Shelley M. Hickson – Physiotherapist | Gloucester, ON

Shelley M. Hickson is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at Ontario Health atHome in Gloucester, ON, Shelley Hickson is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Shelley Hickson'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 Hickson serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Shelley M. Hickson completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Ottawa (Graduating Class of 1991). With extensive clinical experience, Shelley Hickson is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Shelley Hickson has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Neurological Physiotherapy.

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

Shelley M. Hickson provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Neurological

• Muscular Dystrophy / Myopathy - Supportive Physiotherapy Care: Physiotherapy aimed at maintaining optimal function, managing contractures (joint stiffness), optimizing mobility (including prescription of mobility aids), adapting activities, and managing respiratory function (if applicable) for individuals with progressive muscle weakness due to muscular dystrophy or other myopathies.
• Functional Neurological Disorders (FND) - Movement Retraining: A movement-based therapy approach, often guided by principles of motor learning and de-emphasis on presumed damage, to help individuals with FND regain voluntary control over their physical symptoms and improve confidence in their movements.
• Stroke (CVA) Rehabilitation: Personalized exercise programs, hands-on therapy, and functional retraining for post-stroke recovery, addressing issues like hemiparesis, spasticity, or neglect.
• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Rehabilitation (Incomplete/Specific Cases): Helping individuals with spinal cord injuries achieve their highest level of physical potential through targeted exercises, functional training, equipment prescription, and compensatory strategies.

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.

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 Hickson can assess your needs.

• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Application of skilled soft tissue techniques to manage pain, stiffness, and improve function in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders: Helping you overcome dizziness, vertigo, and unsteadiness with targeted vestibular exercises and strategies, enabling you to return to daily activities with greater stability and comfort.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Targeted therapy to alleviate symptoms such as shooting pain, pins and needles, or weakness arising from neural tension or entrapment.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Gentle, active manual therapy techniques where you use your own specific muscle contractions against your therapist's controlled resistance to improve joint mobility, lengthen tight tissues, and reduce pain.
• 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.
• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Providing physiotherapy assessment, diagnosis, treatment guidance, education, exercise prescription, and self-management strategies remotely via secure video conferencing technology.

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

• Are you finding that my child complaining of 'growing pains' that keep them up at night stops you from enjoying shoveling snow or raking leaves without aggravating their back? Shelley Hickson is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve feeling equipped with effective self-management strategies and exercises through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• It's truly rewarding for Shelley Hickson to witness patients conquer difficulty moving one side of my body or walking easily after a stroke and experience better joint stability during movement and weight-bearing activities. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in reaching for items on high shelves or in cupboards without shoulder strain again.
• Patients struggling with pain and difficulty with overhead movements like reaching into a cupboard can find dedicated and compassionate support from Shelley Hickson. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving the ability to sit for longer periods (e.g., at a desk, in a car) without significant discomfort, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as managing shopping trips and carrying bags without excessive fatigue or pain.
• Shelley Hickson frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of difficulty coordinating my movements, feeling clumsy. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets enjoying less stiffness in the mornings and throughout the day and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like maintaining an upright posture while working on their computer for hours.

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

Shelley Hickson practices at Ontario Health atHome, situated in a physiotherapy clinic in the central Gloucester neighborhood of Gloucester. The clinic is conveniently located near nearby parks and community recreation facilities and is accessible via local public transit routes. Please inquire regarding specific accessibility needs for our clinic. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

What are Ontario Health atHome's operating hours?

Ontario Health atHome is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and some practitioners offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call our office or check our website for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

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

Comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement is best for your physiotherapy appointment – think about what you might wear to a gym or for light exercise. If you're being treated for a lower-body issue (like hip or knee pain), shorts are very helpful. For upper-body issues (like shoulder or neck pain), a tank top or loose t-shirt is suitable so the Physiotherapist can properly examine and treat the area.

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. Always check your private/extended health insurance plans, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for 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.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

This is very individual and depends on many factors. After your comprehensive initial assessment, your Physiotherapist will be able to give you a better idea of the anticipated number of sessions and the frequency of visits needed to achieve your specific goals. We believe in open communication and will regularly review your progress with you, adjusting the treatment plan as you improve and as needed.

Ontario Health atHome
4200 Labelle Street
Gloucester, ON, K1J 1J8

Phone: (866) 902-5446

Shelley M. Hickson 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: XXX75

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=3f8aaed8-8a02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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