Anna S. Wacyk-Groch – Physiotherapist | St. Catharines, ON

Anna S. Wacyk-Groch is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Niagara Peninsula Children's Centre in St. Catharines, ON, Anna is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Anna's focus is providing comprehensive assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions to help patients of all ages restore function, manage pain, and improve their quality of life. Anna serves infants, children, and adolescents within the community.

Anna S. Wacyk-Groch completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Western University (Graduating Class of 1992). With extensive clinical experience, Anna is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Anna has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Anna embraces a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Anna promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the St. Catharines community through proactive physiotherapy. Anna S. Wacyk-Groch offers consultations in English, Ukrainian.

Anna S. Wacyk-Groch provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Sports Injury

• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): Dull, aching pain in the front of the knee, often related to issues with the alignment and movement of the patella within the femoral groove.
• Ligament Sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL, PCL, Ankle Ligaments): Stretching or tearing of ligaments (the strong, fibrous bands that connect bones to each other at joints) due to sudden force, twisting, overstretching, or impact. Common in sports involving jumping, cutting, pivoting, or collisions. Examples include ACL/MCL tears in the knee or common ankle sprains.
• Muscle Strains (e.g., Hamstring, Calf, Groin, Quadriceps, Rotator Cuff): Acute pain, swelling, bruising, localized tenderness, and weakness in a muscle, often occurring during activities like sprinting, jumping, lifting, or throwing.

Back Neck Pain

• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Often age-related changes leading to pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs with walking (neurogenic claudication in lumbar stenosis) or in the arms/hands (cervical stenosis).
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Symptoms resulting from a whiplash injury, which can vary in severity (WAD Grades I-III) and duration, requiring a comprehensive physiotherapy approach for recovery.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Muscular pain, trigger points, and tension headaches resulting from habitual poor posture, which can be addressed with postural re-education, exercises, and ergonomic advice.

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. Anna can assess your needs.

• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: The use of specific electrical stimulation devices (IFC or TENS) by your Physiotherapist to provide pain relief, reduce muscle spasm, decrease swelling, or promote muscle activation and re-education.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: The use of moist heat packs, paraffin wax, or other heat sources by your Physiotherapist to relax muscles, increase local blood flow, reduce stiffness, alleviate chronic pain, and improve tissue extensibility.
• 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.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): The application of cold packs, ice massage, or other cold modalities by your Physiotherapist to reduce swelling, inflammation, muscle spasm, and acute pain, particularly after an injury.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: Utilizing traction techniques to create space within the spine, reduce nerve irritation, improve disc hydration, and alleviate back or neck pain.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): ESWT for chronic tendinopathies, heel spurs, and other musculoskeletal problems, aiming to break down scar tissue, increase blood flow, and trigger a healing response.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Anna, 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 Peninsula Children's Centre, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Anna frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Don't let difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning shirts or writing due to hand pain dictate what you can and cannot do. Anna offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at regaining full function in an injured area, enabling a return to cherished activities, helping you reclaim spending hours gardening comfortably, without subsequent back or knee strain and enjoy a more functional life.
• Anna frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of swelling in my arm or leg, possibly lymphedema, after surgery or treatment. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets getting back their independence with daily activities and personal care and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like keeping up with their team during our weekly soccer match.
• When trying to stay as mobile and active as possible while living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing getting in and out of the car smoothly and without wincing, physiotherapy with Anna can help you work towards enhanced pelvic floor function and control (for relevant conditions). The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Many individuals seek help from Anna, their physiotherapist, when wrist pain and tingling, possibly from carpal tunnel syndrome, especially at night starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve a reduction in nerve-related symptoms like tingling or numbness, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like actively participating in family outings and vacations without holding others back.

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

Anna practices at the Niagara Peninsula Children's Centre, located in the Merritton, Thorold South (Brock University Area) neighborhood of St. Catharines. The clinic enjoys a convenient location near QEW Access and is easily accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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 Anna or your physician directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, in almost all cases, you will receive a customized home exercise program. These exercises are carefully chosen by your Physiotherapist to specifically target your issues and help you achieve your functional goals faster and more effectively. Performing them as recommended is very important for your progress and for maintaining the improvements you make during your clinic visits.

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.

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. It is strongly advised to check your private insurance for coverage of services at a private clinic.

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 Peninsula Children's Centre
567 Glenridge Ave
St. Catharines, ON, L2T 4C2

Phone: (905) 688-3550

Anna S. Wacyk-Groch 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: XXX31

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=45c27dfc-8a02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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