Wendy L. Smith – Physiotherapist | North Bay, ON

Wendy L. Smith is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Cassellholme in North Bay, ON, Wendy is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Wendy 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. Wendy serves a diverse range of patients, tailoring her approach to meet each individual's unique needs and goals.

Wendy L. Smith completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 1997). With extensive clinical experience, Wendy is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Wendy has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Wendy embraces a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Wendy promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the North Bay community through proactive physiotherapy. Wendy offers consultations in English.

Wendy L. Smith provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Back Neck Pain

• 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.
• 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.

Sports Injury

• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): Knee discomfort frequently experienced by runners, cyclists, and those involved in activities with repetitive knee bending, which physiotherapy can effectively manage through exercise and biomechanical correction.
• Muscle Strains (e.g., Hamstring, Calf, Groin, Quadriceps, Rotator Cuff): Acute pain, swelling, bruising, localized tenderness, and weakness in a muscle, often occurring during activities like sprinting, jumping, lifting, or throwing.
• Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): Inflammation of the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue (periosteum) around the tibia, which requires rest, activity modification, and specific physiotherapy interventions for recovery.
• Stress Fractures (Activity-Related - Conservative Management/Rehab): Localized bone pain that typically worsens with activity and is relieved by rest, often accompanied by tenderness to touch over the affected bone.

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. Wendy can assess your needs.

• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): A common physiotherapy treatment for acute injuries, designed to help numb pain, decrease bleeding into the tissues, and minimize secondary hypoxic injury.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Helping you understand how your posture impacts your musculoskeletal health and providing you with tools for lasting postural improvement and pain relief.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: A comforting physiotherapy modality that helps to soothe tight muscles, decrease pain perception, and improve the flexibility of soft tissues.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: An in-depth examination to fully understand your specific condition, allowing your Physiotherapist to create an effective and personalized rehabilitation plan.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): The therapeutic use of different electrical currents by your Physiotherapist to achieve specific physiological effects, such as improving muscle contraction, reducing atrophy, or enhancing functional movement.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Application of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) or Interferential Current (IFC) for managing acute or chronic pain conditions by modulating pain signals or promoting the release of endorphins.

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

• Physiotherapy with Wendy can be a transformative turning point for those affected by feeling like my joints are just 'wearing out' and getting harder to move. The shared goal is achieving a smoother and stronger postpartum recovery, paving the way for you to enjoy attending concerts or theatre shows and sitting comfortably throughout and a more active, vibrant life.
• For those whose needing to improve my breathing patterns or lung capacity has made attending and enjoying their children's or grandchildren's sporting events seem like a distant memory, Wendy's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward improved breathing mechanics and capacity through postural correction. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to attending and enjoying their children's or grandchildren's sporting events with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• It's truly rewarding for Wendy to witness patients conquer recovering from surgery to my hand or wrist and experience noticeable strength gains in their limbs, supporting more demanding tasks. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in setting up and taking down equipment for hobbies or sports again.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from trouble performing repetitive tasks at work without pain and achieved increased endurance for walking, allowing for longer and more enjoyable outings under the skilled care of Wendy. 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.

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

Wendy practices at Cassellholme, situated in the Downtown North Bay, Central neighborhood of North Bay. The clinic is conveniently located near the North Bay Museum and is accessible via North Bay Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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 are Cassellholme's operating hours?

Cassellholme 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 (705) 474-4250 or check our website for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

How can I book an appointment at Cassellholme?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (705) 474-4250 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.

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/extended health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. Check your individual 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 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.

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

It's helpful to bring your health card, any referral letters from other healthcare providers if you were referred, and any reports or images from relevant medical tests (X-rays, MRIs, etc.) related to your condition. If you have private insurance coverage for physiotherapy, please bring your insurance card or policy details for billing purposes. Comfortable attire that allows for easy movement during the assessment is also recommended.

Cassellholme
400 Olive Street
North Bay, ON, P1B 6J4

Phone: (705) 474-4250

Wendy L. Smith 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: XXX78

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=f243d30f-8c02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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