Saima Ahmed – Physiotherapist | St. Catharines, ON

Saima Ahmed is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Geriatric Physiotherapy Focus / Seniors' Health). Practicing at Westhills Care Centre in St. Catharines, ON, saima ahmed is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Saima ahmed 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. Saima ahmed serves seniors with empathy and support, tailoring treatment plans to meet each individual's specific needs and goals.

Saima Ahmed completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Liaquat National School of Physiotherapy (Graduating Class of 1996). With extensive clinical experience, saima ahmed is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Saima ahmed has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health, ensuring saima ahmed remains at the forefront of current best practices in geriatric care.

Saima ahmed employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Saima ahmed empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Saima ahmed promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the St. Catharines community through proactive physiotherapy. Saima ahmed offers consultations in English, Hindi, Panjabi, Punjabi, Urdu.

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

Post Surgical

• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): A progressive exercise program, often combined with manual therapy, designed to gradually restore your shoulder's range of motion, strength, and coordination following your operation.
• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): A carefully managed and individualized physiotherapy program to help you regain confidence in your spine, improve functional capacity, and prevent future issues after spinal surgery.
• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): Specialized physiotherapy after knee joint replacement surgery to help you regain independence, optimize your surgical outcome, and return to desired daily activities and hobbies.

Vestibular Balance

• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): A common cause of chronic dizziness that can be helped with specific physiotherapy strategies aimed at desensitizing the brain to provocative stimuli and normalizing reliance on sensory inputs.
• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Comprehensive balance assessment by a Physiotherapist to identify underlying causes of unsteadiness, followed by targeted exercise programs and strategies to help you stay steady on your feet.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): A common cause of vertigo that is highly treatable with specific physiotherapy maneuvers, such as the Epley maneuver or Semont maneuver, designed to reposition the displaced inner ear crystals.
• 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.

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. saima ahmed can assess your needs.

• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Assessing your fundamental movement patterns to identify limitations, asymmetries, and potential risk factors for injury or re-injury.
• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Effective virtual physiotherapy care to help you manage your condition, progress your rehabilitation, and receive professional advice when in-person visits are challenging or not preferred.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: Detailed physical assessment of your joints, muscles, nerves, and movement patterns to identify the root cause of your symptoms and guide your treatment.
• 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.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Detailed analysis of your static and dynamic posture, with tailored exercises, stretches, and advice to help you improve alignment and reduce strain on your body.
• Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio): Providing professional physiotherapy assessment, treatment, education, and exercise prescription directly in the comfort and convenience of your home environment, especially for those who have difficulty attending an outpatient clinic due to mobility issues, severe pain, or other constraints.

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

• saima ahmed believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If numbness, tingling, or weakness in my hands, arms, feet, or legs is hindering your ability to dressing myself independently and without difficulty, including shoes and socks, a personalized plan focusing on increased flexibility throughout their body, particularly in their back and major joints can make all the difference.
• Struggling with the frustration of clicking, popping, or pain in my jaw (TMJ issues) when I eat or talk? saima ahmed develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving waking up feeling more refreshed with considerably less pain and stiffness. This is key to helping you get back to doing engaging in volunteer work that might have physical demands with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• With saima ahmed's help, managing feeling like my joints are just 'wearing out' and getting harder to move to achieve being active again without the constant worry of pain or re-injury becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like keeping up with their team during our weekly soccer match.
• When shoulder pain that makes simple things like lifting my arm or reaching overhead difficult is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing taking energetic, long walks with their dog every day, physiotherapy with saima ahmed can help you work towards feeling more resilient and less vulnerable to minor strains or injuries. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.

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

Saima Ahmed practices at Westhills Care Centre, situated in the Port Dalhousie neighborhood of St. Catharines. The clinic is conveniently located near QEW Access and is accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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. Always check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics. Verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

It's not uncommon to experience some temporary soreness or a mild increase in symptoms after certain physiotherapy treatments, especially in the initial stages or if you're starting new exercises. This usually subsides within 24-48 hours. However, if you experience a significant or sharp increase in pain, new or worsening neurological symptoms (like numbness, tingling, or weakness), or if your soreness lasts longer than expected, it's important to contact Westhills Care Centre or your physician directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

Is there parking available at or near Westhills Care Centre?

Ample parking is generally available close to the clinic entrance.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

It's difficult to say exactly how many sessions you'll need without a thorough assessment, as everyone's situation and recovery path is unique. Some acute conditions might resolve in just a few sessions, while more chronic, complex, or significant issues may require a longer period of care to achieve lasting results. Your Physiotherapist will provide an estimated treatment timeline and plan after your first visit, and this will be revisited as your treatment progresses.

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 of physiotherapy services. Check your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

Westhills Care Centre
179 Louth Street
St. Catharines, ON, L2S 2R4

Phone: (905) 682-0503

Saima Ahmed 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: XXX58

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=d5a1707c-9302-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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