Prathima Rani Samineni – Physiotherapist | Niagara Falls, ON

Prathima Rani Samineni is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Oakwood Park Lodge in Niagara Falls, ON, Prathima Samineni is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Prathima Samineni's practice focuses on 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. Prathima Samineni has a particular focus on the unique health needs of older adults, aiming to improve and maintain mobility, strength, balance, manage age-related conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis, reduce fall risk, and enhance overall quality of life and independence.

Prathima Rani Samineni completed their degree in Physiotherapy from City College of Physiotherapy (Graduating Class of 2001). With extensive clinical experience, Prathima Samineni is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Prathima Samineni has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.

Prathima Samineni's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Niagara Falls community through proactive physiotherapy; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Prathima Samineni offers consultations in English.

Prathima Rani Samineni provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Neurological

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Symptom Management & Rehabilitation: Individualized exercise programs (e.g., strength, aerobic, balance, flexibility), energy conservation techniques, and compensatory strategies tailored by a Neuro Physiotherapist for individuals living with Multiple Sclerosis.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) / Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Rehabilitation: Comprehensive neurorehabilitation provided by a Physiotherapist to support functional recovery, improve independence in daily activities, and facilitate community reintegration after a head injury.

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Conservative physiotherapy management for trigger digit, which may include splinting to rest the tendon, specific tendon gliding exercises, activity modification advice, modalities to reduce inflammation, and education to prevent recurrence.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Specialized physiotherapy for conditions affecting the intricate structures of the hand and wrist, such as fractures (e.g., Colles', scaphoid), tendon lacerations or ruptures (e.g., flexor/extensor tendon repairs), ligament sprains/tears (e.g., skier's thumb, TFCC injuries), repetitive strain injuries, or arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis). Includes both conservative management and post-operative rehabilitation.

Post Surgical

• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): Gentle and progressive physiotherapy rehabilitation following spinal surgery (e.g., for disc herniation, spinal stenosis, or spinal fusion), initiated once cleared by your surgeon, to improve mobility, core strength, posture, reduce pain, and safely return to daily activities.
• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Physiotherapy aimed at restoring movement, strength, and function after surgical repair of broken bones (e.g., Open Reduction Internal Fixation - ORIF, intramedullary nailing), once the fracture site is sufficiently healed and cleared for rehabilitation by your surgeon.
• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): A structured physiotherapy program to manage post-operative pain and swelling, improve knee flexibility and strength, and re-educate your gait pattern after a TKA or PKA.
• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Specialized physiotherapy following knee ligament reconstruction surgery to ensure a successful recovery, minimize complications (like stiffness or muscle atrophy), and facilitate a safe and confident return to activity and sport, preventing re-injury.

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. Prathima Samineni can assess your needs.

• Geriatric Physiotherapy & Seniors' Health: Addressing common concerns in seniors such as difficulty walking, fear of falling, joint pain and stiffness, and deconditioning, to improve their overall quality of life and ability to participate in meaningful activities.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Using controlled isometric and isotonic muscle contractions, as directed by your Physiotherapist, to address joint restrictions and muscle imbalances effectively.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Specialized manual techniques aimed at restoring normal movement and function to peripheral nerves that may be compressed, adhered, or under tension.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Manual treatments specifically designed to improve joint mechanics, alleviate discomfort, reduce stiffness, and enhance your range of motion in the spine or limbs.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Targeted manual methods performed by your Physiotherapist to release tight or overactive muscles, address fascial restrictions, and alleviate pain arising from soft tissue dysfunction.
• Rehabilitation for Age-Related Deconditioning & Loss of Autonomy: Helping seniors regain their physical capacity, reduce dependency, and improve their ability to manage at home safely and effectively.

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

• Are you finding that trouble performing repetitive tasks at work without pain stops you from enjoying performing self-care tasks like hair washing or reaching their back? Prathima Samineni is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve feeling more positive, capable, and optimistic about their physical health through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from trouble with a constantly stiff and sore neck, making turning my head a pain and achieved enjoying cycling or swimming regularly without pain or limitation under the skilled care of Prathima Samineni. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as going on birdwatching outings in various terrains with a new lease on life.
• Don't let dealing with pelvic pain or bladder/bowel control issues (for both men and women) dictate what you can and cannot do. Prathima Samineni offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at improved core stability and control, leading to better posture and reduced strain, helping you reclaim travelling more comfortably on planes, trains, or in cars for longer durations and enjoy a more functional life.
• At Prathima Samineni's physiotherapy practice, individuals with widespread muscle pain and fatigue that my doctor thinks might be fibromyalgia are guided towards a safe and confident return to their favorite sport or recreational activity. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as taking long photography walks to capture nature or cityscapes.

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

Prathima Samineni's practice is located at Oakwood Park Lodge, situated in the Clifton Hill Tourist Area, Fallsview Area neighborhood of Niagara Falls. The clinic is conveniently located near the Commercial Corridor and is accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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.

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.

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. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

Does Oakwood Park Lodge offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

While we do not offer direct billing at this time, we provide detailed official receipts that you can easily submit to your insurer for reimbursement according to your plan. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. Always confirm your coverage details with your insurance provider, as plans vary significantly. You are responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.

Is there parking available at or near Oakwood Park Lodge?

Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby. Check local signage for restrictions.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

In physiotherapy, manual therapy encompasses a range of 'hands-on' interventions. Your Physiotherapist may use these techniques to help reduce your pain, increase joint movement, relax tight muscles, or improve the mobility of your nerves. Common approaches include joint glides, sustained pressures, specific soft tissue massage, and, when indicated, joint manipulations. It's a key part of helping your body move better.

Oakwood Park Lodge
6747 Oakwood Dr
Niagara Falls, ON, L2E 6S5

Phone: (905) 356-8732

Prathima Rani Samineni 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=9e27e69f-8e02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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