Dr. Shahzad Ahmad Tanwir

As a Physiatrist, Dr. Shahzad Ahmad Tanwir addresses a variety of conditions related to physical function, pain, and rehabilitation, including but not limited to:

Post Surgical Rehab

• Post-Operative Rehabilitation (e.g., after joint replacement, spine surgery): Helping patients regain mobility, strength, and independence after major surgical interventions.

Sports Injuries Rehab

• Overuse Injuries in Athletes: Addressing the underlying biomechanical factors contributing to overuse injuries and implementing strategies for recovery and prevention.
• Sports-Related Musculoskeletal Injuries: Helping athletes recover from injury, regain strength and flexibility, and safely return to their sport.

Debilitating Conditions Functional Improvement

• Debility & Deconditioning (e.g., post-illness, hospitalization): Rehabilitation programs to address generalized weakness, fatigue, and loss of function following prolonged illness, hospitalization, or inactivity.
• Amputation Rehabilitation & Prosthetic Management: Comprehensive care for individuals with limb loss, including pre-prosthetic management, prosthetic prescription, gait training, and adjustment to life with a prosthesis.

This list provides examples of conditions commonly managed. A comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan are always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Tanwir, typically following referral. If your specific concern isn't listed, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic for more information.

• Medication Management for Pain & Spasticity: Optimizing pharmacological treatments to provide effective pain relief while minimizing side effects and risks.
• Individualized Rehabilitation Program Design: Developing comprehensive, patient-centered rehabilitation plans tailored to individual needs, goals, and specific conditions.
• Electrodiagnostic Medicine (EMG/NCS): Diagnostic procedures to evaluate the health of muscles and the nerves that control them.
• Management of Neuromuscular Disorders (e.g., MS, Parkinson's): Managing symptoms and functional limitations associated with conditions like Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, ALS, and muscular dystrophies.
• Treatment of Joint Pain (Arthritis, Tendinopathies): Non-operative care for joint disorders, including therapeutic injections, bracing, and exercise prescription.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Tanwir. Not all services may be listed, and the suitability of any treatment depends on individual assessment and referral where appropriate. For a comprehensive understanding or to discuss your specific medical needs, please schedule a consultation or speak with your referring physician.

All services by Dr. Shahzad Ahmad Tanwir adhere to the scope of practice for Physiatrists in ON and the standards of The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).

At Dr. Shahzad Ahmad Tanwir's practice, the focus is on partnering with you to maximize your functional abilities, manage your condition effectively, and improve your overall quality of life. Dr. Tanwir frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Managing feeling generally weak and deconditioned after a long illness effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Tanwir and the dental team. The clear aim is always achieving the best possible physical function given their underlying condition, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying cooking their own meals and managing household chores and their daily routines without dental hindrance.
• When difficulty swallowing or speaking clearly after a neurological event begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Tanwir helps patients strive for their child achieving better motor skills and functional independence. This makes participating in activities such as being able to stand for periods needed for work or daily tasks a pleasant and possible experience again.
• At Dr. Tanwir's clinic, addressing feeling unsteady on their feet and worrying about falls means focusing on patient goals. Achieving learning effective strategies to cope with chronic pain or disability helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to gardening or doing yard work again.
• Overcoming or effectively managing wanting to find non-surgical ways to manage their chronic joint pain is a common journey for patients under Dr. Tanwir's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling being able to manage their symptoms with less reliance on pain medication, so that daily routines and pleasures like reaching for items on high shelves become straightforward again.

Your personalized rehabilitation plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Tanwir, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional goals. Dr. Tanwir is committed to empowering patients with the expertise and support needed to achieve their highest possible level of independence and well-being.

Dr. Tanwir's practice, a rehabilitation clinic in Niagara Falls, is situated in the South End (Lundy's Lane West area) neighborhood of Niagara Falls. The clinic is conveniently located near American Falls and is accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). Designated accessible parking spots are often located close to the entrance.

How often will I need to see Dr. Tanwir for follow-up appointments?

The frequency of follow-up appointments with Dr. Tanwir will depend on the nature of the condition being treated, the specific treatment plan, and how the patient is progressing. Initially, visits might be more frequent to monitor response to treatment or adjust medications/therapies. As the condition stabilizes or improves, follow-ups may become less frequent, focusing on long-term management, prevention, and ensuring functional goals are maintained. Dr. Tanwir will recommend a follow-up schedule tailored to each patient's needs.

Are services provided by a Physiatrist like Dr. Tanwir covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP))?

Most physician consultations and medically necessary assessments by a registered specialist Physiatrist like Dr. Tanwir are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON, provided the patient has a valid health card and appropriate referral if required by the plan or clinic. However, some specific treatments or procedures (e.g., certain types of injections, assistive devices, comprehensive multidisciplinary programs) may not be fully covered or may have associated fees for materials or facility use. It's always best for patients to inquire with the clinic about any potential out-of-pocket costs for recommended treatments and to check with their private insurance, if any, regarding coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.

Do I typically need a referral to see a Physiatrist (Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist) like Dr. Tanwir?

Yes, in ON, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required to see a Physiatrist like Dr. Tanwir for consultations and treatments covered by provincial health plans like Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). This referral helps ensure the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Tanwir has the necessary background medical information. Speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor if you believe you need a physiatric assessment.

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Tanwir at the clinic?

The first visit with Dr. Tanwir will typically involve a comprehensive assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of the patient's medical history, the nature and timeline of their current symptoms, how these symptoms impact their daily activities and quality of life, and any previous treatments. Dr. Tanwir will then perform a thorough physical examination, which may focus on the musculoskeletal system (joints, muscles, spine) and/or neurological system depending on the presenting problem. Any prior imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT) or test results will be reviewed. Based on this comprehensive evaluation, Dr. Tanwir will discuss their diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations if needed, and will outline potential treatment and rehabilitation options, working with the patient to establish functional goals.

What are EMG and NCS tests, and why might Dr. Tanwir recommend them?

Electromyography (EMG) evaluates the electrical activity produced by skeletal muscles, and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) measure how quickly and well electrical signals travel along nerves. Dr. Tanwir might recommend these electrodiagnostic tests to help diagnose conditions such as pinched nerves (radiculopathy), carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage), muscular dystrophy, or other neuromuscular disorders. These tests help pinpoint the location and severity of nerve or muscle problems, guiding further treatment.

What does a Physiatrist / Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist like Dr. Tanwir do?

A Physiatrist like Dr. Tanwir is a medical doctor (physician) who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing a wide range of conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. Their primary goal is to enhance and restore functional ability, reduce pain, and improve the quality of life for people with physical impairments or disabilities resulting from injury (e.g., sports injuries, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury), illness (e.g., stroke, multiple sclerosis, arthritis), or chronic pain. They use non-surgical treatments including medication, therapeutic exercise programs, targeted injections (if applicable), and coordinate comprehensive rehabilitation plans often involving a team of therapists.

What are some common conditions a Physiatrist like Dr. Tanwir treats?

Dr. Tanwir treats a variety of conditions, including the consequences of stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury (including concussion), sports injuries, arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid), chronic low back and neck pain, peripheral neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and conditions requiring amputation rehabilitation. Dr. Tanwir focuses on improving function, reducing pain, and enhancing quality of life related to these and other physical impairments.

How long will my treatment or rehabilitation with Dr. Tanwir take?

The duration of treatment and rehabilitation varies greatly depending on the specific condition, its severity, the patient's individual goals, their response to treatment, and the complexity of the rehabilitation plan. Some conditions may require only a few consultations and a home program, while others (like recovery from a significant stroke or spinal cord injury) can involve longer-term management and therapy. Dr. Tanwir will discuss an estimated timeline and expected milestones after the initial assessment and as treatment progresses.

3976 Portage Road
Niagara Falls, ON, L2J 2K9

Phone: (905) 963-0273

Dr. Shahzad Ahmad Tanwir is a licensed Physiatrist in ON, regulated by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 & Medicine Act, 1991 (Ontario).

License Number: 130190

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Tanwir-Shahzad-Ahmad/0333899-130190

A referral from a family physician or another specialist may be required to see Dr. Tanwir. Dr. Tanwir and the team are committed to providing comprehensive care. If you have a medical emergency, please proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911.