Nicholas Kenneth Robert Shields – Physiotherapist | Ottawa, ON

Nicholas Kenneth Robert Shields is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at The Ottawa Hospital - Riverside Campus in Ottawa, ON, Nicholas Shields is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Nicholas Shields's focus is 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. Nicholas Shields serves adults.

Nicholas Kenneth Robert Shields completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2013). With clinical experience, Nicholas Shields is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Nicholas Shields has a particular interest or further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Nicholas Shields empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results; promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Ottawa community through proactive physiotherapy. Nicholas Shields offers consultations in English, French.

Nicholas Kenneth Robert Shields provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Back Neck Pain

• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): A range of neck and related symptoms including pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and sometimes arm pain or cognitive difficulties, following a rapid acceleration-deceleration injury to the neck, most typically from a motor vehicle accident.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Symptoms like 'neurogenic claudication' – leg pain, cramping, or heaviness with walking or prolonged standing that typically eases with rest or bending forward (flexion).
• 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.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Pain, swelling, clicking, locking, or instability in or around the knee joint from various causes like ligament sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL), meniscal tears (managed conservatively), or patellofemoral (kneecap) pain.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Pain affecting the hip joint and surrounding musculature, which can limit activities like walking, standing for long periods, rising from a chair, or lying on the affected side.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Acute or chronic pain originating from various musculoskeletal sources, such as a pulled muscle (strain), inflamed tendon, or irritated bursa.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Injuries to ankle ligaments, typically from twisting or 'rolling' motions, leading to pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. Can result in recurrent sprains and chronic instability if not properly rehabilitated.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Pain, tenderness, swelling, and dysfunction in a tendon (the strong cords that attach muscles to bones) due to overuse, repetitive strain, injury, or degeneration. Common sites include the Achilles, patellar tendon (knee), rotator cuff (shoulder), or elbow (tennis/golfer's elbow).
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief 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. Nicholas Shields can assess your needs.

• 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.
• 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.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Teaching you essential strategies and exercises to manage your symptoms independently, accelerate recovery, and prevent future problems.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Application of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) or Interferential Current (IFC) for managing acute or chronic pain conditions by modulating pain signals or promoting the release of endorphins.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Cold therapy techniques applied by your therapist to effectively alleviate acute pain, reduce inflammation, and manage muscle soreness or spasm.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): A non-invasive, evidence-based treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing, reduce pain, and promote tissue regeneration in stubborn soft tissue conditions that haven't responded to other therapies.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Nicholas Shields, 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 The Ottawa Hospital - Riverside Campus, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Nicholas Shields frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Nicholas Shields frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of needing help to get moving again after a long period of illness or inactivity. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets the ability to manage symptoms independently if they occasionally recur and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like going on birdwatching outings in various terrains.
• Rediscover your ability to performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and dexterity with ease without the constant burden of feeling like my posture is hunched or rounded, causing discomfort. Nicholas Shields focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to improved coordination for complex movements and fine motor tasks, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Nicholas Shields's clinic, common concerns like knee pain, especially when going up/down stairs or after a run are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of feeling more like their 'old self' before their injury or condition began. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like cycling longer distances with their cycling club.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of recovering my strength and mobility after a knee or hip replacement surgery? Nicholas Shields works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of being able to play actively with their children or grandchildren again. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as taking long photography walks to capture nature or cityscapes.

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

Nicholas Shields practices at The Ottawa Hospital - Riverside Campus, situated in the Elmvale Acres, Hawthorne Meadows, Billings Bridge neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near National War Memorial and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves skilled, hands-on treatments performed by your Physiotherapist as part of your overall physiotherapy plan. These techniques are designed to assess and treat your joints, muscles, and nerves to decrease pain and improve your mobility and function. Examples include specific joint mobilizations to improve movement, soft tissue release techniques to address muscle tightness or scar tissue, and sometimes manipulations (adjustments) if indicated and appropriate for your condition and your therapist's qualifications.

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 insurance coverage, as many plans offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Your first physiotherapy appointment, which includes a detailed assessment and the development of your initial treatment plan, usually takes about 60 minutes. Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled for 30 to 45 minutes. The exact duration of each session will depend on the nature of your treatment and what your Physiotherapist has planned for that specific visit to best help you progress.

Is there parking available at or near The Ottawa Hospital - Riverside Campus?

Paid parking is available in the parkade adjacent to the building. Limited free street parking may also be found in the vicinity, but please check local signage for restrictions.

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.

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

It's not uncommon to experience some temporary soreness or a mild increase in symptoms after certain physiotherapy treatments, especially in the initial stages or if you're starting new exercises. This usually subsides within 24-48 hours. However, if you experience a significant or sharp increase in pain, new or worsening neurological symptoms (like numbness, tingling, or weakness), or if your soreness lasts longer than expected, it's important to contact The Ottawa Hospital - Riverside Campus or your physician directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

The Ottawa Hospital - Riverside Campus
1967 Riverside Dr.
Ottawa, ON, K1H 7W9

Phone: (613) 738-8400

Nicholas Kenneth Robert Shields 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: XXX76

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=67f95d74-9102-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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