Dr. Mehar Singh Reen

As a Physiatrist, Dr. Mehar Singh Reen addresses a variety of conditions related to physical function, pain, and rehabilitation, including but not limited to:

Neurological Conditions

• Parkinson's Disease - Functional Rehabilitation: Therapeutic interventions to address motor symptoms like rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability.
• Peripheral Neuropathy: Treatment strategies to alleviate symptoms of neuropathy and improve nerve health where possible.
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) - Symptom Management & Functional Rehab: Helping manage symptoms such as fatigue, spasticity, weakness, and balance problems in individuals with MS to maintain function and independence.
• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Management & Rehabilitation: Long-term care and rehabilitation for individuals with traumatic or non-traumatic spinal cord injuries, addressing paralysis, spasticity, bladder/bowel dysfunction, and other complications.

Sports Injuries Rehab

• Sports-Related Musculoskeletal Injuries: Helping athletes recover from injury, regain strength and flexibility, and safely return to their sport.
• Overuse Injuries in Athletes: Addressing the underlying biomechanical factors contributing to overuse injuries and implementing strategies for recovery and prevention.

Musculoskeletal Conditions

• Osteoarthritis & Other Arthritic Conditions: Helping patients manage the symptoms of various arthritic conditions affecting mobility and quality of life.
• Low Back Pain & Neck Pain (Non-Surgical): Comprehensive non-operative care for spinal pain, focusing on pain relief, functional restoration, and preventative strategies.

Post Surgical Rehab

• Post-Operative Rehabilitation (e.g., after joint replacement, spine surgery): Developing rehabilitation plans to optimize outcomes following surgeries like total knee/hip replacement, rotator cuff repair, or spinal fusion.

This list provides examples of conditions commonly managed. A comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan are always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Reen, typically following referral. If your specific concern isn't listed, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic for more information.

• Electrodiagnostic Medicine (EMG/NCS): Specialized nerve testing to identify conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, radiculopathy (pinched nerves), peripheral neuropathy, and muscle diseases.
• Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation: Comprehensive care for individuals with paraplegia or quadriplegia, including bladder/bowel management, spasticity control, and assistive technology.
• Sports Injury Rehabilitation: Specialized care for athletes with musculoskeletal injuries, focusing on accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and safe return to sport.
• Therapeutic Injections (Joints, Soft Tissues, Nerves): Targeted injections to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and improve function in various musculoskeletal and neurological conditions.
• Management of Back & Neck Pain: Non-surgical treatment for acute and chronic spinal pain, including disc herniations, spinal stenosis, and degenerative conditions.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Reen. Not all services may be listed, and the suitability of any treatment depends on individual assessment and referral where appropriate. For a comprehensive understanding or to discuss your specific medical needs, please schedule a consultation or speak with your referring physician.

All services by Dr. Mehar Singh Reen adhere to the scope of practice for Physiatrists in ON and the standards of The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).

At Toronto Western Hospital, the focus is on partnering with you to maximize your functional abilities, manage your condition effectively, and improve your overall quality of life. Dr. Reen frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Patients experiencing trouble controlling their muscles due to spasticity often express a desire to improve their oral health and function. At Dr. Reen's practice, a key objective is learning effective strategies to cope with chronic pain or disability, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in participating in their favorite sports or fitness activities.
• Overcoming or effectively managing a 'pinched nerve' in their neck or back causing shooting pains is a common journey for patients under Dr. Reen's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling being able to perform daily self-care tasks independently again, so that daily routines and pleasures like driving their car independently become straightforward again.
• Dr. Reen provides dedicated support for patients going through wanting to find non-surgical ways to manage their chronic joint pain, always aiming for positive outcomes like restoration of more normal sensation in areas affected by neuropathy, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as cooking their own meals and managing household chores.
• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of a significant decrease in their endurance and ability to perform physical tasks, Dr. Reen offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach improved ability to engage in leisure activities and hobbies they enjoy. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of remembering appointments and managing daily schedules after a brain injury.

Your personalized rehabilitation plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Reen, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional goals. Dr. Reen is committed to empowering patients with the expertise and support needed to achieve their highest possible level of independence and well-being.

Dr. Reen's practice, Toronto Western Hospital, is situated in a central location within the Cornwall neighborhood of Cornwall. The clinic is conveniently located near local healthcare facilities and community services and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Please inquire about specific parking arrangements if you have mobility concerns.

What are EMG and NCS tests, and why might Dr. Reen recommend them?

Electromyography (EMG) evaluates the electrical activity produced by skeletal muscles, and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) measure how quickly and well electrical signals travel along nerves. Dr. Reen might recommend these electrodiagnostic tests to help diagnose conditions such as pinched nerves (radiculopathy), carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage), muscular dystrophy, or other neuromuscular disorders. These tests help pinpoint the location and severity of nerve or muscle problems, guiding further treatment.

Do I typically need a referral to see a Physiatrist (Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist) like Dr. Reen?

Yes, in Ontario, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required to see a Physiatrist like Dr. Reen for consultations and treatments covered by provincial health plans like the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). This referral helps ensure the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Reen has the necessary background medical information. Speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor if you believe you need a physiatric assessment.

What does a Physiatrist / Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist like Dr. Reen do?

A Physiatrist like Dr. Reen is a medical doctor (physician) who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing a wide range of conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. Their primary goal is to enhance and restore functional ability, reduce pain, and improve the quality of life for people with physical impairments or disabilities resulting from injury (e.g., sports injuries, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury), illness (e.g., stroke, multiple sclerosis, arthritis), or chronic pain. They use non-surgical treatments including medication, therapeutic exercise programs, targeted injections (if applicable), and coordinate comprehensive rehabilitation plans often involving a team of therapists.

What are some common conditions a Physiatrist like Dr. Reen treats?

Physiatrists like Dr. Reen treat various conditions, including the consequences of stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury (including concussion), sports injuries, arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid), chronic low back and neck pain, peripheral neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and conditions requiring amputation rehabilitation. Dr. Reen focuses on improving function, reducing pain, and enhancing quality of life related to these and other physical impairments.

How is a Physiatrist different from an Orthopedic Surgeon or a Neurologist?

While all three specialties may deal with the musculoskeletal and/or nervous systems, their primary approaches differ. Orthopedic Surgeons are surgical specialists focused on operative treatment of bone, joint, and related soft tissue conditions. Neurologists diagnose and treat diseases of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, often primarily with medication or diagnostic procedures. Physiatrists like Dr. Reen focus on optimizing function and quality of life through primarily non-surgical means, comprehensive rehabilitation planning, and managing disabilities across a spectrum of conditions. They often take a holistic view of how a condition impacts a patient's daily life and activities, coordinating multidisciplinary care.

Are services provided by a Physiatrist like Dr. Reen covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP))?

Most physician consultations and medically necessary assessments by a registered specialist Physiatrist like Dr. Reen are typically covered by provincial health plans such as the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON, provided the patient has a valid health card and appropriate referral if required by the plan or clinic. However, some specific treatments or procedures (e.g., certain types of injections, assistive devices, comprehensive multidisciplinary programs) may not be fully covered or may have associated fees for materials or facility use. Inquire with Toronto Western Hospital about potential out-of-pocket costs for recommended treatments and check with your private insurance, if any, regarding coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Reen at Toronto Western Hospital?

Your first visit with Dr. Reen will typically involve a comprehensive assessment, including a detailed discussion of your medical history, current symptoms, how these symptoms impact your daily activities and quality of life, and any previous treatments. Dr. Reen will then perform a thorough physical examination, focusing on the musculoskeletal system (joints, muscles, spine) and/or neurological system depending on the presenting problem. Any prior imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT) or test results will be reviewed. Based on this evaluation, Dr. Reen will discuss their diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations if needed, and will outline potential treatment and rehabilitation options, working with you to establish functional goals.

How often will I need to see Dr. Reen for follow-up appointments?

The frequency of follow-up appointments will depend on the nature of your condition, the specific treatment plan, and your progress. Initially, visits might be more frequent to monitor response to treatment or adjust medications/therapies. As your condition stabilizes or improves, follow-ups may become less frequent, focusing on long-term management, prevention, and ensuring functional goals are maintained. Dr. Reen will recommend a follow-up schedule tailored to your needs.

Toronto Western Hospital
Unit 1E420, 113-820 McConnell Ave, 1E420
Cornwall, ON, K6H 4M4

Phone: (613) 933-8990

Dr. Mehar Singh Reen is a licensed Physiatrist in ON, regulated by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 & Medicine Act, 1991 (Ontario).

License Number: 51756

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Reen-Mehar-Singh/0037780-51756

A referral from a family physician or another specialist may be required to see Dr. Reen. Dr. Reen and the team are committed to providing comprehensive care. If you have a medical emergency, please proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911.