Michelle Adriana Nelson – Physiotherapist | Peterborough, ON

Michelle Adriana Nelson is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at CCAC in Peterborough, ON, Michelle Nelson is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Michelle Nelson focuses on 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. Michelle Nelson serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Michelle Adriana Nelson completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Queen's University (Graduating Class of 2021). With clinical experience, Michelle Nelson is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Michelle Nelson has a particular interest or further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Michelle Nelson promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Peterborough community through proactive physiotherapy; a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Michelle Nelson offers consultations in English.

Michelle Adriana Nelson provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Sports Injury

• IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): A common cause of lateral knee pain in athletes, often linked to training errors, muscle imbalances (e.g., weak hip abductors), or poor biomechanics, which physiotherapy aims to address.
• 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.
• Stress Fractures (Activity-Related - Conservative Management/Rehab): Localized bone pain that typically worsens with activity and is relieved by rest, often accompanied by tenderness to touch over the affected bone.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Conditions like 'jumper's knee' (patellar tendinopathy), 'swimmer's shoulder' (rotator cuff tendinopathy), or 'tennis elbow' (lateral epicondylitis) caused by tendon issues that limit your ability to perform specific tasks.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Common ankle injuries causing acute pain, persistent swelling, and instability, significantly affecting your ability to walk, run, or participate in sports.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Discomfort, limited range of motion, and persistent tension in the cervical spine (neck), often related to posture, an injury, stress, or sleeping position.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Damage or tearing of muscle fibers, ranging from a mild overstretch (Grade 1 strain) to a partial or complete rupture (Grade 2 or 3 tear), typically caused by sudden forceful contraction, excessive stretch, or direct trauma.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Common shoulder problems such as rotator cuff issues (tendinopathy, small tears), impingement syndrome, or adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) significantly affecting arm function and daily comfort.

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. Michelle Nelson can assess your needs.

• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized programs incorporating various stretching techniques (e.g., static, dynamic, PNF) to alleviate stiffness, increase tissue extensibility, and promote better posture.
• 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.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Specialized workouts to enhance your core strength, stability, and endurance, which are crucial for injury prevention, back health, and efficient performance in daily activities and sports.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Evidence-based exercise programs designed by your physiotherapist, including instruction and progression, to optimize your recovery and enhance your physical well-being.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Targeted manual methods performed by your Physiotherapist to release tight or overactive muscles, address fascial restrictions, and alleviate pain arising from soft tissue dysfunction.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): A form of manual therapy that actively involves you in your treatment, utilizing your body's muscular effort to achieve specific therapeutic effects on restricted joints and shortened soft tissues.

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

• For those whose that persistent ache in my lower back that just won't quit has made managing the physical demands of their job without constant pain seem like a distant memory, Michelle Nelson's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward enhanced recovery from post-surgical procedures with fewer complications. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to managing the physical demands of their job without constant pain with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Michelle Nelson can help you move beyond needing help to get moving again after a long period of illness or inactivity. The focus is on enjoying family vacations and outings with more energy and less pain, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and dexterity with ease.
• Tired of that 'pins and needles' feeling that won't go away interfering with enduring their daily commute, whether driving or on public transit, without stiffness? Michelle Nelson uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve developing better body awareness and understanding of healthy movement patterns and regain your freedom of movement.
• Michelle Nelson frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of post-operative stiffness and weakness that's slowing down my recovery. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets a noticeable reduction in daily discomfort, making everyday tasks easier and more enjoyable and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like playing fetch with their dog in the park for an extended time.

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

Michelle Nelson's practice at CCAC is situated in the Downtown Peterborough, Central neighborhood of Peterborough. The clinic is conveniently located near Shorelines Casino Peterborough and is accessible via Peterborough Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

How can I book an appointment at CCAC?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (705) 743-2212 during our business hours. Many of our practitioners also offer the convenience of online booking through our website at [Website Address Here]. 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 anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

To make your first appointment as smooth and productive as possible, please consider bringing: your health card, any doctor's referral letter (if applicable), results or reports of any imaging tests (X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs) related to your current condition, a list of any medications you are currently taking, and your extended health benefits information (insurance card/policy number) for direct billing if available at our clinic. Wearing comfortable clothes is also a good idea.

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 advised to check your private insurance for private clinic coverage.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, a personalized home exercise program is a crucial and integral component of most physiotherapy treatment plans. Your Physiotherapist will prescribe specific exercises tailored to your condition, abilities, and goals. These exercises are designed to complement your in-clinic treatment, help you manage your symptoms effectively between sessions, accelerate your recovery, and empower you with tools for long-term self-management. Your active participation in your home program is key for optimal results.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

It's recommended to wear or bring clothing that allows unrestricted movement and provides easy access for your physiotherapist to examine the body part being assessed or treated. For instance, if you have a knee problem, please wear or bring shorts. For shoulder issues, a sleeveless top or a top with loose armholes is often helpful. The goal is to make the assessment and treatment as effective as possible.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiotherapist can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

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. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

CCAC
700 Clonsilla Avenue
Peterborough, ON, K9J 5Y3

Phone: (705) 743-2212

Michelle Adriana Nelson 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: XXX01

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=9a8a6b77-5628-ec11-b6e6-0022486dbd0b

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