Angelo Papachristos – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Angelo Papachristos is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, ON, Angelo Papachristos is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Angelo Papachristos 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. Angelo Papachristos serves adults.

Angelo Papachristos completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 1998). With extensive clinical experience, Angelo Papachristos is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Angelo Papachristos has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Angelo Papachristos maintains a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy; and employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Angelo Papachristos offers consultations in English, Greek.

Angelo Papachristos 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): Commonly known as 'wear-and-tear' arthritis, this condition affects various joints, often worsening with age, overuse, or previous injury, and can significantly impact daily function.

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Addressing the inflammation, pain, and restricted movement associated with stenosing tenosynovitis of the finger or thumb.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Specialized physiotherapy for conditions affecting the intricate structures of the hand and wrist, such as fractures (e.g., Colles', scaphoid), tendon lacerations or ruptures (e.g., flexor/extensor tendon repairs), ligament sprains/tears (e.g., skier's thumb, TFCC injuries), repetitive strain injuries, or arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis). Includes both conservative management and post-operative rehabilitation.

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. Angelo Papachristos can assess your needs.

• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): The application of cold packs, ice massage, or other cold modalities by your Physiotherapist to reduce swelling, inflammation, muscle spasm, and acute pain, particularly after an injury.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: The application of high-frequency sound waves by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to promote deep tissue heating, increase local blood flow, reduce pain, and facilitate the healing process in soft tissues like muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): A non-invasive, evidence-based treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing, reduce pain, and promote tissue regeneration in stubborn soft tissue conditions that haven't responded to other therapies.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: The application of specific wavelengths of light energy (cold laser) by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and accelerate tissue repair and regeneration at a cellular level.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: Therapeutic traction for the cervical (neck) or lumbar (low back) spine, used by physiotherapists to help reduce pain, decompress nerve roots, and improve symptoms associated with conditions like disc herniations, sciatica, or spinal stenosis.
• 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.

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

• With Angelo Papachristos's help, managing aches and pains that I'm pretty sure are from my bad posture at my desk to achieve improved overall mobility, making it easier to navigate their home and community becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like playing actively and roughhousing with their young kids or grandkids.
• Don't let feeling like my posture is hunched or rounded, causing discomfort dictate what you can and cannot do. Angelo Papachristos offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at decreased frequency and intensity of headaches related to neck or postural issues, helping you reclaim sleeping soundly through the night without being woken by pain or discomfort and enjoy a more functional life.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from trying to stay as mobile and active as possible while living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and achieved a return to intimacy without the fear of pain or discomfort under the skilled care of Angelo Papachristos. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as taking group exercise classes at the community center with a new lease on life.
• Living with recovering from a burn and needing help with scar mobility and movement doesn't have to be your norm. Angelo Papachristos applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards a feeling of being 'unstuck' and more supple, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of shoveling snow or raking leaves without aggravating their back.

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

Angelo Papachristos practices at St. Michael's Hospital, situated in the St. James Town neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Toronto Reference Library and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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 or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for coverage of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider to understand their specific requirements before your first appointment.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

You can expect your initial physiotherapy visit to be around an hour long. This extended time allows for a comprehensive assessment of your condition and a collaborative discussion about your treatment goals. Subsequent follow-up sessions are generally between 30 and 45 minutes, though this can be adjusted based on your individual requirements. Your Physiotherapist will advise on the appropriate appointment length for your specific care.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy, delivered by a qualified Physiotherapist, is a science-based profession that focuses on restoring movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness, or disability. It can also help to reduce your risk of future problems. Your physiotherapist will use techniques such as therapeutic exercise, manual therapy (hands-on treatment), education, and advice, empowering you to manage your health independently and achieve your physical goals.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not be painful. While you might feel some discomfort or a stretching sensation as you work to regain movement or strength, especially in the initial stages of treatment for an acute injury or chronic stiffness, it's rarely 'painful' in a distressing or harmful way. Your Physiotherapist will guide you through each step, modify treatments to suit your comfort and tolerance, and ensure that the overall experience is positive. The ultimate aim is to make you feel better, not worse.

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

The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services provided in private outpatient clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations, such as post-hospitalization for certain conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams. However, eligibility criteria are strict and there may be waitlists. It is strongly recommended that you check your private/extended health insurance plan for coverage, as many plans offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics. You should also verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with OHIP.

St. Michael's Hospital
61 Queen St E, 2nd Floor
Toronto, ON, M5C 2T2

Phone: (416) 864-5180

Angelo Papachristos 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: XXX59

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=4aeabf42-8c02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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