Stephanie Frances Rhea – Physiotherapist | Kingsville, ON

Stephanie Frances Rhea is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Ireland Manual Physiotherapy in Kingsville, ON, Stephanie Rhea is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Stephanie Rhea addresses 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. Stephanie Rhea serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Stephanie Frances Rhea completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Western University (Graduating Class of 1994). With extensive clinical experience, Stephanie Rhea is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Stephanie Rhea has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Stephanie Rhea employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Stephanie Rhea utilizes a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Stephanie Rhea offers consultations in English.

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

Arthritis

• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Physiotherapy for ankylosing spondylitis focuses on maintaining spinal mobility and flexibility (especially extension), improving posture, strengthening core and back muscles, managing pain, and providing education on self-management and regular exercise.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Physiotherapy to address residual joint stiffness, pain, swelling, and functional loss after an acute gout attack has subsided, or to help manage musculoskeletal impairments and tophi-related issues associated with chronic gout, always in conjunction with appropriate medical management for urate control.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Helping to manage the musculoskeletal aspects of psoriatic disease, working in conjunction with medical management to optimize your physical function and comfort.

Joint Pain

• 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.
• 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 Rhea can assess your needs.

• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Targeted manual methods performed by your Physiotherapist to release tight or overactive muscles, address fascial restrictions, and alleviate pain arising from soft tissue dysfunction.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Education on optimal body mechanics and corrective strategies to improve your posture during daily activities, work, and recreation.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A complete assessment of your musculoskeletal system to pinpoint issues, set clear rehabilitation goals, and get you started on the path to recovery.
• 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.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Specialized manual techniques aimed at restoring normal movement and function to peripheral nerves that may be compressed, adhered, or under tension.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): A form of manual therapy that actively involves you in your treatment, utilizing your body's muscular effort to achieve specific therapeutic effects on restricted joints and shortened soft tissues.

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

• Discover how physiotherapy with Stephanie Rhea can help you move beyond a noticeable curve in my child's spine or uneven shoulders (scoliosis concerns). The focus is on achieving personal fitness goals that once seemed out of reach, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as being able to perform deep cleaning tasks around the house.
• When trying to stay as mobile and active as possible while living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing dancing the night away at social events and family celebrations, physiotherapy with Stephanie Rhea can help you work towards feeling equipped with effective self-management strategies and exercises. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Many individuals seek help from Stephanie Rhea, their physiotherapist, when that nagging tennis elbow (or golfer's elbow) that flares up with activity starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve greater ease in performing overhead activities or reaching, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like playing in their competitive volleyball league again.
• Patients struggling with trouble with a constantly stiff and sore neck, making turning my head a pain can find dedicated and compassionate support from Stephanie Rhea. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving effectively managing chronic pain and reclaiming an active lifestyle, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as returning to dancing, whether it's ballet, salsa, or just for fun.

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

Stephanie Rhea's practice at Ireland Manual Physiotherapy is located in a physiotherapy clinic in the central Kingsville neighborhood of Kingsville, ON. The clinic is conveniently located near nearby parks and community recreation facilities and is accessible via local public transit routes. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

The first physiotherapy session is primarily an in-depth assessment. Expect to spend time talking with your Physiotherapist about your specific issue, its history, and your overall health background. Your therapist will then perform various physical tests to assess your movement, strength, and any areas of concern. The main goal of this first visit is to understand your condition fully so that a tailored and effective treatment plan can be developed collaboratively with you. You might also receive your first set of home exercises or some initial hands-on care to start the healing process.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapist in ON?

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (this is known as direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check the specific requirements of your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

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 the clinic. 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.

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.

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 advised that you check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Your initial physiotherapy visit will likely be around an hour long. This allows for a comprehensive assessment and discussion of your treatment goals. Subsequent follow-up sessions are generally between 30 and 45 minutes, but this can be adjusted based on your needs. Your Physiotherapist will advise on the appropriate appointment length.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy uses hands-on techniques to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This can include joint mobilization (gentle movements), joint manipulation (skilled thrusts, where appropriate and with your consent), soft tissue mobilization (massage, etc.), and neural mobilization (techniques to improve nerve movement). The goals are to reduce pain, improve range of motion, restore joint mechanics, reduce muscle tension, and enhance tissue repair.

What are Ireland Manual Physiotherapy's operating hours?

Ireland Manual Physiotherapy is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and some practitioners may offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary, so please call the office or check their website for the most up-to-date information.

Ireland Manual Physiotherapy
313 Main Street East, #19
Kingsville, ON, N9Y 1A7

Phone: (519) 733-1010

Stephanie Frances Rhea 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: XXX33

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=07428051-8b02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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