Leah Gretchen Fenwick – Physiotherapist | Niagara Falls, ON

Leah Gretchen Fenwick is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Niagara Health System - Greater Niagara General Hospital in Niagara Falls, ON, Leah Fenwick is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Leah Fenwick addresses 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. Leah Fenwick serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Leah Gretchen Fenwick completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 1997). With extensive clinical experience, Leah Fenwick is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Leah Fenwick has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Leah Fenwick promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Niagara Falls community through proactive physiotherapy. Leah Fenwick employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Leah Fenwick utilizes a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Leah Fenwick offers consultations in English.

Leah Gretchen Fenwick provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Post Surgical

• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): A structured physiotherapy plan to help you recover full function, independence, and confidence in your new hip after replacement surgery.
• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Targeted physiotherapy to help you recover from operatively treated fractures, addressing common issues like joint stiffness, muscle weakness, swelling, pain, and functional limitations in the affected limb.

Back Neck Pain

• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Pain, pins and needles, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg resulting from irritation or compression of a spinal nerve, often managed effectively with physiotherapy techniques like McKenzie method or neural mobilization.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): A range of neck and related symptoms including pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and sometimes arm pain or cognitive difficulties, following a rapid acceleration-deceleration injury to the neck, most typically from a motor vehicle accident.

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. Leah Fenwick can assess your needs.

• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Education and instruction on effective and safe stretching techniques to help you maintain or improve your body's flexibility and joint mobility.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: A carefully selected set of exercises specific to your condition and abilities, aimed at restoring function, reducing pain, improving movement, and preventing future issues.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Structured physical activities and exercises aimed at helping you safely regain strength, stamina, and confidence in your body's abilities, tailored to your current level.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Targeted manual methods performed by your Physiotherapist to release tight or overactive muscles, address fascial restrictions, and alleviate pain arising from soft tissue dysfunction.
• 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.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Improving the mobility and health of your nervous system to reduce pain, restore sensation, and enhance overall function.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Leah Fenwick, 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 Niagara Health System - Greater Niagara General Hospital, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Leah Fenwick 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 competing effectively in their curling league games? Leah Fenwick is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve waking up feeling more refreshed with considerably less pain and stiffness through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• Tired of breathing difficulties and shortness of breath with COPD or asthma, especially during activity interfering with playing fetch with their dog in the park for an extended time? Leah Fenwick uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve achieving their specific mobility goals, whether big or small and regain your freedom of movement.
• Rediscover your ability to performing self-care tasks like hair washing or reaching their back without the constant burden of soreness and tightness in my Achilles tendon, especially after exercise. Leah Fenwick focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to being able to climb stairs with ease and confidence once again, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Many find that aches and pains that I'm pretty sure are from my bad posture at my desk significantly impacts their ability to carrying a backpack or shoulder bag comfortably. Leah Fenwick helps patients target developing better body awareness and understanding of healthy movement patterns with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.

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

Leah Fenwick practices at Niagara Health System - Greater Niagara General Hospital, situated in the Clifton Hill Tourist Area, Fallsview Area neighborhood of Niagara Falls. The clinic is conveniently located near Casino Niagara and is accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). 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?

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.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

You can expect your initial physiotherapy visit to be around an hour long. This extended time allows for a comprehensive assessment of your condition and a collaborative discussion about your treatment goals. Subsequent follow-up sessions are generally between 30 and 45 minutes, though this can be adjusted based on your individual requirements. Your Physiotherapist will advise on the appropriate appointment length for your specific care.

Does Niagara Health System - Greater Niagara General Hospital offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

While we do not offer direct billing at this time, we provide detailed official receipts that you can easily submit to your insurer for reimbursement according to your plan. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. 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.

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 of the population. 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.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

In physiotherapy, manual therapy encompasses a range of 'hands-on' interventions. Your Physiotherapist may use these techniques to help reduce your pain, increase joint movement, relax tight muscles, or improve the mobility of your nerves. Common approaches include joint glides, sustained pressures, specific soft tissue massage, and, when indicated, joint manipulations. It's a key part of helping your body move better.

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 of physiotherapy services. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

Niagara Health System - Greater Niagara General Hospital
5546 Portage Rd.
Niagara Falls, ON, L2E 6X2

Phone: (905) 378-4647

Leah Gretchen Fenwick 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: XXX35

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=2cf5bdf4-8b02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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