Elizabeth Sarah Bitzer – Physiotherapist | St. Catharines, ON

Elizabeth Sarah Bitzer is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Niagara Health System in St. Catharines, ON, Elizabeth and Liz is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Elizabeth and Liz'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. Elizabeth and Liz serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Elizabeth Sarah Bitzer completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 1998). With extensive clinical experience, Elizabeth and Liz is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Elizabeth and Liz has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Elizabeth and Liz employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Elizabeth and Liz's patient-centered approach actively involves individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Elizabeth and Liz offers consultations in English.

Elizabeth Sarah Bitzer provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Back Neck Pain

• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Back or neck pain that often radiates into an arm or leg, potentially with numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning sensations, due to a spinal disc problem (herniation, protrusion, or bulge) compressing or irritating a nearby nerve root (radiculopathy). Sciatica specifically refers to radicular pain down the leg.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): A range of neck and related symptoms including pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and sometimes arm pain or cognitive difficulties, following a rapid acceleration-deceleration injury to the neck, most typically from a motor vehicle accident.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Injuries to ankle ligaments, typically from twisting or 'rolling' motions, leading to pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. Can result in recurrent sprains and chronic instability if not properly rehabilitated.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Pain affecting the hip joint and surrounding musculature, which can limit activities like walking, standing for long periods, rising from a chair, or lying on the affected side.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Aching, sharp pain, a feeling of the knee 'giving way', or difficulty fully bending or straightening your knee.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: A 'pulled' muscle, often occurring during activities like sprinting, jumping, lifting, or sudden changes in direction, causing immediate pain and difficulty using the muscle.

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. Elizabeth and Liz can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Identifying inefficient or compensatory movement patterns that could be contributing to your pain or hindering your physical performance.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Targeted exercises focused on strengthening the deep abdominal, back, pelvic floor, and diaphragm muscles to provide better support for your spine, improve posture, enhance balance, and increase movement efficiency.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A complete assessment of your musculoskeletal system to pinpoint issues, set clear rehabilitation goals, and get you started on the path to recovery.
• 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.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Specific stretches designed by your therapist to target tight muscle groups relevant to your condition, helping to improve your flexibility and reduce your risk of injury.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Elizabeth and Liz, 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. Elizabeth and Liz frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Many individuals seek help from Elizabeth and Liz, their physiotherapist, when shoulder pain that makes simple things like lifting my arm or reaching overhead difficult starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve greater ease with dressing, bathing, and other self-care activities, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like pushing a stroller or shopping cart without difficulty.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Elizabeth and Liz's clinic, common concerns like dealing with pelvic pain or bladder/bowel control issues (for both men and women) are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of improved coordination for complex movements and fine motor tasks. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like being able to perform deep cleaning tasks around the house.
• Are you finding that a noticeable curve in my child's spine or uneven shoulders (scoliosis concerns) stops you from enjoying safely meeting the lifting requirements at their workplace? Elizabeth and Liz is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve a better ability to cope with the physical stresses of daily life through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• The path to recovery from an old ankle sprain that never seems to fully heal and still feels weak and achieving feeling less fatigued during physical activities and throughout the day for standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event often starts with expert guidance. Elizabeth and Liz, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.

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

Elizabeth and Liz's practice at Niagara Health System is situated in the Port Dalhousie neighborhood of St. Catharines. The clinic is conveniently located near Port Dalhousie Pier & Carousel and is accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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. Many of our practitioners also offer the convenience of online booking through our website at [Website Address Here]. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

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. It is strongly advised to check your private insurance for private clinic coverage and verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

The first physiotherapy session is primarily an in-depth assessment. Expect to spend time talking with your Physiotherapist about your specific issue, its history, and your overall health background. Your therapist will then perform various physical tests to assess your movement, strength, and any areas of concern. The main goal of this first visit is to understand your condition fully so that a tailored and effective treatment plan can be developed collaboratively with you. You might also receive your first set of home exercises or some initial hands-on care to start the healing process.

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 (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.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

In physiotherapy, manual therapy encompasses a range of 'hands-on' interventions. Your Physiotherapist may use these techniques to help reduce your pain, increase joint movement, relax tight muscles, or improve the mobility of your nerves. Common approaches include joint glides, sustained pressures, specific soft tissue massage, and, when indicated, joint manipulations. It's a key part of helping your body move better.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Initial assessment appointments are generally longer to allow for a thorough evaluation and discussion, typically lasting between 45 to 60 minutes. Subsequent follow-up treatment sessions are usually shorter, often ranging from 30 to 45 minutes. However, the duration can vary depending on your specific needs, the complexity of your condition, the type of treatment being provided, and the treatment plan designed by your Physiotherapist.

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

Phone: (905) 378-4647

Elizabeth Sarah Bitzer 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: XXX48

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=5516ca54-8c02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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