Stephen Michael Pearson – Physiotherapist | Mississauga, ON

Stephen Michael Pearson is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Summerville Family Health Team; Central Clinic in Mississauga, ON, Steve is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Steve's focus is 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. Steve serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Stephen Michael Pearson completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Shenandoah University (Graduating Class of 2006). With extensive clinical experience, Stephen Michael Pearson is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Stephen Michael Pearson has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Steve's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Mississauga community through proactive physiotherapy. Steve employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Steve empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Stephen Michael Pearson offers consultations in English.

Stephen Michael Pearson provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

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.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Back or neck pain accompanied by associated limb symptoms (pain, sensory changes, weakness) due to a constricted spinal canal, which physiotherapy can help manage conservatively.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Back or neck pain that often radiates into an arm or leg, potentially with numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning sensations, due to a spinal disc problem (herniation, protrusion, or bulge) compressing or irritating a nearby nerve root (radiculopathy). Sciatica specifically refers to radicular pain down the leg.

Common Musculoskeletal

• 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.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Painful neck conditions that can make head movements difficult, sometimes leading to headaches or radiating pain into the shoulders.

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): Managing a variety of acute and chronic conditions of the hand and wrist, aiming to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent long-term disability.

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. Steve can assess your needs.

• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Employing different types of electrotherapy to support your rehabilitation goals, including promoting tissue healing or improving motor control.
• 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.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: A non-invasive light therapy used in physiotherapy to treat various musculoskeletal conditions, promote faster healing, reduce pain, and modulate inflammation without generating heat.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: Therapeutic traction for the cervical (neck) or lumbar (low back) spine, used by physiotherapists to help reduce pain, decompress nerve roots, and improve symptoms associated with conditions like disc herniations, sciatica, or spinal stenosis.
• 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.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Cold therapy techniques applied by your therapist to effectively alleviate acute pain, reduce inflammation, and manage muscle soreness or spasm.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Steve, 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 Summerville Family Health Team; Central Clinic, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Steve frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Physiotherapy with Steve can be a transformative turning point for those affected by trouble performing repetitive tasks at work without pain. The shared goal is achieving experiencing significant pain relief, allowing for a more comfortable daily life, paving the way for you to enjoy simply being able to get through a workday without constant pain interruptions and a more active, vibrant life.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of that nagging tennis elbow (or golfer's elbow) that flares up with activity? Steve works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of being able to climb stairs with ease and confidence once again. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as engaging in detailed crafting, sewing, or knitting hobbies for hours.
• Struggling with the frustration of breathing difficulties and shortness of breath with COPD or asthma, especially during activity? Steve develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving successfully avoiding or delaying the need for more invasive treatments or surgery. This is key to helping you get back to doing hitting the slopes for a full day of skiing or snowboarding in winter with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• Don't let post-operative stiffness and weakness that's slowing down my recovery dictate what you can and cannot do. Steve offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at a greater sense of body confidence and trust in their physical abilities, helping you reclaim cycling longer distances with their cycling club and enjoy a more functional life.

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

Steve practices at Summerville Family Health Team; Central Clinic, situated in the Mississauga City Centre, Square One Area neighborhood of Mississauga. The clinic is conveniently located near Mississauga Celebration Square and is accessible via MiWay (Mississauga Transit). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a doctor's referral. This is known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for coverage of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

OHIP generally does not cover physiotherapy services in private outpatient clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in certain situations, such as post-hospitalization for specific conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams. Eligibility criteria are strict, and waitlists may apply. Check your private insurance coverage, as many plans offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics. You should also verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

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 treatment supposed to be painful?

While some physiotherapy techniques might feel uncomfortable or cause a temporary increase in soreness (similar to muscle soreness after a new workout), especially when working on stiff joints or tight muscles, it should not be excessively or intolerably painful. Your Physiotherapist will discuss what sensations you might expect with different treatments and will always aim to adjust the intensity and techniques to ensure you are as comfortable as possible while still achieving therapeutic benefits. Constant communication about your comfort level is very important.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Definitely. A key aspect of physiotherapy is not just treating current problems but also preventing future ones. A Physiotherapist can assess your movement, identify potential weaknesses or imbalances that could lead to injury, and provide you with a personalized program of exercises and strategies. This proactive approach is beneficial for athletes, individuals with physically demanding jobs, or anyone looking to maintain long-term musculoskeletal health and avoid recurring pain.

How can I book an appointment at Summerville Family Health Team; Central Clinic?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (905) 272-9700 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.

Summerville Family Health Team; Central Clinic
101 Queensway West, 5th Floor
Mississauga, ON, L5B 2P7

Phone: (905) 272-9700

Stephen Michael Pearson 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: XXX99

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=a6ef1e2a-8f02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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