Suzanne K. Helfenstein – Physiotherapist | London, ON

Suzanne K. Helfenstein is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Injuries Centre in London, ON, Suzanne Helfenstein is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Suzanne Helfenstein's approach 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. Suzanne Helfenstein serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Suzanne K. Helfenstein completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Western University (Graduating Class of 1987). With extensive clinical experience, Suzanne Helfenstein is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Suzanne Helfenstein has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Suzanne Helfenstein's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the London community through proactive physiotherapy. Suzanne Helfenstein has a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care, and employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Suzanne Helfenstein offers consultations in English.

Suzanne K. Helfenstein provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Arthritis

• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Exercises and advice to manage the impact of gout on your joints, improve mobility, and reduce the likelihood of long-term joint damage.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Individualized exercise programs and pain management strategies tailored for psoriatic arthritis to help reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Helping you live well with rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory arthropathies through targeted physiotherapy interventions designed to manage symptoms, preserve function, and promote overall well-being.

Back Neck Pain

• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Nerve compression symptoms due to a narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal or the small openings where nerves exit the spine (foramina), most commonly in the lumbar (lower back) or cervical (neck) regions.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Post-traumatic neck pain, restricted movement, and associated issues common after car accidents, which benefit from early and appropriate physiotherapy intervention.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Symptoms of nerve compression originating from the spine, such as a 'slipped disc' or 'pinched nerve', causing radiating pain, altered sensation, or muscle weakness in a limb.
• 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.

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.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or stiffness in the wrist, hand, or fingers, often resulting from overuse, repetitive tasks, arthritis, or specific conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or De Quervain's tenosynovitis.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: A 'rolled' or twisted ankle with subsequent swelling, tenderness, and difficulty putting your full weight on the foot.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Injury to muscle tissue that limits your strength, range of motion, and ability to perform specific movements or activities, requiring careful rehabilitation.

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. Suzanne Helfenstein can assess your needs.

• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Specific stretches designed by your therapist to target tight muscle groups relevant to your condition, helping to improve your flexibility and reduce your risk of injury.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Developing muscular strength and endurance to aid in injury recovery, support affected joints, improve biomechanics, and enhance athletic performance or demanding physical tasks.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: A variety of hands-on methods such as therapeutic massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and active release style techniques to reduce muscle tension, break down scar tissue, improve circulation, and enhance tissue flexibility.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Hands-on physiotherapy focused on mobilizing restricted joints and soft tissues to promote healing, restore normal biomechanics, and alleviate pain.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: A carefully selected set of exercises specific to your condition and abilities, aimed at restoring function, reducing pain, improving movement, and preventing future issues.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Specialized workouts to enhance your core strength, stability, and endurance, which are crucial for injury prevention, back health, and efficient performance in daily activities and sports.

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

• Patients often come to Suzanne Helfenstein feeling defeated by working on getting back to normal after a fracture or other surgery. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving building the necessary muscle support for their joints, reducing the risk of re-injury and resuming taking long photography walks to capture nature or cityscapes becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Suzanne Helfenstein believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If that 'pins and needles' feeling that won't go away is hindering your ability to participating fully in their martial arts practice, including sparring, a personalized plan focusing on improved overall mobility, making it easier to navigate their home and community can make all the difference.
• Physiotherapy with Suzanne Helfenstein can be a transformative turning point for those affected by breathing difficulties and shortness of breath with COPD or asthma, especially during activity. The shared goal is achieving a smoother and stronger postpartum recovery, paving the way for you to enjoy feeling energetic enough to engage in social activities in the evenings and a more active, vibrant life.
• The path to recovery from my child walking on their toes most of the time and achieving greater confidence when walking, standing, or navigating challenging environments for being able to perform deep cleaning tasks around the house often starts with expert guidance. Suzanne Helfenstein, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.

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

Suzanne Helfenstein's practice at Injuries Centre is located in the Old East Village, SoHo (South of Horton) neighborhood of London. The clinic is conveniently located near Fanshawe Conservation Area and is accessible via London Transit Commission (LTC). Please inquire regarding specific accessibility needs for our clinic. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

What are Injuries Centre's operating hours?

Injuries Centre is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and some practitioners offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call our office at 555-1212 or check our website/online booking portal at www.injuriescentre.com for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

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. Always check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

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.

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

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows the Physiotherapist to easily access and assess the area being treated, and permits you to move freely for any exercises or movements. For example, shorts are ideal for knee, hip, or ankle issues, while a tank top or loose t-shirt works well for shoulder, neck, or upper back problems. Athletic wear or gym attire is generally a good choice. You may also be provided with a gown if needed.

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 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.

What is Injuries Centre's appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients who may be waiting for care. A fee equivalent to 50% of the service cost may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

Injuries Centre
641 Waterloo St.
London, ON, N6B 2R6

Phone: (519) 661-0473

Suzanne K. Helfenstein 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: XXX79

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=53a03e25-8a02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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