Angelene Ruigrok – Physiotherapist | Port Colborne, ON

Angelene Ruigrok is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Niagara Health System - Port Colborne GH in Port Colborne, ON, Angie is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Angie'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. Angie serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Angelene Ruigrok completed their degree in Physiotherapy from D'Youville University (Graduating Class of 2004). With extensive clinical experience, Angie is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Angie has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

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

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

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Addressing the inflammation, pain, and restricted movement associated with stenosing tenosynovitis of the finger or thumb.
• 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.

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.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Discomfort, aching, stiffness, or muscle fatigue in the back or neck arising from sustained or awkward postures during daily activities, prolonged work (e.g., desk work, computer use), or sleep.
• 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.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Common back problems that can impact your posture, ability to perform daily activities, and overall mobility, addressed with targeted physiotherapy.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): A broad term for common injuries affecting muscles, tendons (tendinitis/tendinopathy), ligaments (sprains), joint capsules (capsulitis), and bursae (bursitis), leading to pain, inflammation, and functional limitations.
• 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. Angie can assess your needs.

• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Specialized manual techniques aimed at restoring normal movement and function to peripheral nerves that may be compressed, adhered, or under tension.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Educating you about your diagnosis, expected recovery timeline (prognosis), and the reasons behind your treatment plan to encourage active participation in your healing.
• 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.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Helping you understand how your posture impacts your musculoskeletal health and providing you with tools for lasting postural improvement and pain relief.
• 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.
• 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 Angie, 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 - Port Colborne GH, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Angie frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of recovering from a concussion and dealing with lingering symptoms like dizziness or headaches? Angie works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of restored joint function, leading to smoother and more coordinated movements. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as enduring their daily commute, whether driving or on public transit, without stiffness.
• Rediscover your ability to playing actively and roughhousing with their young kids or grandkids without the constant burden of that grinding or crunching feeling in my knee or shoulder. Angie focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to improved breathing mechanics and capacity through postural correction, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Patients struggling with trouble with everyday tasks because of pain or weakness in my hands or grip can find dedicated and compassionate support from Angie. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving a better ability to cope with the physical stresses of daily life, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as carrying a backpack or shoulder bag comfortably.
• Tired of managing stiffness, tremors, and movement challenges with Parkinson's disease interfering with swimming laps at the pool for fitness and relaxation? Angie uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve getting their strength back after surgery or a period of inactivity and regain your freedom of movement.

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

Angie practices at Niagara Health System - Port Colborne GH, situated in a physiotherapy clinic in the central Port Colborne neighborhood of Port Colborne. The clinic is conveniently located near nearby parks and community recreation facilities and is accessible via local public transit routes. Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapist in ON?

In Ontario, you typically do not need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist. This is known as direct access. However, even though a referral isn't legally required to book an appointment, some private health insurance plans may require one for coverage. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements for physiotherapy coverage.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession dedicated to helping people of all ages improve their movement, function, and overall well-being. A registered Physiotherapist uses evidence-based techniques like targeted exercise, hands-on manual therapy, and personalized education to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of injuries, pain conditions, and physical impairments affecting your muscles, bones, joints, nerves, and even your cardiorespiratory system. It can help you reduce pain, increase mobility and strength, recover from surgery, prevent future injuries, and enhance your quality of life.

How can I book an appointment at Niagara Health System - Port Colborne GH?

You can book an appointment by calling the clinic directly at (905) 834-4501 during business hours. Angie may also offer online booking options through the clinic's website. The reception team can assist you in finding a suitable appointment time.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

OHIP generally does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available through specific programs, such as post-hospitalization care for certain conditions or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics and Family Health Teams, but eligibility criteria are strict. Most Ontarians will need to rely on private insurance or pay out-of-pocket for physiotherapy services in private clinics. It's essential to check your private insurance coverage and verify your eligibility for any publicly funded programs directly with OHIP.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

For your first visit, please bring your health card (OHIP card or other provincial equivalent), any relevant medical information (doctor's referral note, if you have one; reports from recent imaging like X-rays or MRIs), a list of your current medications, and your private health insurance card and details (if applicable). Wear or bring comfortable clothing suitable for movement and assessment.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private insurance plans offer coverage for physiotherapy. Contact your insurance provider before your appointment to understand your plan's specifics: annual maximum, per-visit limits, co-payments, referral requirements, and direct billing options. If the clinic offers direct billing and your plan allows it, they can bill your insurer directly. Otherwise, you'll receive a receipt to submit to your insurer for reimbursement. Bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment.

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

Some temporary soreness or mild symptom increase after treatment is normal, especially initially. However, significant pain increase, new neurological symptoms (numbness, tingling, weakness), or prolonged soreness warrant contacting the clinic immediately. Angie can advise, adjust your plan, or determine if further assessment is needed.

Niagara Health System - Port Colborne GH
260 Sugarloaf St.
Port Colborne, ON, L3K 2N7

Phone: (905) 834-4501

Angelene Ruigrok 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: XXX78

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=37c93afe-8d02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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