Adrienne Elizabeth Nichols – Physiotherapist | Hamilton, ON

Adrienne Elizabeth Nichols is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Innova Health Clinic in Hamilton, ON, Adrienne Nichols is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Adrienne Nichols'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. Adrienne Nichols serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

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

Adrienne Nichols employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Adrienne Nichols has a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Adrienne Nichols utilizes a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Adrienne Nichols offers consultations in English.

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

Post Surgical

• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): A carefully managed and individualized physiotherapy program to help you regain confidence in your spine, improve functional capacity, and prevent future issues after spinal surgery.
• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Comprehensive shoulder rehabilitation after surgical intervention, following surgeon-specific protocols, to ensure optimal healing, manage pain and swelling, and restore your arm's functional capacity.
• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): The crucial rehabilitation phase following total or partial knee replacement surgery, with physiotherapy focusing on restoring range of motion, building strength, improving balance, managing pain and swelling, and enabling functional mobility (e.g., walking, stairs, getting in/out of a car).
• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): Guidance on hip precautions (if applicable for your surgical approach), a progressive exercise program, and functional retraining after hip surgery to help you achieve your goals.

Back Neck Pain

• 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.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Back or neck pain accompanied by associated limb symptoms (pain, sensory changes, weakness) due to a constricted spinal canal, which physiotherapy can help manage conservatively.

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. Adrienne Nichols can assess your needs.

• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Skilled hands-on techniques, including gentle joint mobilizations (smooth, rhythmic movements) and, where appropriate and authorized, joint manipulations (quick, precise thrusts) to restore optimal movement, reduce pain, and improve joint function.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): A systematic screening process, such as FMS™ or SFMA™ (if your Physiotherapist is certified), to understand how you move and guide preventative or corrective exercise programs.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: An in-depth examination to fully understand your specific condition, allowing your Physiotherapist to create an effective and personalized rehabilitation plan.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Using controlled isometric and isotonic muscle contractions, as directed by your Physiotherapist, to address joint restrictions and muscle imbalances effectively.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Empowering you with a clear understanding of your condition, its causes, and practical tools for effective self-management and lasting relief.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Adrienne Nichols, 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 Innova Health Clinic, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Adrienne Nichols frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Through personalized physiotherapy at Adrienne Nichols's clinic, common concerns like knee pain, especially when going up/down stairs or after a run are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of experiencing significant pain relief, allowing for a more comfortable daily life. 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 carry their baby or toddler without straining their back or arms.
• Many individuals seek help from Adrienne Nichols, their physiotherapist, when working on getting back to normal after a fracture or other surgery starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve greater ease in performing overhead activities or reaching, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue or breathlessness.
• Patients often come to Adrienne Nichols feeling defeated by pain in my shins when I try to run or be active (shin splints). With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving noticeable strength gains in their limbs, supporting more demanding tasks and resuming joining in on pickup basketball games at the local court becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• When dealing with pelvic pain or bladder/bowel control issues (for both men and women) is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing getting in and out of the car smoothly and without wincing, physiotherapy with Adrienne Nichols can help you work towards feeling more like their 'old self' before their injury or condition began. 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 Adrienne Nichols, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.

Adrienne Nichols practices at Innova Health Clinic, situated in the Durand, Kirkendall South neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near FirstOntario Concert Hall (formerly Hamilton Place) and is accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

Is there parking available at or near Innova Health Clinic?

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside our building. Look for the designated patient spots.

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

It's not uncommon to experience some temporary soreness or a mild increase in symptoms after certain physiotherapy treatments, especially in the initial stages or if you're starting new exercises. This usually subsides within 24-48 hours. However, if you experience a significant or sharp increase in pain, new or worsening neurological symptoms (like numbness, tingling, or weakness), or if your soreness lasts longer than expected, it's important to contact Innova Health Clinic or your physician directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

Does Innova Health Clinic offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Innova Health Clinic provides 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.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Definitely. A key aspect of physiotherapy is not just treating current problems but also preventing future ones. A Physiotherapist can assess your movement, identify potential weaknesses or imbalances that could lead to injury, and provide you with a personalized program of exercises and strategies. This proactive approach is beneficial for athletes, individuals with physically demanding jobs, or anyone looking to maintain long-term musculoskeletal health and avoid recurring pain.

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. 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).

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

While some physiotherapy techniques might feel uncomfortable or cause a temporary increase in soreness (similar to muscle soreness after a new workout), especially when working on stiff joints or tight muscles, it should not be excessively or intolerably painful. Your Physiotherapist will discuss what sensations you might expect with different treatments and will always aim to adjust the intensity and techniques to ensure you are as comfortable as possible while still achieving therapeutic benefits. Constant communication about your comfort level is very important.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial physiotherapy appointment is a comprehensive assessment. Your Physiotherapist will start by discussing your medical history, the details of your current symptoms or injury, your concerns, and what you hope to achieve with physiotherapy (your functional goals). This is followed by a thorough physical examination, which may include evaluating your range of motion, strength, posture, balance, and specific movement patterns, as well as performing special tests relevant to your condition. Based on these findings, your therapist will provide a clinical impression or diagnosis, discuss a personalized treatment plan with you, and often begin some initial treatment or provide education and a home exercise program to get you started.

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.

Innova Health Clinic
309 Main Street West
Hamilton, ON, L8P 1J7

Phone: (905) 389-9489

Adrienne Elizabeth Nichols 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=4a1ec75a-8c02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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