Sarah Elizabeth Nicoletta – Physiotherapist | Barrie, ON

Sarah Elizabeth Nicoletta is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre in Barrie, ON, Sarah Nicoletta is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Sarah Nicoletta addresses 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. Sarah Nicoletta serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Sarah Elizabeth Nicoletta completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Queen's University (Graduating Class of 2005). With extensive clinical experience, Sarah Nicoletta is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Sarah Nicoletta has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Sarah Nicoletta employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Barrie community through proactive physiotherapy. Sarah Nicoletta offers consultations in English.

Sarah Elizabeth Nicoletta provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Common Musculoskeletal

• Muscle Strains and Tears: A 'pulled' muscle, often occurring during activities like sprinting, jumping, lifting, or sudden changes in direction, causing immediate pain and difficulty using the muscle.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Aching, sharp pain, a feeling of the knee 'giving way', or difficulty fully bending or straightening your knee.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Discomfort, limited range of motion, and persistent tension in the cervical spine (neck), often related to posture, an injury, stress, or sleeping position.

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Helping to alleviate the symptoms of a catching, locking, or painful finger/thumb through targeted physiotherapy interventions, potentially avoiding the need for injections or surgery in some cases.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Managing a variety of acute and chronic conditions of the hand and wrist, aiming to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent long-term disability.

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: Discomfort, aching, stiffness, or muscle fatigue in the back or neck arising from sustained or awkward postures during daily activities, prolonged work (e.g., desk work, computer use), or sleep.

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. Sarah Nicoletta can assess your needs.

• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Using therapeutic cold to manage the initial stages of an injury (e.g., sprains, strains) and control inflammatory responses, helping to limit tissue damage.
• 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.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: A specialized physiotherapy treatment that uses a traction table or manual techniques to gently decompress spinal structures, relieve pressure, and promote healing.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): A non-invasive, evidence-based treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing, reduce pain, and promote tissue regeneration in stubborn soft tissue conditions that haven't responded to other therapies.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Application of various forms of electrical stimulation, such as Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) for muscle strengthening and re-education, or Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) to assist with movement, as prescribed by your Physiotherapist.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: Superficial heat application carefully monitored by your therapist to promote relaxation, pain relief, and enhance the effectiveness of other treatments.

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

• Discover how physiotherapy with Sarah Nicoletta can help you move beyond my child walking on their toes most of the time. The focus is on getting back their independence with daily activities and personal care, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as playing their musical instrument (guitar, piano, violin, etc.) for extended periods.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from post-operative stiffness and weakness that's slowing down my recovery and achieved a safe and confident return to their favorite sport or recreational activity under the skilled care of Sarah Nicoletta. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as engaging in detailed crafting, sewing, or knitting hobbies for hours with a new lease on life.
• Don't let hip pain when I walk, climb stairs, or try to sleep on my side dictate what you can and cannot do. Sarah Nicoletta offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at a noticeable reduction in daily discomfort, making everyday tasks easier and more enjoyable, helping you reclaim reaching for items on high shelves or in cupboards without shoulder strain and enjoy a more functional life.
• When a noticeable curve in my child's spine or uneven shoulders (scoliosis concerns) is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing safely meeting the lifting requirements at their workplace, physiotherapy with Sarah Nicoletta can help you work towards building the necessary muscle support for their joints, reducing the risk of re-injury. 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 Sarah Nicoletta, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.

Sarah Nicoletta practices at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre, situated in the Downtown Barrie, East Bayfield neighborhood of Barrie. The clinic is conveniently located near Park Place Shopping Centre and is accessible via Barrie Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

What are Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre's operating hours?

Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre 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 or check our website/online booking portal for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

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.

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.

What is Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre'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 is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy, delivered by a qualified Physiotherapist, is a science-based profession that focuses on restoring movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness, or disability. It can also help to reduce your risk of future problems. Your physiotherapist will use techniques such as therapeutic exercise, manual therapy (hands-on treatment), education, and advice, empowering you to manage your health independently and achieve your physical goals.

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 plans, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

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.

Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre
201 Georgian Dr.
Barrie, ON, L4M 6M2

Phone: (705) 728-9802

Sarah Elizabeth Nicoletta 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: XXX89

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=05d6431c-8e02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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