Taskeen Karim – Physiotherapist | Niagara Falls, ON

Taskeen Karim is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Niagara Orthopaedic Institute in Niagara Falls, ON, Taskeen is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Taskeen's focus is 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. Taskeen serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Taskeen Karim completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of KwaZulu-Natal (Graduating Class of 1990). With extensive clinical experience, Taskeen is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Taskeen has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Taskeen's practice philosophy centers around a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Taskeen employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Taskeen promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Niagara Falls community through proactive physiotherapy. Taskeen offers consultations in English.

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

Back Neck Pain

• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Neck, shoulder, and upper back discomfort, often accompanied by headaches or 'brain fog', after a sudden jerking motion of the head, such as in a rear-end collision.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Nerve compression symptoms due to a narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal or the small openings where nerves exit the spine (foramina), most commonly in the lumbar (lower back) or cervical (neck) regions.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Muscular pain, trigger points, and tension headaches resulting from habitual poor posture, which can be addressed with postural re-education, exercises, and ergonomic advice.

Post Surgical

• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): Restoring spinal function, core stability, and body mechanics post-operatively, ensuring a safe progression back to work, hobbies, and an active lifestyle.
• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): A structured physiotherapy plan to help you recover full function, independence, and confidence in your new hip after replacement surgery.

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. Taskeen can assess your needs.

• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: A variety of hands-on methods such as therapeutic massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and active release style techniques to reduce muscle tension, break down scar tissue, improve circulation, and enhance tissue flexibility.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): A form of manual therapy that actively involves you in your treatment, utilizing your body's muscular effort to achieve specific therapeutic effects on restricted joints and shortened soft tissues.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Development of a tailored therapeutic exercise program by your Physiotherapist, focused on your specific rehabilitation needs, strength goals, flexibility improvements, balance, and overall conditioning.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Improving the mobility and health of your nervous system to reduce pain, restore sensation, and enhance overall function.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Comprehensive exercise plans developed by your Physiotherapist to combat deconditioning, enhance overall physical well-being, and promote an active lifestyle.

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

• Patients often come to Taskeen feeling defeated by that grinding or crunching feeling in my knee or shoulder. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving reduced muscle tension and a feeling of greater physical ease and resuming enjoying long, challenging hikes on weekends again becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• With Taskeen's help, managing needing to improve my breathing patterns or lung capacity to achieve noticeable strength gains in their limbs, supporting more demanding tasks becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like taking group exercise classes at the community center.
• Tired of loss of strength in one of my limbs after an injury interfering with comfortably cooking and meal prepping for their family? Taskeen uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve feeling a substantial improvement in their mobility and range of motion for easier movement and regain your freedom of movement.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of dealing with pelvic pain or bladder/bowel control issues (for both men and women)? Taskeen works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of learning specific exercises that provide ongoing relief and maintain their progress. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as travelling more comfortably on planes, trains, or in cars for longer durations.

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

Taskeen practices at Niagara Orthopaedic Institute, situated in the Clifton Hill Tourist Area, Fallsview Area neighborhood of Niagara Falls. The clinic is conveniently located near the Historic Battlefield Site and is accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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.

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

Some temporary post-treatment soreness can be normal, much like after a good workout. However, if your pain significantly worsens, if you develop new concerning symptoms, or if the discomfort doesn't settle down within a day or two, please call us. Your Physiotherapist would want to know so they can offer guidance and make any necessary adjustments to your care plan. Open communication is key to your successful recovery.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of physiotherapy sessions required varies greatly from person to person. It depends on several factors, including the nature and severity of your condition, how long you've had the issue (acute vs. chronic), your individual treatment goals, your body's unique response to therapy, and how consistently you are able to follow your prescribed home exercise program and self-management advice. Your Physiotherapist will discuss a proposed treatment frequency and estimated duration after your initial assessment and will continually re-evaluate your progress with you.

What are Niagara Orthopaedic Institute's operating hours?

Niagara Orthopaedic Institute 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 or check our website/online booking portal for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

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.

Niagara Orthopaedic Institute
6387 Morrison Street
Niagara Falls, ON, L2E 7H1

Phone: (905) 371-1939

Taskeen Karim 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: XXX47

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=a0129f3f-8c02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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