Leah Marie Havill – Physiotherapist | Fort Erie, ON

Leah Marie Havill is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at ActiveCare Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Centre in Fort Erie, ON, Leah Havill is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Leah Havill 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 Havill serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Leah Marie Havill completed their degree in Physiotherapy from D'Youville University (Graduating Class of 2005). With extensive clinical experience, Leah Havill is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Leah Havill has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Leah Havill maintains a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Leah Havill employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Leah Havill offers consultations in English.

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

Arthritis

• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Helping to manage the musculoskeletal aspects of psoriatic disease, working in conjunction with medical management to optimize your physical function and comfort.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Physiotherapy for ankylosing spondylitis focuses on maintaining spinal mobility and flexibility (especially extension), improving posture, strengthening core and back muscles, managing pain, and providing education on self-management and regular exercise.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: An autoimmune condition causing chronic inflammation, pain, stiffness, swelling, and potential deformity in multiple joints, often symmetrically. Physiotherapy aims to manage pain, maintain joint function and mobility, improve strength and endurance, provide joint protection strategies, and support self-management.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Physiotherapy to address residual joint stiffness, pain, swelling, and functional loss after an acute gout attack has subsided, or to help manage musculoskeletal impairments and tophi-related issues associated with chronic gout, always in conjunction with appropriate medical management for urate control.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Pain, tenderness, swelling, and dysfunction in a tendon (the strong cords that attach muscles to bones) due to overuse, repetitive strain, injury, or degeneration. Common sites include the Achilles, patellar tendon (knee), rotator cuff (shoulder), or elbow (tennis/golfer's elbow).
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Hip problems that interfere with your mobility, sleep, and daily comfort, which can be effectively managed with physiotherapy interventions.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: A 'rolled' or twisted ankle with subsequent swelling, tenderness, and difficulty putting your full weight on the foot.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Neck problems that interfere with your sleep quality, ability to work comfortably (especially at a desk), or perform everyday tasks without pain.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Discomfort felt around the shoulder blade, at the top of the shoulder, or radiating down the arm, making simple tasks challenging.

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 Havill can assess your needs.

• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: An in-depth examination to fully understand your specific condition, allowing your Physiotherapist to create an effective and personalized rehabilitation plan.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Teaching you essential strategies and exercises to manage your symptoms independently, accelerate recovery, and prevent future problems.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Skilled hands-on techniques, including gentle joint mobilizations (smooth, rhythmic movements) and, where appropriate and authorized, joint manipulations (quick, precise thrusts) to restore optimal movement, reduce pain, and improve joint function.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Gentle, specific movements and mobilizations designed to address nerve-related pain (like sciatica or carpal tunnel symptoms), tingling, numbness, or restrictions by improving the nerve's ability to glide freely and reducing irritation.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Identifying inefficient or compensatory movement patterns that could be contributing to your pain or hindering your physical performance.

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

• For those whose an old ankle sprain that never seems to fully heal and still feels weak has made dressing myself independently and without difficulty, including shoes and socks seem like a distant memory, Leah Havill's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward successfully integrating safe movement strategies into their daily routines. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to dressing myself independently and without difficulty, including shoes and socks with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Physiotherapy with Leah Havill can be a transformative turning point for those affected by wrist pain and tingling, possibly from carpal tunnel syndrome, especially at night. The shared goal is achieving feeling a substantial improvement in their mobility and range of motion for easier movement, paving the way for you to enjoy getting back to golfing 18 holes without their back acting up and a more active, vibrant life.
• Many find that widespread muscle pain and fatigue that my doctor thinks might be fibromyalgia significantly impacts their ability to carrying a backpack or shoulder bag comfortably. Leah Havill helps patients target enjoying family vacations and outings with more energy and less pain with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Leah Havill can help you move beyond knee pain, especially when going up/down stairs or after a run. The focus is on improved ability to lift and carry objects correctly and safely, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as playing a full game of recreational hockey with their friends.

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

Leah Havill practices at ActiveCare Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Centre, a physiotherapy clinic in the central Fort Erie neighborhood of Fort Erie, ON. The clinic is conveniently located near nearby parks and community recreation facilities and is accessible via local public transit routes. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves skilled, hands-on treatments performed by your Physiotherapist as part of your overall physiotherapy plan. These techniques are designed to assess and treat your joints, muscles, and nerves to decrease pain and improve your mobility and function. Examples include specific joint mobilizations to improve movement, soft tissue release techniques to address muscle tightness or scar tissue, and sometimes manipulations (adjustments) if indicated and appropriate for your condition and your therapist's qualifications.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not be an ordeal of pain. While you might feel some discomfort or a stretching sensation as you work to regain movement or strength, especially in the initial stages of treatment for an acute injury or chronic stiffness, it's rarely 'painful' in a distressing or harmful way. Your Physiotherapist will guide you through each step, modify treatments to suit your comfort and tolerance, and ensure that the overall experience is positive. The ultimate aim is to make you feel better, not worse.

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

It's helpful to bring your health card, any referral letters from other healthcare providers if you were referred, and any reports or images from relevant medical tests (X-rays, MRIs, etc.) related to your condition. If you have private insurance coverage for physiotherapy, please bring your insurance card or policy details for billing purposes. Comfortable attire that allows for easy movement during the assessment is also recommended.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Absolutely! Home exercises are a vital part of your rehabilitation journey and empower you to take an active role in your recovery process. Your Physiotherapist will carefully select and teach you exercises specific to your needs. These exercises help to reinforce what's done in the clinic, manage your condition effectively, and ensure you continue progressing towards your goals even when you're not in a session.

Is there parking available at or near ActiveCare Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Centre?

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

How can I book an appointment at ActiveCare Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Centre?

You can book an appointment by calling the clinic directly at (289) 320-9600 during business hours. The clinic also offers online booking through their website. The reception team will assist in finding a suitable appointment time.

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 (direct access). However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy 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 (e.g., post-hospitalization), but eligibility is strict. Check your private insurance for coverage.

ActiveCare Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Centre
484 Garrison Rd
Fort Erie, ON, L2A1N2

Phone: (289) 320-9600

Leah Marie Havill 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: XXX76

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=31874806-8f02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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