Sofia Mariam Josipovic – Physiotherapist | St. Catharines, ON

Sofia Mariam Josipovic is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Arthritis Society Canada in St. Catharines, ON, Sofia Josipovic is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Sofia Josipovic'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. Sofia Josipovic serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Sofia Mariam Josipovic completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Queen's University (Graduating Class of 2011). With clinical experience, Sofia Josipovic is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Sofia Josipovic has a particular interest or further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Sofia Josipovic embraces a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Sofia Josipovic utilizes a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Sofia Josipovic promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the St. Catharines community through proactive physiotherapy. Sofia Josipovic offers consultations in English.

Sofia Mariam Josipovic provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Common Musculoskeletal

• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or stiffness in the wrist, hand, or fingers, often resulting from overuse, repetitive tasks, arthritis, or specific conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or De Quervain's tenosynovitis.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Pain affecting the hip joint and surrounding musculature, which can limit activities like walking, standing for long periods, rising from a chair, or lying on the affected side.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): A broad term for common injuries affecting muscles, tendons (tendinitis/tendinopathy), ligaments (sprains), joint capsules (capsulitis), and bursae (bursitis), leading to pain, inflammation, and functional limitations.

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): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.

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. Sofia Josipovic can assess your needs.

• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Using therapeutic cold to manage the initial stages of an injury (e.g., sprains, strains) and control inflammatory responses, helping to limit tissue damage.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): The application of focused acoustic waves (Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy) by a trained Physiotherapist to treat chronic tendon issues (e.g., plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, Achilles tendinopathy), calcific tendinosis, and other persistent musculoskeletal conditions.
• 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.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Improving the mobility and health of your nervous system to reduce pain, restore sensation, and enhance overall function.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: Application of therapeutic heat to prepare tissues for exercise, manual therapy, or stretching, or to manage chronic muscle soreness and joint stiffness.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: The use of specific electrical stimulation devices (IFC or TENS) by your Physiotherapist to provide pain relief, reduce muscle spasm, decrease swelling, or promote muscle activation and re-education.

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

• Sofia Josipovic frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of dealing with ongoing pain and stiffness after a car accident, like whiplash. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets enhanced ability to participate in social and community events and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like going on birdwatching outings in various terrains.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of widespread muscle pain and fatigue that my doctor thinks might be fibromyalgia? Sofia Josipovic works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of more comfortable and efficient movement when transitioning between positions (e.g., sit to stand). This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as playing a full game of recreational hockey with their friends.
• Rediscover your ability to hitting the slopes for a full day of skiing or snowboarding in winter without the constant burden of trying to get back to my best after a frustrating sports injury. Sofia Josipovic focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to a better understanding of ergonomics for their work and home environment, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Many individuals seek help from Sofia Josipovic, their physiotherapist, when aches and pains that I'm pretty sure are from my bad posture at my desk starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve returning to their workout routine with greater confidence and better performance, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like taking long photography walks to capture nature or cityscapes.

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

Sofia Josipovic practices at Arthritis Society Canada, located in the Lakeport, Lakeshore neighborhood of St. Catharines. The clinic is conveniently located near Royal Canadian Henley Regatta Course and is accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

Some temporary post-treatment soreness can be normal, much like after a good workout. However, if your pain significantly worsens, if you develop new concerning symptoms, or if the discomfort doesn't settle down within a day or two, please call us. Your Physiotherapist would want to know so they can offer guidance and make any necessary adjustments to your care plan. Open communication is key to your successful recovery.

How can I book an appointment at Arthritis Society Canada?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (800) 321-1433 during our business hours. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

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

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.

Does Arthritis Society Canada offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

While we do not offer direct billing at this time, we provide detailed official receipts that you can easily submit to your insurer for reimbursement according to your plan. Please bring your insurance card/information and always confirm your specific coverage details, including any annual maximums, per-visit limits, or deductible requirements, directly with your insurance provider, as plans vary significantly. You are responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.

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.

What are Arthritis Society Canada's operating hours?

Our clinic is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. However, hours can vary, so please call our office at (800) 321-1433 for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

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. However, some private/extended health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

Arthritis Society Canada
6 - 2 Lakeshore Rd
St. Catharines, ON, L2N 2S7

Phone: (800) 321-1433

Sofia Mariam Josipovic 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: XXX60

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=e8e117c7-9002-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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