Tony G. Pirritano – Physiotherapist | St. Catharines, ON

Tony G. Pirritano is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Functional Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic in St. Catharines, ON, Tony is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Tony 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. Tony serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Tony G. Pirritano completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of the West of England (Graduating Class of 1999). With extensive clinical experience, Tony is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Tony has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Tony embraces a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Tony promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the St. Catharines community through proactive physiotherapy. Tony has a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Tony offers consultations in English.

Tony G. Pirritano provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Post Surgical

• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): Supportive physiotherapy to aid your recovery and help you manage symptoms after back or neck surgery, focusing on education, safe movement strategies, and specific exercises.
• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): Guidance on hip precautions (if applicable for your surgical approach), a progressive exercise program, and functional retraining after hip surgery to help you achieve your goals.
• 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.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Pain, weakness, or restricted movement in the shoulder joint, often experienced with overhead activities, lifting, reaching behind your back, or sleeping on the affected side.
• 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).
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): A broad term for common injuries affecting muscles, tendons (tendinitis/tendinopathy), ligaments (sprains), joint capsules (capsulitis), and bursae (bursitis), leading to pain, inflammation, and functional limitations.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Symptoms in your hand or wrist that impact your ability to perform your job, hobbies, or essential self-care tasks, addressed by specialized hand physiotherapy.

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. Tony can assess your needs.

• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Specialized workouts to enhance your core strength, stability, and endurance, which are crucial for injury prevention, back health, and efficient performance in daily activities and sports.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Education and instruction on effective and safe stretching techniques to help you maintain or improve your body's flexibility and joint mobility.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: The application of high-frequency sound waves by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to promote deep tissue heating, increase local blood flow, reduce pain, and facilitate the healing process in soft tissues like muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: The use of moist heat packs, paraffin wax, or other heat sources by your Physiotherapist to relax muscles, increase local blood flow, reduce stiffness, alleviate chronic pain, and improve tissue extensibility.
• 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.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Customized strength training to address specific weaknesses identified in your assessment, helping to correct imbalances, improve movement efficiency, and achieve your physical objectives.

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

• The path to recovery from a 'frozen shoulder' feeling, where my shoulder feels completely stuck and achieving the ability to sit for longer periods (e.g., at a desk, in a car) without significant discomfort for using garden tools effectively and without pain often starts with expert guidance. Tony, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• Struggling with the frustration of that 'arthritic' pain in my hands, hips, or knees? Tony develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving much better balance overall, reducing the risk of stumbles or falls. This is key to helping you get back to doing getting back to their regular, consistent gym workouts with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• Living with persistent dizziness that isn't a spinning vertigo but makes me feel unsteady doesn't have to be your norm. Tony applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards the ability to manage symptoms independently if they occasionally recur, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of enjoying long, challenging hikes on weekends again.
• It's truly rewarding for Tony to witness patients conquer experiencing discomfort, back pain, or pelvic girdle pain during or after pregnancy and experience successfully integrating safe movement strategies into their daily routines. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in playing a few sets of tennis without shoulder pain again.

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

Tony practices at Functional Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic, situated in the Lakeport, Lakeshore neighborhood of St. Catharines. The clinic is conveniently located near Brock University and is accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

How can I book an appointment at Functional Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (905) 935-7813 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.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves skilled, hands-on treatments performed by your Physiotherapist as part of your overall physiotherapy plan. These techniques are designed to assess and treat your joints, muscles, and nerves to decrease pain and improve your mobility and function. Examples include specific joint mobilizations to improve movement, soft tissue release techniques to address muscle tightness or scar tissue, and sometimes manipulations (adjustments) if indicated and appropriate for your condition and your therapist's qualifications.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapist in ON?

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

What are Functional Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic's operating hours?

Functional Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. However, hours can vary, so please call our office at (905) 935-7813 for the most current hours and availability.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, a personalized home exercise program is a crucial component of most physiotherapy treatment plans. Your Physiotherapist will prescribe specific exercises tailored to your condition, abilities, and goals.

Is there parking available at or near Functional Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic?

Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services in private outpatient clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations (e.g., post-hospitalization), but eligibility is strict. Check your private insurance for coverage.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy helps you get moving and stay moving effectively and comfortably. Your Physiotherapist will create a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve your functional goals and live a more active life.

Functional Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic
4 Nihan Drive, Unit 3A
St. Catharines, ON, L2N 1L1

Phone: (905) 935-7813

Tony G. Pirritano 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: XXX33

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=bd0e341d-8d02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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