Praveena Balaram – Physiotherapist | London, ON

Balaram Praveena is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Geriatric Physiotherapy Focus / Seniors' Health). Practicing at Parkwood Hospital in London, ON, Balaram Praveena is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Balaram Praveena focuses 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. Balaram Praveena serves seniors within the community.

Balaram Praveena completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University (Graduating Class of 2003). With clinical experience, Balaram Praveena is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Balaram Praveena has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.

Balaram Praveena's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the London community through proactive physiotherapy; a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Balaram Praveena offers consultations in English, Tamil.

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

Vestibular Balance

• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Helping your brain adapt to a weakened inner ear balance sense, reducing chronic dizziness, improving visual focus during movement, and enhancing your overall balance and stability.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Effective, non-invasive treatment for positional dizziness and vertigo using specific head and body movements performed by a trained Vestibular Physiotherapist.

Geriatric

• Age-Related Deconditioning / Frailty / Sarcopenia Management: Helping seniors stay strong, mobile, active, and independent for longer through tailored exercise and functional rehabilitation programs.
• Mobility Issues & Gait Disturbances in Seniors: Addressing specific mobility challenges to enhance safety, reduce fall risk, and improve participation in life activities for older adults.

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. Balaram Praveena can assess your needs.

• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Teaching you essential strategies and exercises to manage your symptoms independently, accelerate recovery, and prevent future problems.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A thorough evaluation by your Physiotherapist to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Education on optimal body mechanics and corrective strategies to improve your posture during daily activities, work, and recreation.
• 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.
• Rehabilitation for Age-Related Deconditioning & Loss of Autonomy: Rehabilitation focused on reversing the effects of deconditioning, combating frailty, and restoring autonomy for seniors, enabling them to live more fully.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): A systematic screening process, such as FMS™ or SFMA™ (if your Physiotherapist is certified), to understand how you move and guide preventative or corrective exercise programs.

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

• It's truly rewarding for Balaram Praveena to witness patients conquer feeling 'off-balance' and worried about falling, especially as I get older and experience feeling more energetic and less weighed down by physical discomfort. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in attending concerts or theatre shows and sitting comfortably throughout again.
• Physiotherapy with Balaram Praveena can be a transformative turning point for those affected by trouble with a constantly stiff and sore neck, making turning my head a pain. The shared goal is achieving reduced muscle tension and a feeling of greater physical ease, paving the way for you to enjoy challenging myself with indoor or outdoor rock climbing and a more active, vibrant life.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of tendonitis pain flaring up in my shoulder, knee, elbow, or foot? Balaram Praveena works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of a reduction in nerve-related symptoms like tingling or numbness. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from awful foot pain first thing in the morning, like I'm walking on glass (plantar fasciitis) and achieved enhanced pelvic floor function and control (for relevant conditions) under the skilled care of Balaram Praveena. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as operating machinery or tools safely and efficiently at work with a new lease on life.

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

Balaram Praveena's practice at Parkwood Hospital is situated in the Woodfield, Wortley Village neighborhood of London. The clinic is conveniently located near Various Plazas North and South and is accessible via London Transit Commission (LTC). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves skilled, hands-on treatments performed by your Physiotherapist as part of your overall physiotherapy plan. These techniques are designed to assess and treat your joints, muscles, and nerves to decrease pain and improve your mobility and function. Examples include specific joint mobilizations to improve movement, soft tissue release techniques to address muscle tightness or scar tissue, and sometimes manipulations (adjustments) if indicated and appropriate for your condition and your therapist's qualifications.

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, some private/extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider to understand their specific requirements before your first appointment.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of physiotherapy sessions needed varies greatly depending on individual factors. After a comprehensive initial assessment, Balaram Praveena will provide a better estimate of the number and frequency of sessions required to achieve your goals. Your progress will be regularly reviewed, and the treatment plan adjusted as needed.

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, such as post-hospitalization for certain conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams. Eligibility criteria are strict, and waitlists may exist. Check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics. You should also verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Parkwood Hospital treat?

Physiotherapists at Parkwood Hospital treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, back and neck pain, joint problems (arthritis, post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, and nerve pain. Balaram Praveena has expertise in Geriatric Physiotherapy and Seniors' Health. Treatments often involve patient education, manual therapy, exercise prescription, and self-management strategies to help patients achieve their functional goals.

Parkwood Hospital
550 Wellington Rd.
London, ON, N6C 0A7

Phone: (519) 646-6100

Praveena Balaram 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: XXX53

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=e7363bb8-9302-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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