Rachana Vijay Mehta – Physiotherapist | Hamilton, ON

Rachana Vijay Mehta is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Geriatric Physiotherapy Focus / Seniors' Health). Practicing at St Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton in Hamilton, ON, Rachana Vijay Mehta is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Rachana Vijay Mehta focuses on the unique health needs of older adults, aiming to improve and maintain mobility, strength, balance, manage age-related conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis, reduce fall risk, and enhance overall quality of life and independence. Rachana Vijay Mehta serves adults.

Rachana Vijay Mehta completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Manipal College of Allied Health Sciences (Graduating Class of 2008). With clinical experience, Rachana Vijay Mehta is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Rachana Vijay Mehta has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.

Rachana Vijay Mehta's practice philosophy centers on a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Rachana Vijay Mehta offers consultations in English.

Rachana Vijay Mehta provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Vestibular Balance

• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Comprehensive balance assessment by a Physiotherapist to identify underlying causes of unsteadiness, followed by targeted exercise programs and strategies to help you stay steady on your feet.
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): A chronic functional dizziness disorder characterized by persistent sensations of dizziness, unsteadiness, or non-spinning vertigo (often lasting for 3 months or more), typically exacerbated by upright posture, active or passive motion, or exposure to complex or moving visual environments (e.g., busy supermarkets, scrolling on a screen). Often follows an acute vestibular event, medical illness, or period of psychological distress.
• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Helping your brain adapt to a weakened inner ear balance sense, reducing chronic dizziness, improving visual focus during movement, and enhancing your overall balance and stability.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Brief, often intense, episodes of dizziness or a spinning sensation (vertigo) triggered by specific changes in head position (e.g., rolling over in bed, looking up, bending down), caused by displaced inner ear crystals (otoconia).

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Inflammation (tendinitis) or, more commonly, degeneration (tendinosis/tendinopathy) of tendons, leading to localized pain that typically worsens with activity or loading of the tendon.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.

Arthritis

• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Helping you regain mobility, reduce discomfort, and improve function in affected joints after a gout episode, as part of your overall gout management plan.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): An inflammatory arthritis that can affect some people with psoriasis (a skin condition), causing joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and sometimes affecting tendons (enthesitis) and ligaments. Can affect small or large joints, often asymmetrically, and sometimes the spine.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Physiotherapy for ankylosing spondylitis focuses on maintaining spinal mobility and flexibility (especially extension), improving posture, strengthening core and back muscles, managing pain, and providing education on self-management and regular exercise.

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. Rachana Vijay Mehta can assess your needs.

• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Progressive resistance training programs designed by your Physiotherapist to improve muscle performance, support joint health, and enhance functional capacity for daily life or sport.
• 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.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized programs incorporating various stretching techniques (e.g., static, dynamic, PNF) to alleviate stiffness, increase tissue extensibility, and promote better posture.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): A form of manual therapy that actively involves you in your treatment, utilizing your body's muscular effort to achieve specific therapeutic effects on restricted joints and shortened soft tissues.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Application of skilled soft tissue techniques to manage pain, stiffness, and improve function in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Graded exercise programs designed to improve your overall physical fitness, endurance, strength, and functional capacity, especially beneficial after illness, surgery, or periods of prolonged inactivity.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Rachana Vijay Mehta, 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 St Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Rachana Vijay Mehta frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• With Rachana Vijay Mehta's help, managing my child walking on their toes most of the time to achieve a return to intimacy without the fear of pain or discomfort becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around their neighborhood for fresh air.
• Patients often come to Rachana Vijay Mehta feeling defeated by difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning shirts or writing due to hand pain. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving successfully avoiding or delaying the need for more invasive treatments or surgery and resuming managing the physical demands of their job without constant pain becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• The path to recovery from needing help to get moving again after a long period of illness or inactivity and achieving improved joint health and a slowing of degenerative processes through better biomechanics for returning to dancing, whether it's ballet, salsa, or just for fun often starts with expert guidance. Rachana Vijay Mehta, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• When trying to get back to my best after a frustrating sports injury is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing easily carrying groceries in from the car in one or two trips, physiotherapy with Rachana Vijay Mehta can help you work towards enjoying family vacations and outings with more energy and less pain. 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 Rachana Vijay Mehta, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.

Rachana Vijay Mehta practices at St Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, situated in the Corktown, Stinson neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near Hamilton Public Library Central Branch and is accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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. Always check your private/extended health insurance plans, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

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

To make your first appointment as smooth and productive as possible, please consider bringing: your health card, any doctor's referral letter (if applicable), results or reports of any imaging tests (X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs) related to your current condition, a list of any medications you are currently taking, and your extended health benefits information (insurance card/policy number) for direct billing if available at our clinic. Wearing comfortable clothes is also a good idea.

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.

Is there parking available at or near St Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton?

Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby. Please check signage for any restrictions.

How can I book an appointment at St Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton?

You can book an appointment by calling the clinic directly. Check their website for online booking options.

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. Check your insurance policy.

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

Wear or bring clothing that allows unrestricted movement and easy access for examination of the body part being assessed or treated. For example, shorts for knee problems or a sleeveless top for shoulder issues.

St Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton
50 Charlton Ave E
Hamilton, ON, L8N 4A6

Phone: (905) 522-1155

Rachana Vijay Mehta 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: XXX83

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=7854038b-447f-ea11-a811-000d3af42c56

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