Description
About Trudi Douglas
Trudi L. Douglas is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at Saint Elizabeth Rehab in Cambridge, ON, Trudi Douglas is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Trudi Douglas's role involves assisting individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life after neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Trudi Douglas serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.
Trudi L. Douglas completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 1968). With extensive clinical experience, Trudi Douglas is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Trudi Douglas has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Neurological Physiotherapy.
Trudi Douglas's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Cambridge community through proactive physiotherapy. Trudi Douglas has a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Trudi Douglas offers consultations in English.
Common Health Concerns Trudi L. Douglas Addresses
Trudi L. Douglas provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:
Peripheral Nerve
- Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic, Chemotherapy-Induced, Idiopathic): Physiotherapy focuses on improving balance, strength, sensation (where possible), reducing fall risk, managing pain, and providing education on foot care (especially for diabetic neuropathy) and adaptive strategies.
- Nerve Entrapments / Compressions (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Sciatica, Meralgia Paresthetica): Symptoms such as localized or radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness caused by mechanical compression or irritation of peripheral nerves at specific anatomical sites (entrapment points).
Common Musculoskeletal
- Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Difficulty with activities like reaching for objects, dressing, personal care, or carrying items due to underlying shoulder issues, which physiotherapy can help diagnose and treat.
- Muscle Strains and Tears: Common injuries in active individuals, athletes, or resulting from accidents, leading to localized pain, swelling, bruising, and weakness in the affected muscle (e.g., hamstring, calf, quadriceps, groin, rotator cuff).
- Neck Pain and Stiffness: Aching, soreness, or sharp pain experienced in the neck, which may include muscle spasms, trigger points, or reduced flexibility.
- Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Aching, sharp, or deep pain in the hip that may worsen with activity, specific movements, or even at rest.
Vestibular Balance
- Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): A common cause of chronic dizziness that can be helped with specific physiotherapy strategies aimed at desensitizing the brain to provocative stimuli and normalizing reliance on sensory inputs.
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): A common cause of vertigo that is highly treatable with specific physiotherapy maneuvers, such as the Epley maneuver or Semont maneuver, designed to reposition the displaced inner ear crystals.
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. Trudi Douglas can assess your needs.
Trudi L. Douglas's Physiotherapy Services
- 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.
- Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized programs incorporating various stretching techniques (e.g., static, dynamic, PNF) to alleviate stiffness, increase tissue extensibility, and promote better posture.
- Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders: Helping you overcome dizziness, vertigo, and unsteadiness with targeted vestibular exercises and strategies, enabling you to return to daily activities with greater stability and comfort.
- 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: Customized strength training to address specific weaknesses identified in your assessment, helping to correct imbalances, improve movement efficiency, and achieve your physical objectives.
Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Trudi Douglas, 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.
Achieving Your Health Goals with Physiotherapy Care
At Saint Elizabeth Rehab, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Trudi Douglas frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- At Trudi Douglas's physiotherapy practice, individuals with trouble with a constantly stiff and sore neck, making turning my head a pain are guided towards improved circulation and tissue healing. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as managing shopping trips and carrying bags without excessive fatigue or pain.
- Many find that trying to stay as mobile and active as possible while living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) significantly impacts their ability to spending hours gardening comfortably, without subsequent back or knee strain. Trudi Douglas helps patients target feeling empowered to take control of their physical health journey with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
- It's truly rewarding for Trudi Douglas to witness patients conquer shoulder pain that makes simple things like lifting my arm or reaching overhead difficult and experience effectively managing chronic pain and reclaiming an active lifestyle. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in attending and enjoying their children's or grandchildren's sporting events again.
- When recovering from a concussion and dealing with lingering symptoms like dizziness or headaches is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing dressing myself independently and without difficulty, including shoes and socks, physiotherapy with Trudi Douglas can help you work towards developing better body awareness and understanding of healthy movement patterns. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
Your personalized physiotherapy plan, developed with Trudi Douglas, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.
Clinic Location & Accessibility
Trudi Douglas practices at Saint Elizabeth Rehab, situated in the North Galt, Saginaw neighborhood of Cambridge. The clinic is conveniently located near Cambridge Memorial Hospital and is accessible via Grand River Transit (GRT). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions about Physiotherapy in Cambridge
- 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 Ontarians. 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 waitlists may exist. Always check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.
- What are Saint Elizabeth Rehab's operating hours?
- Saint Elizabeth Rehab 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 the clinic or check their website for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.
- What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?
- It's not uncommon to experience some temporary soreness or a mild increase in symptoms after certain physiotherapy treatments, especially in the initial stages or if you're starting new exercises. This usually subsides within 24-48 hours. However, if you experience a significant or sharp increase in pain, new or worsening neurological symptoms (like numbness, tingling, or weakness), or if your soreness lasts longer than expected, it's important to contact Saint Elizabeth Rehab or your physician directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.
- Will I be given exercises to do at home?
- Absolutely! Home exercises are a vital part of your rehabilitation journey and empower you to take an active role in your recovery process. Your Physiotherapist will carefully select and teach you exercises specific to your needs. These exercises help to reinforce what's done in the clinic, manage your condition effectively, and ensure you continue progressing towards your goals even when you're not in a session.
- Does Saint Elizabeth Rehab offer direct billing to private insurance companies?
- Please contact Saint Elizabeth Rehab directly to inquire about their direct billing capabilities. 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?
- In Ontario, you 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.
- 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. Contact your insurer before your first appointment to understand your plan's specifics (annual maximum, per-visit limits, co-payments, referral requirements, direct billing). Saint Elizabeth Rehab may offer direct billing; if so, they can bill your insurer for the covered portion. You'll be responsible for any remaining balance. Bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. If direct billing isn't possible, you'll receive a receipt for submission to your insurer.
- Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?
- Definitely. Physiotherapy helps prevent future injuries by assessing movement, identifying weaknesses, and providing personalized exercise programs. This proactive approach benefits athletes, those with physically demanding jobs, and anyone seeking long-term musculoskeletal health.
Clinic Contact & Licensing Information
Saint Elizabeth Rehab
420 Sheldon Drive, #203
Cambridge, ON, N1T 2H9
Phone: (519) 220-1640
Trudi L. Douglas 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: XXX14
Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=087585f1-8802-e811-8134-480fcff4f671
Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.