Merlin Stephen – Physiotherapist | St. Catharines, ON

Merlin Stephen is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Extendicare, St. Catharines in St. Catharines, ON, Merlin Stephen is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Merlin Stephen 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. Merlin Stephen focuses on the unique health needs of older adults, aiming to improve and maintain mobility, strength, balance, manage age-related conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis, reduce fall risk, and enhance overall quality of life and independence.

Merlin Stephen completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Mahatma Gandhi University (Graduating Class of 2005). With clinical experience, Merlin Stephen is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Merlin Stephen has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.

Merlin Stephen employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting; a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Merlin Stephen offers consultations in English.

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

Common Musculoskeletal

• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): A broad term for common injuries affecting muscles, tendons (tendinitis/tendinopathy), ligaments (sprains), joint capsules (capsulitis), and bursae (bursitis), leading to pain, inflammation, and functional limitations.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Aching, sharp, or deep pain in the hip that may worsen with activity, specific movements, or even at rest.

Neurological

• Functional Neurological Disorders (FND) - Movement Retraining: Physiotherapy as a key component of a multidisciplinary approach for Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder (FND), focusing on movement retraining, normalizing movement patterns that may be abnormal (e.g., tremor, weakness, gait disturbance, dystonia), and improving functional abilities.
• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Rehabilitation (Incomplete/Specific Cases): Specialized neurorehabilitation programs designed by a Physiotherapist to improve physical function, optimize movement potential, and enhance quality of life for individuals living with an SCI.
• Facial Palsy / Bell's Palsy Rehabilitation: Targeted exercises and techniques provided by a Physiotherapist to manage symptoms of facial palsy and support optimal recovery of facial muscle control.

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. Merlin Stephen can assess your needs.

• 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): Specialized manual techniques aimed at restoring normal movement and function to peripheral nerves that may be compressed, adhered, or under tension.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Empowering you with a clear understanding of your condition, its causes, and practical tools for effective self-management and lasting relief.
• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Specific training programs to enhance your sense of body position, improve your reaction times to unexpected balance disturbances, and build confidence in your ability to move safely in various environments.
• 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.

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

• Many individuals seek help from Merlin Stephen, their physiotherapist, when my child walking on their toes most of the time starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve improved overall mobility, making it easier to navigate their home and community, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like playing fetch with their dog in the park for an extended time.
• Patients struggling with dealing with pelvic pain or bladder/bowel control issues (for both men and women) can find dedicated and compassionate support from Merlin Stephen. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving being able to climb stairs with ease and confidence once again, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as engaging in volunteer work that might have physical demands.
• Don't let facial weakness or drooping on one side (like Bell's Palsy) dictate what you can and cannot do. Merlin Stephen offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at feeling more like their 'old self' before their injury or condition began, helping you reclaim participating fully in their martial arts practice, including sparring and enjoy a more functional life.
• Living with post-operative stiffness and weakness that's slowing down my recovery doesn't have to be your norm. Merlin Stephen applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards a smooth and confident transition back to their work duties, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of swimming laps at the pool for fitness and relaxation.

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

Merlin Stephen's practice at Extendicare, St. Catharines is located in the Port Dalhousie neighborhood of St. Catharines. The clinic is conveniently located near QEW Access and is accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

How can I book an appointment at Extendicare, St. Catharines?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (905) 688-3311 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.

Does Extendicare, St. Catharines 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.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Extendicare, St. Catharines treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like 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 Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health. Our treatments often involve Muscle Energy Techniques (MET), Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding), and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

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. However, some private/extended health insurance plans do require one for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. Check your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

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.

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. Check your private insurance for private clinic coverage.

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.

Extendicare, St. Catharines
283 Pelham Rd.
St. Catharines, ON, L2S 1X7

Phone: (905) 688-3311

Merlin Stephen 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: XXX86

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=c0363bb8-9302-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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