Thomas Punnouse – Physiotherapist | Oshawa, ON

Thomas Punnouse is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Lakeridge Health in Oshawa, ON, Thomas Punnouse is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Thomas Punnouse's focus is 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. Thomas Punnouse serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Thomas Punnouse completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Laxmi Memorial College of Physiotherapy (Graduating Class of 2011). With extensive clinical experience, Thomas Punnouse is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Thomas Punnouse has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Thomas Punnouse empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Thomas Punnouse has a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Thomas Punnouse promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Oshawa community through proactive physiotherapy. Thomas Punnouse offers consultations in English, Hindi, and Malayalam.

Thomas Punnouse provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Helping to alleviate the symptoms of a catching, locking, or painful finger/thumb through targeted physiotherapy interventions, potentially avoiding the need for injections or surgery in some cases.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Specialized physiotherapy for conditions affecting the intricate structures of the hand and wrist, such as fractures (e.g., Colles', scaphoid), tendon lacerations or ruptures (e.g., flexor/extensor tendon repairs), ligament sprains/tears (e.g., skier's thumb, TFCC injuries), repetitive strain injuries, or arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis). Includes both conservative management and post-operative rehabilitation.

Back Neck Pain

• Postural Back/Neck Pain: A common cause of persistent back and neck pain due to the cumulative strain of prolonged sitting, standing, or performing tasks in non-ideal positions.
• 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.

Post Surgical

• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Restoring your ability to perform daily tasks, work, and recreational activities by addressing pain, stiffness, and weakness after your shoulder surgery.
• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Guiding your rehabilitation journey after ACL or other ligament surgery, from early post-operative care to advanced sport-specific training and return-to-play testing.

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. Thomas Punnouse can assess your needs.

• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): A non-invasive, evidence-based treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing, reduce pain, and promote tissue regeneration in stubborn soft tissue conditions that haven't responded to other therapies.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: Utilizing therapeutic laser to enhance tissue regeneration, reduce pain signals, and manage inflammation as part of your comprehensive physiotherapy care.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: A non-invasive electrotherapy modality aimed at reducing pain, muscle guarding, or swelling, and sometimes used for muscle strengthening, as part of your physiotherapy treatment.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Cold therapy techniques applied by your therapist to effectively alleviate acute pain, reduce inflammation, and manage muscle soreness or spasm.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Employing different types of electrotherapy to support your rehabilitation goals, including promoting tissue healing or improving motor control.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: A comforting physiotherapy modality that helps to soothe tight muscles, decrease pain perception, and improve the flexibility of soft tissues.

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

• With Thomas Punnouse's help, managing post-operative stiffness and weakness that's slowing down my recovery to achieve developing better body awareness and understanding of healthy movement patterns becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like managing the physical demands of their job without constant pain.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from feeling generally stiff, achy, and less mobile than I used to be and achieved a more comfortable and physically manageable pregnancy experience under the skilled care of Thomas Punnouse. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as playing in their competitive volleyball league again with a new lease on life.
• For those whose pain or weakness that's stopping me from enjoying my favorite hobbies has made getting on and off the floor with ease seem like a distant memory, Thomas Punnouse's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward greater confidence when walking, standing, or navigating challenging environments. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to getting on and off the floor with ease with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Thomas Punnouse can help you move beyond soreness and tightness in my Achilles tendon, especially after exercise. The focus is on feeling more energetic and less weighed down by physical discomfort, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as travelling more comfortably on planes, trains, or in cars for longer durations.

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

Thomas Punnouse practices at Lakeridge Health, situated in the Vanier, McLaughlin West neighborhood of Oshawa. The clinic is conveniently located near North Oshawa Shopping Centres and is accessible via Durham Region Transit (DRT). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. We recommend you contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand the specifics of your plan. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If Lakeridge Health offers direct billing and your plan allows it, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance not covered by your plan at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and all necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.

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.

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

Comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement is best for your physiotherapy appointment – think about what you might wear to a gym or for light exercise. If you're being treated for a lower-body issue (like hip or knee pain), shorts are very helpful. For upper-body issues (like shoulder or neck pain), a tank top or loose t-shirt is suitable so the Physiotherapist can properly examine and treat the area.

Does Lakeridge Health 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 and 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.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapist in ON?

Patients in Ontario can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (this is known as direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans do require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. We strongly advise checking the specific requirements of your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy refers to specialized hands-on techniques used by a Physiotherapist to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This can include joint mobilization (gentle, rhythmic gliding movements), joint manipulation (skilled, high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts, where appropriate and within the therapist's scope and with your consent), various soft tissue mobilization techniques (like massage, myofascial release, trigger point release), and neural mobilization (gentle techniques to improve nerve movement). The primary goals are to reduce pain, improve range of motion, restore optimal joint mechanics, reduce muscle tension, and enhance tissue repair and function.

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. We strongly advise checking your private insurance for private clinic coverage.

Lakeridge Health
1 Hospital Court
Oshawa, ON, L1G 2B9

Phone: (905) 576-8711

Thomas Punnouse 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: XXX82

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=3a15279c-0924-e911-a979-000d3af42a5a

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