Aakanksha Patel – Physiotherapist | Ottawa, ON

Aakanksha Umeshkumar Patel is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Geriatric Physiotherapy Focus / Seniors' Health). Practicing at Greystone Transitional Care Unit - Bayshore HealthCare in Ottawa, ON, Aakanksha Umeshkumar Patel is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Aakanksha Umeshkumar Patel 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. Aakanksha Umeshkumar Patel also serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Aakanksha Umeshkumar Patel completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Sardar Patel University (Graduating Class of 2020). With clinical experience, Aakanksha Umeshkumar Patel is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Aakanksha Umeshkumar Patel has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.

Aakanksha Umeshkumar Patel's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Ottawa community through proactive physiotherapy; a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting; and a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Aakanksha Umeshkumar Patel offers consultations in English, Gujarati, Hindi.

Aakanksha Umeshkumar Patel provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Common Musculoskeletal

• Muscle Strains and Tears: Damage or tearing of muscle fibers, ranging from a mild overstretch (Grade 1 strain) to a partial or complete rupture (Grade 2 or 3 tear), typically caused by sudden forceful contraction, excessive stretch, or direct trauma.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Discomfort felt around the shoulder blade, at the top of the shoulder, or radiating down the arm, making simple tasks challenging.

Vestibular Balance

• 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).
• 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.
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): A common cause of chronic dizziness that can be helped with specific physiotherapy strategies aimed at desensitizing the brain to provocative stimuli and normalizing reliance on sensory inputs.

Arthritis

• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A type of chronic inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spine (especially the sacroiliac joints and vertebrae), leading to pain, stiffness, and potential fusion of vertebrae, which can result in a stooped posture if not managed.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: An autoimmune condition causing chronic inflammation, pain, stiffness, swelling, and potential deformity in multiple joints, often symmetrically. Physiotherapy aims to manage pain, maintain joint function and mobility, improve strength and endurance, provide joint protection strategies, and support self-management.

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. Aakanksha Umeshkumar Patel can assess your needs.

• Fibromyalgia & Widespread Pain Management: A holistic and supportive physiotherapy approach to managing the diffuse pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and other symptoms commonly associated with fibromyalgia.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Identifying and addressing habitual postures (e.g., from desk work, phone use) or ergonomic factors that may be contributing to your pain or dysfunction.
• Chronic & Persistent Pain Management Programs: A holistic and active approach to managing long-standing pain, empowering you with tools and knowledge for better daily living, increased activity tolerance, and improved mood.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Evaluation of your body's basic movements (like squatting, lunging, reaching) to highlight areas for improvement in stability, mobility, and motor control.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Providing clear guidance on self-care techniques, activity modifications, and beneficial lifestyle adjustments for long-term well-being and injury prevention.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: Detailed physical assessment of your joints, muscles, nerves, and movement patterns to identify the root cause of your symptoms and guide your treatment.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Aakanksha Umeshkumar Patel, 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 Greystone Transitional Care Unit - Bayshore HealthCare, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Aakanksha Umeshkumar Patel frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• The journey to reduced muscle tension and a feeling of greater physical ease when faced with persistent sharp pain shooting down my leg, feeling a lot like sciatica is made smoother and more effective with Aakanksha Umeshkumar Patel's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like returning to a specific physical hobby they had to give up due to pain.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Aakanksha Umeshkumar Patel's clinic, common concerns like trouble with a constantly stiff and sore neck, making turning my head a pain are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of improved performance in work-related physical demands. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like simply being able to get through a workday without constant pain interruptions.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of feeling generally stiff, achy, and less mobile than I used to be? Aakanksha Umeshkumar Patel works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of decreased frequency and intensity of headaches related to neck or postural issues. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as managing the physical demands of their job without constant pain.
• Aakanksha Umeshkumar Patel frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of feeling 'off-balance' and worried about falling, especially as I get older. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets improved coordination for complex movements and fine motor tasks and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like giving presentations or speaking publicly with confidence and good posture.

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

Aakanksha Umeshkumar Patel practices at Greystone Transitional Care Unit - Bayshore HealthCare, situated in the The Glebe, Old Ottawa South neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Westgate Shopping Centre and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

This is very individual and depends on many factors. After your comprehensive initial assessment, your Physiotherapist will be able to give you a better idea of the anticipated number of sessions and the frequency of visits needed to achieve your specific goals. We believe in open communication and will regularly review your progress with you, adjusting the treatment plan as you improve and as needed.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Your first physiotherapy appointment, which includes a detailed assessment and the development of your initial treatment plan, usually takes about 60 minutes. Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled for 30 to 45 minutes. The exact duration of each session will depend on the nature of your treatment and what your Physiotherapist has planned for that specific visit to best help you progress.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiotherapist can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

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.

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 to verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

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 before your first appointment.

Greystone Transitional Care Unit - Bayshore HealthCare
225 Scholastic Drive
Ottawa, ON, K1S 5W2

Phone: (613) 234-2000

Aakanksha Patel 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: XXX53

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=1ee763a5-1f63-ee11-8df0-000d3a09c157

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