Kanako Nishihara – Physiotherapist | Thornhill, ON

Kanako Nishihara is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at PhysioActive Orthopaedic & Sports Injury Centre Inc. in Thornhill, ON, Kanako Nishihara is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Kanako Nishihara's approach 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. Kanako Nishihara also provides specialized assessment and treatment for conditions related to the pelvic floor and surrounding region for all genders. This includes issues such as incontinence, pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse, sexual dysfunction, and pre/post-natal concerns. Kanako Nishihara serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Kanako Nishihara completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2016). With extensive clinical experience, Kanako Nishihara is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Kanako Nishihara has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Pelvic Health Physiotherapy and Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Kanako Nishihara empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Kanako Nishihara maintains a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Kanako Nishihara offers consultations in English and Japanese.

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

Common Musculoskeletal

• Muscle Strains and Tears: Damage or tearing of muscle fibers, ranging from a mild overstretch (Grade 1 strain) to a partial or complete rupture (Grade 2 or 3 tear), typically caused by sudden forceful contraction, excessive stretch, or direct trauma.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Aching, burning, sharp pain, or a 'pins and needles' sensation in the wrist, thumb, or hand region, sometimes waking you at night.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Aching, sharp, or persistent pain located in the lower back, which may sometimes extend into the buttocks or legs, limiting your comfort.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Inflammation (tendinitis) or, more commonly, degeneration (tendinosis/tendinopathy) of tendons, leading to localized pain that typically worsens with activity or loading of the tendon.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A chronic condition causing joint discomfort, stiffness (especially in the morning or after inactivity), and impacting your ability to perform daily activities, walk, or engage in hobbies.

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. Kanako Nishihara can assess your needs.

• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Using therapeutic ultrasound as an adjunct treatment to help reduce pain, decrease inflammation, break down scar tissue, and accelerate the repair of injured soft tissues.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: Superficial heat application carefully monitored by your therapist to promote relaxation, pain relief, and enhance the effectiveness of other treatments.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Using therapeutic cold to manage the initial stages of an injury (e.g., sprains, strains) and control inflammatory responses, helping to limit tissue damage.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): A non-invasive, evidence-based treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing, reduce pain, and promote tissue regeneration in stubborn soft tissue conditions that haven't responded to other therapies.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: A non-invasive electrotherapy modality aimed at reducing pain, muscle guarding, or swelling, and sometimes used for muscle strengthening, as part of your physiotherapy treatment.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): The therapeutic use of different electrical currents by your Physiotherapist to achieve specific physiological effects, such as improving muscle contraction, reducing atrophy, or enhancing functional movement.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Kanako Nishihara, 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 PhysioActive Orthopaedic & Sports Injury Centre Inc., physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Kanako Nishihara frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• The path to recovery from recovering from surgery to my hand or wrist and achieving improved ability to lift and carry objects correctly and safely for standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event often starts with expert guidance. Kanako Nishihara, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Kanako Nishihara can help you move beyond an awkward gait or limping when I walk. The focus is on improved hand and wrist function for tasks requiring dexterity, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as engaging in volunteer work that might have physical demands.
• Don't let recovering my strength and energy after being very sick (like with pneumonia or Long COVID) dictate what you can and cannot do. Kanako Nishihara offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at feeling more resilient and less vulnerable to minor strains or injuries, helping you reclaim attending concerts or theatre shows and sitting comfortably throughout and enjoy a more functional life.
• Living with aches and pains that I'm pretty sure are from my bad posture at my desk doesn't have to be your norm. Kanako Nishihara applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards developing better body awareness and understanding of healthy movement patterns, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of dressing myself independently and without difficulty, including shoes and socks.

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

Kanako Nishihara practices at PhysioActive Orthopaedic & Sports Injury Centre Inc., a physiotherapy clinic in the central Thornhill neighborhood of Thornhill, ON. The clinic is conveniently located near nearby parks and community recreation facilities and is accessible via local public transit routes. Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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 Ontarians. 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 recommended to check your private insurance for coverage of services at private clinics.

Is there parking available at or near PhysioActive Orthopaedic & Sports Injury Centre Inc.?

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside our building. Look for the designated patient spots.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy refers to specialized hands-on techniques used by a Physiotherapist to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This can include joint mobilization (gentle, rhythmic gliding movements), joint manipulation (skilled, high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts, where appropriate and within the therapist's scope and with your consent), various soft tissue mobilization techniques (like massage, myofascial release, trigger point release), and neural mobilization (gentle techniques to improve nerve movement). The primary goals are to reduce pain, improve range of motion, restore optimal joint mechanics, reduce muscle tension, and enhance tissue repair and function.

What are PhysioActive Orthopaedic & Sports Injury Centre Inc.'s operating hours?

PhysioActive Orthopaedic & Sports Injury Centre Inc. is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call the office or check their website for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

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

No, you do not need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapist in Ontario. However, some private/extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services, so it is advisable to check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

PhysioActive Orthopaedic & Sports Injury Centre Inc.
1450 Clark Ave West, Unit 22
Thornhill, ON, L4J 7R5

Phone: (905) 695-0371

Kanako Nishihara 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: XXX97

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=75fd9e58-9302-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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