About
Palak Prakashkumar Darji is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Resident Physiotherapist). Practicing at Akal Physiotherapy & Rehab Clinic in Brampton, ON, Palak Darji is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Palak Darji's focus is 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. Palak Darji serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.
Palak Prakashkumar Darji completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda (Graduating Class of 2020). With clinical experience, Palak Darji is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Palak Darji has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.
Palak Darji's practice philosophy centers on a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results; a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Palak Darji offers consultations in English, Gujarati, Hindi.
Palak Prakashkumar Darji provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:
Post Surgical
- Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Comprehensive physiotherapy for knee ligament injuries post-operatively, focusing on restoring full knee function, power, and agility to meet your specific athletic or lifestyle demands.
- Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): A tailored physiotherapy program following hip joint replacement to optimize your recovery, manage pain, ensure adherence to any precautions, and facilitate a return to an active lifestyle.
Hand Wrist
- Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Managing a variety of acute and chronic conditions of the hand and wrist, aiming to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent long-term disability.
- Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Helping to alleviate the symptoms of a catching, locking, or painful finger/thumb through targeted physiotherapy interventions, potentially avoiding the need for injections or surgery in some cases.
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.
- Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Post-traumatic neck pain, restricted movement, and associated issues common after car accidents, which benefit from early and appropriate physiotherapy intervention.
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. Palak Darji can assess your needs.
- 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.
- Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: A non-invasive physiotherapy modality that uses sound energy to stimulate cellular activity, enhance circulation, and support tissue recovery from injury or inflammation.
- Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: A non-invasive light therapy used in physiotherapy to treat various musculoskeletal conditions, promote faster healing, reduce pain, and modulate inflammation without generating heat.
- Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): The application of focused acoustic waves (Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy) by a trained Physiotherapist to treat chronic tendon issues (e.g., plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, Achilles tendinopathy), calcific tendinosis, and other persistent musculoskeletal conditions.
- Therapeutic Heat Application: A comforting physiotherapy modality that helps to soothe tight muscles, decrease pain perception, and improve the flexibility of soft tissues.
- Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: A specialized physiotherapy treatment that uses a traction table or manual techniques to gently decompress spinal structures, relieve pressure, and promote healing.
Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Palak Darji, 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 Akal Physiotherapy & Rehab Clinic, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Palak Darji frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- Living with my child walking on their toes most of the time doesn't have to be your norm. Palak Darji applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards a greater sense of body confidence and trust in their physical abilities, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of tackling home renovation and DIY projects with confidence.
- Many find that trouble with a constantly stiff and sore neck, making turning my head a pain significantly impacts their ability to setting up and taking down equipment for hobbies or sports. Palak Darji helps patients target a better ability to cope with the physical stresses of daily life with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
- Palak Darji frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of recovering from a concussion and dealing with lingering symptoms like dizziness or headaches. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets a significantly reduced risk of falling, enhancing safety and independence and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like comfortably cooking and meal prepping for their family.
- If recovering my strength and energy after being very sick (like with pneumonia or Long COVID) is preventing you from fully enjoying returning to dancing, whether it's ballet, salsa, or just for fun, Palak Darji offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining sleeping more soundly through the night due to reduced pain and discomfort, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
Your personalized physiotherapy plan, developed with Palak Darji, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.
Palak Darji practices at Akal Physiotherapy & Rehab Clinic, situated in the Downtown Brampton, Brampton West neighborhood of Brampton. The clinic is conveniently located near Kennedy Square Mall and is accessible via Brampton Transit (including Züm BRT). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.
- Is there parking available at or near Akal Physiotherapy & Rehab Clinic?
- Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside our building. Look for the designated patient spots.
- 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.
- Does Akal Physiotherapy & Rehab Clinic offer direct billing to private insurance companies?
- Yes, Akal Physiotherapy & Rehab Clinic offers direct billing for most major private insurance companies such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, Blue Cross, etc. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your first appointment. Always confirm your specific coverage details, including any annual maximums, per-visit limits, or deductible requirements, directly with your insurance provider, as plans vary significantly. You are responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.
- Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapist in ON?
- No, you do not need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapist in Ontario. This is known as direct access. However, some private/extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. Check your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.
- What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?
- Manual therapy refers to specialized hands-on techniques used by a Physiotherapist to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This can include joint mobilization (gentle, rhythmic gliding movements), joint manipulation (skilled, high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts, where appropriate and within the therapist's scope and with your consent), various soft tissue mobilization techniques (like massage, myofascial release, trigger point release), and neural mobilization (gentle techniques to improve nerve movement). The primary goals are to reduce pain, improve range of motion, restore optimal joint mechanics, reduce muscle tension, and enhance tissue repair and function.
- 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 Akal Physiotherapy & Rehab Clinic 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.
- 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. Check your private insurance for coverage in a private clinic.
Akal Physiotherapy & Rehab Clinic
104-527 Van Kirk Drive
Brampton, ON, L7A 0P4
Phone: (905) 495-4445
Palak Prakashkumar Darji 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: XXX14
Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=bda8e143-da45-ef11-a316-6045bd5da40d
Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.
