Michelle Langstaff – Physiotherapist | St. Catharines, ON

Michelle Langstaff is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre in St. Catharines, ON, Michelle Langstaff is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Michelle Langstaff's role involves assisting individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life after neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Michelle Langstaff also manages acute and chronic conditions affecting the heart and lungs, such as COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis, post-operative cardiac or respiratory recovery, and post-COVID symptoms. This involves breathing exercises, airway clearance, exercise prescription, and education. Michelle Langstaff serves adults.

Michelle Langstaff completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Queensland (Graduating Class of 2020). With clinical experience, Michelle Langstaff is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Michelle Langstaff has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy and Neurological Physiotherapy.

Michelle Langstaff employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting; promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the St. Catharines community through proactive physiotherapy. Michelle Langstaff offers consultations in English.

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

Post Surgical

• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): A structured physiotherapy plan to help you recover full function, independence, and confidence in your new hip after replacement surgery.
• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Restoring your ability to perform daily tasks, work, and recreational activities by addressing pain, stiffness, and weakness after your shoulder surgery.
• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Helping you manage pain, improve scar mobility, and regain optimal strength and range of motion in a limb following fracture fixation surgery.
• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: A structured, progressive, and goal-oriented physiotherapy rehabilitation program crucial for restoring knee stability, strength, range of motion, and proprioception (joint position sense) after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or other knee ligament (e.g., PCL, MCL, LCL) reconstructive surgery.

Peripheral Nerve

• Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic, Chemotherapy-Induced, Idiopathic): Addressing the physical consequences of nerve damage in the limbs through targeted exercises (e.g., for balance, strength, desensitization), sensory re-education, and advice on appropriate footwear or assistive devices.
• Nerve Entrapments / Compressions (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Sciatica, Meralgia Paresthetica): Physiotherapy for common nerve compression syndromes, including Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (wrist), Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (neck/shoulder), Sciatica (low back/buttock), or Meralgia Paresthetica (outer thigh). Treatment often includes manual therapy, nerve gliding exercises (neural mobilization), postural correction, ergonomic advice, and activity modification.

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 Langstaff can assess your needs.

• Post-COVID-19 Condition / Long COVID Rehabilitation: A structured physiotherapy approach to address the diverse and often fluctuating symptoms of Long COVID, aiming to improve exercise tolerance gradually, manage fatigue, and support a return to meaningful activities.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: An in-depth examination to fully understand your specific condition, allowing your Physiotherapist to create an effective and personalized rehabilitation plan.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Assessing your fundamental movement patterns to identify limitations, asymmetries, and potential risk factors for injury or re-injury.
• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: Baseline concussion testing (if offered by the clinic/practitioner) and evidence-based post-injury management to ensure a safe and effective recovery from mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI).
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Detailed analysis of your static and dynamic posture, with tailored exercises, stretches, and advice to help you improve alignment and reduce strain on your body.
• 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.

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

• If a 'frozen shoulder' feeling, where my shoulder feels completely stuck is preventing you from fully enjoying spending hours gardening comfortably, without subsequent back or knee strain, Michelle Langstaff offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining effectively managing chronic pain and reclaiming an active lifestyle, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• Rediscover your ability to reaching for items on high shelves or in cupboards without shoulder strain without the constant burden of breathing difficulties and shortness of breath with COPD or asthma, especially during activity. Michelle Langstaff focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to a better understanding of ergonomics for their work and home environment, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Are you finding that needing to improve my breathing patterns or lung capacity stops you from enjoying managing shopping trips and carrying bags without excessive fatigue or pain? Michelle Langstaff is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve getting their strength back after surgery or a period of inactivity through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• Living with that burning pain between my shoulder blades from too much computer work doesn't have to be your norm. Michelle Langstaff applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards restored joint function, leading to smoother and more coordinated movements, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of engaging in detailed crafting, sewing, or knitting hobbies for hours.

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

Michelle Langstaff practices at Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre, situated in the Merritton, Thorold South (Brock University Area) neighborhood of St. Catharines. The clinic is conveniently located near Pen Centre Shopping Mall and is accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). Our clinic is accessible. 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 insurance plans may require a referral for coverage. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to confirm their specific requirements.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

OHIP generally does not cover physiotherapy services in private clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in some specific situations, such as post-hospitalization for certain conditions or through community clinics, but eligibility criteria are strict. Most Ontarians will need to rely on private insurance or pay out-of-pocket for physiotherapy services in private clinics. It is essential to check your private insurance coverage and eligibility for any public programs directly with OHIP.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

For your first visit, please bring your provincial health card (e.g., Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card, if applicable for any publicly funded programs or simply for identification), any relevant medical information such as a doctor's referral note (if you have one), reports from recent imaging (like X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound scans), and a list of your current medications. Also, if you plan to use private health insurance, bring your insurance card or policy details. Finally, wear or bring comfortable clothing suitable for assessment and movement.

Does Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Please contact Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre directly to inquire about their direct billing policies with private insurance companies. Bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment to facilitate the process, regardless of whether they offer direct billing. Always confirm your coverage details with your insurance provider.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer coverage for physiotherapy. Before your appointment, contact your insurer to understand your plan's specifics, including your annual maximum, per-visit limits, co-payments, referral requirements, and whether direct billing is available. If Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre offers direct billing and your plan allows it, they may bill your insurer directly. You would be responsible for any remaining balance. If direct billing isn't possible, you'll receive a receipt for submission to your insurer.

Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre
541 Glenridge Ave.
St. Catharines, ON, L2T 4C2

Phone: (905) 685-1381

Michelle Langstaff 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: XXX30

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=c50ab93d-2e63-ec11-8f8e-0022486dc1cc

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