (e.g., Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card, if applicable for any publicly funded programs or simply for identification), any relevant medical information such as a doctor's referral note (if you have one), reports from recent imaging (like X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound scans), and a list of your current medications. Also, if you plan to use private health insurance, bring your insurance card or policy details. Finally, wear or bring comfortable clothing suitable for assessment and movement.

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.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Pinnacle Physiotherapy treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, 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 pelvic health. Our treatments often involve manual therapy, exercise prescription, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

What is Pinnacle Physiotherapy's appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. We kindly request at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations or rescheduling. A fee may be charged for late cancellations or missed appointments. Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

Pinnacle Physiotherapy
1545 Cornwall Rd, Unit 45
Oakville, ON, L6J 0B2

Phone: (905) 842-8100

Sharon Claire Cote 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=b3e29057-8c02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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