Sara Gusev – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Sara Gusev is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Trillium Health Partners - Queensway Health Centre in Toronto, ON, Sara Gusev is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Sara Gusev 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. Sara Gusev serves adults.

Sara Gusev completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2013). With clinical experience, Sara Gusev is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Sara Gusev has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Sara Gusev empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results; a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Sara Gusev offers consultations in English, Serbian.

Sara Gusev provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Back Neck Pain

• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Often age-related changes leading to pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs with walking (neurogenic claudication in lumbar stenosis) or in the arms/hands (cervical stenosis).
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Pain and muscle tension related to ergonomic factors at work or home, muscle imbalances, and suboptimal body mechanics or movement habits.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Symptoms resulting from a whiplash injury, which can vary in severity (WAD Grades I-III) and duration, requiring a comprehensive physiotherapy approach for recovery.

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): A condition where a finger or thumb gets stuck or 'catches' in a bent position, then may snap straight (like pulling a trigger). Caused by inflammation and narrowing of the tendon sheath around the flexor tendon.

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. Sara Gusev can assess your needs.

• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Hands-on physiotherapy focused on mobilizing restricted joints and soft tissues to promote healing, restore normal biomechanics, and alleviate pain.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Evaluation of your body's basic movements (like squatting, lunging, reaching) to highlight areas for improvement in stability, mobility, and motor control.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Providing clear guidance on self-care techniques, activity modifications, and beneficial lifestyle adjustments for long-term well-being and injury prevention.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Using controlled isometric and isotonic muscle contractions, as directed by your Physiotherapist, to address joint restrictions and muscle imbalances effectively.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Improving the mobility and health of your nervous system to reduce pain, restore sensation, and enhance overall function.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Detailed analysis of your static and dynamic posture, with tailored exercises, stretches, and advice to help you improve alignment and reduce strain on your body.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Sara Gusev, 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 Trillium Health Partners - Queensway Health Centre, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Sara Gusev frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Struggling with the frustration of pain and difficulty with overhead movements like reaching into a cupboard? Sara Gusev develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving achieving their specific mobility goals, whether big or small. This is key to helping you get back to doing taking long photography walks to capture nature or cityscapes with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from that 'pins and needles' feeling that won't go away and achieved improved performance in work-related physical demands under the skilled care of Sara Gusev. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as carrying a backpack or shoulder bag comfortably with a new lease on life.
• It's truly rewarding for Sara Gusev to witness patients conquer numbness, tingling, or weakness in my hands, arms, feet, or legs and experience better joint stability during movement and weight-bearing activities. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in travelling more comfortably on planes, trains, or in cars for longer durations again.
• Many find that loss of strength in one of my limbs after an injury significantly impacts their ability to actively participating in family outings and vacations without holding others back. Sara Gusev helps patients target improved balance and coordination, leading to safer and more confident mobility in seniors with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.

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

Sara Gusev practices at Trillium Health Partners - Queensway Health Centre, situated in the Eringate, Bloordale Gardens, Old Burnhamthorpe neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Lee's Palace and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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. Always check your private/extended health insurance plans, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

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.

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 should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

During your first visit, the Physiotherapist will conduct a detailed evaluation to get a full picture of your condition. This usually involves a thorough discussion about your symptoms, how they impact your daily life, any relevant medical history, and your personal goals for therapy. A physical assessment will then be performed to help pinpoint the cause of your problem and assess your physical capabilities. Afterwards, your therapist will explain their findings, collaborate with you to set treatment goals, and outline a proposed plan of care. You'll likely receive some initial advice, exercises, or hands-on treatment to begin your recovery journey.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. Contact your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand your plan's specifics. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If direct billing is possible, we can bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance. Bring your insurance card and policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt to submit to your insurer.

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

Bring: your health card, any doctor's referral letter (if applicable), imaging test results, a medication list, and your extended health benefits information (insurance card/policy number) for direct billing if available. Wear comfortable clothes.

Trillium Health Partners - Queensway Health Centre
150 Sherway Dr.
Toronto, ON, M9C 1A5

Phone: (416) 521-4142

Sara Gusev 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: XXX51

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=0d0b2f9e-9102-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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