Stephen Ryan Bruner – Physiotherapist | Guelph, ON

Stephen Ryan Bruner is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at St. Joseph's Health Centre in Guelph, ON, Steve is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Steve focuses on 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 Ryan Bruner completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2003). With extensive clinical experience, Steve is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Steve has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Steve empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Steve employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Stephen Ryan Bruner offers consultations in English.

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

Joint Pain

• 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.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Persistent tendon pain that can interfere with your sports, work, or daily activities, often requiring specific loading programs and advice from a physiotherapist for effective management.

Arthritis

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: An autoimmune condition causing chronic inflammation, pain, stiffness, swelling, and potential deformity in multiple joints, often symmetrically. Physiotherapy aims to manage pain, maintain joint function and mobility, improve strength and endurance, provide joint protection strategies, and support self-management.
• 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.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Supportive physiotherapy care for joint recovery and function after gout flares, focusing on restoring range of motion, reducing inflammation, and providing advice on joint protection and lifestyle factors.

Hand Wrist

• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Physiotherapy to help you regain optimal use of your hand and wrist after an injury, surgery, or due to a chronic condition, enabling you to return to work, hobbies, and daily tasks.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Addressing the inflammation, pain, and restricted movement associated with stenosing tenosynovitis of the finger or thumb.

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.

• 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.
• 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.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): ESWT for chronic tendinopathies, heel spurs, and other musculoskeletal problems, aiming to break down scar tissue, increase blood flow, and trigger a healing response.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Ultrasound therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, often used to prepare tissues for manual therapy or exercise, or to manage acute and chronic soft tissue injuries.
• 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.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: A comforting physiotherapy modality that helps to soothe tight muscles, decrease pain perception, and improve the flexibility of soft tissues.

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 St. Joseph's Health Centre, 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 that grinding or crunching feeling in my knee or shoulder. The shared goal is achieving a noticeable reduction in daily discomfort, making everyday tasks easier and more enjoyable, paving the way for you to enjoy attending their favorite yoga and pilates classes without limitation and a more active, vibrant life.
• Steve believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If soreness and tightness in my Achilles tendon, especially after exercise is hindering your ability to getting back to their regular, consistent gym workouts, a personalized plan focusing on a reduction in nerve-related symptoms like tingling or numbness can make all the difference.
• Patients struggling with general muscle strains and pulls from overdoing it at the gym or in the garden can find dedicated and compassionate support from Steve. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving greater ease in performing overhead activities or reaching, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as participating in community events and social gatherings more actively.
• Patients often come to Steve feeling defeated by recovering my strength and energy after being very sick (like with pneumonia or Long COVID). With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving feeling empowered to take control of their physical health journey and resuming walking their children to school or the park becomes a realistic and attainable goal.

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

Steve practices at St. Joseph's Health Centre, situated in the Downtown Guelph, Exhibition Park neighborhood of Guelph. The clinic is conveniently located near Guelph Central Station (GO/Via/Bus) and is accessible via Guelph Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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 Ontarians. 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 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.

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.

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. Contact your insurer before your first appointment to understand your plan's specifics: annual maximum, per-visit limits, co-payments, referral requirements, and direct billing options. If direct billing is possible, we can bill your insurer; otherwise, we'll provide a receipt for you to submit.

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

Some temporary post-treatment soreness is normal. However, if your pain significantly worsens, you develop new symptoms, or discomfort persists, contact the clinic. Steve can offer guidance and adjust your care plan.

Is there parking available at or near St. Joseph's Health Centre?

Paid parking is available in a nearby parkade. Limited street parking may be available; check local signage for restrictions.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes. Physiotherapy helps prevent future injuries by assessing movement, identifying weaknesses, and providing personalized exercise programs. This is beneficial for athletes, those with physically demanding jobs, or anyone seeking long-term musculoskeletal health.

St. Joseph's Health Centre
100 Westmount Rd.
Guelph, ON, N1H 5H8

Phone: (519) 767-3414

Stephen Ryan Bruner 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: XXX80

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=e20ccf85-8d02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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