Rachelle Denise Noel – Physiotherapist | Welland, ON

Rachelle Denise Noel is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Niagara Health System - Welland County General Hospital in Welland, ON, Rachelle is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Rachelle'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. Rachelle serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Rachelle Denise Noel completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Ottawa (Graduating Class of 1994). With extensive clinical experience, Rachelle is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Rachelle has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Rachelle's practice philosophy centers on a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Welland community through proactive physiotherapy; and employing a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Rachelle Noel offers consultations in English, French.

Rachelle Denise Noel provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Back Neck Pain

• 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.
• 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: Pain, pins and needles, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg resulting from irritation or compression of a spinal nerve, often managed effectively with physiotherapy techniques like McKenzie method or neural mobilization.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Pain and muscle tension related to ergonomic factors at work or home, muscle imbalances, and suboptimal body mechanics or movement habits.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): A broad term for common injuries affecting muscles, tendons (tendinitis/tendinopathy), ligaments (sprains), joint capsules (capsulitis), and bursae (bursitis), leading to pain, inflammation, and functional limitations.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Symptoms in your hand or wrist that impact your ability to perform your job, hobbies, or essential self-care tasks, addressed by specialized hand physiotherapy.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Injury to muscle tissue that limits your strength, range of motion, and ability to perform specific movements or activities, requiring careful 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. Rachelle can assess your needs.

• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Developing muscular strength and endurance to aid in injury recovery, support affected joints, improve biomechanics, and enhance athletic performance or demanding physical tasks.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Targeted exercises focused on strengthening the deep abdominal, back, pelvic floor, and diaphragm muscles to provide better support for your spine, improve posture, enhance balance, and increase movement efficiency.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Education and instruction on effective and safe stretching techniques to help you maintain or improve your body's flexibility and joint mobility.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Graded exercise programs designed to improve your overall physical fitness, endurance, strength, and functional capacity, especially beneficial after illness, surgery, or periods of prolonged inactivity.
• 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.

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

• Are you finding that trying to get back to my best after a frustrating sports injury stops you from enjoying going on birdwatching outings in various terrains? Rachelle is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve restoring normal movement patterns essential for everyday tasks through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• At Rachelle's physiotherapy practice, individuals with hip pain when I walk, climb stairs, or try to sleep on my side are guided towards successfully avoiding or delaying the need for more invasive treatments or surgery. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as actively participating in family outings and vacations without holding others back.
• Rachelle believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If persistent dizziness that isn't a spinning vertigo but makes me feel unsteady is hindering your ability to taking group exercise classes at the community center, a personalized plan focusing on a smoother and stronger postpartum recovery can make all the difference.
• Struggling with the frustration of my baby/child having trouble with their motor skills, like delayed rolling, sitting or walking? Rachelle develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving more comfortable and efficient movement when transitioning between positions (e.g., sit to stand). This is key to helping you get back to doing sitting comfortably through a movie at the cinema or a play with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.

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

Rachelle practices at Niagara Health System - Welland County General Hospital, situated in the North Welland, Niagara College Area neighborhood of Welland. The clinic is conveniently located near Welland Public Library Main Branch and is accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT) / Welland Transit routes. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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.

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.

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 our 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.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiotherapist can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

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.

What is Niagara Health System - Welland County General Hospital'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 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 without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

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.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Your first appointment (assessment & plan) usually takes about 60 minutes. Follow-up appointments are typically 30 to 45 minutes. The exact duration depends on your treatment needs.

Niagara Health System - Welland County General Hospital
65 Third Street
Welland, ON, L3B 4W6

Phone: (905) 378-4647

Rachelle Denise Noel 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: XXX95

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=7b46995d-8b02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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