Zainab Aamer Kantawala – Physiotherapist | Etobicoke, ON

Zainab Aamer Kantawala is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Resident Physiotherapist). Practicing at PhysioNow Etobicoke in Etobicoke, ON, Zainab, Zainab Aamer, Zainab Kantawala is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Zainab, Zainab Aamer, Zainab Kantawala focuses on 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. Zainab, Zainab Aamer, Zainab Kantawala serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Zainab Aamer Kantawala completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (Graduating Class of 2021). With clinical experience, Zainab, Zainab Aamer, Zainab Kantawala is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Zainab, Zainab Aamer, Zainab Kantawala has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Zainab, Zainab Aamer, Zainab Kantawala employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Zainab, Zainab Aamer, Zainab Kantawala offers consultations in English, Gujarati, Hindi, Marathi.

Zainab Aamer Kantawala provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Post Surgical

• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): Physiotherapy rehabilitation after total or partial hip replacement surgery, aimed at restoring mobility, strength, balance, and improving your gait pattern, allowing you to perform daily activities safely and effectively.
• 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.
• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: A structured, progressive, and goal-oriented physiotherapy rehabilitation program crucial for restoring knee stability, strength, range of motion, and proprioception (joint position sense) after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or other knee ligament (e.g., PCL, MCL, LCL) reconstructive 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.

Arthritis

• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Physiotherapy to address residual joint stiffness, pain, swelling, and functional loss after an acute gout attack has subsided, or to help manage musculoskeletal impairments and tophi-related issues associated with chronic gout, always in conjunction with appropriate medical management for urate control.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): An inflammatory arthritis that can affect some people with psoriasis (a skin condition), causing joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and sometimes affecting tendons (enthesitis) and ligaments. Can affect small or large joints, often asymmetrically, and sometimes the spine.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Discomfort, limited range of motion, and persistent tension in the cervical spine (neck), often related to posture, an injury, stress, or sleeping position.
• 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.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Aching, sharp pain, a feeling of the knee 'giving way', or difficulty fully bending or straightening your knee.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Injuries to ankle ligaments, typically from twisting or 'rolling' motions, leading to pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. Can result in recurrent sprains and chronic instability if not properly rehabilitated.

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. Zainab, Zainab Aamer, Zainab Kantawala can assess your needs.

• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Application of various forms of electrical stimulation, such as Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) for muscle strengthening and re-education, or Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) to assist with movement, as prescribed by your Physiotherapist.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: A non-invasive electrotherapy modality aimed at reducing pain, muscle guarding, or swelling, and sometimes used for muscle strengthening, as part of your physiotherapy treatment.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: Superficial heat application carefully monitored by your therapist to promote relaxation, pain relief, and enhance the effectiveness of other treatments.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Using therapeutic ultrasound as an adjunct treatment to help reduce pain, decrease inflammation, break down scar tissue, and accelerate the repair of injured soft tissues.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: Therapeutic traction for the cervical (neck) or lumbar (low back) spine, used by physiotherapists to help reduce pain, decompress nerve roots, and improve symptoms associated with conditions like disc herniations, sciatica, or spinal stenosis.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: The application of specific wavelengths of light energy (cold laser) by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and accelerate tissue repair and regeneration at a cellular level.

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

• Tired of that nagging tennis elbow (or golfer's elbow) that flares up with activity interfering with running their usual 5k route without knee pain? Zainab, Zainab Aamer, Zainab Kantawala uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve getting back to enjoying life's simple pleasures without physical limitations and regain your freedom of movement.
• Are you finding that trouble with everyday tasks because of pain or weakness in my hands or grip stops you from enjoying getting back to golfing 18 holes without their back acting up? Zainab, Zainab Aamer, Zainab Kantawala is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve restored joint function, leading to smoother and more coordinated movements through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• Struggling with the frustration of general muscle strains and pulls from overdoing it at the gym or in the garden? Zainab, Zainab Aamer, Zainab Kantawala 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 pushing a stroller or shopping cart without difficulty with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• If trying to get back to my best after a frustrating sports injury is preventing you from fully enjoying shoveling snow or raking leaves without aggravating their back, Zainab, Zainab Aamer, Zainab Kantawala offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining a better ability to cope with the physical stresses of daily life, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.

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

Zainab, Zainab Aamer, Zainab Kantawala practices at PhysioNow Etobicoke, a physiotherapy clinic in the central Etobicoke neighborhood of Etobicoke. 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.

Is there parking available at or near PhysioNow Etobicoke?

Our clinic has a small number of dedicated parking spots at the rear of the building, accessible via the alleyway behind the building. Additional street parking is available, but please check local signage for time limits or restrictions.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, in almost all cases, you will receive a customized home exercise program. These exercises are carefully chosen by your Physiotherapist to specifically target your issues and help you achieve your functional goals faster and more effectively. Performing them as recommended is very important for your progress and for maintaining the improvements you make during your clinic visits.

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.

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 recommended to check your private insurance for private clinic coverage.

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 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 should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

The first physiotherapy session is primarily an in-depth assessment. Expect to spend time talking with your Physiotherapist about your specific issue, its history, and your overall health background. Your therapist will then perform various physical tests to assess your movement, strength, and any areas of concern. The main goal of this first visit is to understand your condition fully so that a tailored and effective treatment plan can be developed collaboratively with you. You might also receive your first set of home exercises or some initial hands-on care to start the healing process.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

For your first visit, please bring your provincial health card (e.g., Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card, if applicable), any relevant medical information such as a doctor's referral note (if you have one), reports from recent imaging (like X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound scans), and a list of your current medications. Also, if you plan to use private health insurance, bring your insurance card or policy details. Finally, wear or bring comfortable clothing suitable for assessment and movement.

PhysioNow Etobicoke
3715 Lakeshore Blvd West
Etobicoke, ON, M8W 1P8

Phone: (416) 201-3535

Zainab Aamer Kantawala 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: XXX81

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=33b1e494-7c99-ef11-8a6a-002248b094ba

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