Nicki Frances Cunningham – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Nicki Frances Cunningham is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Ministry of Long Term Care in Toronto, ON, Nicki Cunningham is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Nicki Cunningham'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. Nicki Cunningham serves a diverse range of patients.

Nicki Frances Cunningham completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Saint Mary's Hospital (Graduating Class of 1991). With extensive clinical experience, Nicki Cunningham is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Nicki Cunningham has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Nicki Cunningham employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Nicki Cunningham also utilizes a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Nicki Cunningham offers consultations in English.

Nicki Frances Cunningham provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Inflammation (tendinitis) or, more commonly, degeneration (tendinosis/tendinopathy) of tendons, leading to localized pain that typically worsens with activity or loading of the tendon.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A chronic condition causing joint discomfort, stiffness (especially in the morning or after inactivity), and impacting your ability to perform daily activities, walk, or engage in hobbies.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Muscle Strains and Tears: Damage or tearing of muscle fibers, ranging from a mild overstretch (Grade 1 strain) to a partial or complete rupture (Grade 2 or 3 tear), typically caused by sudden forceful contraction, excessive stretch, or direct trauma.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Discomfort experienced in the hip region, groin, outer hip, or buttock, potentially stemming from joint inflammation (bursitis), muscle strains, tendinopathy, or conservative management of labral tears.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Common ankle injuries causing acute pain, persistent swelling, and instability, significantly affecting your ability to walk, run, or participate in sports.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Aching, soreness, or sharp pain experienced in the neck, which may include muscle spasms, trigger points, or reduced flexibility.

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. Nicki Cunningham can assess your needs.

• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Cold therapy techniques applied by your therapist to effectively alleviate acute pain, reduce inflammation, and manage muscle soreness or spasm.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: The application of gentle, controlled mechanical or manual force to distract (stretch) spinal segments, aiming to alleviate pressure on intervertebral discs, nerves, and facet joints.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): Targeted shockwave application to promote tissue regeneration, modulate pain, and improve function in chronic injuries, often with lasting results.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: LLLT or 'cold laser' therapy to stimulate your body's natural healing processes, provide pain relief, and improve function in conditions like tendinopathies, arthritis, or soft tissue injuries.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: Application of therapeutic heat to prepare tissues for exercise, manual therapy, or stretching, or to manage chronic muscle soreness and joint stiffness.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): The therapeutic use of different electrical currents by your Physiotherapist to achieve specific physiological effects, such as improving muscle contraction, reducing atrophy, or enhancing functional movement.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Nicki Cunningham, 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 Ministry of Long Term Care, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Nicki Cunningham frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Patients often come to Nicki Cunningham feeling defeated by that 'pins and needles' feeling that won't go away. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving waking up feeling more refreshed with considerably less pain and stiffness and resuming being able to carry their baby or toddler without straining their back or arms becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Many find that recovering from a painful and limiting work-related injury (WCB/CNESST/WorkSafe claim) significantly impacts their ability to managing their personal care routines independently. Nicki Cunningham helps patients target restored joint function, leading to smoother and more coordinated movements with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• If hip pain when I walk, climb stairs, or try to sleep on my side is preventing you from fully enjoying enduring their daily commute, whether driving or on public transit, without stiffness, Nicki Cunningham offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining improved performance in work-related physical demands, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Nicki Cunningham can help you move beyond pain in my shins when I try to run or be active (shin splints). The focus is on getting back their independence with daily activities and personal care, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as driving for longer periods without neck or back pain.

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

Nicki Cunningham's practice at Ministry of Long Term Care is situated in the Willowdale South neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Toronto Police HQ and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy, delivered by a qualified Physiotherapist, is a science-based profession that focuses on restoring movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness, or disability. It can also help to reduce your risk of future problems. Your physiotherapist will use techniques such as therapeutic exercise, manual therapy (hands-on treatment), education, and advice, empowering you to manage your health independently and achieve your physical goals.

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.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Definitely. A key aspect of physiotherapy is not just treating current problems but also preventing future ones. A Physiotherapist can assess your movement, identify potential weaknesses or imbalances that could lead to injury, and provide you with a personalized program of exercises and strategies. This proactive approach is beneficial for athletes, individuals with physically demanding jobs, or anyone looking to maintain long-term musculoskeletal health and avoid recurring pain.

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. It is strongly advised to check your private insurance for private clinic coverage and to verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

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

Ministry of Long Term Care
5700 Yonge Street
Toronto, ON, M2N 5M9

Phone: (866) 311-8002

Nicki Frances Cunningham 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: XXX21

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=4e47832c-8b02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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