Nicholas Markakos – Physiotherapist | Vaughan, ON

Nicholas Markakos is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Sporting Edge Physiotherapy in Vaughan, ON, Nicholas Markakos is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Nicholas Markakos's role involves 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. Nicholas Markakos serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Nicholas Markakos completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2023). With clinical experience, Nicholas Markakos is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Nicholas Markakos has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Nicholas Markakos demonstrates 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. Nicholas Markakos offers consultations in English.

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

Back Neck Pain

• 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: A common cause of persistent back and neck pain due to the cumulative strain of prolonged sitting, standing, or performing tasks in non-ideal positions.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Symptoms resulting from a whiplash injury, which can vary in severity (WAD Grades I-III) and duration, requiring a comprehensive physiotherapy approach for recovery.

Arthritis

• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A physiotherapy approach to address the unique challenges of AS, aiming to keep you as mobile and active as possible and support your spinal health and overall well-being.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Supportive physiotherapy care for joint recovery and function after gout flares, focusing on restoring range of motion, reducing inflammation, and providing advice on joint protection and lifestyle factors.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Helping you live well with rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory arthropathies through targeted physiotherapy interventions designed to manage symptoms, preserve function, and promote overall well-being.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Supportive physiotherapy for individuals with psoriatic arthritis, focusing on managing joint pain and swelling, maintaining range of motion and strength, improving function, and providing advice on activity modification and joint protection.

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 Markakos can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Education on optimal body mechanics and corrective strategies to improve your posture during daily activities, work, and recreation.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Customized strength training to address specific weaknesses identified in your assessment, helping to correct imbalances, improve movement efficiency, and achieve your physical objectives.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Specific stretches designed by your therapist to target tight muscle groups relevant to your condition, helping to improve your flexibility and reduce your risk of injury.
• 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.

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

• Are you finding that recovering from a painful and limiting work-related injury (WCB/CNESST/WorkSafe claim) stops you from enjoying safely meeting the lifting requirements at their workplace? Nicholas Markakos is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve more comfortable and efficient movement when transitioning between positions (e.g., sit to stand) through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• The journey to enjoying less stiffness in the mornings and throughout the day when faced with persistent feeling 'off-balance' and worried about falling, especially as I get older is made smoother and more effective with Nicholas Markakos's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like being able to carry their baby or toddler without straining their back or arms.
• The path to recovery from that grinding or crunching feeling in my knee or shoulder and achieving sleeping more soundly through the night due to reduced pain and discomfort for walking their children to school or the park often starts with expert guidance. Nicholas Markakos, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• If post-operative stiffness and weakness that's slowing down my recovery is preventing you from fully enjoying operating machinery or tools safely and efficiently at work, Nicholas Markakos offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining better managing flare-ups with personalized strategies and feeling more in control of their symptoms, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.

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

Nicholas Markakos practices at Sporting Edge Physiotherapy, situated in the Woodbridge West (Sonoma Heights, Islington Woods) neighborhood of Vaughan. The clinic is conveniently located near Vellore Village Community Centre and is accessible via York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva. Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not be an ordeal of pain. While you might feel some discomfort or a stretching sensation as you work to regain movement or strength, especially in the initial stages of treatment for an acute injury or chronic stiffness, it's rarely 'painful' in a distressing or harmful way. Your Physiotherapist will guide you through each step, modify treatments to suit your comfort and tolerance, and ensure that the overall experience is positive. The ultimate aim is to make you feel better, not worse.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

This is very individual and depends on many factors. After your comprehensive initial assessment, your Physiotherapist will be able to give you a better idea of the anticipated number of sessions and the frequency of visits needed to achieve your specific goals. We believe in open communication and will regularly review your progress with you, adjusting the treatment plan as you improve and as needed.

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/extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements.

What is Sporting Edge Physiotherapy's appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients who may be waiting for care. A fee may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

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

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services in private outpatient clinics. 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 recommended that you check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

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.

Sporting Edge Physiotherapy
3611 Major Mackenzie Drive West, Unit 4
Vaughan, ON, L4H 0A2

Phone: (905) 417-4646

Nicholas Markakos 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: XXX72

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=017a5438-f544-ee11-be6f-000d3a09c2ce

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