Susan Herbrand Barker

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

Arthritis

• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): An inflammatory arthritis that can affect some people with psoriasis (a skin condition), causing joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and sometimes affecting tendons (enthesitis) and ligaments. Can affect small or large joints, often asymmetrically, and sometimes the spine.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Helping you regain mobility, reduce discomfort, and improve function in affected joints after a gout episode, as part of your overall gout management plan.

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.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Pain, discomfort, or stiffness in the lumbar spine region, whether it's a sudden onset or a long-lasting issue affecting your daily life.

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 Barker can assess your needs.

• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Targeted exercises focused on strengthening the deep abdominal, back, pelvic floor, and diaphragm muscles to provide better support for your spine, improve posture, enhance balance, and increase movement efficiency.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: A progressive approach to rebuilding your physical condition, allowing for a safe return to daily activities, work demands, and hobbies you enjoy.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Targeted exercises using resistance (such as bodyweight, resistance bands, free weights, or gym equipment) to build muscle strength, power, and endurance, tailored to your specific rehabilitation needs or performance goals.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Manual treatments specifically designed to improve joint mechanics, alleviate discomfort, reduce stiffness, and enhance your range of motion in the spine or limbs.
• 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.
• 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.

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

• With Susan Barker's help, managing hip pain when I walk, climb stairs, or try to sleep on my side to achieve feeling less fatigued during physical activities and throughout the day becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like sitting comfortably through a movie at the cinema or a play.
• Susan Barker believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If difficulty coordinating my movements, feeling clumsy is hindering your ability to running their usual 5k route without knee pain, a personalized plan focusing on moving more freely and with greater agility than they have in years can make all the difference.
• Are you finding that numbness, tingling, or weakness in my hands, arms, feet, or legs stops you from enjoying enjoying long, challenging hikes on weekends again? Susan Barker is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve getting their strength back after surgery or a period of inactivity through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Susan Barker can help you move beyond recovering my strength and energy after being very sick (like with pneumonia or Long COVID). The focus is on seeing their child achieve developmental milestones with greater ease (for pediatric physio), enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as sleeping soundly through the night without being woken by pain or discomfort.

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

Susan Barker's practice at Leacock Care Centre is situated in a physiotherapy clinic in the central Orillia neighborhood of Orillia. The clinic is conveniently located near nearby parks and community recreation facilities and is accessible via local public transit routes. Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

It's difficult to say exactly how many sessions you'll need without a thorough assessment, as everyone's situation and recovery path is unique. Some acute conditions might resolve in just a few sessions, while more chronic, complex, or significant issues may require a longer period of care to achieve lasting results. Your Physiotherapist will provide an estimated treatment timeline and plan after your first visit, and this will be revisited as your treatment progresses.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

The primary goal of physiotherapy is generally to reduce pain and improve function, not to cause significant or lasting pain. Some assessment techniques or specific treatments (like deep soft tissue work, joint mobilization, or certain exercises) might cause mild, temporary discomfort or soreness, especially if the tissues being treated are sensitive, inflamed, or very stiff. However, your Physiotherapist will always work within your tolerance levels, communicate clearly about what to expect, and encourage open feedback. If you experience notable or unacceptable pain during treatment, please inform your therapist immediately so adjustments can be made to ensure your comfort.

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 private clinic physiotherapy.

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.

Is there parking available at or near Leacock Care Centre?

Street parking is available near Leacock Care Centre; however, please be aware of any time restrictions or permit requirements. There are also paid parking lots within a short distance of the clinic.

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 (direct access). However, some private health insurance plans may require a referral for coverage; check your insurance policy before your appointment.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer coverage for physiotherapy. Contact your insurer to understand your plan's specifics, including annual maximums, per-visit limits, co-payments, referral requirements, and direct billing options. If direct billing is available, we can bill your insurer; otherwise, we'll provide a receipt for you to submit.

Leacock Care Centre
25 Museum Drive
Orillia, ON, L3V 7T9

Phone: (705) 325-9181

Susan Herbrand Barker 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: XXX87

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=141c85d5-8902-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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