Sarah Nichol – Physiotherapist | Brockville, ON

Sarah Nichol is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Geriatric Physiotherapy Focus / Seniors' Health). Practicing at Brockville General Hospital in Brockville, ON, Sarah Nichol is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Sarah Nichol 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. Sarah Nichol serves seniors.

Sarah Nichol completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2011). With clinical experience, Sarah Nichol is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Sarah Nichol has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.

Sarah Nichol promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Brockville community through proactive physiotherapy; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results; a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Sarah Nichol offers consultations in English.

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

Common Musculoskeletal

• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Discomfort felt around the shoulder blade, at the top of the shoulder, or radiating down the arm, making simple tasks challenging.
• 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.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Common injuries in active individuals, athletes, or resulting from accidents, leading to localized pain, swelling, bruising, and weakness in the affected muscle (e.g., hamstring, calf, quadriceps, groin, rotator cuff).

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Inflammation (tendinitis) or, more commonly, degeneration (tendinosis/tendinopathy) of tendons, leading to localized pain that typically worsens with activity or loading of the tendon.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.

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 Nichol can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Guided stretching routines and flexibility exercises prescribed by your Physiotherapist, aimed at improving your range of motion, reducing muscle tightness or stiffness, and enhancing overall movement quality.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Customized exercise plans designed to help you recover from injury, manage chronic conditions, improve physical performance, and achieve your functional goals safely and effectively.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Structured physical activities and exercises aimed at helping you safely regain strength, stamina, and confidence in your body's abilities, tailored to your current level.
• 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.
• Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio): Bringing expert physiotherapy services to you when clinic visits are challenging, ensuring continuity of care and personalized attention in your familiar surroundings.

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

• It's truly rewarding for Sarah Nichol to witness patients conquer feeling generally stiff, achy, and less mobile than I used to be and experience being active again without the constant worry of pain or re-injury. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in maintaining an upright posture while working on their computer for hours again.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from swelling in my arm or leg, possibly lymphedema, after surgery or treatment and achieved the ability to sit for longer periods (e.g., at a desk, in a car) without significant discomfort under the skilled care of Sarah Nichol. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as sleeping soundly through the night without being woken by pain or discomfort with a new lease on life.
• Rediscover your ability to competing effectively in their curling league games without the constant burden of feeling like my posture is hunched or rounded, causing discomfort. Sarah Nichol focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to implementing practical strategies to avoid re-injury during work or daily life, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Sarah Nichol's clinic, common concerns like my child complaining of 'growing pains' that keep them up at night are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of enjoying cycling or swimming regularly without pain or limitation. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like playing a full game of recreational hockey with their friends.

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

Sarah Nichol's practice at Brockville General Hospital is situated in a physiotherapy clinic in the central Brockville neighborhood of Brockville. The clinic is conveniently located near nearby parks and community recreation facilities and is accessible via local public transit routes. Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy refers to specialized hands-on techniques used by a Physiotherapist to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This can include joint mobilization (gentle, rhythmic gliding movements), joint manipulation (skilled, high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts, where appropriate and within the therapist's scope and with your consent), various soft tissue mobilization techniques (like massage, myofascial release, trigger point release), and neural mobilization (gentle techniques to improve nerve movement). The primary goals are to reduce pain, improve range of motion, restore optimal joint mechanics, reduce muscle tension, and enhance tissue repair and function.

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 to check your private insurance for private clinic coverage.

How can I book an appointment at Brockville General Hospital?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (613) 345-5645 during our business hours. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

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.

What is Brockville General Hospital's appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. We kindly request at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations or rescheduling. A fee may be charged for late cancellations or missed appointments. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

Does Brockville General Hospital offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Please contact the clinic directly to inquire about direct billing options with your specific insurance provider.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Definitely. A key aspect of physiotherapy is not just treating current problems but also preventing future ones. A Physiotherapist can assess your movement, identify potential weaknesses or imbalances that could lead to injury, and provide you with a personalized program of exercises and strategies. This proactive approach is beneficial for athletes, individuals with physically demanding jobs, or anyone looking to maintain long-term musculoskeletal health and avoid recurring pain.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Your first appointment usually takes about 60 minutes. Follow-up appointments are typically 30 to 45 minutes. The exact duration will depend on your treatment needs.

Brockville General Hospital
75 Charles St.
Brockville, ON, K6V 1S8

Phone: (613) 345-5645

Sarah Nichol 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: XXX82

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=2e0a2fb5-9002-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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