Anita Osika – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Anita Osika is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at Bridgepoint Active Health Care in Toronto, ON, Anita Osika is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Anita Osika's focus is assisting individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life after neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Anita Osika serves adults within this specialized area of physiotherapy.

Anita Osika completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2003). With extensive clinical experience, Anita Osika is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Anita Osika has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Neurological Physiotherapy.

Anita Osika employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Anita Osika's patient-centered approach actively involves individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. There is a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best possible care. Anita Osika offers consultations in English, Polish.

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

Joint Pain

• 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.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Conditions like 'jumper's knee' (patellar tendinopathy), 'swimmer's shoulder' (rotator cuff tendinopathy), or 'tennis elbow' (lateral epicondylitis) caused by tendon issues that limit your ability to perform specific tasks.

Vestibular Balance

• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Reduced function of one (unilateral) or both (bilateral) inner ear balance systems (vestibular organs), leading to persistent dizziness, gaze instability (difficulty keeping vision clear during head movement), imbalance, and sometimes nausea.
• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Physiotherapy aimed at improving your balance, coordination, lower limb strength, reaction time, and confidence to reduce your risk of falling and enhance safe mobility in your home and community.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Effective, non-invasive treatment for positional dizziness and vertigo using specific head and body movements performed by a trained Vestibular Physiotherapist.
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): A chronic functional dizziness disorder characterized by persistent sensations of dizziness, unsteadiness, or non-spinning vertigo (often lasting for 3 months or more), typically exacerbated by upright posture, active or passive motion, or exposure to complex or moving visual environments (e.g., busy supermarkets, scrolling on a screen). Often follows an acute vestibular event, medical illness, or period of psychological distress.

Neurological

• Facial Palsy / Bell's Palsy Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy for weakness or paralysis of facial muscles, often affecting one side of the face (e.g., Bell's Palsy, Ramsay Hunt syndrome, post-surgical facial nerve injury).
• 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).
• Muscular Dystrophy / Myopathy - Supportive Physiotherapy Care: Supportive physiotherapy care designed to enhance quality of life, manage the physical challenges of various muscle diseases, and promote independence for as long as possible.
• Parkinson's Disease Management & Movement Therapy: Physiotherapy interventions focusing on large-amplitude movements, rhythmic activities, and strategies to overcome movement difficulties associated with Parkinson's.

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. Anita Osika can assess your needs.

• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Application of skilled soft tissue techniques to manage pain, stiffness, and improve function in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Education on optimal body mechanics and corrective strategies to improve your posture during daily activities, work, and recreation.
• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Targeted exercises and strategies designed by your Physiotherapist to improve your stability, coordination, lower limb strength, and body awareness (proprioception), thereby reducing your risk of falls, particularly beneficial for older adults or individuals with balance impairments.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: An in-depth examination to fully understand your specific condition, allowing your Physiotherapist to create an effective and personalized rehabilitation plan.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
• 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.

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

• The journey to restored joint function, leading to smoother and more coordinated movements when faced with persistent recovering my strength and mobility after a knee or hip replacement surgery is made smoother and more effective with Anita Osika's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like driving for longer periods without neck or back pain.
• Patients struggling with my infant having a tilted head or a flat spot on their head (torticollis/plagiocephaly) can find dedicated and compassionate support from Anita Osika. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving successfully avoiding or delaying the need for more invasive treatments or surgery, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as sleeping soundly through the night without being woken by pain or discomfort.
• When one leg feeling shorter than the other, causing hip or back pain is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing attending and enjoying their children's or grandchildren's sporting events, physiotherapy with Anita Osika can help you work towards developing better body awareness and understanding of healthy movement patterns. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Anita Osika's clinic, common concerns like pain in my shins when I try to run or be active (shin splints) are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of being able to climb stairs with ease and confidence once again. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around their neighborhood for fresh air.

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

Anita Osika practices at Bridgepoint Active Health Care, located in the Studio District (Leslieville) neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic enjoys a convenient location near the US Consulate and is easily accessible via the TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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 waitlists may apply. 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 types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Bridgepoint Active Health Care treat?

Physiotherapists at Bridgepoint Active Health Care treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, back and neck pain, joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, and nerve pain. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like general physiotherapy and Neurological Physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques, Postural Assessment and Correction, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

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.

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.

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

In Ontario, you 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 of physiotherapy services. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Initial assessment appointments are generally longer (45-60 minutes) for thorough evaluation and discussion. Follow-up sessions are usually shorter (30-45 minutes), but the duration can vary depending on your needs and treatment plan.

What is Bridgepoint Active Health Care's appointment cancellation policy?

We request at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations or rescheduling. A fee may be charged for late cancellations or missed appointments. Please contact the clinic as soon as possible if you need to change your appointment.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy aims to reduce pain and improve function. Some treatments might cause mild, temporary discomfort, but your therapist will work within your tolerance levels. Inform your therapist immediately if you experience significant pain.

Bridgepoint Active Health Care
1 Bridgepoint Drive
Toronto, ON, M4M 2B5

Phone: (416) 461-8252

Anita Osika 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: XXX88

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=039e3d8a-8d02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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