Kanika Dhawan – Physiotherapist | Kitchener, ON

Kanika Dhawan is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Resident Physiotherapist). Practicing at Strive Physiotherapy & Performance in Kitchener, ON, Kanika Dhawan is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Kanika Dhawan'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. Kanika Dhawan serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Kanika Dhawan completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (Graduating Class of 2020). With clinical experience, Kanika Dhawan is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Kanika Dhawan has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

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

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

Arthritis

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Tailored exercise programs (including range of motion, strengthening, and low-impact aerobic exercises), pain relief modalities, and education on joint protection techniques and energy conservation for individuals with RA or similar conditions.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A type of chronic inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spine (especially the sacroiliac joints and vertebrae), leading to pain, stiffness, and potential fusion of vertebrae, which can result in a stooped posture if not managed.

Back Neck Pain

• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Post-traumatic neck pain, restricted movement, and associated issues common after car accidents, which benefit from early and appropriate physiotherapy intervention.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Back or neck pain that often radiates into an arm or leg, potentially with numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning sensations, due to a spinal disc problem (herniation, protrusion, or bulge) compressing or irritating a nearby nerve root (radiculopathy). Sciatica specifically refers to radicular pain down the leg.
• 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: 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.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Persistent tendon pain that can interfere with your sports, work, or daily activities, often requiring specific loading programs and advice from a physiotherapist for effective management.

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. Kanika Dhawan can assess your needs.

• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Cold therapy techniques applied by your therapist to effectively alleviate acute pain, reduce inflammation, and manage muscle soreness or spasm.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: Application of therapeutic heat to prepare tissues for exercise, manual therapy, or stretching, or to manage chronic muscle soreness and joint stiffness.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: Therapeutic traction for the cervical (neck) or lumbar (low back) spine, used by physiotherapists to help reduce pain, decompress nerve roots, and improve symptoms associated with conditions like disc herniations, sciatica, or spinal stenosis.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Employing different types of electrotherapy to support your rehabilitation goals, including promoting tissue healing or improving motor control.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Utilizing targeted electrical currents to help alleviate pain, manage discomfort, and support healing in conjunction with other physiotherapy interventions.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: A non-invasive light therapy used in physiotherapy to treat various musculoskeletal conditions, promote faster healing, reduce pain, and modulate inflammation without generating heat.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Kanika Dhawan, 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 Strive Physiotherapy & Performance, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Kanika Dhawan frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Don't let awful foot pain first thing in the morning, like I'm walking on glass (plantar fasciitis) dictate what you can and cannot do. Kanika Dhawan offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at moving more freely and with greater agility than they have in years, helping you reclaim using garden tools effectively and without pain and enjoy a more functional life.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from soreness and tightness in my Achilles tendon, especially after exercise and achieved enjoying less stiffness in the mornings and throughout the day under the skilled care of Kanika Dhawan. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as enduring their daily commute, whether driving or on public transit, without stiffness with a new lease on life.
• Many find that shoulder pain that makes simple things like lifting my arm or reaching overhead difficult significantly impacts their ability to attending their favorite yoga and pilates classes without limitation. Kanika Dhawan helps patients target enjoying cycling or swimming regularly without pain or limitation with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Physiotherapy with Kanika Dhawan can be a transformative turning point for those affected by needing help to get moving again after a long period of illness or inactivity. The shared goal is achieving a more comfortable and physically manageable pregnancy experience, paving the way for you to enjoy tackling home renovation and DIY projects with confidence and a more active, vibrant life.

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

Kanika Dhawan practices at Strive Physiotherapy & Performance, situated in the Doon, Heritage Park neighborhood of Kitchener. The clinic is conveniently located near Fairview Park Mall and is accessible via Grand River Transit (GRT) (Bus and ION Light Rail). 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 waitlists may exist. Always check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

It's difficult to say exactly how many sessions you'll need without a thorough assessment, as everyone's situation and recovery path is unique. Some acute conditions might resolve in just a few sessions, while more chronic, complex, or significant issues may require a longer period of care to achieve lasting results. Your Physiotherapist will provide an estimated treatment timeline and plan after your first visit, and this will be revisited as your treatment progresses.

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.

Is there parking available at or near Strive Physiotherapy & Performance?

Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby. Please check local signage for any restrictions.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiotherapist can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

Strive Physiotherapy & Performance
8-260 Doon South Drive
Kitchener, ON, N2P 2L8

Phone: (519) 895-2020

Kanika Dhawan 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: XXX32

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=91e5a1a1-2b84-ef11-ac21-002248b282c8

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