Stephanie E. Boyd – Physiotherapist | Waterloo, ON

Stephanie E. Boyd is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at Pathways Therapy in Waterloo, ON, Stephanie is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Stephanie'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. Stephanie serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Stephanie E. Boyd completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 1992). With extensive clinical experience, Stephanie is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Stephanie has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Neurological Physiotherapy.

Stephanie employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Stephanie empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Stephanie maintains a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Stephanie offers consultations in English.

Stephanie E. Boyd 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): Symptoms in your hand or wrist that impact your ability to perform your job, hobbies, or essential self-care tasks, addressed by specialized hand physiotherapy.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Pain, swelling, clicking, locking, or instability in or around the knee joint from various causes like ligament sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL), meniscal tears (managed conservatively), or patellofemoral (kneecap) pain.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Hip problems that interfere with your mobility, sleep, and daily comfort, which can be effectively managed with physiotherapy interventions.

Vestibular Balance

• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Individualized exercise programs including gaze stabilization exercises (e.g., VORx1, VORx2), habituation exercises (for motion sensitivity), and balance retraining to improve function when the vestibular system is impaired.
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): Vestibular rehabilitation therapy, including habituation exercises, sensory re-weighting, and balance training, often as part of a multidisciplinary approach (which may include medication or CBT), for managing the symptoms of PPPD/3PD.
• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Physiotherapy aimed at improving your balance, coordination, lower limb strength, reaction time, and confidence to reduce your risk of falling and enhance safe mobility in your home and community.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): A common cause of vertigo that is highly treatable with specific physiotherapy maneuvers, such as the Epley maneuver or Semont maneuver, designed to reposition the displaced inner ear crystals.

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: A structured and individualized rehabilitation approach for individuals recovering from a mild traumatic brain injury, guiding a safe and gradual return to school, work, and sport activities.

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. Stephanie can assess your needs.

• Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio): Providing professional physiotherapy assessment, treatment, education, and exercise prescription directly in the comfort and convenience of your home environment, especially for those who have difficulty attending an outpatient clinic due to mobility issues, severe pain, or other constraints.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A thorough evaluation by your Physiotherapist to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.
• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Effective virtual physiotherapy care to help you manage your condition, progress your rehabilitation, and receive professional advice when in-person visits are challenging or not preferred.
• 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.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Helping you understand how your posture impacts your musculoskeletal health and providing you with tools for lasting postural improvement and pain relief.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Empowering you with a clear understanding of your condition, its causes, and practical tools for effective self-management and lasting relief.

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

• Stephanie frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of working on getting back to normal after a fracture or other surgery. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets enhanced pelvic floor function and control (for relevant conditions) and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like attending concerts or theatre shows and sitting comfortably throughout.
• Living with my child walking on their toes most of the time doesn't have to be your norm. Stephanie applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards a deeper understanding of their condition and how to manage it proactively for long-term well-being, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of joining in on pickup basketball games at the local court.
• Rediscover your ability to sleeping soundly through the night without being woken by pain or discomfort without the constant burden of that 'arthritic' pain in my hands, hips, or knees. Stephanie focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to greater ease in performing overhead activities or reaching, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Stephanie believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If recovering from a painful and limiting work-related injury (WCB/CNESST/WorkSafe claim) is hindering your ability to peacefully paddling their kayak or canoe on the lake for hours, a personalized plan focusing on improved circulation and tissue healing can make all the difference.

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

Stephanie practices at Pathways Therapy, located in the Waterloo North (Lakeshore North, Conservation Meadows) neighborhood of Waterloo. The clinic is conveniently located near Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) and is accessible via Grand River Transit (GRT) (Bus and ION Light Rail). Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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. We recommend you contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand the specifics of your plan. 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 Pathways Therapy offers direct billing and your plan allows it, we can often 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. Please bring your insurance card and all necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.

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. We strongly advise checking your private insurance for coverage of 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.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiotherapist can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

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

Some temporary post-treatment soreness can be normal. 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.

Pathways Therapy
745 Bridge St. West, Unit 5
Waterloo, ON, N2V 2G6

Phone: (519) 885-4211

Stephanie E. Boyd 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: XXX97

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=a6b79eea-8a02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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