Laurian Michelle Nowitz – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Laurian Michelle Nowitz is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Geriatric Physiotherapy Focus / Seniors' Health). Practicing at Christie Gardens Apartments & Care in Toronto, ON, Laurian Nowitz is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Laurian Nowitz focuses on the unique health needs of older adults, aiming to improve and maintain mobility, strength, balance, manage age-related conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis, reduce fall risk, and enhance overall quality of life and independence. Laurian Nowitz serves seniors.

Laurian Michelle Nowitz completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of the Witwatersrand (Graduating Class of 1991). With clinical experience, Laurian Nowitz is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Laurian Nowitz has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.

Laurian Nowitz employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Laurian Nowitz offers consultations in Afrikaans, English.

Laurian Michelle Nowitz provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Post Surgical

• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): The crucial rehabilitation phase following total or partial knee replacement surgery, with physiotherapy focusing on restoring range of motion, building strength, improving balance, managing pain and swelling, and enabling functional mobility (e.g., walking, stairs, getting in/out of a car).
• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Physiotherapy aimed at restoring movement, strength, and function after surgical repair of broken bones (e.g., Open Reduction Internal Fixation - ORIF, intramedullary nailing), once the fracture site is sufficiently healed and cleared for rehabilitation by your surgeon.
• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): Physiotherapy rehabilitation after total or partial hip replacement surgery, aimed at restoring mobility, strength, balance, and improving your gait pattern, allowing you to perform daily activities safely and effectively.
• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Guiding your rehabilitation journey after ACL or other ligament surgery, from early post-operative care to advanced sport-specific training and return-to-play testing.

Vestibular Balance

• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Reduced function of one (unilateral) or both (bilateral) inner ear balance systems (vestibular organs), leading to persistent dizziness, gaze instability (difficulty keeping vision clear during head movement), imbalance, and sometimes nausea.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Resolving the spinning sensations caused by BPPV quickly and effectively through targeted canalith repositioning techniques, often providing immediate relief.

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. Laurian Nowitz can assess your needs.

• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized programs incorporating various stretching techniques (e.g., static, dynamic, PNF) to alleviate stiffness, increase tissue extensibility, and promote better posture.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Comprehensive exercise plans developed by your Physiotherapist to combat deconditioning, enhance overall physical well-being, and promote an active lifestyle.
• Rehabilitation for Age-Related Deconditioning & Loss of Autonomy: Helping seniors regain their physical capacity, reduce dependency, and improve their ability to manage at home safely and effectively.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Developing muscular strength and endurance to aid in injury recovery, support affected joints, improve biomechanics, and enhance athletic performance or demanding physical tasks.
• Geriatric Physiotherapy & Seniors' Health: Helping older adults stay active, mobile, independent, and confident in their physical abilities through compassionate and evidence-based physiotherapy.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: A progressive program designed to build a strong and stable core, improving your body's foundation for all movements and reducing strain on other structures.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Laurian Nowitz, 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 Christie Gardens Apartments & Care, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Laurian Nowitz frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• If trouble with everyday tasks because of pain or weakness in my hands or grip is preventing you from fully enjoying driving for longer periods without neck or back pain, Laurian Nowitz offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining feeling empowered to take control of their physical health journey, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• Laurian Nowitz believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning shirts or writing due to hand pain is hindering your ability to giving presentations or speaking publicly with confidence and good posture, a personalized plan focusing on much better balance overall, reducing the risk of stumbles or falls can make all the difference.
• 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. Laurian Nowitz applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards increased flexibility throughout their body, particularly in their back and major joints, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of comfortably cooking and meal prepping for their family.
• Struggling with the frustration of recovering my strength and energy after being very sick (like with pneumonia or Long COVID)? Laurian Nowitz develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving a better ability to cope with the physical stresses of daily life. This is key to helping you get back to doing attending concerts or theatre shows and sitting comfortably throughout with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.

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

Laurian Nowitz's practice at Christie Gardens Apartments & Care is situated in the Christie neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near CN Tower and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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

It's recommended to wear or bring clothing that allows unrestricted movement and provides easy access for your physiotherapist to examine the body part being assessed or treated. For instance, if you have a knee problem, please wear or bring shorts. For shoulder issues, a sleeveless top or a top with loose armholes is often helpful. The goal is to make the assessment and treatment as effective as possible.

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

In Ontario, you can typically see a physiotherapist directly without a doctor's referral. This is known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider to understand their specific requirements before your first appointment.

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, such as post-hospitalization for certain conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams. Eligibility criteria are strict, and waitlists may exist. It's essential to check your private insurance coverage, as many plans offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Christie Gardens Apartments & Care treat?

Physiotherapists at Christie Gardens Apartments & Care treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, back and neck pain, joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, and nerve pain. Laurian Nowitz has specialized skills in Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health. Treatments often involve manual therapy, exercise prescription, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

To make your first appointment as smooth and productive as possible, please consider bringing: your health card, any doctor's referral letter (if applicable), results or reports of any imaging tests (X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs) related to your current condition, a list of any medications you are currently taking, and your extended health benefits information (insurance card/policy number) for direct billing if available at our clinic. Wearing comfortable clothes is also a good idea.

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.

Does Christie Gardens Apartments & Care offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Please contact Christie Gardens Apartments & Care directly to inquire about their direct billing capabilities. Regardless, bring your insurance card and policy details for reference. Always confirm your specific coverage details, including any annual maximums, per-visit limits, or deductible requirements, directly with your insurance provider, as plans vary significantly. You are responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.

Christie Gardens Apartments & Care
600 Melita Crescent
Toronto, ON, M6G 3Z4

Phone: (416) 530-1330

Laurian Michelle Nowitz 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: XXX62

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=65b9753e-8b02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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