Alyssa Ann Canestraro – Physiotherapist | Burlington, ON

Alyssa Ann Canestraro is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Alyssa Canestraro, Physiotherapist in Burlington, ON, Alyssa Canestraro is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Alyssa Canestraro'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. Alyssa Canestraro serves adults.

Alyssa Ann Canestraro completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2011). With clinical experience, Alyssa Canestraro is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Alyssa Canestraro has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Alyssa Canestraro's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Burlington community through proactive physiotherapy; a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Alyssa Canestraro offers consultations in English.

Alyssa Ann Canestraro provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Back Neck Pain

• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Sharp, shooting, electric-like, or burning pain that travels along the path of a nerve due to issues with intervertebral discs or other spinal structures.
• 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.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Back or neck pain accompanied by associated limb symptoms (pain, sensory changes, weakness) due to a constricted spinal canal, which physiotherapy can help manage conservatively.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Pain, tenderness, swelling, and dysfunction in a tendon (the strong cords that attach muscles to bones) due to overuse, repetitive strain, injury, or degeneration. Common sites include the Achilles, patellar tendon (knee), rotator cuff (shoulder), or elbow (tennis/golfer's elbow).
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A chronic condition causing joint discomfort, stiffness (especially in the morning or after inactivity), and impacting your ability to perform daily activities, walk, or engage in hobbies.

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. Alyssa Canestraro can assess your needs.

• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: The use of specific electrical stimulation devices (IFC or TENS) by your Physiotherapist to provide pain relief, reduce muscle spasm, decrease swelling, or promote muscle activation and re-education.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Skilled hands-on techniques, including gentle joint mobilizations (smooth, rhythmic movements) and, where appropriate and authorized, joint manipulations (quick, precise thrusts) to restore optimal movement, reduce pain, and improve joint function.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): The application of focused acoustic waves (Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy) by a trained Physiotherapist to treat chronic tendon issues (e.g., plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, Achilles tendinopathy), calcific tendinosis, and other persistent musculoskeletal conditions.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): The therapeutic use of different electrical currents by your Physiotherapist to achieve specific physiological effects, such as improving muscle contraction, reducing atrophy, or enhancing functional movement.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: Superficial heat application carefully monitored by your therapist to promote relaxation, pain relief, and enhance the effectiveness of other treatments.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Targeted therapy to alleviate symptoms such as shooting pain, pins and needles, or weakness arising from neural tension or entrapment.

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

• Many find that that 'arthritic' pain in my hands, hips, or knees significantly impacts their ability to attending concerts or theatre shows and sitting comfortably throughout. Alyssa Canestraro helps patients target greater confidence when walking, standing, or navigating challenging environments with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• At Alyssa Canestraro's physiotherapy practice, individuals with numbness, tingling, or weakness in my hands, arms, feet, or legs are guided towards sleeping more soundly through the night due to reduced pain and discomfort. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around their neighborhood for fresh air.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Alyssa Canestraro's clinic, common concerns like experiencing discomfort, back pain, or pelvic girdle pain during or after pregnancy are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of seeing their child achieve developmental milestones with greater ease (for pediatric physio). This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like taking energetic, long walks with their dog every day.
• It's truly rewarding for Alyssa Canestraro to witness patients conquer pain and difficulty with overhead movements like reaching into a cupboard and experience being able to play actively with their children or grandchildren again. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in being able to kneel or squat down to play with pets or children again.

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

Alyssa Canestraro, Physiotherapist, is conveniently located in the Elizabeth Gardens, Shoreacres neighborhood of Burlington. The clinic is easily accessible near Downtown Burlington and is accessible via Burlington Transit. Please inquire regarding specific accessibility needs for our clinic. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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 Ontarians. 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. Verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

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.

What are Alyssa Canestraro, Physiotherapist's operating hours?

Alyssa Canestraro, Physiotherapist's clinic is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. However, hours can vary, so please call the office or check their website for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

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. If direct billing is not possible, you will receive an official receipt to submit to your insurer.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

It's difficult to say exactly how many sessions you'll need without a thorough assessment, as everyone's situation and recovery path is unique. Some acute conditions might resolve in just a few sessions, while more chronic, complex, or significant issues may require a longer period of care to achieve lasting results. Your Physiotherapist will provide an estimated treatment timeline and plan after your first visit, and this will be revisited as your treatment progresses.

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 kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows the Physiotherapist to easily access and assess the area being treated, and permits you to move freely for any exercises or movements. For example, shorts are ideal for knee, hip, or ankle issues, while a tank top or loose t-shirt works well for shoulder, neck, or upper back problems. Athletic wear or gym attire is generally a good choice. You may also be provided with a gown if needed.

Alyssa Canestraro, Physiotherapist
80036 Appleby Line
Burlington, ON, L7L 6B1

Phone: (416) 884-8087

Alyssa Ann Canestraro 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: XXX26

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=ceb200d9-9002-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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