Nathan William James Doherty – Physiotherapist | Kingston, ON

Nathan William James Doherty is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Kingston Health Sciences Centre in Kingston, ON, Nathan is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Nathan focuses on 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. Nathan serves adult patients.

Nathan William James Doherty completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Queen's University (Graduating Class of 2006). With extensive clinical experience, Nathan is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Nathan has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Nathan embraces a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Nathan has a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best possible care. Nathan offers consultations in English.

Nathan William James Doherty provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Post Surgical

• 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-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Specialized physiotherapy focused on regaining shoulder movement, strength, stability, and function after various types of shoulder surgeries, such as rotator cuff repair, labral tear repair, shoulder stabilization procedures (e.g., Bankart repair), or shoulder joint replacement (arthroplasty).
• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Specialized physiotherapy following knee ligament reconstruction surgery to ensure a successful recovery, minimize complications (like stiffness or muscle atrophy), and facilitate a safe and confident return to activity and sport, preventing re-injury.

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): Focused physiotherapy care for complex hand and wrist problems, often involving custom splinting or orthosis fabrication, manual therapy (joint and soft tissue mobilization), specific exercises to restore dexterity, strength, and range of motion, scar management, and sensory re-education.

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.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Back or neck pain that often radiates into an arm or leg, potentially with numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning sensations, due to a spinal disc problem (herniation, protrusion, or bulge) compressing or irritating a nearby nerve root (radiculopathy). Sciatica specifically refers to radicular pain down the leg.
• 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.

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. Nathan can assess your needs.

• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: A non-invasive electrotherapy modality aimed at reducing pain, muscle guarding, or swelling, and sometimes used for muscle strengthening, as part of your physiotherapy treatment.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: The use of moist heat packs, paraffin wax, or other heat sources by your Physiotherapist to relax muscles, increase local blood flow, reduce stiffness, alleviate chronic pain, and improve tissue extensibility.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Using therapeutic cold to manage the initial stages of an injury (e.g., sprains, strains) and control inflammatory responses, helping to limit tissue damage.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: The application of high-frequency sound waves by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to promote deep tissue heating, increase local blood flow, reduce pain, and facilitate the healing process in soft tissues like muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: Utilizing traction techniques to create space within the spine, reduce nerve irritation, improve disc hydration, and alleviate back or neck pain.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): ESWT for chronic tendinopathies, heel spurs, and other musculoskeletal problems, aiming to break down scar tissue, increase blood flow, and trigger a healing response.

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

• Physiotherapy with Nathan can be a transformative turning point for those affected by a 'frozen shoulder' feeling, where my shoulder feels completely stuck. The shared goal is achieving returning to their workout routine with greater confidence and better performance, paving the way for you to enjoy dressing myself independently and without difficulty, including shoes and socks and a more active, vibrant life.
• Patients struggling with recovering from a burn and needing help with scar mobility and movement can find dedicated and compassionate support from Nathan. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving greater confidence when walking, standing, or navigating challenging environments, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as attending their favorite yoga and pilates classes without limitation.
• The path to recovery from my child complaining of 'growing pains' that keep them up at night and achieving feeling less fatigued during physical activities and throughout the day for enjoying long, challenging hikes on weekends again often starts with expert guidance. Nathan, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from an old ankle sprain that never seems to fully heal and still feels weak and achieved sleeping more soundly through the night due to reduced pain and discomfort under the skilled care of Nathan. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as easily carrying groceries in from the car in one or two trips with a new lease on life.

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

Nathan practices at Kingston Health Sciences Centre, situated in the Downtown Kingston, Queen's University Area, Sydenham Ward neighborhood of Kingston. The clinic is conveniently located near the Downtown Core and is accessible via Kingston Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

Does Kingston Health Sciences Centre offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

While Kingston Health Sciences Centre does not offer direct billing, 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 is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

In physiotherapy, manual therapy encompasses a range of 'hands-on' interventions. Your Physiotherapist may use these techniques to help reduce your pain, increase joint movement, relax tight muscles, or improve the mobility of your nerves. Common approaches include joint glides, sustained pressures, specific soft tissue massage, and, when indicated, joint manipulations. It's a key part of helping your body move better.

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.

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

Patients in Ontario 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 of physiotherapy services. Check your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

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 and verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

Kingston Health Sciences Centre
166 Brock Street
Kingston, ON, K7L 5G2

Phone: (613) 544-3400

Nathan William James Doherty 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: XXX88

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=9af9ceb1-8e02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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