Aly Kassam – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Aly Kassam is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at St. John’s Campus; Sunnybrook Health Science Centre in Toronto, ON, Aly Kassam is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Aly Kassam's focus is 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. Aly Kassam serves adults.

Aly Kassam completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2014). With clinical experience, Aly Kassam is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Aly Kassam has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Aly Kassam employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; empowering 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. Aly Kassam offers consultations in English, Hindi.

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

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Inflammation (tendinitis) or, more commonly, degeneration (tendinosis/tendinopathy) of tendons, leading to localized pain that typically worsens with activity or loading of the tendon.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.

Hand Wrist

• 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.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Focused physiotherapy care for complex hand and wrist problems, often involving custom splinting or orthosis fabrication, manual therapy (joint and soft tissue mobilization), specific exercises to restore dexterity, strength, and range of motion, scar management, and sensory re-education.

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. Aly Kassam can assess your needs.

• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Assessing your fundamental movement patterns to identify limitations, asymmetries, and potential risk factors for injury or re-injury.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Education on optimal body mechanics and corrective strategies to improve your posture during daily activities, work, and recreation.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Empowering you with a clear understanding of your condition, its causes, and practical tools for effective self-management and lasting relief.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: A progressive program designed to build a strong and stable core, improving your body's foundation for all movements and reducing strain on other structures.
• 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.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Aly Kassam, 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 St. John’s Campus; Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Aly Kassam frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Aly Kassam frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of trouble performing repetitive tasks at work without pain. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets building the necessary muscle support for their joints, reducing the risk of re-injury and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like hitting the slopes for a full day of skiing or snowboarding in winter.
• Patients struggling with difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning shirts or writing due to hand pain can find dedicated and compassionate support from Aly Kassam. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving a better ability to cope with the physical stresses of daily life, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as playing a full game of recreational hockey with their friends.
• With Aly Kassam's help, managing feeling like my posture is hunched or rounded, causing discomfort to achieve sleeping more soundly through the night due to reduced pain and discomfort becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like getting back to cycling for leisure or commuting.
• For those whose managing stiffness, tremors, and movement challenges with Parkinson's disease has made standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event seem like a distant memory, Aly Kassam's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward feeling a substantial improvement in their mobility and range of motion for easier movement. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event with greater comfort and renewed confidence.

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

Aly Kassam practices at St. John’s Campus; Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, situated in the Newtonbrook, Willowdale neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Roy Thomson Hall and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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 plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

Is there parking available at or near St. John’s Campus; Sunnybrook Health Science Centre?

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly on-site. Look for the designated patient spots.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of physiotherapy sessions required varies greatly from person to person. It depends on several factors, including the nature and severity of your condition, how long you've had the issue (acute vs. chronic), your individual treatment goals, your body's unique response to therapy, and how consistently you are able to follow your prescribed home exercise program and self-management advice. Your Physiotherapist will discuss a proposed treatment frequency and estimated duration after your initial assessment and will continually re-evaluate your progress with you.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Initial assessment appointments are generally longer to allow for a thorough evaluation and discussion, typically lasting between 45 to 60 minutes. Subsequent follow-up treatment sessions are usually shorter, often ranging from 30 to 45 minutes. However, the duration can vary depending on your specific needs, the complexity of your condition, the type of treatment being provided, and the treatment plan designed by your Physiotherapist.

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?

Your initial physiotherapy appointment is a comprehensive assessment. Your Physiotherapist will start by discussing your medical history, the details of your current symptoms or injury, your concerns, and what you hope to achieve with physiotherapy (your functional goals). This is followed by a thorough physical examination, which may include evaluating your range of motion, strength, posture, balance, and specific movement patterns, as well as performing special tests relevant to your condition. Based on these findings, your therapist will provide a clinical impression or diagnosis, discuss a personalized treatment plan with you, and often begin some initial treatment or provide education and a home exercise program to get you started.

St. John’s Campus; Sunnybrook Health Science Centre
285 Cummer Avenue
Toronto, ON, M2M 2G1

Phone: (416) 226-6780

Aly Kassam 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: XXX03

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=993edc45-9202-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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