ABOUT JANINE PISCIONE
BA, BScPT, MSc (née Pakulis)
Janine has over 26 years experience working as a physiotherapist in the area of paediatrics.
Janine worked as a staff physiotherapist at SickKids in Toronto from 1998 until 2014. Although her primary focus was Paediatric Oncology, she also worked extensively in many other areas including: neurosurgery and neurology, orthopaedics, general surgery, cardiology, as well the organ transplant program, including heart, liver, and kidney transplants. Janine was a Clinical Lecturer/Instructor within the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Toronto for 15 years. She also has an interest in international health and has provided teaching and consultation services in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Qatar. She has published over 10 scientific research papers with focus primarily on physical functioning of children with brain tumours and bone tumours.
She has completed many continuing education courses such as:
TMR TOTS - a tearless approach to torticollis - Total Motion Release for infants and children (Levels 1, 2 & 3)
Gillespie Approach - Craniosacral Fascial Therapy (CFT) - a gentle modality used to address fascial strain on the nervous system - can help reduce tension and turn fussy babies into happy babies
Baby Begin Ally - The therapist's role in treating plagiocephaly without a helmet
Cindy Miles’ Torticollis: Assessment and Treatment of Infants and Children - Impact on the Movement System of Infants and Beyond
Physiotherapy Assessment of Breastfeeding Related Conditions: Infant and Maternal Factors
Other courses also include:
- Introductory and Intermediate NeuroDevelopmental Treatment (NDT) for children
- Dynamic Core for Kids (DC4K) Training
- Cuevas MEDEK Exercises - Level I and II (CME I & II) Certified by Simona DeMarchi
- Paediatric Incontinence and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
- Treatment for the Child with Mild Motor Delay
- If you can't breathe, you can't function
- Fundamental and Advanced (KT1 & KT2) Kinesiotaping
Janine graduated from Queen’s University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 1995, then completed the Physical Therapy Program at the University of Toronto in 1998. Additionally, she completed a Master’s of Science in Rehabilitation Science at the University of Toronto in 2005.
In the summer of 2014, Janine moved with her husband and 2 young children to Stittsville. After laying down roots in the community through volunteerism and in local activities, Janine was ready to resume her career in physiotherapy.
Janine started providing in-home physiotherapy to young children with West Ottawa Physio in 2016. Choosing to work privately and in children's own homes, she was able to provide personalized assessment and treatment in a child's own and familiar environment. Additionally, it offered families the convenience of not having to travel for therapy, being able to use their own toys/equipment and learn how to best incorporate physio treatment strategies in their own home.
Over the next 8 years, she worked with hundreds of children in their own homes and took additional courses and training with focus on infants. So, in 2024 decided to change the name of the business to Ottawa Infant Physio.
Janine takes a very holistic approach to treating infants. Over many years of practice, she has found that everything is connected and babies need a WHOLE body approach for the greatest success.
