Matthew Alexander VanLeeuwen – Physiotherapist | St. Catharines, ON

Matthew Alexander VanLeeuwen is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Critical Trauma Therapy in St. Catharines, ON, Matthew VanLeeuwen is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Matthew VanLeeuwen's focus is 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. Matthew VanLeeuwen serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Matthew Alexander VanLeeuwen completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Western University (Graduating Class of 2022). With clinical experience, Matthew VanLeeuwen is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Matthew VanLeeuwen has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Matthew VanLeeuwen's practice philosophy centers on a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the St. Catharines community through proactive physiotherapy; and a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Matthew VanLeeuwen offers consultations in English.

Matthew Alexander VanLeeuwen provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Back Neck Pain

• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Neck, shoulder, and upper back discomfort, often accompanied by headaches or 'brain fog', after a sudden jerking motion of the head, such as in a rear-end collision.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Pain and muscle tension related to ergonomic factors at work or home, muscle imbalances, and suboptimal body mechanics or movement habits.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Nerve compression symptoms due to a narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal or the small openings where nerves exit the spine (foramina), most commonly in the lumbar (lower back) or cervical (neck) regions.

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Conservative physiotherapy management for trigger digit, which may include splinting to rest the tendon, specific tendon gliding exercises, activity modification advice, modalities to reduce inflammation, and education to prevent recurrence.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Physiotherapy to help you regain optimal use of your hand and wrist after an injury, surgery, or due to a chronic condition, enabling you to return to work, hobbies, and daily tasks.

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. Matthew VanLeeuwen 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.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Graded exercise programs designed to improve your overall physical fitness, endurance, strength, and functional capacity, especially beneficial after illness, surgery, or periods of prolonged inactivity.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Educating you about your diagnosis, expected recovery timeline (prognosis), and the reasons behind your treatment plan to encourage active participation in your healing.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Evaluation of your body's basic movements (like squatting, lunging, reaching) to highlight areas for improvement in stability, mobility, and motor control.
• 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.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized programs incorporating various stretching techniques (e.g., static, dynamic, PNF) to alleviate stiffness, increase tissue extensibility, and promote better posture.

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

• At Matthew VanLeeuwen's physiotherapy practice, individuals with working on getting back to normal after a fracture or other surgery are guided towards a greater sense of body confidence and trust in their physical abilities. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as playing in their competitive volleyball league again.
• Rediscover your ability to managing the physical demands of their job without constant pain without the constant burden of tendonitis pain flaring up in my shoulder, knee, elbow, or foot. Matthew VanLeeuwen focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to improved circulation and tissue healing, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• When recovering from surgery to my hand or wrist is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing actively participating in family outings and vacations without holding others back, physiotherapy with Matthew VanLeeuwen can help you work towards the ability to manage symptoms independently if they occasionally recur. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Are you finding that my child complaining of 'growing pains' that keep them up at night stops you from enjoying playing their musical instrument (guitar, piano, violin, etc.) for extended periods? Matthew VanLeeuwen is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve decreased frequency and intensity of headaches related to neck or postural issues through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.

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

Matthew VanLeeuwen practices at Critical Trauma Therapy, situated in the Port Dalhousie neighborhood of St. Catharines. The clinic is conveniently located near Montebello Park and is accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

During your first visit, the Physiotherapist will conduct a detailed evaluation to get a full picture of your condition. This usually involves a thorough discussion about your symptoms, how they impact your daily life, any relevant medical history, and your personal goals for therapy. A physical assessment will then be performed to help pinpoint the cause of your problem and assess your physical capabilities. Afterwards, your therapist will explain their findings, collaborate with you to set treatment goals, and outline a proposed plan of care. You'll likely receive some initial advice, exercises, or hands-on treatment to begin your recovery journey.

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.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

It's difficult to say exactly how many sessions you'll need without a thorough assessment, as everyone's situation and recovery path is unique. Some acute conditions might resolve in just a few sessions, while more chronic, complex, or significant issues may require a longer period of care to achieve lasting results. Your Physiotherapist will provide an estimated treatment timeline and plan after your first visit, and this will be revisited as your treatment progresses.

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

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral, known as direct access. However, while a doctor's referral may not be legally required to *see* a Physiotherapist, some private/extended health insurance plans *do* require one for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It is strongly advised that you check the specific requirements of your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Critical Trauma Therapy treat?

Physiotherapists at Critical Trauma Therapy treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including but not limited to back and neck pain, joint problems (arthritis, post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, and nerve pain. Matthew VanLeeuwen has a particular interest in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. Treatment often involves Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment, General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs, and patient education.

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 is strongly advised that you check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

Critical Trauma Therapy
1200 Fourth Avenue
St. Catharines, ON, L2S 0A9

Phone: (289) 547-5911

Matthew Alexander VanLeeuwen 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: XXX13

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=17d0910d-be14-ed11-b83f-002248d51760

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