Stephanie Nixon – Physiotherapist | Kingston, ON

Stephanie Nixon is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Queen's University-School of Rehabilitation Therapy in Kingston, ON, Stephanie Nixon is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Stephanie Nixon provides comprehensive assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions to help patients of all ages restore function, manage pain, and improve their quality of life. Stephanie Nixon serves a diverse range of patients.

Stephanie Nixon completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 1995). With extensive clinical experience, Stephanie Nixon is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Stephanie Nixon has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Stephanie Nixon maintains a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Stephanie Nixon adopts a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Stephanie Nixon offers consultations in English.

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

Common Musculoskeletal

• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Common back problems that can impact your posture, ability to perform daily activities, and overall mobility, addressed with targeted physiotherapy.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Disorders affecting hand and wrist function, making daily tasks such as gripping objects, typing, writing, or fine motor activities difficult and painful.

Back Neck Pain

• 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.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Post-traumatic neck pain, restricted movement, and associated issues common after car accidents, which benefit from early and appropriate physiotherapy intervention.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Often age-related changes leading to pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs with walking (neurogenic claudication in lumbar stenosis) or in the arms/hands (cervical stenosis).

Sports Injury

• Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): An overuse injury affecting the lower leg, common in athletes, dancers, and military recruits, characterized by diffuse pain along the tibia.
• Ligament Sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL, PCL, Ankle Ligaments): Common joint injuries in athletes affecting stability, causing immediate pain, swelling, bruising, and functional loss, often requiring a structured rehabilitation program.

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. Stephanie Nixon can assess your needs.

• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize 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: A progressive approach to rebuilding your physical condition, allowing for a safe return to daily activities, work demands, and hobbies you enjoy.
• 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.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Improving the mobility and health of your nervous system to reduce pain, restore sensation, and enhance overall function.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Stephanie Nixon, 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 Queen's University-School of Rehabilitation Therapy, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Stephanie Nixon frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Stephanie Nixon believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If recurrent dislocations or a feeling of instability in my shoulder or knee is hindering your ability to managing the physical demands of their job without constant pain, a personalized plan focusing on feeling more stable and confident on their feet, especially on uneven surfaces can make all the difference.
• Are you finding that needing to improve my breathing patterns or lung capacity stops you from enjoying maintaining their balance and stability while walking on uneven ground or trails? Stephanie Nixon is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve improved coordination for complex movements and fine motor tasks through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• Patients often come to Stephanie Nixon feeling defeated by awful foot pain first thing in the morning, like I'm walking on glass (plantar fasciitis). With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving being able to climb stairs with ease and confidence once again and resuming going on birdwatching outings in various terrains becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• When hip pain when I walk, climb stairs, or try to sleep on my side is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing reaching for items on high shelves or in cupboards without shoulder strain, physiotherapy with Stephanie Nixon can help you work towards increased flexibility throughout their body, particularly in their back and major joints. 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 Stephanie Nixon, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.

Stephanie Nixon practices at Queen's University-School of Rehabilitation Therapy, situated in the Downtown Kingston, Queen's University Area, Sydenham Ward neighborhood of Kingston. The clinic is conveniently located near Cataraqui Centre (West end) and is accessible via Kingston Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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.

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 Stephanie Nixon or your physician directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

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 and to verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows the Physiotherapist to easily access and assess the area being treated, and permits you to move freely for any exercises or movements. For example, shorts are ideal for knee, hip, or ankle issues, while a tank top or loose t-shirt works well for shoulder, neck, or upper back problems. Athletic wear or gym attire is generally a good choice. You may also be provided with a gown if needed.

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 can I book an appointment at Queen's University-School of Rehabilitation Therapy?

You can book an appointment by calling the clinic directly at (613) 533-3237 during business hours. The clinic may also offer online booking through their website. Their reception team can assist you in finding a suitable appointment time.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your first appointment will be an in-depth assessment. You'll discuss your issue, history, and overall health. Stephanie Nixon will perform physical tests to assess your movement and strength. The goal is to understand your condition to develop a tailored treatment plan. You might receive home exercises or initial hands-on care.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Queen's University-School of Rehabilitation Therapy treat?

Physiotherapists at Queen's University-School of Rehabilitation Therapy treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including back and neck pain, joint problems, sports injuries, and nerve pain. They also offer expertise in areas like General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy. Treatments often involve manual therapy, soft tissue mobilization, exercise prescription, and patient education.

Queen's University-School of Rehabilitation Therapy
31 George St., Louise D. Acton Bldg.
Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6

Phone: (613) 533-3237

Stephanie Nixon 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: XXX09

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=d1b81bac-8b02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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