Cristina Gina Piticco – Physiotherapist | Vaughan, ON

Cristina Gina Piticco is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Athletes Care Vaughan in Vaughan, ON, Cristina Piticco is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Cristina Piticco 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. Cristina Piticco serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Cristina Gina Piticco completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McGill University (Graduating Class of 2016). With clinical experience, Cristina Piticco is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Cristina Piticco has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Cristina Piticco empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results; a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting; a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Cristina Piticco offers consultations in English.

Cristina Gina Piticco provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Post Surgical

• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Restoring your ability to perform daily tasks, work, and recreational activities by addressing pain, stiffness, and weakness after your shoulder surgery.
• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): A tailored physiotherapy program following hip joint replacement to optimize your recovery, manage pain, ensure adherence to any precautions, and facilitate a return to an active lifestyle.
• 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-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Specialized physiotherapy following knee ligament reconstruction surgery to ensure a successful recovery, minimize complications (like stiffness or muscle atrophy), and facilitate a safe and confident return to activity and sport, preventing re-injury.

Hand Wrist

• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Physiotherapy to help you regain optimal use of your hand and wrist after an injury, surgery, or due to a chronic condition, enabling you to return to work, hobbies, and daily tasks.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Helping to alleviate the symptoms of a catching, locking, or painful finger/thumb through targeted physiotherapy interventions, potentially avoiding the need for injections or surgery in some cases.

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. Cristina Piticco can assess your needs.

• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: A variety of hands-on methods such as therapeutic massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and active release style techniques to reduce muscle tension, break down scar tissue, improve circulation, and enhance tissue flexibility.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Gentle, active manual therapy techniques where you use your own specific muscle contractions against your therapist's controlled resistance to improve joint mobility, lengthen tight tissues, and reduce pain.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Targeted exercises using resistance (such as bodyweight, resistance bands, free weights, or gym equipment) to build muscle strength, power, and endurance, tailored to your specific rehabilitation needs or performance goals.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Specialized manual techniques aimed at restoring normal movement and function to peripheral nerves that may be compressed, adhered, or under tension.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Guided stretching routines and flexibility exercises prescribed by your Physiotherapist, aimed at improving your range of motion, reducing muscle tightness or stiffness, and enhancing overall movement quality.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Evidence-based exercise programs designed by your physiotherapist, including instruction and progression, to optimize your recovery and enhance your physical well-being.

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

• Through personalized physiotherapy at Cristina Piticco's clinic, common concerns like recovering strength and mobility after a knee or hip replacement surgery are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of better managing flare-ups with personalized strategies and feeling more in control of their symptoms. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event.
• If an infant is having a tilted head or a flat spot on their head (torticollis/plagiocephaly), Cristina Piticco offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining feeling more stable and confident on their feet, especially on uneven surfaces, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help regain previous levels of function.
• With Cristina Piticco's help, managing general muscle strains and pulls from overdoing it at the gym or in the garden to achieve being able to play actively with their children or grandchildren again becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like reading a good book for hours without experiencing neck pain or headaches.
• Patients often come to Cristina Piticco feeling defeated by difficulty getting out of a chair or bed due to stiffness or pain. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving reduced muscle tension and a feeling of greater physical ease and resuming returning to dancing, whether it's ballet, salsa, or just for fun becomes a realistic and attainable goal.

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

Cristina Piticco practices at Athletes Care Vaughan, situated in the Maple neighborhood of Vaughan. The clinic is conveniently located near VMC Subway Station Access and is accessible via York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva. Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Does Athletes Care Vaughan offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, Athletes Care Vaughan offers direct billing for most major private insurance companies such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, Blue Cross, etc. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. Always confirm your specific coverage details, including any annual maximums, per-visit limits, or deductible requirements, directly with your insurance provider, as plans vary significantly. You are responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Athletes Care Vaughan treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain, joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, and nerve pain. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and general physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques, Muscle Energy Techniques (MET), and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

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.

Is there parking available at or near Athletes Care Vaughan?

Street parking is generally available near Athletes Care Vaughan. There are also several paid parking lots within a short walking distance of the clinic. Please check local signage for restrictions and time limits.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapist in ON?

No, you do not need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist in Ontario. However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for coverage, so it is best to check with your insurance provider before your appointment.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available through specific programs and in certain situations (e.g., post-hospitalization, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams), but eligibility criteria are strict and there may be waitlists. Most people will need to rely on private insurance for coverage of physiotherapy services in a private clinic. It is important to check your private insurance plan for coverage details.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not be painful. While you might experience some discomfort or a stretching sensation, especially initially, your therapist will work to keep you comfortable and adjust treatments as needed. The goal is to make you feel better, not worse.

Athletes Care Vaughan
2535 Major MacKenzie Dr W #7
Vaughan, ON, L6A 1C6

Phone: (905) 303-0760

Cristina Gina Piticco 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: XXX45

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=c1b90bff-9202-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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