Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy

At Kaizen,  our physiotherapists are registered with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario. Our physiotherapists are dedicated, experienced, and committed to your health and well-being.  Our common goals are to resolve pain, eliminate inflammation, restore function and maximize performance. To achieve these goals we develop a treatment plan that addresses the root cause of the condition and we employ a variety of beneficial treatments such as: manual therapy, prescriptive exercise programs, physical modalities (TENS, therapeutic ultrasound, acupuncture) and lifestyle self-evaluation and re-education.

What to expect from your first visit?

On your first visit, you will have a one-hour assessment and/or partial treatment with your physiotherapist in a private setting.  Your assessment will include:

• Detailed history of your overall fitness and health, and specifics related to your exhibiting condition/injury
• Physical examination of the area/s of concern
• Physical testing to help determine the factors that may contribute to your condition/injury as well as measurements to assist with the rehabilitation progress
• Discussion of your goals and commitment to the rehabilitation process
• Development of a treatment plan that focuses on your needs and abilities
• Discussion of active participation in a home program to maximize results
• Discussion of treatment plan for in-person sessions

Follow up appointments are usually 45 minutes, providing full treatment which includes “hands on” manual therapy, implementation of a home exercise program, modalities for pain management and re-evaluation of your condition to ensure you are moving towards your goals.

Kaizen Physiotherapy offers you:

• One-on-one physiotherapy care individually tailored by one of our registered physiotherapist
• Private rooms that are sanitized regularly after each appointment
• A bright, spacious gym area for cardio and training exercises
• Facilitation of community based therapeutic pool/gym program
• In-home physiotherapy treatments

Manual Therapy

Manual therapy is a combination of joint and soft tissue mobilization techniques such as manual stretching, friction massage, trigger point, muscle energy and myofascial release.  Manual therapy is part of a plan to help restore the range of motion of the joints and soft tissue following an injury.

Acupunture

Acupuncture is an ancient traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) healing technique that has been applied for 2,500 years. It restores balance and maintains health using the body’s own defense systems.  As a form of alternative medicine, it involves the insertion of fine acupuncture sterile needles into specific areas of the body to achieve a variety of effects including: pain relief, reduction of swelling and improve circulation.

Acupuncture may not be appropriate for all patients. Our physiotherapists will assess your condition to determine if acupuncture is right for you and your rehabilitation program.

Neurological Rehabilitation (Neuro-rehab.):

Neurological rehabilitation is designed to help treat patients with nervous system damage or neurological diseases. The Neuro-Rehab process aims to increase function, reduce debilitating symptoms and improve a patient’s quality of life.

Our approach to Neuro-Rehab is to provide individualized assessment and treatment to assist those individuals with a variety of movement and functional impairments caused by conditions and/or injuries affecting the brain, spinal cord and nervous system. Current evidence-based research has shown that certain therapeutic exercises based on normal movement patterns  such as Bobath and NDT (neuro-developemental techniques) are effective in assisting clients after a neurological injury to regain and/or maximize their mobility.  At Kaizen, our neuro-physiotherapists are highly trained with post-graduate courses and certification in NDT  and other neurological treatment techniques.

Once the assessment is completed, a customized treatment program is developed to meet a client’s specific goals. We work in collaboration with our client’s rehabilitation team (Occupational Therapists, Speech Language Pathologists, Social Work/Case Manager) and other healthcare professionals to provide a comprehensive system of care either in the clinic, in-home and/or in the community.

Some of the conditions that will benefit from a Neuro-Physiotherapist assessment and treatment program include:

• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Acquired Brain Injury
• Stroke
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Peripheral Nerve Injury
• Post spinal surgery (discectomy, laminectomy, spinal decompression)
• Gait Training

Pelvic Health Physiotherapy

Pelvic Health Physiotherapy is a specialized area of physiotherapy that requires additional training and rostering with the College of Physiotherapists in Ontario.
This area of physiotherapy primarily focuses on the pelvic region including the muscles, joints, connective tissues and nerves of the pelvis, low back and hips. It specifically includes a focus on the pelvic floor muscles that can be weak or tight, and which have important roles in bladder/bowel health, sexual function, and core strength to assist in restoring you to optimal health.
It is normal to feel a little apprehensive about your first Pelvic Health appointment due to the location and nature of your concerns. Rest assured that you will be assessed in a caring professional manner tailored to your comfort level.

• Pelvic Health Physiotherapy can help both women and men experiencing any of the following conditions or symptoms such as:
• Urinary Incontinence: Uncontrollable leaking or when you cough, sneeze or run
• Interstitial cystitis: Burning or stinging while passing urine.
• Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Shifting of the bladder, uterus or rectum resulting in symptoms.
• Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: from tight or weak muscles resulting in symptoms of pain or leaking.
• Women’s Pelvic Health Conditions: Pelvic Organ Prolapse, Underlying constipation Endometriosis, PMS, Vaginal Pain Syndrome, Vaginismus/Dyspareunia – painful intercourse.
• Pregnancy & Postpartum: Preparing expectant mothers for optimal pelvic & core health prior to and following delivery. Assist with symptoms such as pelvic / sacro-iliac pain, leaking (incontinence), pelvic organ prolapse management and return to activities.
• Men’s Pelvic Health Conditions: Erectile dysfunction, Penile / Testicular Pain, referred pelvic pain, Pre & Post-Prostatectomy (Prostate Removal surgery) management of weakness, leaking (incontinence) & pain.

How to prepare for your first visit?

You will be receiving an intake package via our online system, which includes a detailed health history form & questions about your symptoms to help us learn more about your condition. Please complete the forms online before your appointment, so your physiotherapist can review it.

If you are unable to complete it at home, please arrive 20 minutes before your appointment, so that you can complete the paper version of the forms or online at the clinic.

If you are not comfortable completing the forms, your physiotherapist will discuss the questions with you during your assessment or feel free to contact the clinic.

What to expect from your first visit?

Your first visit is one-hour pelvic assessment by a Registered Physiotherapist specialized in Pelvic Health physiotherapy. You will be in a private room with the physiotherapist who will ensure your information regarding symptoms and relevant history stays confidential.
The detailed assessment starts with a review of your intake forms, discussing your symptoms & your goals for treatment with your Pelvic Health Physiotherapist.

The physiotherapist will then perform a physical & functional assessment as following:

• External Assessment: This is a visual assessment about your overall posture (standing / sitting), spinal/hip movements & strength, breathing pattern & functional activities such as bending, walking, squatting, etc.
• Internal Assessment: This is the assessment of your internal pelvic floor muscles & organs through your vagina &/or anus, which involves removing your clothes from the waist down & being draped in a professional & discreet manner. You will have the opportunity to undress privately and your Pelvic health physiotherapist will advise you on options to drape yourself including putting on a gown with additional draping the area below your waist with a sheet for increased comfort & privacy.
• In the event you are not comfortable with the internal part of the assessment, then it can be postponed to a later treatment session or not performed based on your choice.

Physiotherapist will then review the assessment findings with you, provide you with education about the condition / symptoms & will discuss your proposed treatment plan which includes the treatment procedure, its progression and information about number of sessions required; which is typically 6 – 10 treatment sessions (starting with 2 – 4 weekly, then bi-weekly 30 or 45 mins. sessions) depending on your specific needs, compliance with your home program & progress.

How long will my pelvic treatment sessions take?

• The follow up treatment sessions typically will be 30 or 45 minutes in duration, according to patient’s condition and symptoms.
• All treatment is one-on-one with the same Pelvic Health Physiotherapist involving a variety of techniques which may include education, postural correction, breathing techniques, stretches, strengthening exercises & functional activities, manual therapy, internal techniques and modalities such as electrical stimulation, as well as a tailored home exercise program.

Will Pelvic Health Physiotherapy be covered under my health insurance plan?

• Yes, it will be covered under your extended health / private insurance plan, if you have coverage for “physiotherapy services,” as this treatment is administered by a Registered Physiotherapist.
• If you don’t have coverage, you can also claim physiotherapy services as a medical expense when filing your income tax.

Meet Our Physiotherapist

Rosa Maria Echevarria
B.Sc.(PT)

For more than 25 years, Registered Physiotherapist, Rosa M. Echevarria, has worked with clients of all different movement capabilities to facilitate orthopaedic and neurological rehabilitation.

Rosa’s warm, caring and professional approach has been the heart and soul of Kaizen since she became certified in 1998.   Like the Japanese word Kaizen, “the practice of continuous improvement”, Rosa is always striving for excellence and a 360° approach to ongoing wellness for her clients.  Her admiration and passion for the practice of Pilates lead her to launch Kaizen Pilates in 2017 as an ongoing functional fitness discipline to help clients achieve mind and body wellness beyond their rehabilitation.

Rosa is registered with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario and is a member of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association.  Her credentials include an undergraduate degree in Physical Therapy and post-graduate courses in NDT/Bobath Facilitation Techniques, Manual Therapy, Myofascial Release, Mackenzie Training, Biomechanical Foot Evaluation Orthotics Fitting and Acupuncture.  Rosa is passionate about the mind-body connection and has acquired further certification in acquired Brain Injury and in Stroke Assessment, NDT (Neuro-Developmental Treatment), Concussion Management and Vestibular Rehabilitation.

Rosa is fluent in English, Portuguese and Spanish with a good understanding of Italian.  She loves gardening, her many cats and to sing to Freddie Mercury’s greatest hits.

Kanupriya Garg
B.Sc. (PT)

Priya Garg recently joined KAIZEN Physiotherapy Group Inc. in 2023, as an experienced registered Orthopaedic and rostered Pelvic Health Physiotherapist in Ontario since 2017. Priya believes that every patient is unique and strives to find the best therapy for each individual. She makes her patients feel comfortable with her warm personality and friendly approach thereby establishing a meaningful connection with the patients. Priya is also passionate about being a Physiotherapist. She always gives 100% to her patient’s rehabilitation. Her approach to treatment is focused and evidence-based. She is proficient in various languages including English, Hindi and Punjabi. She enjoys reading, staying active and listening to music in her spare time.

She has participated in various post-graduate training in her special interest area of Pelvic Health for both men & women, including pre & post-pregnancy care and persistent pelvic pain.

Continuing education:

Mulligan Lower Quadrant (Nov 2018), APTEI Acupuncture and Dry needling Lumbo Pelvic region (Jan 2019), APTEI Acupuncture and Dry needling Cervical and Thoracic region (Sep 2019), Level 1 and 2 Concussion Management Workshop with Shannon McGuire (Jan and Feb 2020), Level 1: The Physical Therapy Approach to Female and Male Urinary Incontinence (Sep 2020), Level2/3 A: Female and Male Pelvic Pain (Oct 2020), Pregnancy Rehabilitation from Herman and Wallace Pelvic, Rehabilitation Institute (June 2021), Part A: MDT Lumbar spine McKenzie Institute Canada (June 2022)

She looks forward to meeting you to assist you in your journey of optimal pelvic health and wellness.

Sanil Taneja
MSc. (PT)

A professional caring, motivated and enthusiastic Physical Therapist who has completed Master of Physiotherapy (Orthopedics) in 2012 from D.A.V. Institute of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, India. He has been working in the profession for past 10 years and has been providing services in GTA for over 3.5 years.

His credentials include a Master’s in Physical Therapy and has been updating himself by completing various workshops in different Manual Therapy techniques like Mulligan, Cyriax and Biomechanical analysis of Gait.

His experience includes working in a variety of settings – private clinics and hospitals. He has been treating patients with musculoskeletal conditions, sports injuries and pre and post surgical rehabilitation needs. He is particularly interested in orthopaedics.

He loves interacting with people of all ages, from children to older adults. He particularly enjoy helping people progress through their rehabilitation and enabling them to return to the things they enjoy.

In his spare time, Sanil enjoys activities like badminton and table tennis, as well as spending time with her family and friends. He is fluent in English, Hindi and Punjabi with a good understanding of Urdu.

For further information please refer to our FAQ or contact us

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