Nicole Andrea Stieber-Sze

Nicole Andrea Stieber-Sze provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Commonly known as 'wear-and-tear' arthritis, this condition affects various joints, often worsening with age, overuse, or previous injury, and can significantly impact daily function.
• 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.

Pregnancy Postpartum

• C-Section Scar Management and Abdominal Recovery: Addressing adhesions, discomfort, and functional limitations related to C-section scars, promoting better movement and core engagement.
• Diastasis Recti (Abdominal Muscle Separation) Assessment & Rehabilitation: Assessment and targeted exercise programs prescribed by a Physiotherapist to help manage and improve abdominal muscle separation postpartum, focusing on deep core muscle activation, safe movement strategies, and gradual progression.
• Pregnancy-Related Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) / Low Back Pain / Sciatica: Physiotherapy to alleviate common aches and pains experienced by expectant mothers, helping them to enjoy a more comfortable pregnancy and prepare for labor.
• Postpartum Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (e.g., Incontinence, Pain, Prolapse): Helping new mothers recover optimal pelvic floor function, manage pain, and safely return to exercise and daily activities in the postpartum period.

Chronic Pain

• Fibromyalgia: A holistic physiotherapy approach aimed at improving quality of life for individuals with fibromyalgia by reducing pain, improving energy levels, enhancing sleep, and increasing functional capacity.
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) - Supportive Care: Supportive physiotherapy as part of a multidisciplinary team approach for this complex and often debilitating chronic pain condition, which typically affects a limb after an injury or surgery and is characterized by severe pain, swelling, changes in skin temperature/color, and altered sensation or movement.
• Persistent Post-Surgical Pain (Chronic): Physiotherapy for managing pain that lingers long after surgical recovery, employing strategies such as graded motor imagery, desensitization techniques, specific exercises, manual therapy (if appropriate), and pain education to address complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) or other chronic post-operative pain states.

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. Nicole Stieber-Sze can assess your needs.

• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Educating you about your diagnosis, expected recovery timeline (prognosis), and the reasons behind your treatment plan to encourage active participation in your healing.
• 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.
• Pre-Natal (Pregnancy) Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy support to help you stay active, comfortable, and strong throughout your pregnancy, addressing the physical challenges and changes your body undergoes.
• Post-Natal (Postpartum) Rehabilitation: A personalized physiotherapy program to guide your physical recovery after having a baby, whether by vaginal delivery or C-section, focusing on your specific needs and goals.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Detailed analysis of your static and dynamic posture, with tailored exercises, stretches, and advice to help you improve alignment and reduce strain on your body.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Evaluation of your body's basic movements (like squatting, lunging, reaching) to highlight areas for improvement in stability, mobility, and motor control.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Nicole Stieber-Sze, 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 Village Physio & Co., physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Nicole Stieber-Sze frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Many individuals seek help from Nicole Stieber-Sze, their physiotherapist, when needing help to get moving again after a long period of illness or inactivity starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve improved core stability and control, leading to better posture and reduced strain, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like dressing myself independently and without difficulty, including shoes and socks.
• Nicole Stieber-Sze frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of recovering my strength and mobility after a knee or hip replacement surgery. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets getting back their independence with daily activities and personal care and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like being able to carry their baby or toddler without straining their back or arms.
• The journey to enhanced recovery from post-surgical procedures with fewer complications when faced with persistent difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning shirts or writing due to hand pain is made smoother and more effective with Nicole Stieber-Sze's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like challenging myself with indoor or outdoor rock climbing.
• Struggling with the frustration of feeling unsteady on my feet or experiencing dizziness and balance problems? Nicole Stieber-Sze develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving a renewed sense of vitality and enthusiasm for daily activities. This is key to helping you get back to doing giving presentations or speaking publicly with confidence and good posture with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.

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

Nicole Stieber-Sze's practice is located at The Village Physio & Co., a physiotherapy clinic in the central Elora neighborhood of Elora. The clinic is conveniently located near nearby parks and community recreation facilities and is accessible via local public transit routes. Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Initial assessment appointments are generally longer to allow for a thorough evaluation and discussion, typically lasting between 45 to 60 minutes. Subsequent follow-up treatment sessions are usually shorter, often ranging from 30 to 45 minutes. However, the duration can vary depending on your specific needs, the complexity of your condition, the type of treatment being provided, and the treatment plan designed by your Physiotherapist.

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, while a referral isn't legally required to see a Physiotherapist, some private insurance plans may require one for reimbursement. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements.

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 Village Physio & Co. or your physician directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

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. We recommend you contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand the specifics of your plan. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If The Village Physio & Co. offers direct billing and your plan allows it, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance not covered by your plan at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and all necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiotherapist can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

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

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services provided in private outpatient clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available through specific programs (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 waitlists may apply. It is essential to check your private insurance coverage as many plans offer significant coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

The first physiotherapy session is primarily an in-depth assessment. Expect to spend time talking with your Physiotherapist about your specific issue, its history, and your overall health background. Your therapist will then perform various physical tests to assess your movement, strength, and any areas of concern. The main goal of this first visit is to understand your condition fully so that a tailored and effective treatment plan can be developed collaboratively with you. You might also receive your first set of home exercises or some initial hands-on care to start the healing process.

The Village Physio & Co.
Unit A - 71 James St.
Elora, ON, N0B 1S0

Phone: (519) 831-6556

Nicole Andrea Stieber-Sze 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: XXX60

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=cc1d217f-9002-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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