Sylvie Gabrielle Leblanc – Physiotherapist | St. Catharines, ON

Sylvie Gabrielle Leblanc is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Niagara Health System in St. Catharines, ON, Sylvie Leblanc is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Sylvie Leblanc addresses 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. Sylvie Leblanc serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Sylvie Gabrielle Leblanc completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Ottawa (Graduating Class of 1997). With extensive clinical experience, Sylvie Leblanc is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Sylvie Leblanc has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Sylvie Leblanc demonstrates a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; and promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the St. Catharines community through proactive physiotherapy. Sylvie Leblanc offers consultations in English, French.

Sylvie Gabrielle Leblanc provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Joint Pain

• 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.
• 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).

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Addressing the inflammation, pain, and restricted movement associated with stenosing tenosynovitis of the finger or thumb.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Focused physiotherapy care for complex hand and wrist problems, often involving custom splinting or orthosis fabrication, manual therapy (joint and soft tissue mobilization), specific exercises to restore dexterity, strength, and range of motion, scar management, and sensory re-education.

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. Sylvie Leblanc can assess your needs.

• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Targeted therapy to alleviate symptoms such as shooting pain, pins and needles, or weakness arising from neural tension or entrapment.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Evidence-based exercise programs designed by your physiotherapist, including instruction and progression, to optimize your recovery and enhance your physical well-being.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Structured physical activities and exercises aimed at helping you safely regain strength, stamina, and confidence in your body's abilities, tailored to your current level.
• 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.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Customized strength training to address specific weaknesses identified in your assessment, helping to correct imbalances, improve movement efficiency, and achieve your physical objectives.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Gentle, active manual therapy techniques where you use your own specific muscle contractions against your therapist's controlled resistance to improve joint mobility, lengthen tight tissues, and reduce pain.

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

• Discover how physiotherapy with Sylvie Leblanc can help you move beyond aches and pains that I'm pretty sure are from my bad posture at my desk. The focus is on moving more freely and with greater agility than they have in years, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as engaging in detailed crafting, sewing, or knitting hobbies for hours.
• At Sylvie Leblanc's physiotherapy practice, individuals with pain in my shins when I try to run or be active (shin splints) are guided towards greater ease with dressing, bathing, and other self-care activities. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as peacefully paddling their kayak or canoe on the lake for hours.
• Sylvie Leblanc believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If recovering my strength and mobility after a knee or hip replacement surgery is hindering your ability to engaging in volunteer work that might have physical demands, a personalized plan focusing on reduced swelling and inflammation in injured areas can make all the difference.
• Patients often come to Sylvie Leblanc feeling defeated by breathing difficulties and shortness of breath with COPD or asthma, especially during activity. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving greater confidence when walking, standing, or navigating challenging environments and resuming challenging myself with indoor or outdoor rock climbing becomes a realistic and attainable goal.

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

Sylvie Leblanc's practice at Niagara Health System is situated in the Port Dalhousie neighborhood of St. Catharines. The clinic is conveniently located near Pen Centre Shopping Mall and is accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Niagara Health System treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain (including Pregnancy-Related Pelvic Girdle/Back Pain / Sciatica), joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, and nerve pain. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and general physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve manual therapy, Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

How can I book an appointment at Niagara Health System?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (905) 378-4647 during our business hours. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

Does Niagara Health System 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, including any annual maximums, per-visit limits, or deductible requirements, directly with your insurance provider, as plans vary significantly. You are responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not be an ordeal of pain. While you might feel some discomfort or a stretching sensation as you work to regain movement or strength, especially in the initial stages of treatment for an acute injury or chronic stiffness, it's rarely 'painful' in a distressing or harmful way. Your Physiotherapist will guide you through each step, modify treatments to suit your comfort and tolerance, and ensure that the overall experience is positive. The ultimate aim is to make you feel better, not worse.

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. Check your private insurance for private clinic coverage and verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with OHIP.

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. However, some private/extended health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiotherapist can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

Is there parking available at or near Niagara Health System?

Ample free patient parking is available directly in front of and beside the building. Look for the designated patient spots.

Niagara Health System
1200 Fourth Ave
St. Catharines, ON, L2S 0A9

Phone: (905) 378-4647

Sylvie Gabrielle Leblanc 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: XXX73

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=16beeff7-8b02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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