Shelley Jane Mannell – Physiotherapist | St. Catharines, ON

Shelley Jane Mannell is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at HeartSpace PT for Children in St. Catharines, ON, Shelley is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Shelley's focus is 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. Shelley serves infants, children, and adolescents within the St. Catharines community.

Shelley Jane Mannell completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 1985). With extensive clinical experience, Shelley is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Shelley has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Neurological Physiotherapy.

Shelley embraces a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Shelley promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the St. Catharines community through proactive physiotherapy. Shelley has a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best possible care. Shelley Jane Mannell offers consultations in English.

Shelley Jane Mannell provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Peripheral Nerve

• Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic, Chemotherapy-Induced, Idiopathic): Improving safety, function, and quality of life for those with impaired sensation or strength due to various types of peripheral neuropathy.
• Nerve Entrapments / Compressions (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Sciatica, Meralgia Paresthetica): Symptoms such as localized or radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness caused by mechanical compression or irritation of peripheral nerves at specific anatomical sites (entrapment points).

Neurological

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) / Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Rehabilitation: Focusing on restoring movement, balance, and independence after a traumatic or acquired brain injury through evidence-based physiotherapy approaches.
• Parkinson's Disease Management & Movement Therapy: Physiotherapy interventions focusing on large-amplitude movements, rhythmic activities, and strategies to overcome movement difficulties associated with Parkinson's.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Inflammation (tendinitis) or, more commonly, degeneration (tendinosis/tendinopathy) of tendons, leading to localized pain that typically worsens with activity or loading of the tendon.
• 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.

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. Shelley can assess your needs.

• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Targeted exercises and strategies designed by your Physiotherapist to improve your stability, coordination, lower limb strength, and body awareness (proprioception), thereby reducing your risk of falls, particularly beneficial for older adults or individuals with balance impairments.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Hands-on physiotherapy focused on mobilizing restricted joints and soft tissues to promote healing, restore normal biomechanics, and alleviate pain.
• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: A structured and individualized rehabilitation approach to help you navigate your recovery after a concussion, promoting symptom resolution and safe resumption of activities.
• Neurological Rehabilitation (e.g., Stroke, MS, Parkinson's, Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury): Evidence-based neurological rehabilitation focused on harnessing neuroplasticity, motor learning principles, and task-specific training to help regain lost skills and adapt to new ways of moving.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Targeted manual methods performed by your Physiotherapist to release tight or overactive muscles, address fascial restrictions, and alleviate pain arising from soft tissue dysfunction.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.

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

• Physiotherapy with Shelley can be a transformative turning point for those affected by feeling like my posture is hunched or rounded, causing discomfort. The shared goal is achieving being able to play actively with their children or grandchildren again, paving the way for you to enjoy taking long photography walks to capture nature or cityscapes and a more active, vibrant life.
• Are you finding that loss of strength in one of my limbs after an injury stops you from enjoying cycling longer distances with their cycling club? Shelley is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve understanding how to prevent future flare-ups and manage their condition long-term through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• Many find that aches and pains that I'm pretty sure are from my bad posture at my desk significantly impacts their ability to walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue or breathlessness. Shelley helps patients target moving more freely and with greater agility than they have in years with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• If difficulty coordinating my movements, feeling clumsy is preventing you from fully enjoying taking energetic, long walks with their dog every day, Shelley offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining successfully avoiding or delaying the need for more invasive treatments or surgery, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.

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

Shelley practices at HeartSpace PT for Children, located in the Grantham, Port Weller neighbourhood of St. Catharines. The clinic enjoys a convenient location near the Downtown Core and is easily accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows the Physiotherapist to easily access and assess the area being treated, and permits you to move freely for any exercises or movements. For example, shorts are ideal for knee, hip, or ankle issues, while a tank top or loose t-shirt works well for shoulder, neck, or upper back problems. Athletic wear or gym attire is generally a good choice. You may also be provided with a gown if needed.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

The primary goal of physiotherapy is generally to reduce pain and improve function, not to cause significant or lasting pain. Some assessment techniques or specific treatments (like deep soft tissue work, joint mobilization, or certain exercises) might cause mild, temporary discomfort or soreness, especially if the tissues being treated are sensitive, inflamed, or very stiff. However, your Physiotherapist will always work within your tolerance levels, communicate clearly about what to expect, and encourage open feedback. If you experience notable or unacceptable pain during treatment, please inform your therapist immediately so adjustments can be made to ensure your comfort.

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 recommended to check your private insurance for private clinic coverage.

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 insurance policy before your first appointment.

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.

HeartSpace PT for Children
15 Neilson Avenue
St. Catharines, ON, L2M 5V9

Phone: (905) 380-1627

Shelley Jane Mannell 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: XXX18

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=deb378f3-8902-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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