Nishita Patel – Physiotherapist | St. Catharines, ON

Nishita Patel is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Niagara Health System in St. Catharines, ON, Nishita Patel is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Nishita Patel'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. Nishita Patel serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Nishita Patel completed their degree in Physiotherapy from KLE Institute of Physiotherapy (Graduating Class of 2016). With clinical experience, Nishita Patel is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Nishita Patel has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Nishita Patel maintains 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. Nishita Patel offers consultations in English, Gujarati, Hindi, Marathi.

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

Common Musculoskeletal

• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Neck problems that interfere with your sleep quality, ability to work comfortably (especially at a desk), or perform everyday tasks without pain.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Aching, burning, sharp pain, or a 'pins and needles' sensation in the wrist, thumb, or hand region, sometimes waking you at night.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Common knee complaints that can affect your ability to walk, climb stairs, squat, run, or participate in sports, addressed through a tailored physiotherapy program.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Damage to the body's movement system, including issues like joint inflammation, ligament tears, or muscle overstretching, often requiring physiotherapy for optimal recovery.

Post Surgical

• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): Specialized physiotherapy after knee joint replacement surgery to help you regain independence, optimize your surgical outcome, and return to desired daily activities and hobbies.
• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Guiding your rehabilitation journey after ACL or other ligament surgery, from early post-operative care to advanced sport-specific training and return-to-play testing.

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. Nishita Patel can assess your needs.

• Postural Assessment and Correction: Identifying and addressing habitual postures (e.g., from desk work, phone use) or ergonomic factors that may be contributing to your pain or dysfunction.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Hands-on physiotherapy focused on mobilizing restricted joints and soft tissues to promote healing, restore normal biomechanics, and alleviate pain.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Teaching you essential strategies and exercises to manage your symptoms independently, accelerate recovery, and prevent future problems.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Targeted therapy to alleviate symptoms such as shooting pain, pins and needles, or weakness arising from neural tension or entrapment.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Identifying inefficient or compensatory movement patterns that could be contributing to your pain or hindering your physical performance.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A thorough evaluation by your Physiotherapist to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.

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

• Many individuals seek help from Nishita Patel, their physiotherapist, when post-operative stiffness and weakness that's slowing down my recovery starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve getting back to hiking, running, or cycling pain-free and with renewed vigor, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like operating machinery or tools safely and efficiently at work.
• Patients struggling with recovering from surgery to my hand or wrist can find dedicated and compassionate support from Nishita Patel. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving a reduction in nerve-related symptoms like tingling or numbness, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as taking long photography walks to capture nature or cityscapes.
• Living with wrist pain and tingling, possibly from carpal tunnel syndrome, especially at night doesn't have to be your norm. Nishita Patel applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards feeling less fatigued during physical activities and throughout the day, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of competing effectively in their curling league games.
• For those whose numbness, tingling, or weakness in my hands, arms, feet, or legs has made participating in water aerobics or other pool-based exercises seem like a distant memory, Nishita Patel's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward the ability to sit for longer periods (e.g., at a desk, in a car) without significant discomfort. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to participating in water aerobics or other pool-based exercises with greater comfort and renewed confidence.

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

Nishita Patel practices at Niagara Health System, situated in the Port Dalhousie neighborhood of St. Catharines. The clinic is conveniently located near Welland Canals Parkway Trail access and is accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

It's recommended to wear or bring clothing that allows unrestricted movement and provides easy access for your physiotherapist to examine the body part being assessed or treated. For instance, if you have a knee problem, please wear or bring shorts. For shoulder issues, a sleeveless top or a top with loose armholes is often helpful. The goal is to make the assessment and treatment as effective as possible.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

For your first visit, please bring your provincial health card (e.g., Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card, if applicable for any publicly funded programs or simply for identification), any relevant medical information such as a doctor's referral note (if you have one), reports from recent imaging (like X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound scans), and a list of your current medications. Also, if you plan to use private health insurance, bring your insurance card or policy details. Finally, wear or bring comfortable clothing suitable for assessment and movement.

What is Niagara Health System'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 or missed appointments without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

You can expect your initial physiotherapy visit to be around an hour long. This extended time allows for a comprehensive assessment of your condition and a collaborative discussion about your treatment goals. Subsequent follow-up sessions are generally between 30 and 45 minutes, though this can be adjusted based on your individual requirements. Your Physiotherapist will advise on the appropriate appointment length for your specific care.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, in almost all cases, you will receive a customized home exercise program. These exercises are carefully chosen by your Physiotherapist to specifically target your issues and help you achieve your functional goals faster and more effectively. Performing them as recommended is very important for your progress and for maintaining the improvements you make during your clinic visits.

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

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (direct access). However, some private health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first 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), but eligibility criteria are strict. Check your private insurance for coverage.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

It's difficult to say exactly how many sessions you'll need without a thorough assessment. Your Physiotherapist will provide an estimated treatment timeline after your first visit.

Niagara Health System
1200 Fourth Ave
St. Catharines, ON, L2S 0A9

Phone: (905) 378-4647

Nishita Patel 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: XXX22

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=d2d93a8c-01d9-eb11-bacb-000d3af46430

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