Nicole D. Benjamin – Physiotherapist | Markham, ON

Nicole D. Benjamin is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Athlete's Care Sports Medicine Centres - Markham in Markham, ON, Nicole Benjamin is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Nicole Benjamin addresses 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. Nicole Benjamin serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Nicole D. Benjamin completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2009). With clinical experience, Nicole Benjamin is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Nicole Benjamin has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Nicole Benjamin 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; a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Nicole Benjamin offers consultations in English.

Nicole D. Benjamin provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Common Musculoskeletal

• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Difficulty with activities like reaching for objects, dressing, personal care, or carrying items due to underlying shoulder issues, which physiotherapy can help diagnose and treat.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Common back problems that can impact your posture, ability to perform daily activities, and overall mobility, addressed with targeted physiotherapy.

Arthritis

• 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.
• 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.

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): 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.

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 Benjamin can assess your needs.

• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Application of various forms of electrical stimulation, such as Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) for muscle strengthening and re-education, or Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) to assist with movement, as prescribed by your Physiotherapist.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): The application of cold packs, ice massage, or other cold modalities by your Physiotherapist to reduce swelling, inflammation, muscle spasm, and acute pain, particularly after an injury.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): Targeted shockwave application to promote tissue regeneration, modulate pain, and improve function in chronic injuries, often with lasting results.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Nicole Benjamin, 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 Athlete's Care Sports Medicine Centres - Markham, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Nicole Benjamin frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Nicole Benjamin frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of difficulty getting out of a chair or bed due to stiffness or pain. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets enjoying less stiffness in the mornings and throughout the day and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like attending and enjoying their children's or grandchildren's sporting events.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Nicole Benjamin'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 improved joint health and a slowing of degenerative processes through better biomechanics. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like participating in light recreational activities like bowling or mini-golf.
• If difficulty moving one side of my body or walking easily after a stroke is preventing you from fully enjoying carrying a backpack or shoulder bag comfortably, Nicole Benjamin offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining achieving personal fitness goals that once seemed out of reach, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• It's truly rewarding for Nicole Benjamin to witness patients conquer recovering from a painful and limiting work-related injury (WCB/CNESST/WorkSafe claim) and experience a reduction in nerve-related symptoms like tingling or numbness. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in engaging in volunteer work that might have physical demands again.

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

Nicole Benjamin practices at Athlete's Care Sports Medicine Centres - Markham, situated in the Greensborough neighborhood of Markham. The clinic is conveniently located near First Markham Place and is accessible via York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva. Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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

In Ontario, you typically do not need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist. This is known as direct access. However, even though a referral isn't legally required to see a physiotherapist, some private insurance plans may require one for coverage. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to confirm their specific requirements.

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

Physiotherapy services in private clinics are generally not covered by OHIP. OHIP may cover physiotherapy in specific situations, such as after a hospital stay for certain conditions, or for specific populations like children, youth, or seniors through community programs. Eligibility criteria are strict, and waitlists may apply. To determine your eligibility for publicly funded physiotherapy, contact OHIP directly. Most individuals will need to rely on private insurance for coverage of physiotherapy services in private clinics.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer some coverage for physiotherapy. Before your first appointment, contact your insurance provider to understand your plan's specifics, including your annual maximum, per-visit limits, co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is needed, and if direct billing is available. If Athlete's Care Sports Medicine Centres - Markham offers direct billing and your plan allows it, we can bill your insurer directly. Otherwise, you'll receive a receipt to submit for reimbursement. Bring your insurance card and policy details to your first appointment.

How can I book an appointment at Athlete's Care Sports Medicine Centres - Markham?

You can book an appointment by calling the clinic at (905) 201-3583 during business hours. Online booking may also be available through their website. The reception team can assist you in scheduling an appointment.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your first appointment will involve a comprehensive assessment. Your physiotherapist will discuss your medical history, symptoms, concerns, and goals. A physical examination will follow, evaluating your range of motion, strength, posture, and balance. Based on this, your therapist will provide a diagnosis, discuss a treatment plan, and may begin initial treatment or provide a home exercise program.

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

Some temporary soreness is normal, especially initially. However, if you experience significant pain increase, new neurological symptoms (numbness, tingling, weakness), or prolonged soreness, contact Athlete's Care Sports Medicine Centres - Markham immediately. They can advise on next steps.

Athlete's Care Sports Medicine Centres - Markham
72 Copper Creek Dr., Unit 101A
Markham, ON, L6B 0P2

Phone: (905) 201-3583

Nicole D. Benjamin 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: XXX74

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=f4e18b1f-9002-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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