Susan Lyn Halliday – Physiotherapist | St. Catharines, ON

Susan Lyn Halliday is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at St. Elizabeth Health Care in St. Catharines, ON, Susan is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Susan focuses on providing comprehensive assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions to help patients of all ages restore function, manage pain, and improve their quality of life. Susan serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Susan Lyn Halliday completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Mohawk College (Graduating Class of 1990). With extensive clinical experience, Susan is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Susan has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Susan's practice philosophy centers on empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Susan has a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best possible care. Susan adopts a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Susan Lyn Halliday offers consultations in English.

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

Sports Injury

• Stress Fractures (Activity-Related - Conservative Management/Rehab): A bone injury resulting from an imbalance between bone resorption and bone formation due to repetitive mechanical loading, often seen in runners or athletes who rapidly increase their training.
• Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): Pain and tenderness along the inner edge of the shinbone (tibia), often resulting from running, jumping, or other repetitive impact activities, especially with sudden increases in training intensity or volume.
• Muscle Strains (e.g., Hamstring, Calf, Groin, Quadriceps, Rotator Cuff): Tearing of muscle fibers or the muscle-tendon unit due to overstretching, sudden forceful contraction, or eccentric loading during athletic activity or exertion, commonly known as a 'pulled muscle'.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Pain, tenderness, swelling, and dysfunction in a tendon (the strong cords that attach muscles to bones) due to overuse, repetitive strain, injury, or degeneration. Common sites include the Achilles, patellar tendon (knee), rotator cuff (shoulder), or elbow (tennis/golfer's elbow).
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Disorders affecting hand and wrist function, making daily tasks such as gripping objects, typing, writing, or fine motor activities difficult and painful.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Discomfort, limited range of motion, and persistent tension in the cervical spine (neck), often related to posture, an injury, stress, or sleeping position.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Damage or tearing of muscle fibers, ranging from a mild overstretch (Grade 1 strain) to a partial or complete rupture (Grade 2 or 3 tear), typically caused by sudden forceful contraction, excessive stretch, or direct trauma.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Pain affecting the hip joint and surrounding musculature, which can limit activities like walking, standing for long periods, rising from a chair, or lying on the affected side.

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 can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: LLLT or 'cold laser' therapy to stimulate your body's natural healing processes, provide pain relief, and improve function in conditions like tendinopathies, arthritis, or soft tissue injuries.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Utilizing targeted electrical currents to help alleviate pain, manage discomfort, and support healing in conjunction with other physiotherapy interventions.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: The use of moist heat packs, paraffin wax, or other heat sources by your Physiotherapist to relax muscles, increase local blood flow, reduce stiffness, alleviate chronic pain, and improve tissue extensibility.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: A specialized physiotherapy treatment that uses a traction table or manual techniques to gently decompress spinal structures, relieve pressure, and promote healing.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): The application of cold packs, ice massage, or other cold modalities by your Physiotherapist to reduce swelling, inflammation, muscle spasm, and acute pain, particularly after an injury.

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

• Many individuals seek help from Susan, their physiotherapist, when trying to get back to my best after a frustrating sports injury starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve improved circulation and tissue healing, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like attending their favorite yoga and pilates classes without limitation.
• Living with that 'arthritic' pain in my hands, hips, or knees doesn't have to be your norm. Susan applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards getting back to enjoying life's simple pleasures without physical limitations, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of handling their job that involves frequent standing, walking, or bending.
• Tired of that persistent ache in my lower back that just won't quit interfering with keeping up with their team during our weekly soccer match? Susan uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve enjoying cycling or swimming regularly without pain or limitation and regain your freedom of movement.
• Struggling with the frustration of trouble with a constantly stiff and sore neck, making turning my head a pain? Susan develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving enjoying family vacations and outings with more energy and less pain. This is key to helping you get back to doing travelling more comfortably on planes, trains, or in cars for longer durations with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.

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

Susan practices at St. Elizabeth Health Care, located in the Grantham, Port Weller neighbourhood of St. Catharines. The clinic enjoys a convenient location near Welland Canals Parkway Trail access and is easily accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at St. Elizabeth Health Care treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain, joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, and nerve pain. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like general physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve manual therapy, exercise prescription, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

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

For your first visit, please bring your provincial health card (e.g., Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card, if applicable for any publicly funded programs or simply for identification), any relevant medical information such as a doctor's referral note (if you have one), reports from recent imaging (like X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound scans), and a list of your current medications. Also, if you plan to use private health insurance, bring your insurance card or policy details. Finally, wear or bring comfortable clothing suitable for assessment and movement.

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 health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement; check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

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 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. Check your private insurance for private clinic coverage.

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.

Does St. Elizabeth Health Care offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

While we do not offer direct billing at this time, we provide detailed official receipts that you can easily submit to your insurer for reimbursement according to your plan. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. Always confirm your specific coverage details with your insurance provider, as plans vary significantly. You are responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.

St. Elizabeth Health Care
444 Scott St., Unit 5
St. Catharines, ON, L2M 3W6

Phone: (905) 704-4580

Susan Lyn Halliday 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: XXX48

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=2514d2a2-8a02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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