Amberly Dana Hood – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Amberly Dana Hood is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Lifemark Dufferin Rehab Centre in Toronto, ON, Amberly is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Amberly'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. Amberly serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Amberly Dana Hood completed their degree in Physiotherapy from D'Youville University (Graduating Class of 2006). With extensive clinical experience, Amberly is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Amberly has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Amberly's practice philosophy centers on empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results; promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy; and maintaining a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Amberly offers consultations in English.

Amberly Dana Hood provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Common Musculoskeletal

• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Discomfort experienced in the hip region, groin, outer hip, or buttock, potentially stemming from joint inflammation (bursitis), muscle strains, tendinopathy, or conservative management of labral tears.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Aching, burning, sharp pain, or a 'pins and needles' sensation in the wrist, thumb, or hand region, sometimes waking you at night.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Aching, soreness, or sharp pain experienced in the neck, which may include muscle spasms, trigger points, or reduced flexibility.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Knee problems that limit your ability to stay active, perform daily tasks, or enjoy your hobbies, for which physiotherapy offers effective solutions.

Arthritis

• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Supportive physiotherapy care for joint recovery and function after gout flares, focusing on restoring range of motion, reducing inflammation, and providing advice on joint protection and lifestyle factors.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Specific exercises (e.g., McKenzie exercises, stretching, postural exercises) and strategies to help individuals with ankylosing spondylitis maintain function, reduce stiffness, and prevent long-term spinal changes.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Individualized exercise programs and pain management strategies tailored for psoriatic arthritis to help reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Hand Wrist

• 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.
• 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. Amberly can assess your needs.

• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: A progressive approach to rebuilding your physical condition, allowing for a safe return to daily activities, work demands, and hobbies you enjoy.
• 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: Progressive resistance training programs designed by your Physiotherapist to improve muscle performance, support joint health, and enhance functional capacity for daily life or sport.
• 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.
• 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.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: A carefully selected set of exercises specific to your condition and abilities, aimed at restoring function, reducing pain, improving movement, and preventing future issues.

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

• Struggling with the frustration of difficulty moving one side of my body or walking easily after a stroke? Amberly develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving feeling more resilient and less vulnerable to minor strains or injuries. This is key to helping you get back to doing participating in community events and social gatherings more actively with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• Many find that hip pain when I walk, climb stairs, or try to sleep on my side significantly impacts their ability to easily carrying groceries in from the car in one or two trips. Amberly helps patients target feeling more energetic and less weighed down by physical discomfort with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from an awkward gait or limping when I walk and achieved improved coordination for complex movements and fine motor tasks under the skilled care of Amberly. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as sitting comfortably through a movie at the cinema or a play with a new lease on life.
• It's truly rewarding for Amberly to witness patients conquer persistent dizziness that isn't a spinning vertigo but makes me feel unsteady and experience a significant improvement in their overall quality of life and daily well-being. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in performing self-care tasks like hair washing or reaching their back again.

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

Amberly practices at Lifemark Dufferin Rehab Centre, situated in the Glencairn neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Union Station and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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

To make your first appointment as smooth and productive as possible, please consider bringing: your health card, any doctor's referral letter (if applicable), results or reports of any imaging tests (X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs) related to your current condition, a list of any medications you are currently taking, and your extended health benefits information (insurance card/policy number) for direct billing if available at our clinic. Wearing comfortable clothes is also a good idea.

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?

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a doctor's referral. This is known as direct access. However, some private/extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check your individual insurance policy's requirements before your first appointment.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Absolutely! Home exercises are a vital part of your rehabilitation journey and empower you to take an active role in your recovery process. Your Physiotherapist will carefully select and teach you exercises specific to your needs. These exercises help to reinforce what's done in the clinic, manage your condition effectively, and ensure you continue progressing towards your goals even when you're not in a session.

Does Lifemark Dufferin Rehab Centre offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, Lifemark Dufferin Rehab Centre 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 first 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.

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. It is strongly advised that you check your private insurance for coverage of services in private clinics.

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. We recommend you contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand the specifics of your plan. 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 Lifemark Dufferin Rehab Centre offers direct billing and your plan allows it, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance not covered by your plan at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and all necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.

Lifemark Dufferin Rehab Centre
2700 Dufferin St., Unit 3
Toronto, ON, M6B 4J3

Phone: (416) 785-1165

Amberly Dana Hood 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: XXX01

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=f7c4073c-8f02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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