Richard Francesco Delitala – Physiotherapist | Peterborough, ON

Richard Francesco Delitala is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at ORIK - Orthopaedic Rehabilitation Institute Kawarthas in Peterborough, ON, Rich Delitala is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Rich Delitala's approach 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. Rich Delitala serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Richard Francesco Delitala completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Western University (Graduating Class of 2013). With extensive clinical experience, Rich Delitala is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Rich Delitala has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Rich Delitala'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 Peterborough community through proactive physiotherapy. Rich Delitala offers consultations in English.

Richard Francesco Delitala provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Common Musculoskeletal

• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Common knee complaints that can affect your ability to walk, climb stairs, squat, run, or participate in sports, addressed through a tailored physiotherapy program.
• 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.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Pain, discomfort, or stiffness in the lumbar spine region, whether it's a sudden onset or a long-lasting issue affecting your daily life.

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): Physiotherapy to help you regain optimal use of your hand and wrist after an injury, surgery, or due to a chronic condition, enabling you to return to work, hobbies, and daily tasks.

Arthritis

• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): An inflammatory arthritis that can affect some people with psoriasis (a skin condition), causing joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and sometimes affecting tendons (enthesitis) and ligaments. Can affect small or large joints, often asymmetrically, and sometimes the spine.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Helping you live well with rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory arthropathies through targeted physiotherapy interventions designed to manage symptoms, preserve function, and promote overall well-being.
• 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): A type of chronic inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spine (especially the sacroiliac joints and vertebrae), leading to pain, stiffness, and potential fusion of vertebrae, which can result in a stooped posture if not managed.

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. Rich Delitala can assess your needs.

• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: LLLT or 'cold laser' therapy to stimulate your body's natural healing processes, provide pain relief, and improve function in conditions like tendinopathies, arthritis, or soft tissue injuries.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: A non-invasive electrotherapy modality aimed at reducing pain, muscle guarding, or swelling, and sometimes used for muscle strengthening, as part of your physiotherapy treatment.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: Application of therapeutic heat to prepare tissues for exercise, manual therapy, or stretching, or to manage chronic muscle soreness and joint stiffness.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Employing different types of electrotherapy to support your rehabilitation goals, including promoting tissue healing or improving motor control.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: Utilizing traction techniques to create space within the spine, reduce nerve irritation, improve disc hydration, and alleviate back or neck pain.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Using therapeutic ultrasound as an adjunct treatment to help reduce pain, decrease inflammation, break down scar tissue, and accelerate the repair of injured soft tissues.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Rich Delitala, 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 ORIK - Orthopaedic Rehabilitation Institute Kawarthas, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Rich Delitala frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Rich Delitala frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of persistent dizziness that isn't a spinning vertigo but makes me feel unsteady. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets getting back their independence with daily activities and personal care and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like getting on and off the floor with ease.
• For those whose needing to improve my breathing patterns or lung capacity has made working at their desk all day without developing back or neck stiffness seem like a distant memory, Rich Delitala's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward greater ease in performing overhead activities or reaching. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to working at their desk all day without developing back or neck stiffness with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Patients often come to Rich Delitala feeling defeated by an awkward gait or limping when I walk. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving reduced swelling and inflammation in injured areas and resuming engaging in detailed crafting, sewing, or knitting hobbies for hours becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Rediscover your ability to hitting the slopes for a full day of skiing or snowboarding in winter without the constant burden of recovering from a burn and needing help with scar mobility and movement. Rich Delitala focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to effectively managing chronic pain and reclaiming an active lifestyle, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.

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

Rich Delitala practices at ORIK - Orthopaedic Rehabilitation Institute Kawarthas, situated in the Downtown Peterborough, Central neighborhood of Peterborough. The clinic is conveniently located near Peterborough Memorial Centre (Arena) and is accessible via Peterborough Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

What are ORIK - Orthopaedic Rehabilitation Institute Kawarthas's operating hours?

ORIK - Orthopaedic Rehabilitation Institute Kawarthas is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and some practitioners offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call our office at +1 705-742-6745 or check our website/online booking portal at for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapist in ON?

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (direct access). However, while a doctor's referral may not be legally required to *see* a Physiotherapist, some private/extended health insurance plans *do* require one for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check the specific requirements of your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

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 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 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.

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 that you check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Initial assessment appointments are generally longer to allow for a thorough evaluation and discussion, typically lasting between 45 to 60 minutes. Subsequent follow-up treatment sessions are usually shorter, often ranging from 30 to 45 minutes. However, the duration can vary depending on your specific needs, the complexity of your condition, the type of treatment being provided, and the treatment plan designed by your Physiotherapist.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, in almost all cases, you will receive a customized home exercise program. These exercises are carefully chosen by your Physiotherapist to specifically target your issues and help you achieve your functional goals faster and more effectively. Performing them as recommended is very important for your progress and for maintaining the improvements you make during your clinic visits.

ORIK - Orthopaedic Rehabilitation Institute Kawarthas
197 George Street North
Peterborough, ON, K9J 3G6

Phone: (705) 304-6715

Richard Francesco Delitala 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: XXX78

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=d438468c-9102-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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