Jennifer Dawn Riches – Physiotherapist | St. Catharines, ON

Jennifer Dawn Riches is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre in St. Catharines, ON, Jennifer Riches is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Jennifer Riches 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. Jennifer Riches serves adults within the community.

Jennifer Dawn Riches completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Western University (Graduating Class of 2002). With extensive clinical experience, Jennifer Riches is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Jennifer Riches has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

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

Jennifer Dawn Riches provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Back Neck Pain

• 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.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Nerve compression symptoms due to a narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal or the small openings where nerves exit the spine (foramina), most commonly in the lumbar (lower back) or cervical (neck) regions.
• 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.

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Helping to alleviate the symptoms of a catching, locking, or painful finger/thumb through targeted physiotherapy interventions, potentially avoiding the need for injections or surgery in some cases.
• 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.

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. Jennifer Riches can assess your needs.

• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Improving the mobility and health of your nervous system to reduce pain, restore sensation, and enhance overall function.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Application of skilled soft tissue techniques to manage pain, stiffness, and improve function in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: A progressive approach to rebuilding your physical condition, allowing for a safe return to daily activities, work demands, and hobbies you enjoy.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Guided stretching routines and flexibility exercises prescribed by your Physiotherapist, aimed at improving your range of motion, reducing muscle tightness or stiffness, and enhancing overall movement quality.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Targeted exercises focused on strengthening the deep abdominal, back, pelvic floor, and diaphragm muscles to provide better support for your spine, improve posture, enhance balance, and increase movement efficiency.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Gentle, active manual therapy techniques where you use your own specific muscle contractions against your therapist's controlled resistance to improve joint mobility, lengthen tight tissues, and reduce pain.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Jennifer Riches, 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 Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Jennifer Riches frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Are you finding that feeling like my posture is hunched or rounded, causing discomfort stops you from enjoying maintaining an upright posture while working on their computer for hours? Jennifer Riches is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve achieving personal fitness goals that once seemed out of reach through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• At Jennifer Riches's physiotherapy practice, individuals with that grinding or crunching feeling in my knee or shoulder are guided towards a significant improvement in their overall quality of life and daily well-being. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as being able to kneel or squat down to play with pets or children.
• With Jennifer Riches's help, managing one leg feeling shorter than the other, causing hip or back pain to achieve restored joint function, leading to smoother and more coordinated movements becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like taking long photography walks to capture nature or cityscapes.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from an awkward gait or limping when I walk and achieved improved hand and wrist function for tasks requiring dexterity under the skilled care of Jennifer Riches. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as attending their favorite yoga and pilates classes without limitation with a new lease on life.

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

Jennifer Riches practices at Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre, situated in the Merritton, Thorold South (Brock University Area) neighborhood of St. Catharines. The clinic is conveniently located near Lakeside Park and is accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial physiotherapy appointment is a comprehensive assessment. Your Physiotherapist will start by discussing your medical history, the details of your current symptoms or injury, your concerns, and what you hope to achieve with physiotherapy (your functional goals). This is followed by a thorough physical examination, which may include evaluating your range of motion, strength, posture, balance, and specific movement patterns, as well as performing special tests relevant to your condition. Based on these findings, your therapist will provide a clinical impression or diagnosis, discuss a personalized treatment plan with you, and often begin some initial treatment or provide education and a home exercise program to get you started.

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

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows the Physiotherapist to easily access and assess the area being treated, and permits you to move freely for any exercises or movements. For example, shorts are ideal for knee, hip, or ankle issues, while a tank top or loose t-shirt works well for shoulder, neck, or upper back problems. Athletic wear or gym attire is generally a good choice. You may also be provided with a gown if needed.

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

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

How can I book an appointment at Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre?

You can book an appointment by calling the clinic directly at (905) 685-1381 during business hours. The clinic may also offer online booking; check their website for details.

What are Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre's operating hours?

Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Some practitioners may offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Call the clinic or check their website for the most current hours and availability.

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

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services in private outpatient clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations (e.g., post-hospitalization, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams), but eligibility is strict. Check your private insurance for coverage.

Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre
541 Glenridge Ave.
St. Catharines, ON, L2T 4C2

Phone: (905) 685-1381

Jennifer Dawn Riches 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: XXX96

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=886e2223-8d02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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