Shirley Magee-Bell – Physiotherapist | Whitby, ON

Shirley Magee-Bell is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at JA Physio & Wellness Centre in Whitby, ON, Shirley is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Shirley focuses on addressing 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. Shirley serves adults.

Shirley Magee-Bell completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Queen's University (Graduating Class of 1991). With extensive clinical experience, Shirley is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Shirley has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Shirley's practice philosophy centers on a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Shirley Magee-Bell offers consultations in English.

Shirley Magee-Bell provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Helping to alleviate the symptoms of a catching, locking, or painful finger/thumb through targeted physiotherapy interventions, potentially avoiding the need for injections or surgery in some cases.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Specialized physiotherapy for conditions affecting the intricate structures of the hand and wrist, such as fractures (e.g., Colles', scaphoid), tendon lacerations or ruptures (e.g., flexor/extensor tendon repairs), ligament sprains/tears (e.g., skier's thumb, TFCC injuries), repetitive strain injuries, or arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis). Includes both conservative management and post-operative rehabilitation.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Common back problems that can impact your posture, ability to perform daily activities, and overall mobility, addressed with targeted physiotherapy.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Injury to muscle tissue that limits your strength, range of motion, and ability to perform specific movements or activities, requiring careful rehabilitation.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Disorders affecting hand and wrist function, making daily tasks such as gripping objects, typing, writing, or fine motor activities difficult and painful.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Painful neck conditions that can make head movements difficult, sometimes leading to headaches or radiating pain into the shoulders.

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.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Symptoms of nerve compression originating from the spine, such as a 'slipped disc' or 'pinched nerve', causing radiating pain, altered sensation, or muscle weakness in a limb.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): A range of neck and related symptoms including pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and sometimes arm pain or cognitive difficulties, following a rapid acceleration-deceleration injury to the neck, most typically from a motor vehicle accident.

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. Shirley can assess your needs.

• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Customized strength training to address specific weaknesses identified in your assessment, helping to correct imbalances, improve movement efficiency, and achieve your physical objectives.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Targeted exercises focused on strengthening the deep abdominal, back, pelvic floor, and diaphragm muscles to provide better support for your spine, improve posture, enhance balance, and increase movement efficiency.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Assessing your fundamental movement patterns to identify limitations, asymmetries, and potential risk factors for injury or re-injury.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Comprehensive exercise plans developed by your Physiotherapist to combat deconditioning, enhance overall physical well-being, and promote an active lifestyle.
• 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: Teaching you essential strategies and exercises to manage your symptoms independently, accelerate recovery, and prevent future problems.

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

• When an old ankle sprain that never seems to fully heal and still feels weak is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around their neighborhood for fresh air, physiotherapy with Shirley can help you work towards successfully avoiding or delaying the need for more invasive treatments or surgery. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of pain in my shins when I try to run or be active (shin splints)? Shirley works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of experiencing significant pain relief, allowing for a more comfortable daily life. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as resuming their weightlifting routine at the gym safely.
• With Shirley's help, managing awful foot pain first thing in the morning, like I'm walking on glass (plantar fasciitis) to achieve the ability to manage symptoms independently if they occasionally recur becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain.
• Are you finding that that 'pins and needles' feeling that won't go away stops you from enjoying getting back to cycling for leisure or commuting? Shirley is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve being able to climb stairs with ease and confidence once again through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.

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

Shirley practices at JA Physio & Wellness Centre, situated in the Rolling Acres, Pringle Creek neighborhood of Whitby. The clinic is conveniently located near Brooklin Community Centre & Library and is accessible via Durham Region Transit (DRT). Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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 Ontarians. 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 plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

Is there parking available at or near JA Physio & Wellness Centre?

Yes, ample free patient parking is available directly in front of and beside the building. Look for the designated patient spots.

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.

How can I book an appointment at JA Physio & Wellness Centre?

You can book an appointment by calling the clinic directly at (289) 274-5399 during business hours. The friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. Contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand your plan's specifics. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If JA Physio & Wellness Centre offers direct billing and your plan allows it, the clinic can bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance not covered by your plan at the time of service. Bring your insurance card and all necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, the clinic will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.

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.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Essentially, physiotherapy helps you get moving and stay moving effectively and comfortably. Whether you're dealing with an acute injury, chronic pain, post-surgical recovery, or a condition affecting your physical abilities, your Physiotherapist will work with you. They'll use their expertise in body mechanics, rehabilitation, and pain management to create a personalized treatment plan involving exercises, hands-on techniques, and practical advice to help you achieve your functional goals and live a more active, fulfilling life.

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 individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

JA Physio & Wellness Centre
676 Taunton Road East
Whitby, ON, L1R 0K6

Phone: (289) 274-5399

Shirley Magee-Bell 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: XXX46

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=483e74ba-8a02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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