Amanda Mary Garvin – Physiotherapist | St. Catharines, ON

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

Amanda Rodrigues completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 2018). With clinical experience, Amanda Rodrigues is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Amanda Rodrigues has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Amanda Rodrigues employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting; a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the St. Catharines community through proactive physiotherapy. Amanda Rodrigues offers consultations in English.

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

Hand Wrist

• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Physiotherapy to help you regain optimal use of your hand and wrist after an injury, surgery, or due to a chronic condition, enabling you to return to work, hobbies, and daily tasks.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Addressing the inflammation, pain, and restricted movement associated with stenosing tenosynovitis of the finger or thumb.

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.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Weakness, a feeling of the ankle 'giving way' repeatedly, or persistent pain after an initial sprain, indicating a need for targeted physiotherapy to restore stability and function.

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. Amanda Rodrigues can assess your needs.

• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Teaching you essential strategies and exercises to manage your symptoms independently, accelerate recovery, and prevent future problems.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Education on optimal body mechanics and corrective strategies to improve your posture during daily activities, work, and recreation.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A complete assessment of your musculoskeletal system to pinpoint issues, set clear rehabilitation goals, and get you started on the path to recovery.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized programs incorporating various stretching techniques (e.g., static, dynamic, PNF) to alleviate stiffness, increase tissue extensibility, and promote better posture.
• 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.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Comprehensive exercise plans developed by your Physiotherapist to combat deconditioning, enhance overall physical well-being, and promote an active lifestyle.

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

• If recovering from a concussion and dealing with lingering symptoms like dizziness or headaches is preventing you from fully enjoying working on detailed woodworking projects in their shop without hand pain, Amanda Rodrigues offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining improved ability to lift and carry objects correctly and safely, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Amanda Rodrigues's clinic, common concerns like clicking, popping, or pain in my jaw (TMJ issues) when I eat or talk are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of restored joint function, leading to smoother and more coordinated movements. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like playing fetch with their dog in the park for an extended time.
• Amanda Rodrigues believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If difficulty getting out of a chair or bed due to stiffness or pain is hindering your ability to peacefully paddling their kayak or canoe on the lake for hours, a personalized plan focusing on greater ease in performing overhead activities or reaching can make all the difference.
• For those whose tendonitis pain flaring up in my shoulder, knee, elbow, or foot has made returning to dancing, whether it's ballet, salsa, or just for fun seem like a distant memory, Amanda Rodrigues's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward the ability to manage symptoms independently if they occasionally recur. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to returning to dancing, whether it's ballet, salsa, or just for fun with greater comfort and renewed confidence.

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

Amanda Rodrigues practices at Niagara Health System, situated in the Port Dalhousie neighborhood of St. Catharines. The clinic is conveniently located near QEW Access 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 plans, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy refers to specialized hands-on techniques used by a Physiotherapist to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This can include joint mobilization (gentle, rhythmic gliding movements), joint manipulation (skilled, high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts, where appropriate and within the therapist's scope and with your consent), various soft tissue mobilization techniques (like massage, myofascial release, trigger point release), and neural mobilization (gentle techniques to improve nerve movement). The primary goals are to reduce pain, improve range of motion, restore optimal joint mechanics, reduce muscle tension, and enhance tissue repair and function.

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.

What are Niagara Health System's operating hours?

Our clinic is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and some practitioners offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call our office or check our website/online booking portal for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

The first physiotherapy session is primarily an in-depth assessment. Expect to spend time talking with your Physiotherapist about your specific issue, its history, and your overall health background. Your therapist will then perform various physical tests to assess your movement, strength, and any areas of concern. The main goal of this first visit is to understand your condition fully so that a tailored and effective treatment plan can be developed collaboratively with you. You might also receive your first set of home exercises or some initial hands-on care to start the healing process.

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.

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

Phone: (905) 378-4647

Amanda Mary Garvin 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: XXX32

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=d8dd4d8c-c3b2-e811-8168-480fcfeae051

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