Angela-Marie Santelli – Physiotherapist | St. Catharines, ON

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

Angela-Marie Santelli completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Western University (Graduating Class of 2001). With extensive clinical experience, Angela Santelli is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Angela Santelli has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Angela Santelli employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Angela Santelli utilizes a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Angela Santelli promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the St. Catharines community through proactive physiotherapy. Angela Santelli offers consultations in English.

Angela-Marie Santelli 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): Focused physiotherapy care for complex hand and wrist problems, often involving custom splinting or orthosis fabrication, manual therapy (joint and soft tissue mobilization), specific exercises to restore dexterity, strength, and range of motion, scar management, and sensory re-education.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): A condition where a finger or thumb gets stuck or 'catches' in a bent position, then may snap straight (like pulling a trigger). Caused by inflammation and narrowing of the tendon sheath around the flexor tendon.

Post Surgical

• 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.
• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Specialized physiotherapy focused on regaining shoulder movement, strength, stability, and function after various types of shoulder surgeries, such as rotator cuff repair, labral tear repair, shoulder stabilization procedures (e.g., Bankart repair), or shoulder joint replacement (arthroplasty).
• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): Restoring spinal function, core stability, and body mechanics post-operatively, ensuring a safe progression back to work, hobbies, and an active lifestyle.
• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Helping you manage pain, improve scar mobility, and regain optimal strength and range of motion in a limb following fracture fixation surgery.

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. Angela Santelli can assess your needs.

• 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.
• 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.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Assessing your fundamental movement patterns to identify limitations, asymmetries, and potential risk factors for injury or re-injury.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Gentle, specific movements and mobilizations designed to address nerve-related pain (like sciatica or carpal tunnel symptoms), tingling, numbness, or restrictions by improving the nerve's ability to glide freely and reducing irritation.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): A form of manual therapy that actively involves you in your treatment, utilizing your body's muscular effort to achieve specific therapeutic effects on restricted joints and shortened soft tissues.

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

• The journey to restoring normal movement patterns essential for everyday tasks when faced with persistent difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning shirts or writing due to hand pain is made smoother and more effective with Angela Santelli's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like keeping up with their team during our weekly soccer match.
• Patients struggling with aches and pains that I'm pretty sure are from my bad posture at my desk can find dedicated and compassionate support from Angela Santelli. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving waking up feeling more refreshed with considerably less pain and stiffness, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as walking their children to school or the park.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of facial weakness or drooping on one side (like Bell's Palsy)? Angela Santelli works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of enhanced pelvic floor function and control (for relevant conditions). This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as handling their job that involves frequent standing, walking, or bending.
• At Angela Santelli's physiotherapy practice, individuals with recovering from a concussion and dealing with lingering symptoms like dizziness or headaches are guided towards improved performance in work-related physical demands. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as joining in on pickup basketball games at the local court.

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

Angela Santelli's practice at Niagara Health System is situated in the Port Dalhousie neighborhood of St. Catharines. The clinic is conveniently located near Montebello Park and is accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Niagara Health System treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain, joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, and nerve pain. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and general physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment, Postural Assessment and Correction, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

How can I book an appointment at Niagara Health System?

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.

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.

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.

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

Comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement is best for your physiotherapy appointment – think about what you might wear to a gym or for light exercise. If you're being treated for a lower-body issue (like hip or knee pain), shorts are very helpful. For upper-body issues (like shoulder or neck pain), a tank top or loose t-shirt is suitable so the Physiotherapist can properly examine and treat the area.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves skilled, hands-on treatments performed by your Physiotherapist as part of your overall physiotherapy plan. These techniques are designed to assess and treat your joints, muscles, and nerves to decrease pain and improve your mobility and function. Examples include specific joint mobilizations to improve movement, soft tissue release techniques to address muscle tightness or scar tissue, and sometimes manipulations (adjustments) if indicated and appropriate for your condition and your therapist's qualifications.

What is Niagara Health System's appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients who may be waiting for care. A fee may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

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

Phone: (905) 378-4647

Angela-Marie Santelli 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: XXX85

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=e8033717-8d02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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