Rachel Albers – Physiotherapist | St. Catharines, ON

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

Rachel Albers completed their degree in Physiotherapy from D'Youville University (Graduating Class of 2020). With clinical experience, Rachel Albers is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Rachel Albers has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Rachel Albers empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Rachel Albers employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Rachel Albers demonstrates a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Rachel Albers offers consultations in English.

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

Back Neck Pain

• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): A range of neck and related symptoms including pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and sometimes arm pain or cognitive difficulties, following a rapid acceleration-deceleration injury to the neck, most typically from a motor vehicle accident.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Symptoms of nerve compression originating from the spine, such as a 'slipped disc' or 'pinched nerve', causing radiating pain, altered sensation, or muscle weakness in a limb.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Muscular pain, trigger points, and tension headaches resulting from habitual poor posture, which can be addressed with postural re-education, exercises, and ergonomic advice.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Nerve compression symptoms due to a narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal or the small openings where nerves exit the spine (foramina), most commonly in the lumbar (lower back) or cervical (neck) regions.

Arthritis

• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Supportive physiotherapy care for joint recovery and function after gout flares, focusing on restoring range of motion, reducing inflammation, and providing advice on joint protection and lifestyle factors.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Physiotherapy for ankylosing spondylitis focuses on maintaining spinal mobility and flexibility (especially extension), improving posture, strengthening core and back muscles, managing pain, and providing education on self-management and regular exercise.

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.

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. Rachel Albers can assess your needs.

• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Improving the mobility and health of your nervous system to reduce pain, restore sensation, and enhance overall function.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Helping you understand how your posture impacts your musculoskeletal health and providing you with tools for lasting postural improvement and pain relief.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Empowering you with a clear understanding of your condition, its causes, and practical tools for effective self-management and lasting relief.

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

• The path to recovery from recovering from a burn and needing help with scar mobility and movement and achieving improved balance and coordination, leading to safer and more confident mobility in seniors for going on birdwatching outings in various terrains often starts with expert guidance. Rachel Albers, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from a 'frozen shoulder' feeling, where my shoulder feels completely stuck and achieved improved breathing mechanics and capacity through postural correction under the skilled care of Rachel Albers. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as returning to a specific physical hobby they had to give up due to pain with a new lease on life.
• When trying to stay as mobile and active as possible while living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing getting back to cycling for leisure or commuting, physiotherapy with Rachel Albers can help you work towards a noticeable improvement in their gait and walking efficiency. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• If trouble with a constantly stiff and sore neck, making turning my head a pain is preventing you from fully enjoying setting up and taking down equipment for hobbies or sports, Rachel Albers offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining effectively managing chronic pain and reclaiming an active lifestyle, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.

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

Rachel Albers practices at Niagara Health & Rehab Centre, a reputable physiotherapy clinic in the St. Catharines neighborhood of St. Catharines. The clinic is conveniently located near Royal Canadian Henley Regatta Course and is accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession dedicated to helping people of all ages improve their movement, function, and overall well-being. A registered Physiotherapist uses evidence-based techniques like targeted exercise, hands-on manual therapy, and personalized education to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of injuries, pain conditions, and physical impairments affecting your muscles, bones, joints, nerves, and even your cardiorespiratory system. It can help you reduce pain, increase mobility and strength, recover from surgery, prevent future injuries, and enhance your quality of life.

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, while a referral isn't legally required to see a Physiotherapist, some private/extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement. It is strongly recommended that you check your individual insurance policy before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements.

What are Niagara Health & Rehab Centre's operating hours?

Niagara Health & Rehab Centre is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Some practitioners may offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call the clinic at [Phone Number] or check their website for the most up-to-date information.

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?

To make your first appointment as smooth and productive as possible, please consider bringing: your health card, any doctor's referral letter (if applicable), results or reports of any imaging tests (X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs) related to your current condition, a list of any medications you are currently taking, and your extended health benefits information (insurance card/policy number) for direct billing if available at our clinic. Wearing comfortable clothes is also a good idea.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services provided 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, but eligibility criteria are strict and there may be waitlists. It's essential to check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

Is there parking available at or near Niagara Health & Rehab Centre?

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside the building. Look for the designated patient spots.

Niagara Health & Rehab Centre
23 Hannover Dr, Unit 3A
St. Catharines, ON, L2W 1A3

Phone: (289) 362-3600

Rachel Albers 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: XXX83

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=8865762a-e83f-eb11-a813-000d3af427b4

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