Lionel Pereira – Physiotherapist | Fort Erie, ON

Lionel Pereira is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Fort Erie Physio & Rehab Centre in Fort Erie, ON, Lionel is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Lionel 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. Lionel serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Lionel Pereira completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Queen's University (Graduating Class of 1990). With extensive clinical experience, Lionel is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Lionel has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Lionel employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Lionel uses a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Lionel Pereira offers consultations in English.

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

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): Commonly known as 'wear-and-tear' arthritis, this condition affects various joints, often worsening with age, overuse, or previous injury, and can significantly impact daily function.

Arthritis

• 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: 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.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Damage to the body's movement system, including issues like joint inflammation, ligament tears, or muscle overstretching, often requiring physiotherapy for optimal recovery.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Common back problems that can impact your posture, ability to perform daily activities, and overall mobility, addressed with targeted physiotherapy.

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. Lionel can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): ESWT for chronic tendinopathies, heel spurs, and other musculoskeletal problems, aiming to break down scar tissue, increase blood flow, and trigger a healing response.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: Utilizing traction techniques to create space within the spine, reduce nerve irritation, improve disc hydration, and alleviate back or neck pain.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.
• 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.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Lionel, 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 Fort Erie Physio & Rehab Centre, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Lionel frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Patients struggling with post-operative stiffness and weakness that's slowing down my recovery can find dedicated and compassionate support from Lionel. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving enjoying cycling or swimming regularly without pain or limitation, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as operating machinery or tools safely and efficiently at work.
• Are you finding that recovering my strength and energy after being very sick (like with pneumonia or Long COVID) stops you from enjoying joining in on pickup basketball games at the local court? Lionel is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve enhanced recovery from post-surgical procedures with fewer complications through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• The path to recovery from working on getting back to normal after a fracture or other surgery and achieving increased flexibility throughout their body, particularly in their back and major joints for sleeping soundly through the night without being woken by pain or discomfort often starts with expert guidance. Lionel, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• Lionel believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If aches and pains that I'm pretty sure are from my bad posture at my desk is hindering your ability to getting on and off the floor with ease, a personalized plan focusing on feeling more stable and confident on their feet, especially on uneven surfaces can make all the difference.

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

Lionel practices at Fort Erie Physio & Rehab Centre, a physiotherapy clinic in the central Fort Erie neighborhood of Fort Erie. 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.

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 coverage of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider to understand their specific requirements before your first appointment.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial physiotherapy appointment is a comprehensive assessment. Your Physiotherapist will start by discussing your medical history, the details of your current symptoms or injury, your concerns, and what you hope to achieve with physiotherapy (your functional goals). This is followed by a thorough physical examination, which may include evaluating your range of motion, strength, posture, balance, and specific movement patterns, as well as performing special tests relevant to your condition. Based on these findings, your therapist will provide a clinical impression or diagnosis, discuss a personalized treatment plan with you, and often begin some initial treatment or provide education and a home exercise program to get you started.

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's essential to check your private insurance plan, as many provide significant coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

How can I book an appointment at Fort Erie Physio & Rehab Centre?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (905) 871-3180 during our business hours. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

Is there parking available at or near Fort Erie Physio & Rehab Centre?

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

What are Fort Erie Physio & Rehab Centre's operating hours?

Our clinic is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. However, hours can vary, so please call our office at (905) 871-3180 for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

Fort Erie Physio & Rehab Centre
238 Bertie St., Douglas Memorial Medical Centre
Fort Erie, ON, L2A 1Z3

Phone: (905) 871-3180

Lionel Pereira 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: XXX96

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=aa015296-8a02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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