Teresa Melissa Tulumello – Physiotherapist | St. Catharines, ON

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

Teresa Melissa Tulumello completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 2008). With extensive clinical experience, Teresa Tulumello is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Teresa Tulumello has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Teresa Tulumello employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Teresa Tulumello demonstrates a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care possible. Teresa Tulumello offers consultations in English.

Teresa Melissa Tulumello provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Back Neck Pain

• Postural Back/Neck Pain: A common cause of persistent back and neck pain due to the cumulative strain of prolonged sitting, standing, or performing tasks in non-ideal positions.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Sharp, shooting, electric-like, or burning pain that travels along the path of a nerve due to issues with intervertebral discs or other spinal structures.

Common Musculoskeletal

• 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.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Hip problems that interfere with your mobility, sleep, and daily comfort, which can be effectively managed with physiotherapy interventions.

Post Surgical

• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): Physiotherapy rehabilitation after total or partial hip replacement surgery, aimed at restoring mobility, strength, balance, and improving your gait pattern, allowing you to perform daily activities safely and effectively.
• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): A progressive exercise program, often combined with manual therapy, designed to gradually restore your shoulder's range of motion, strength, and coordination following your operation.
• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Guiding your rehabilitation journey after ACL or other ligament surgery, from early post-operative care to advanced sport-specific training and return-to-play testing.

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. Teresa Tulumello 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.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: Therapeutic traction for the cervical (neck) or lumbar (low back) spine, used by physiotherapists to help reduce pain, decompress nerve roots, and improve symptoms associated with conditions like disc herniations, sciatica, or spinal stenosis.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Utilizing electrophysical agents as an adjunct to your physiotherapy treatments to aid recovery, improve muscle function, manage pain, or reduce swelling, tailored to your specific condition.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: Superficial heat application carefully monitored by your therapist to promote relaxation, pain relief, and enhance the effectiveness of other treatments.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: A non-invasive electrotherapy modality aimed at reducing pain, muscle guarding, or swelling, and sometimes used for muscle strengthening, as part of your physiotherapy treatment.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Using therapeutic ultrasound as an adjunct treatment to help reduce pain, decrease inflammation, break down scar tissue, and accelerate the repair of injured soft tissues.

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

• The journey to waking up feeling more refreshed with considerably less pain and stiffness when faced with persistent working on getting back to normal after a fracture or other surgery is made smoother and more effective with Teresa Tulumello's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like using garden tools effectively and without pain.
• Many find that dealing with pelvic pain or bladder/bowel control issues (for both men and women) significantly impacts their ability to getting on and off the floor with ease. Teresa Tulumello helps patients target getting their strength back after surgery or a period of inactivity with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• It's truly rewarding for Teresa Tulumello to witness patients conquer difficulty moving one side of my body or walking easily after a stroke and experience regaining full function in an injured area, enabling a return to cherished activities. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in reaching for items on high shelves or in cupboards without shoulder strain again.
• Teresa Tulumello frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of recovering from surgery to my hand or wrist. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets feeling empowered to take control of their physical health journey and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like being able to kneel or squat down to play with pets or children.

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

Teresa Tulumello practices at Niagara Health System, situated in the Port Dalhousie neighborhood of St. Catharines. The clinic is conveniently located near Ridley College and is accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). 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 plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics. Verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

Does Niagara Health System offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

While we do not offer direct billing at this time, we provide detailed official receipts that you can easily submit to your insurer for reimbursement according to your plan. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. 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.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Essentially, physiotherapy helps you get moving and stay moving effectively and comfortably. Whether you're dealing with an acute injury, chronic pain, post-surgical recovery, or a condition affecting your physical abilities, your Physiotherapist will work with you. They'll use their expertise in body mechanics, rehabilitation, and pain management to create a personalized treatment plan involving exercises, hands-on techniques, and practical advice to help you achieve your functional goals and live a more active, fulfilling life.

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.

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.

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

Phone: (905) 378-4647

Teresa Melissa Tulumello 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: XXX47

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=d8861ca8-8f02-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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