Priyal Hitendra Shah – Physiotherapist | Kitchener, ON

Priyal Hitendra Shah is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Livewell Health and Physiotherapy in Kitchener, ON, Priyal Shah is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Priyal Shah'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. Priyal Shah serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Priyal Hitendra Shah completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda (Graduating Class of 2018). With clinical experience, Priyal Shah is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Priyal Shah has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Priyal Shah embraces a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Kitchener community through proactive physiotherapy; and a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Priyal Shah offers consultations in English, Gujarati, Hindi.

Priyal Hitendra Shah provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Post Surgical

• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Helping you manage pain, improve scar mobility, and regain optimal strength and range of motion in a limb following fracture fixation surgery.
• 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.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.
• 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).

Common Musculoskeletal

• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Pain affecting the hip joint and surrounding musculature, which can limit activities like walking, standing for long periods, rising from a chair, or lying on the affected side.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Common ankle injuries causing acute pain, persistent swelling, and instability, significantly affecting your ability to walk, run, or participate in sports.

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. Priyal Shah can assess your needs.

• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Structured physical activities and exercises aimed at helping you safely regain strength, stamina, and confidence in your body's abilities, tailored to your current level.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Targeted exercises using resistance (such as bodyweight, resistance bands, free weights, or gym equipment) to build muscle strength, power, and endurance, tailored to your specific rehabilitation needs or performance goals.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Customized exercise plans designed to help you recover from injury, manage chronic conditions, improve physical performance, and achieve your functional goals safely and effectively.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Specific stretches designed by your therapist to target tight muscle groups relevant to your condition, helping to improve your flexibility and reduce your risk of injury.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): A form of manual therapy that actively involves you in your treatment, utilizing your body's muscular effort to achieve specific therapeutic effects on restricted joints and shortened soft tissues.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Specialized workouts to enhance your core strength, stability, and endurance, which are crucial for injury prevention, back health, and efficient performance in daily activities and sports.

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

• The journey to feeling equipped with effective self-management strategies and exercises when faced with persistent awful foot pain first thing in the morning, like I'm walking on glass (plantar fasciitis) is made smoother and more effective with Priyal Shah's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like actively participating in family outings and vacations without holding others back.
• Patients often come to Priyal Shah feeling defeated by persistent dizziness that isn't a spinning vertigo but makes me feel unsteady. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving the ability to sit for longer periods (e.g., at a desk, in a car) without significant discomfort and resuming reaching for items on high shelves or in cupboards without shoulder strain becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Living with feeling 'off-balance' and worried about falling, especially as I get older doesn't have to be your norm. Priyal Shah applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards improved balance and coordination, leading to safer and more confident mobility in seniors, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of hitting the slopes for a full day of skiing or snowboarding in winter.
• At Priyal Shah's physiotherapy practice, individuals with shoulder pain that makes simple things like lifting my arm or reaching overhead difficult are guided towards feeling more stable and confident on their feet, especially on uneven surfaces. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as pushing a stroller or shopping cart without difficulty.

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

Priyal Shah practices at Livewell Health and Physiotherapy, situated in the Victoria Hills, Westmount neighborhood of Kitchener. The clinic is conveniently located near Conestoga College (Doon Campus nearby) and is accessible via Grand River Transit (GRT) (Bus and ION Light Rail). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

How can I book an appointment at Livewell Health and Physiotherapy?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (519) 570-4247 during our business hours. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

What is Livewell Health and Physiotherapy'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 (or one business day) 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 (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments (no-shows) without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

During your first visit, the Physiotherapist will conduct a detailed evaluation to get a full picture of your condition. This usually involves a thorough discussion about your symptoms, how they impact your daily life, any relevant medical history, and your personal goals for therapy. A physical assessment will then be performed to help pinpoint the cause of your problem and assess your physical capabilities. Afterwards, your therapist will explain their findings, collaborate with you to set treatment goals, and outline a proposed plan of care. You'll likely receive some initial advice, exercises, or hands-on treatment to begin your recovery journey.

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. We strongly advise checking your private insurance for private clinic coverage.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Absolutely! Home exercises are a vital part of your rehabilitation journey and empower you to take an active role in your recovery process. Your Physiotherapist will carefully select and teach you exercises specific to your needs. These exercises help to reinforce what's done in the clinic, manage your condition effectively, and ensure you continue progressing towards your goals even when you're not in a session.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

The primary goal of physiotherapy is generally to reduce pain and improve function, not to cause significant or lasting pain. Some assessment techniques or specific treatments (like deep soft tissue work, joint mobilization, or certain exercises) might cause mild, temporary discomfort or soreness, especially if the tissues being treated are sensitive, inflamed, or very stiff. However, your Physiotherapist will always work within your tolerance levels, communicate clearly about what to expect, and encourage open feedback. If you experience notable or unacceptable pain during treatment, please inform your therapist immediately so adjustments can be made to ensure your comfort.

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.

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 *do* require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

Livewell Health and Physiotherapy
8C - 450 Westheights Drive
Kitchener, ON, N2N 2B9

Phone: (519) 570-4247

Priyal Hitendra Shah 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: XXX61

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=60128963-68c5-ec11-a7b5-0022486df702

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