Akhtar Muneem – Physiotherapist | Welland, ON

Akhtar Muneem is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Niagara Health System - Welland County General Hospital in Welland, ON, Akhtar Muneem is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Akhtar Muneem addresses 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. Akhtar Muneem 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. Akhtar Muneem serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Akhtar Muneem completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Manipal Academy of Higher Education (Graduating Class of 1997). With extensive clinical experience, Akhtar Muneem is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Akhtar Muneem has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.

Akhtar Muneem demonstrates a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Akhtar Muneem employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Akhtar Muneem offers consultations in English, Hindi, Urdu.

Akhtar Muneem provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

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.
• 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.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Difficulty with activities like reaching for objects, dressing, personal care, or carrying items due to underlying shoulder issues, which physiotherapy can help diagnose and treat.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or stiffness in the wrist, hand, or fingers, often resulting from overuse, repetitive tasks, arthritis, or specific conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or De Quervain's tenosynovitis.

Vestibular Balance

• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): Addressing chronic subjective dizziness and unsteadiness through targeted rehabilitation designed to reduce symptoms and improve functional abilities for individuals with PPPD/3PD.
• 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.
• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for inner ear balance problems, involving customized exercises that promote central nervous system compensation and adaptation to the weakened vestibular input.

Hand Wrist

• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Specialized physiotherapy for conditions affecting the intricate structures of the hand and wrist, such as fractures (e.g., Colles', scaphoid), tendon lacerations or ruptures (e.g., flexor/extensor tendon repairs), ligament sprains/tears (e.g., skier's thumb, TFCC injuries), repetitive strain injuries, or arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis). Includes both conservative management and post-operative rehabilitation.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Addressing the inflammation, pain, and restricted movement associated with stenosing tenosynovitis of the finger or thumb.

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. Akhtar Muneem can assess your needs.

• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: Utilizing therapeutic laser to enhance tissue regeneration, reduce pain signals, and manage inflammation as part of your comprehensive physiotherapy care.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: The application of high-frequency sound waves by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to promote deep tissue heating, increase local blood flow, reduce pain, and facilitate the healing process in soft tissues like muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
• 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.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Utilizing targeted electrical currents to help alleviate pain, manage discomfort, and support healing in conjunction with other physiotherapy interventions.
• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Effective virtual physiotherapy care to help you manage your condition, progress your rehabilitation, and receive professional advice when in-person visits are challenging or not preferred.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): The therapeutic use of different electrical currents by your Physiotherapist to achieve specific physiological effects, such as improving muscle contraction, reducing atrophy, or enhancing functional movement.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Akhtar Muneem, 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 - Welland County General Hospital, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Akhtar Muneem frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Discover how physiotherapy with Akhtar Muneem can help you move beyond widespread muscle pain and fatigue that my doctor thinks might be fibromyalgia. The focus is on feeling equipped with effective self-management strategies and exercises, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as tackling home renovation and DIY projects with confidence.
• For those whose persistent dizziness that isn't a spinning vertigo but makes me feel unsteady has made giving presentations or speaking publicly with confidence and good posture seem like a distant memory, Akhtar Muneem's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward learning specific exercises that provide ongoing relief and maintain their progress. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to giving presentations or speaking publicly with confidence and good posture with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• The path to recovery from shoulder pain that makes simple things like lifting my arm or reaching overhead difficult and achieving greater confidence when walking, standing, or navigating challenging environments for sitting comfortably through a movie at the cinema or a play often starts with expert guidance. Akhtar Muneem, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• The journey to implementing practical strategies to avoid re-injury during work or daily life when faced with persistent feeling like my posture is hunched or rounded, causing discomfort is made smoother and more effective with Akhtar Muneem's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like getting in and out of the car smoothly and without wincing.

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

Akhtar Muneem practices at Niagara Health System - Welland County General Hospital, situated in the North Welland, Niagara College Area neighborhood of Welland. The clinic is conveniently located near Welland Public Library Main Branch and is accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT) / Welland Transit routes. 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. 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.

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.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

During your first visit, the Physiotherapist will conduct a detailed evaluation to get a full picture of your condition. This usually involves a thorough discussion about your symptoms, how they impact your daily life, any relevant medical history, and your personal goals for therapy. A physical assessment will then be performed to help pinpoint the cause of your problem and assess your physical capabilities. Afterwards, your therapist will explain their findings, collaborate with you to set treatment goals, and outline a proposed plan of care. You'll likely receive some initial advice, exercises, or hands-on treatment to begin your recovery journey.

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

It's recommended to wear or bring clothing that allows unrestricted movement and provides easy access for your physiotherapist to examine the body part being assessed or treated. For instance, if you have a knee problem, please wear or bring shorts. For shoulder issues, a sleeveless top or a top with loose armholes is often helpful. The goal is to make the assessment and treatment as effective as possible.

How can I book an appointment at Niagara Health System - Welland County General Hospital?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (905) 378-4647 during our business hours. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

Niagara Health System - Welland County General Hospital
65 Third Street
Welland, ON, L3B 4W6

Phone: (905) 378-4647

Akhtar Muneem 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: XXX15

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=ddba0bff-9202-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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