Stephanie Elizabeth Shaler

Stephanie Elizabeth Shaler provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Hand Wrist

• 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.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Addressing the inflammation, pain, and restricted movement associated with stenosing tenosynovitis of the finger or thumb.

Post Surgical

• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Specialized physiotherapy focused on regaining shoulder movement, strength, stability, and function after various types of shoulder surgeries, such as rotator cuff repair, labral tear repair, shoulder stabilization procedures (e.g., Bankart repair), or shoulder joint replacement (arthroplasty).
• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Helping you manage pain, improve scar mobility, and regain optimal strength and range of motion in a limb following fracture fixation surgery.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.
• 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.

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 Shaler can assess your needs.

• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): A common physiotherapy treatment for acute injuries, designed to help numb pain, decrease bleeding into the tissues, and minimize secondary hypoxic injury.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: A comforting physiotherapy modality that helps to soothe tight muscles, decrease pain perception, and improve the flexibility of soft tissues.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): A non-invasive, evidence-based treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing, reduce pain, and promote tissue regeneration in stubborn soft tissue conditions that haven't responded to other therapies.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: LLLT or 'cold laser' therapy to stimulate your body's natural healing processes, provide pain relief, and improve function in conditions like tendinopathies, arthritis, or soft tissue injuries.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: The application of gentle, controlled mechanical or manual force to distract (stretch) spinal segments, aiming to alleviate pressure on intervertebral discs, nerves, and facet joints.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Utilizing electrophysical agents as an adjunct to your physiotherapy treatments to aid recovery, improve muscle function, manage pain, or reduce swelling, tailored to your specific condition.

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

• Through personalized physiotherapy at Stephanie Shaler's clinic, common concerns like that 'arthritic' pain in my hands, hips, or knees are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of improved balance and coordination, leading to safer and more confident mobility in seniors. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like participating in community events and social gatherings more actively.
• Physiotherapy with Stephanie Shaler can be a transformative turning point for those affected by frequent headaches that seem to start from tension in my neck or shoulders. The shared goal is achieving a better ability to cope with the physical stresses of daily life, paving the way for you to enjoy actively participating in family outings and vacations without holding others back and a more active, vibrant life.
• Patients struggling with dealing with pelvic pain or bladder/bowel control issues (for both men and women) can find dedicated and compassionate support from Stephanie Shaler. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving feeling more positive, capable, and optimistic about their physical health, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as pushing a stroller or shopping cart without difficulty.
• Many find that recovering my strength and mobility after a knee or hip replacement surgery significantly impacts their ability to taking long photography walks to capture nature or cityscapes. Stephanie Shaler helps patients target a noticeable improvement in their gait and walking efficiency with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.

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

Stephanie Shaler practices at West Shore Physiotherapy and Sports Medicine, a physiotherapy clinic in the central Innisfil neighborhood of Innisfil. The clinic is conveniently located near nearby parks and community recreation facilities and is accessible via local public transit routes. Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Your first physiotherapy appointment, which includes a detailed assessment and the development of your initial treatment plan, usually takes about 60 minutes. Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled for 30 to 45 minutes. The exact duration of each session will depend on the nature of your treatment and what your Physiotherapist has planned for that specific visit to best help you progress.

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.

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 coverage of services at 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.

Is there parking available at or near West Shore Physiotherapy and Sports Medicine?

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

West Shore Physiotherapy and Sports Medicine
6-1070 Innisfil Beach Road
Innisfil, ON, L9S 4T9

Stephanie Elizabeth Shaler 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: XXX28

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=aa2e6188-9302-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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