Amit Bhatia – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Amit Bhatia is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Geriatric Physiotherapy Focus / Seniors' Health). Practicing at VHA Rehab Solutions- A Division of VHA Home Health Care in Toronto, ON, Amit Bhatia is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Amit Bhatia focuses on the unique health needs of older adults, aiming to improve and maintain mobility, strength, balance, manage age-related conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis, reduce fall risk, and enhance overall quality of life and independence. Amit Bhatia also manages acute and chronic conditions affecting the heart and lungs, such as COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis, post-operative cardiac or respiratory recovery, and post-COVID symptoms. This involves breathing exercises, airway clearance, exercise prescription, and education. Amit Bhatia serves adults.

Amit Bhatia completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Delhi (Graduating Class of 2010). With extensive clinical experience, Amit Bhatia is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Amit Bhatia has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health and Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy.

Amit Bhatia employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Amit Bhatia has a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Amit Bhatia utilizes a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Amit Bhatia offers consultations in English, Hindi, Panjabi, and Punjabi.

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

Neurological

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) / Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy addressing physical impairments following a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or acquired brain injury (ABI), including issues with balance, coordination, strength, mobility, spasticity, endurance, and cognitive-physical integration.
• Stroke (CVA) Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy aimed at improving mobility (e.g., walking, transfers), balance, strength, coordination, sensation, and daily function (e.g., dressing, self-care) after a stroke (cerebrovascular accident).
• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Rehabilitation (Incomplete/Specific Cases): Helping individuals with spinal cord injuries achieve their highest level of physical potential through targeted exercises, functional training, equipment prescription, and compensatory strategies.
• Facial Palsy / Bell's Palsy Rehabilitation: May include specific facial exercises, neuromuscular re-education (PNF for the face), biofeedback, electrical stimulation (if appropriate), massage, and strategies to improve facial movement, symmetry, reduce synkinesis (unwanted movements), and manage eye care.

Post Surgical

• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: A structured, progressive, and goal-oriented physiotherapy rehabilitation program crucial for restoring knee stability, strength, range of motion, and proprioception (joint position sense) after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or other knee ligament (e.g., PCL, MCL, LCL) reconstructive surgery.
• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): Physiotherapy rehabilitation after total or partial hip replacement surgery, aimed at restoring mobility, strength, balance, and improving your gait pattern, allowing you to perform daily activities safely and effectively.

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. Amit Bhatia can assess your needs.

• 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: Teaching you essential strategies and exercises to manage your symptoms independently, accelerate recovery, and prevent future problems.
• Post-COVID-19 Condition / Long COVID Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy management for individuals experiencing persistent symptoms following COVID-19 infection (Long COVID), such as profound fatigue, breathlessness (dyspnea), muscle weakness, joint pain, 'brain fog' (cognitive difficulties), postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) symptoms, and exercise intolerance.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Gentle, specific movements and mobilizations designed to address nerve-related pain (like sciatica or carpal tunnel symptoms), tingling, numbness, or restrictions by improving the nerve's ability to glide freely and reducing irritation.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Helping you understand how your posture impacts your musculoskeletal health and providing you with tools for lasting postural improvement and pain relief.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Amit Bhatia, 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 VHA Rehab Solutions- A Division of VHA Home Health Care, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Amit Bhatia frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Don't let an old ankle sprain that never seems to fully heal and still feels weak dictate what you can and cannot do. Amit Bhatia offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at getting back to enjoying life's simple pleasures without physical limitations, helping you reclaim working on detailed woodworking projects in their shop without hand pain and enjoy a more functional life.
• Are you finding that recurrent dislocations or a feeling of instability in my shoulder or knee stops you from enjoying participating in light recreational activities like bowling or mini-golf? Amit Bhatia is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve achieving personal fitness goals that once seemed out of reach through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of that burning pain between my shoulder blades from too much computer work? Amit Bhatia works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of a noticeable reduction in daily discomfort, making everyday tasks easier and more enjoyable. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as pushing a stroller or shopping cart without difficulty.
• Many individuals seek help from Amit Bhatia, their physiotherapist, when trouble with a constantly stiff and sore neck, making turning my head a pain starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve increased endurance for walking, allowing for longer and more enjoyable outings, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like sitting comfortably through a movie at the cinema or a play.

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

Amit Bhatia's practice at VHA Rehab Solutions- A Division of VHA Home Health Care is situated in the Lawrence Manor, Lawrence Heights neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near the CN Tower and is accessible via the TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Please inquire regarding specific accessibility needs for our clinic. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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

In Ontario, you typically do not need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist. This is known as direct access. However, while a referral isn't legally required for your appointment, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement of your physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider to understand their specific requirements before your first appointment.

How can I book an appointment at VHA Rehab Solutions- A Division of VHA Home Health Care?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (416) 489-2500 during our business hours. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

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

OHIP generally does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private outpatient clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in certain situations, such as post-hospitalization for specific conditions, for children and youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams. However, eligibility criteria are strict and there may be waitlists. Most Ontarians will need to rely on private insurance or pay out-of-pocket for physiotherapy services in private clinics. It's crucial to check your private insurance coverage and verify your eligibility for any public coverage directly with OHIP.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, in almost all cases, you will receive a customized home exercise program. These exercises are carefully chosen by your Physiotherapist to specifically target your issues and help you achieve your functional goals faster and more effectively. Performing them as recommended is very important for your progress and for maintaining the improvements you make during your clinic visits.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Essentially, physiotherapy helps you get moving and stay moving effectively and comfortably. Whether you're dealing with an acute injury, chronic pain, post-surgical recovery, or a condition affecting your physical abilities, your Physiotherapist will work with you. They'll use their expertise in body mechanics, rehabilitation, and pain management to create a personalized treatment plan involving exercises, hands-on techniques, and practical advice to help you achieve your functional goals and live a more active, fulfilling life.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy refers to specialized hands-on techniques used by a Physiotherapist to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This can include joint mobilization (gentle, rhythmic gliding movements), joint manipulation (skilled, high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts, where appropriate and within the therapist's scope and with your consent), various soft tissue mobilization techniques (like massage, myofascial release, trigger point release), and neural mobilization (gentle techniques to improve nerve movement). The primary goals are to reduce pain, improve range of motion, restore optimal joint mechanics, reduce muscle tension, and enhance tissue repair and function.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement is best for your physiotherapy appointment – think about what you might wear to a gym or for light exercise. If you're being treated for a lower-body issue (like hip or knee pain), shorts are very helpful. For upper-body issues (like shoulder or neck pain), a tank top or loose t-shirt is suitable so the Physiotherapist can properly examine and treat the area.

VHA Rehab Solutions- A Division of VHA Home Health Care
700 Lawrence Ave West, Unit 310
Toronto, ON, M6A 3B4

Phone: (416) 489-2500

Amit Bhatia 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: XXX53

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=e9032d0c-9502-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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