Narmeen Naeem Akhtar – Physiotherapist | St. Catharines, ON

Narmeen Naeem Akhtar is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at Niagara Children's Centre in St. Catharines, ON, Narmeen is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Narmeen's focus is 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. Narmeen serves infants, children, and adolescents within the community.

Narmeen Naeem Akhtar completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 2022). With clinical experience, Narmeen is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Narmeen has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Neurological Physiotherapy.

Narmeen embraces a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the St. Catharines community through proactive physiotherapy. Narmeen offers consultations in English.

Narmeen Naeem Akhtar provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Vestibular Balance

• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for inner ear balance problems, involving customized exercises that promote central nervous system compensation and adaptation to the weakened vestibular input.
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): A chronic functional dizziness disorder characterized by persistent sensations of dizziness, unsteadiness, or non-spinning vertigo (often lasting for 3 months or more), typically exacerbated by upright posture, active or passive motion, or exposure to complex or moving visual environments (e.g., busy supermarkets, scrolling on a screen). Often follows an acute vestibular event, medical illness, or period of psychological distress.
• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Comprehensive balance assessment by a Physiotherapist to identify underlying causes of unsteadiness, followed by targeted exercise programs and strategies to help you stay steady on your feet.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Brief, often intense, episodes of dizziness or a spinning sensation (vertigo) triggered by specific changes in head position (e.g., rolling over in bed, looking up, bending down), caused by displaced inner ear crystals (otoconia).

Neurological

• Muscular Dystrophy / Myopathy - Supportive Physiotherapy Care: Physiotherapy aimed at maintaining optimal function, managing contractures (joint stiffness), optimizing mobility (including prescription of mobility aids), adapting activities, and managing respiratory function (if applicable) for individuals with progressive muscle weakness due to muscular dystrophy or other myopathies.
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Symptom Management & Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy strategies to help manage common MS symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, spasticity, balance problems, walking difficulties, pain, and bladder dysfunction, aiming to maintain function, improve quality of life, and promote self-management.
• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Rehabilitation (Incomplete/Specific Cases): Helping individuals with spinal cord injuries achieve their highest level of physical potential through targeted exercises, functional training, equipment prescription, and compensatory strategies.

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. Narmeen can assess your needs.

• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Education and instruction on effective and safe stretching techniques to help you maintain or improve your body's flexibility and joint mobility.
• 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.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: Detailed physical assessment of your joints, muscles, nerves, and movement patterns to identify the root cause of your symptoms and guide your treatment.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Education on optimal body mechanics and corrective strategies to improve your posture during daily activities, work, and recreation.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: A carefully selected set of exercises specific to your condition and abilities, aimed at restoring function, reducing pain, improving movement, and preventing future issues.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.

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

• Discover how physiotherapy with Narmeen can help you move beyond working on getting back to normal after a fracture or other surgery. The focus is on successfully integrating safe movement strategies into their daily routines, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as getting back to cycling for leisure or commuting.
• The path to recovery from hip pain when I walk, climb stairs, or try to sleep on my side and achieving restored joint function, leading to smoother and more coordinated movements for playing fetch with their dog in the park for an extended time often starts with expert guidance. Narmeen, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• Struggling with the frustration of sharp pain shooting down my leg, feeling a lot like sciatica? Narmeen develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving enhanced ability to participate in social and community events. This is key to helping you get back to doing operating machinery or tools safely and efficiently at work with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• When wrist pain and tingling, possibly from carpal tunnel syndrome, especially at night is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing feeling energetic enough to engage in social activities in the evenings, physiotherapy with Narmeen can help you work towards reduced swelling and inflammation in injured areas. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.

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

Narmeen practices at Niagara Children's Centre, situated in the Merritton, Thorold South (Brock University Area) neighborhood of St. Catharines. The clinic is conveniently located near Montebello Park and is accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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. Always check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

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.

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

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. Contact your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand your plan's specifics (annual maximum, per-visit limits, co-payments, referral requirements, and direct billing). If Niagara Children's Centre offers direct billing and your plan allows it, they can bill your insurer directly. Otherwise, you'll receive a receipt to submit to your insurer. Bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment.

What are Niagara Children's Centre's operating hours?

Niagara Children's Centre is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and some practitioners offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Hours can vary, so call the office or check their website for the most current information.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy helps you move and stay moving effectively and comfortably. Your Physiotherapist will create a personalized treatment plan using exercises, hands-on techniques, and advice to help you achieve your functional goals and live a more active life.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Niagara Children's Centre treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, including back and neck pain, joint problems, sports injuries, and nerve pain. We also offer specialized Neurological Physiotherapy. Treatments often involve stretching programs, patient education, and exercise prescription.

Does Niagara Children's Centre offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Please contact Niagara Children's Centre directly to inquire about their direct billing capabilities. Always confirm your specific coverage details with your insurance provider.

Niagara Children's Centre
567 Glenridge Ave
St. Catharines, ON, L2T 4C2

Phone: (905) 688-3550

Narmeen Naeem Akhtar 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: XXX58

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=4b452b07-7538-ed11-9db0-0022486df36c

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