Lisa Antonia Tichband – Physiotherapist | St. Catharines, ON

Lisa Antonia Tichband is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Niagara Health System in St. Catharines, ON, Lisa is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Lisa's focus is providing comprehensive assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions to help patients of all ages restore function, manage pain, and improve their quality of life. Lisa serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Lisa Antonia Tichband completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Curtin University (Graduating Class of 2003). With extensive clinical experience, Lisa is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Lisa has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Lisa's practice philosophy centers around a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Lisa adopts a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Lisa offers consultations in English.

Lisa Antonia Tichband provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Sports Injury

• IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): Sharp or burning pain on the outer side of the knee that often starts gradually and worsens with continued activity, sometimes radiating up the thigh or down the leg.
• Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): Dull or aching pain in the front or inner part of the shin that can become sharp with activity, often felt during or after exercise.
• Ligament Sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL, PCL, Ankle Ligaments): Common joint injuries in athletes affecting stability, causing immediate pain, swelling, bruising, and functional loss, often requiring a structured rehabilitation program.

Common Musculoskeletal

• 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.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Pain affecting the hip joint and surrounding musculature, which can limit activities like walking, standing for long periods, rising from a chair, or lying on the affected side.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Pain, discomfort, or stiffness in the lumbar spine region, whether it's a sudden onset or a long-lasting issue affecting your daily life.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Symptoms in your hand or wrist that impact your ability to perform your job, hobbies, or essential self-care tasks, addressed by specialized hand physiotherapy.

Joint Pain

• 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.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A chronic condition causing joint discomfort, stiffness (especially in the morning or after inactivity), and impacting your ability to perform daily activities, walk, or engage in hobbies.

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. Lisa can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Hands-on physiotherapy focused on mobilizing restricted joints and soft tissues to promote healing, restore normal biomechanics, and alleviate pain.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Using controlled isometric and isotonic muscle contractions, as directed by your Physiotherapist, to address joint restrictions and muscle imbalances effectively.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Providing clear guidance on self-care techniques, activity modifications, and beneficial lifestyle adjustments for long-term well-being and injury prevention.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Identifying and addressing habitual postures (e.g., from desk work, phone use) or ergonomic factors that may be contributing to your pain or dysfunction.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Application of skilled soft tissue techniques to manage pain, stiffness, and improve function in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.

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

• Many patients have found lasting relief from soreness and tightness in my Achilles tendon, especially after exercise and achieved returning to their workout routine with greater confidence and better performance under the skilled care of Lisa. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as getting on and off the floor with ease with a new lease on life.
• Lisa frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of trouble performing repetitive tasks at work without pain. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets improved balance and coordination, leading to safer and more confident mobility in seniors and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like walking their children to school or the park.
• When numbness, tingling, or weakness in my hands, arms, feet, or legs is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing taking energetic, long walks with their dog every day, physiotherapy with Lisa can help you work towards learning specific exercises that provide ongoing relief and maintain their progress. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Struggling with the frustration of dealing with ongoing pain and stiffness after a car accident, like whiplash? Lisa develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving better managing flare-ups with personalized strategies and feeling more in control of their symptoms. This is key to helping you get back to doing participating in light recreational activities like bowling or mini-golf with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.

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

Lisa practices at Niagara Health System, located in the Port Dalhousie neighborhood of St. Catharines. The clinic is conveniently located near the Downtown Core and is accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy refers to specialized hands-on techniques used by a Physiotherapist to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This can include joint mobilization (gentle, rhythmic gliding movements), joint manipulation (skilled, high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts, where appropriate and within the therapist's scope and with your consent), various soft tissue mobilization techniques (like massage, myofascial release, trigger point release), and neural mobilization (gentle techniques to improve nerve movement). The primary goals are to reduce pain, improve range of motion, restore optimal joint mechanics, reduce muscle tension, and enhance tissue repair and function.

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 in private clinics.

How can I book an appointment at Niagara Health System?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (905) 378-4647 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.

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

Some temporary post-treatment soreness can be normal, much like after a good workout. However, if your pain significantly worsens, if you develop new concerning symptoms, or if the discomfort doesn't settle down within a day or two, please call us. Your Physiotherapist would want to know so they can offer guidance and make any necessary adjustments to your care plan. Open communication is key to your successful recovery.

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.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Definitely. A key aspect of physiotherapy is not just treating current problems but also preventing future ones. A Physiotherapist can assess your movement, identify potential weaknesses or imbalances that could lead to injury, and provide you with a personalized program of exercises and strategies. This proactive approach is beneficial for athletes, individuals with physically demanding jobs, or anyone looking to maintain long-term musculoskeletal health and avoid recurring pain.

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.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Niagara Health System treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal 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. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like general physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve manual therapy, exercise prescription, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

Niagara Health System
1200 Fourth Ave
St. Catharines, ON, L2S 0A9

Phone: (905) 378-4647

Lisa Antonia Tichband 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: XXX63

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=fb4f636e-9102-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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