Anitha Mathew – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Anitha Mathew is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Achieva Health in Toronto, ON, Anitha is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Anitha's focus is providing comprehensive assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions to help patients of all ages restore function, manage pain, and improve their quality of life. Anitha serves seniors and other patients in the Toronto area.

Anitha Mathew completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (Graduating Class of 2000). With extensive clinical experience, Anitha is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Anitha has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Anitha's practice philosophy centers on a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Anitha adopts a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Anitha offers consultations in English.

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

Sports Injury

• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): A common overuse injury in active individuals and athletes, sometimes referred to as 'runner's knee' or 'anterior knee pain', often related to biomechanical issues in how the kneecap tracks.
• Stress Fractures (Activity-Related - Conservative Management/Rehab): A bone injury resulting from an imbalance between bone resorption and bone formation due to repetitive mechanical loading, often seen in runners or athletes who rapidly increase their training.

Joint Pain

• 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.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Persistent tendon pain that can interfere with your sports, work, or daily activities, often requiring specific loading programs and advice from a physiotherapist for effective management.

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. Anitha can assess your needs.

• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): A common physiotherapy treatment for acute injuries, designed to help numb pain, decrease bleeding into the tissues, and minimize secondary hypoxic injury.
• 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.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: The application of gentle, controlled mechanical or manual force to distract (stretch) spinal segments, aiming to alleviate pressure on intervertebral discs, nerves, and facet joints.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Using therapeutic ultrasound as an adjunct treatment to help reduce pain, decrease inflammation, break down scar tissue, and accelerate the repair of injured soft tissues.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Utilizing electrophysical agents as an adjunct to your physiotherapy treatments to aid recovery, improve muscle function, manage pain, or reduce swelling, tailored to your specific condition.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: Superficial heat application carefully monitored by your therapist to promote relaxation, pain relief, and enhance the effectiveness of other treatments.

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

• Rediscover your ability to painting or drawing for longer stretches without neck or shoulder ache without the constant burden of trouble with a constantly stiff and sore neck, making turning my head a pain. Anitha focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to restored joint function, leading to smoother and more coordinated movements, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Patients often come to Anitha feeling defeated by dealing with ongoing pain and stiffness after a car accident, like whiplash. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving implementing practical strategies to avoid re-injury during work or daily life and resuming engaging in volunteer work that might have physical demands becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Many find that widespread muscle pain and fatigue that my doctor thinks might be fibromyalgia significantly impacts their ability to playing a few sets of tennis without shoulder pain. Anitha helps patients target decreased frequency and intensity of headaches related to neck or postural issues with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Anitha's clinic, common concerns like my baby/child having trouble with their motor skills, like delayed rolling, sitting or walking are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of a renewed sense of vitality and enthusiasm for daily activities. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like enduring their daily commute, whether driving or on public transit, without stiffness.

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

Anitha practices at Achieva Health, situated in the Davisville North neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Osgoode Hall and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Does Achieva Health offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, Achieva Health 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 appointment. However, please 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.

How can I book an appointment at Achieva Health?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (416) 489-8888 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.

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 Achieva Health 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.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

The first physiotherapy session is primarily an in-depth assessment. Expect to spend time talking with your Physiotherapist about your specific issue, its history, and your overall health background. Your therapist will then perform various physical tests to assess your movement, strength, and any areas of concern. The main goal of this first visit is to understand your condition fully so that a tailored and effective treatment plan can be developed collaboratively with you. You might also receive your first set of home exercises or some initial hands-on care to start the healing process.

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 individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

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. Check your private insurance for private clinic coverage.

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.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiotherapist can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

Achieva Health
355 Eglinton Ave. East, 4th Floor
Toronto, ON, M4P 1M5

Phone: (416) 489-8888

Anitha Mathew 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: XXX49

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=e8c156ee-8e02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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