Vanessa Robin Wheeler – Physiotherapist | St. Catharines, ON

Vanessa Robin Wheeler is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Niagara Health System in St. Catharines, ON, Vanessa Wheeler is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Vanessa Wheeler 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. Vanessa Wheeler serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Vanessa Robin Wheeler completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2004). With clinical experience, Vanessa Wheeler is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Vanessa Wheeler has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Vanessa Wheeler promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the St. Catharines community through proactive physiotherapy; a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Vanessa Wheeler offers consultations in English.

Vanessa Robin Wheeler provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Conditions like 'jumper's knee' (patellar tendinopathy), 'swimmer's shoulder' (rotator cuff tendinopathy), or 'tennis elbow' (lateral epicondylitis) caused by tendon issues that limit your ability to perform specific tasks.

Post Surgical

• 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.
• 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-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): A structured physiotherapy program to manage post-operative pain and swelling, improve knee flexibility and strength, and re-educate your gait pattern after a TKA or PKA.

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. Vanessa Wheeler can assess your needs.

• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Cold therapy techniques applied by your therapist to effectively alleviate acute pain, reduce inflammation, and manage muscle soreness or spasm.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Ultrasound therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, often used to prepare tissues for manual therapy or exercise, or to manage acute and chronic soft tissue injuries.
• 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.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: The use of specific electrical stimulation devices (IFC or TENS) by your Physiotherapist to provide pain relief, reduce muscle spasm, decrease swelling, or promote muscle activation and re-education.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: Utilizing traction techniques to create space within the spine, reduce nerve irritation, improve disc hydration, and alleviate back or neck pain.
• 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 Vanessa Wheeler, 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 Health System, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Vanessa Wheeler frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Struggling with the frustration of that burning pain between my shoulder blades from too much computer work? Vanessa Wheeler develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving regaining full function in an injured area, enabling a return to cherished activities. This is key to helping you get back to doing returning to dancing, whether it's ballet, salsa, or just for fun with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• Many find that an awkward gait or limping when I walk significantly impacts their ability to performing self-care tasks like hair washing or reaching their back. Vanessa Wheeler helps patients target the ability to sit for longer periods (e.g., at a desk, in a car) without significant discomfort with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Vanessa Wheeler believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If persistent dizziness that isn't a spinning vertigo but makes me feel unsteady is hindering your ability to returning to a specific physical hobby they had to give up due to pain, a personalized plan focusing on a noticeable reduction in daily discomfort, making everyday tasks easier and more enjoyable can make all the difference.
• Many individuals seek help from Vanessa Wheeler, their physiotherapist, when aches and pains that I'm pretty sure are from my bad posture at my desk starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve running their usual distance comfortably and with improved form, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like getting back to their regular, consistent gym workouts.

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

Vanessa Wheeler's practice at Niagara Health System is situated in the Port Dalhousie neighborhood of St. Catharines. The clinic is conveniently located near Fairview Mall and is accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Absolutely! Home exercises are a vital part of your rehabilitation journey and empower you to take an active role in your recovery process. Your Physiotherapist will carefully select and teach you exercises specific to your needs. These exercises help to reinforce what's done in the clinic, manage your condition effectively, and ensure you continue progressing towards your goals even when you're not in a session.

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.

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, known as direct access. However, while a doctor's referral may not be legally required to *see* a Physiotherapist, some private/extended health insurance plans *do* require one for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check the specific requirements of your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

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 that you check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

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.

What are Niagara Health System's operating hours?

Our clinic 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.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

The primary goal of physiotherapy is generally to reduce pain and improve function, not to cause significant or lasting pain. Some assessment techniques or specific treatments (like deep soft tissue work, joint mobilization, or certain exercises) might cause mild, temporary discomfort or soreness, especially if the tissues being treated are sensitive, inflamed, or very stiff. However, your Physiotherapist will always work within your tolerance levels, communicate clearly about what to expect, and encourage open feedback. If you experience notable or unacceptable pain during treatment, please inform your therapist immediately so adjustments can be made to ensure your comfort.

Niagara Health System
1200 Fourth Ave
St. Catharines, ON, L2S 0A9

Phone: (905) 378-4647

Vanessa Robin Wheeler 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: XXX08

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=e4f0470a-8e02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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