Susan Estelle Grace – Physiotherapist | Guelph, ON

Susan Estelle Grace is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy Focus). Practicing at Breathe Again in Guelph, ON, Susan Grace is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Susan Grace specializes in managing acute and chronic conditions affecting the heart and lungs, such as COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis, post-operative cardiac or respiratory recovery, and post-COVID symptoms. Susan Grace's approach involves breathing exercises, airway clearance techniques, exercise prescription, and patient education, ensuring a comprehensive and individualized treatment plan for optimal recovery.

Susan Estelle Grace completed their degree in Physiotherapy from King's College London (Graduating Class of 1976). With extensive clinical experience, Susan Grace is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Susan Grace has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy, ensuring she stays at the forefront of advancements in this specialized field and can provide the most effective care to her patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Susan Grace's practice philosophy centers on a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best possible care. Susan Grace adopts a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting to ensure that the care provided aligns perfectly with their unique needs and aspirations. Susan Grace offers consultations in English.

Susan Estelle Grace provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Joint Pain

• 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.
• 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.

Long Covid

• Post-COVID-19 Condition / Long COVID Symptom Management: Tailored physiotherapy rehabilitation programs focusing on symptom-guided activity management (pacing), gentle graded exercise (carefully monitored to avoid post-exertional malaise - PEM), breathing retraining exercises, strategies for fatigue and 'brain fog', and functional retraining to help individuals manage the debilitating effects of Long COVID.

Post Surgical

• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): A carefully managed and individualized physiotherapy program to help you regain confidence in your spine, improve functional capacity, and prevent future issues after spinal surgery.
• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): A structured physiotherapy program to manage post-operative pain and swelling, improve knee flexibility and strength, and re-educate your gait pattern after a TKA or PKA.
• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): A tailored physiotherapy program following hip joint replacement to optimize your recovery, manage pain, ensure adherence to any precautions, and facilitate a return to an active lifestyle.

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. Susan Grace can assess your needs.

• Postural Assessment and Correction: Identifying and addressing habitual postures (e.g., from desk work, phone use) or ergonomic factors that may be contributing to your pain or dysfunction.
• 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.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): A systematic screening process, such as FMS™ or SFMA™ (if your Physiotherapist is certified), to understand how you move and guide preventative or corrective exercise programs.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Providing clear guidance on self-care techniques, activity modifications, and beneficial lifestyle adjustments for long-term well-being and injury prevention.
• Post-COVID-19 Condition / Long COVID Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy support to help individuals with Post-COVID-19 Condition improve their physical function, manage debilitating symptoms, and enhance their quality of life through a personalized and cautious approach.
• Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy (e.g., COPD, Asthma, Post-Pneumonia, Post-Cardiac Event Support): Physiotherapy to improve your breathing efficiency, manage symptoms of lung disease, clear your airways more effectively, and increase your cardiovascular fitness and activity tolerance.

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

• If recovering from a concussion and dealing with lingering symptoms like dizziness or headaches is preventing you from fully enjoying setting up and taking down equipment for hobbies or sports, Susan Grace offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining improved overall mobility, making it easier to navigate their home and community, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• Struggling with the frustration of a 'frozen shoulder' feeling, where my shoulder feels completely stuck? Susan Grace develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving a better understanding of ergonomics for their work and home environment. This is key to helping you get back to doing giving presentations or speaking publicly with confidence and good posture with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• Physiotherapy with Susan Grace 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 sleeping more soundly through the night due to reduced pain and discomfort, paving the way for you to enjoy spending hours gardening comfortably, without subsequent back or knee strain and a more active, vibrant life.
• Patients struggling with feeling generally stiff, achy, and less mobile than I used to be can find dedicated and compassionate support from Susan Grace. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving the ability to manage symptoms independently if they occasionally recur, 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 Susan Grace, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.

Susan Grace practices at Breathe Again, located in the Kortright Hills, Hanlon Creek neighborhood of Guelph. The clinic enjoys a convenient location near the Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate and is easily 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 waitlists may apply. Always check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics. Verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

It's helpful to bring your health card, any referral letters from other healthcare providers if you were referred, and any reports or images from relevant medical tests (X-rays, MRIs, etc.) related to your condition. If you have private insurance coverage for physiotherapy, please bring your insurance card or policy details for billing purposes. Comfortable attire that allows for easy movement during the assessment is also recommended.

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.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

It's recommended to wear or bring clothing that allows unrestricted movement and provides easy access for your physiotherapist to examine the body part being assessed or treated. For instance, if you have a knee problem, please wear or bring shorts. For shoulder issues, a sleeveless top or a top with loose armholes is often helpful. The goal is to make the assessment and treatment as effective as possible.

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.

Breathe Again
3-304 Stone Road West
Guelph, ON, N1G 4W4

Phone: (519) 994-2200

Susan Estelle Grace 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: XXX98

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=d65dbfba-8a02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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