About Physiotherapy
What does physiotherapy treat?
Physiotherapy can help with a wide range of conditions, including back and neck pain, sports injuries, joint pain, muscle strains, post-surgical recovery, concussion symptoms, balance issues, pelvic health concerns, and chronic pain conditions. Treatment is tailored to your specific goals and needs.
Do I need physiotherapy?
If you’re experiencing pain, stiffness, weakness, reduced mobility, dizziness, or difficulty returning to sport or daily activities, physiotherapy can help. Early treatment often leads to faster recovery and prevents minor issues from becoming chronic.
Do I need a referral to see a physiotherapist in Ontario?
No, you do not need a referral to book an appointment. Physiotherapists in Ontario are primary health care providers, which means you can book directly with the clinic of your choice. Some extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement, so it’s always a good idea to check your coverage details in advance.
If you have received a referral from your family doctor or orthopaedic surgeon, you are still free to attend any physiotherapy clinic you prefer. The referral supports your care - it doesn’t limit your options.
How long does physiotherapy take to work?
Many clients notice improvement within a few sessions, but recovery timelines vary depending on your condition, injury history, and goals.
Physiotherapy is a collaborative effort - we’ll guide the plan, but your exercises and home strategies play a big role in how quickly you progress. After your assessment, your physiotherapist will outline what you can realistically expect and map out a timeline tailored specifically to you.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on your injury and your goals. Some concerns, such as a mild muscle strain or a recent flare-up, may improve in just a few visits. More complex injuries, such as a tibial fracture recovering post-immobilization or surgery, can require several weeks to a few months of guided rehabilitation to safely rebuild strength, mobility, and confidence.
After your assessment, your physiotherapist will outline a clear, individualized treatment plan so you know what to expect and how we’ll progress together.
Your First Visit
What happens during my first appointment?
Your physiotherapist will review your health history, assess movement and strength, identify contributing factors, and create a personalized treatment plan. Treatment always begins during your first visit at Great North Physiotherapy.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothing that allows access to the area being assessed (e.g., shorts for knee issues, t-shirts for shoulder concerns).
Will treatment hurt?
Some techniques may create temporary discomfort or muscle soreness, but your therapist will always work within your comfort level and explain each step.
Treatment Options
What treatments do you offer?
Depending on your needs, treatment may include:
- Manual therapy
- Exercise rehabilitation
- Taping or bracing
- Acupuncture or needling techniques
- Concussion rehabilitation
- Vestibular therapy or vestibular goggles
- Pelvic health physiotherapy
- Sports performance rehab
- Therapeutic ultrasound
Can physiotherapy help prevent surgery?
In many cases, yes. Strengthening, movement retraining, and targeted treatment can reduce pain and improve function enough to avoid surgical intervention.
Do you treat athletes?
You bet we do! Trevor Kwolek is one of two Registered International Sports Physiotherapists currently working in the Niagara Region, so Sports Medicine is his happy place. Overall, our team works with recreational and competitive athletes of all levels. We also provide return-to-sport planning, performance rehabilitation, and injury-prevention strategies.
Pelvic Health Physiotherapy
What is pelvic health physiotherapy?
Pelvic health physiotherapy focuses on muscles, joints, and nerves of the pelvic region. It can help with bladder or bowel concerns, pelvic pain, pregnancy-related symptoms, postpartum recovery, and core stability.
Is pelvic floor therapy internal?
Internal assessment or treatment is sometimes recommended for accuracy, but is never required. Your therapist will explain everything and obtain consent before proceeding.
Can any physiotherapist provide pelvic health physiotherapy?
Not all physiotherapists can offer pelvic health services. While every physiotherapist is trained in general injury and musculoskeletal care, pelvic health is a specialized area that requires additional postgraduate training, as it involves specific anatomy, assessment skills, and treatment techniques (such as internal assessment, bladder/bowel strategies, and pregnancy/postpartum care).
Here at Great North Physiotherapy, Sophie Szczesniak and Priyanka Joshi are rostered in pelvic health, so you can feel confident you’re receiving knowledgeable, experienced care tailored to your needs.
Concussion & Vestibular Rehab
Can physiotherapy help with concussion symptoms?
Physiotherapy can play an important role in recovering from a concussion by addressing symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, balance challenges, neck pain, and visual sensitivity. Your treatment plan will be tailored to your specific symptoms and goals, progressing at a pace that feels right for you.
When appropriate, we may also use Insight Infrared Video Goggles to better assess your vestibular system and guide a more precise, targeted rehabilitation plan.
How long does concussion rehab take?
Recovery timelines after a concussion can vary significantly depending on your symptoms, injury history, and overall health. Your physiotherapist will guide you safely through each stage of recovery and adjust your plan as you progress.
As part of your assessment and return-to-activity planning, this may include objective testing such as the Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test to help determine safe exercise thresholds and support a gradual, evidence-based return to sport, school, or work.
Insurance & Payment
Does insurance cover physiotherapy and massage therapy?
Many extended health benefit plans include coverage for physiotherapy and massage therapy, but coverage amounts and requirements can vary. We recommend taking a quick look at your plan details (or calling your provider) so you know exactly what’s covered before your visit.
Do you offer direct billing?
Yes, we offer direct billing to most insurance providers (because we know paperwork is not your favourite workout). If you’re unsure about your coverage limits or details, we recommend checking with your insurance provider before booking to avoid any surprises.
We also accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, and Discover). Easy, flexible, and hassle-free - just the way rehab should be.
Do you treat motor vehicle accident (MVA) or workplace (WSIB) injuries?
We support clients recovering from motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) and workplace injuries (WSIB), and our team will guide you through both your rehabilitation plan and the required paperwork every step of the way.
If you’re seeking care under an MVA or WSIB claim, please contact the clinic directly at 289-606-0966 or email info@greatnorthphysio.ca so we can review your details and outline the next steps. MVA and WSIB appointments cannot be booked online, as we want to ensure all documentation and approvals are properly in place to support you from start to finish.
Booking & Appointments
How quickly can I get an appointment?
We’re committed to offering timely access to care, and same-week appointments are usually available (but not always). As our clinic has grown, so has our team, allowing us to expand our availability to include Saturday appointments and care at two clinical locations.
You can contact us directly at 289-606-0966 or book online at www.greatnorthphysio.ca to view current openings and find a time that works best for you.
Can I choose my physiotherapist?
Absolutely! You’re welcome to request a specific therapist, or our team can help match you with the practitioner best suited to your condition.
We can assure that no matter who you see, you’ll be in excellent hands - our clinicians are knowledgeable, motivated, and fully committed to helping you move better and recover with confidence. They're also a hoot to spend your sessions with!
What if I’m nervous about treatment?
That's completely normal, especially if it's your first time in physiotherapy. We'll take the time to walk you through each step, answer your questions, and make sure you feel comfortable, informed, and confident throughout your care (it's a team effort).
What are your clinic hours in Niagara-on-the-Lake and St. Catharines?
Here at Great North Physiotherapy, we understand that not everyone can attend appointments during a traditional 9–5 schedule. That’s why we offer extended physiotherapy clinic hours, including early mornings, evenings, and Saturday availability in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
We proudly serve clients across Niagara-on-the-Lake, St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, Thorold, Welland, Pelham, Fonthill, and Fort Erie with flexible scheduling options.
Niagara-on-the-Lake Clinic Hours
Appointments and walk-ins welcome
Monday – Thursday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
Our Niagara-on-the-Lake physiotherapy clinic offers convenient evening and Saturday appointments to accommodate busy families, working professionals, and athletes.
St. Catharines Clinic Hours
By appointment only
Monday – Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday: Closed
Our St. Catharines location offers flexible weekday scheduling for physiotherapy, sports rehabilitation and vestibular and concussion management.
Can’t Find a Time That Works?
If you don’t see your preferred appointment time available online, please contact our team directly. We will always do our best to accommodate your schedule whenever possible. Call us at 289-606-0966 or book online at www.greatnorthphysio.ca to secure your preferred time at either location.
About Our Clinics
What makes Great North Physiotherapy different?
Let’s be real - every clinic will say they’re “different” because they offer evidence-based, individualized care (and they should). Personalized treatment isn’t optional in physiotherapy. Every person who walks through our doors has a unique story, condition, age, goals, and life demands.
What sets us apart is how we bring that care to life.
Yes, our approach is rooted in evidence and clinical expertise. Yes, our team holds advanced training and specialized certifications. But beyond credentials, we focus on how we coach, guide, and truly partner with you. We don’t just assign exercises - we educate, adapt, motivate, and help you build confidence every step of the way.
We have also built a space that doesn’t feel sterile or intimidating. It’s supportive, welcoming, and community-driven. It's a place where you’re encouraged, challenged, and genuinely cared for. Where cookies are welcome, jokes are shared, and honest conversations shape your care. If you walk in after a tough day and horrible neck pain, we’ll make sure you leave feeling better, supported, smiling (and maybe with a maple-flavoured candy in your pocket).
That’s the difference at Great North Physiotherapy.
Do you offer treatment for all ages?
Yes, we do! We care for children, adults, older adults, and athletes at every stage of life.
Is Great North Physiotherapy an OHIP-approved clinic?
Unfortunately, we do not offer OHIP coverage at this time. If you require an OHIP-approved clinic for your recovery needs, you can view the list of all approved clinics in the Hamilton, Niagara, Haldimand, and Brant areas here.
Where is Great North Physiotherapy located?
Great North Physiotherapy proudly serves the Niagara Region from our two centrally located clinics in Niagara-on-the-Lake and St. Catharines.
We have had the privilege of working with clients from across the region. Clients have visited us from nearby communities such as Niagara-on-the-Lake, St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, Thorold, Welland, Pelham, Fonthill, and Fort Erie, as well as from as far away as Dunnville, Stoney Creek, Hamilton and Burlington.
Where is your Niagara-on-the-Lake clinic located?
Our original clinic is located at 1882 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake (inside the same medical building as the Virgil Niagara North Family Health Team and Simpson's Pharmacy). The clinic entrance is on the left-hand side of the building when you enter the parking lot.
Services offered at this location include:
- Physiotherapy
- Sports physiotherapy
- Pelvic health physiotherapy
- Registered massage therapy
- Vestibular rehabilitation
- Concussions management
- Custom bracing
- General rehabilitation services
This location provides comprehensive care in a professional medical clinic setting. Parking at Great North Physiotherapy in Niagara-on-the-Lake is free of charge and fully accessible. Our large treatment rooms provide ample access for wheelchairs and walkers, and an accessible bathroom is located in the medical building.
We offer free Wi-Fi, complimentary beverages, and excellent reading materials. We genuinely try to make your visit as welcoming and comfortable as possible!
Where is your St. Catharines clinic located?
Our St. Catharines clinic is located at 250 Martindale Road, inside House of Greatness, and is only minutes from Highway 406 and Fourth Avenue.
To reach this location, you'll turn when you see the House of Greatness signage, and go all the way down to the end of the road (we're a secret gem hidden at the back).
Services offered at this location include:
- Physiotherapy
- Sports physiotherapy
- Return-to-play programs
- Vestibular rehabilitation
- Concussion management
- Orthopaedic and manual therapy
- Strength and conditioning integration
- Custom bracing
- Intramuscual stimulation (IMS)
- Athletic taping
- Paediatric and youth athlete physiotherapy
Inside this performance-driven environment, Great North Physiotherapy provides specialized rehabilitation services that bridge the gap between injury recovery and return to sport. Our physiotherapists collaborate with certified strength coaches to deliver evidence-based, individualized care in an athletic setting.
We offer complimentary beverages and a spacious treatment area adjacent to the gym.
