Arlee Beth Stern – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Arlee Beth Stern is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Geriatric Physiotherapy Focus / Seniors' Health). Practicing at Baycrest in Toronto, ON, Arlee Stern is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Arlee Stern 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. Arlee Stern serves seniors.

Arlee Beth Stern completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Queen's University (Graduating Class of 2016). With clinical experience, Arlee Stern is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Arlee Stern has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.

Arlee Stern empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results; a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Arlee Stern offers consultations in English.

Arlee Beth Stern provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Vestibular Balance

• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Difficulty maintaining stability during standing, walking, or changing positions, which may be due to various factors including age-related changes, neurological conditions, musculoskeletal weakness, sensory impairments, or medication side effects, often leading to an increased risk of falls.
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): A common cause of chronic dizziness that can be helped with specific physiotherapy strategies aimed at desensitizing the brain to provocative stimuli and normalizing reliance on sensory inputs.
• 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.

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-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Specialized physiotherapy focused on regaining shoulder movement, strength, stability, and function after various types of shoulder surgeries, such as rotator cuff repair, labral tear repair, shoulder stabilization procedures (e.g., Bankart repair), or shoulder joint replacement (arthroplasty).

Neurological

• 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.
• Functional Neurological Disorders (FND) - Movement Retraining: Supporting individuals with FND to improve their physical function, reduce symptom burden, and enhance participation in daily life activities through specialized physiotherapy.

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. Arlee Stern 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.
• Geriatric Physiotherapy & Seniors' Health: Tailored exercise prescription, education on safe movement, manual therapy (gentle techniques), and functional training to help seniors maintain their independence, enhance safety in their home and community, and promote active and healthy aging.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Education on optimal body mechanics and corrective strategies to improve your posture during daily activities, work, and recreation.
• Rehabilitation for Age-Related Deconditioning & Loss of Autonomy: Targeted physiotherapy programs to help seniors regain strength, endurance, balance, and functional abilities after an illness, surgery, hospitalization, or a period of inactivity or decline.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Empowering you with a clear understanding of your condition, its causes, and practical tools for effective self-management and lasting relief.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A complete assessment of your musculoskeletal system to pinpoint issues, set clear rehabilitation goals, and get you started on the path to recovery.

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

• The path to recovery from needing to improve my breathing patterns or lung capacity and achieving enjoying family vacations and outings with more energy and less pain for enduring their daily commute, whether driving or on public transit, without stiffness often starts with expert guidance. Arlee Stern, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• When that 'arthritic' pain in my hands, hips, or knees is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing engaging in detailed crafting, sewing, or knitting hobbies for hours, physiotherapy with Arlee Stern can help you work towards greater ease in performing overhead activities or reaching. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Arlee Stern's clinic, common concerns like an awkward gait or limping when I walk are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of improved joint health and a slowing of degenerative processes through better biomechanics. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like being able to perform deep cleaning tasks around the house.
• Physiotherapy with Arlee Stern can be a transformative turning point for those affected by soreness and tightness in my Achilles tendon, especially after exercise. The shared goal is achieving a renewed sense of vitality and enthusiasm for daily activities, paving the way for you to enjoy spending hours gardening comfortably, without subsequent back or knee strain and a more active, vibrant life.

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

Arlee Stern's practice at Baycrest is situated in the Lawrence Manor, Lawrence Heights neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Cabbagetown and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Your first physiotherapy appointment, which includes a detailed assessment and the development of your initial treatment plan, usually takes about 60 minutes. Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled for 30 to 45 minutes. The exact duration of each session will depend on the nature of your treatment and what your Physiotherapist has planned for that specific visit to best help you progress.

Does Baycrest offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, Baycrest 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. 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 recommended to check your private insurance for coverage of services at a private clinic.

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.

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

Patients in ON 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.

Baycrest
3560 Bathurst St.
Toronto, ON, M6A 2E1

Phone: (416) 785-2500

Arlee Beth Stern 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: XXX67

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=e87f5694-9302-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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