Astur Sarkisyan – Physiotherapist | North York, ON

Astur Sarkisyan is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at First Line Physiotherapy in North York, ON, Astur is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Astur's focus is 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. Astur serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Astur Sarkisyan completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Queen's University (Graduating Class of 2010). With clinical experience, Astur Sarkisyan is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Astur Sarkisyan has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Astur employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Astur Sarkisyan offers consultations in English, French, Russian.

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

Common Musculoskeletal

• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Injuries to ankle ligaments, typically from twisting or 'rolling' motions, leading to pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. Can result in recurrent sprains and chronic instability if not properly rehabilitated.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Acute or chronic pain originating from various musculoskeletal sources, such as a pulled muscle (strain), inflamed tendon, or irritated bursa.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Hip problems that interfere with your mobility, sleep, and daily comfort, which can be effectively managed with physiotherapy interventions.

Hand Wrist

• 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.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Conservative physiotherapy management for trigger digit, which may include splinting to rest the tendon, specific tendon gliding exercises, activity modification advice, modalities to reduce inflammation, and education to prevent recurrence.

Arthritis

• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): An inflammatory arthritis that can affect some people with psoriasis (a skin condition), causing joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and sometimes affecting tendons (enthesitis) and ligaments. Can affect small or large joints, often asymmetrically, and sometimes the spine.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A type of chronic inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spine (especially the sacroiliac joints and vertebrae), leading to pain, stiffness, and potential fusion of vertebrae, which can result in a stooped posture if not managed.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Physiotherapy as an important part of a multidisciplinary team approach to managing rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis), helping to minimize disease impact and maximize quality of life.

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. Astur can assess your needs.

• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Cold therapy techniques applied by your therapist to effectively alleviate acute pain, reduce inflammation, and manage muscle soreness or spasm.
• 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.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: Application of therapeutic heat to prepare tissues for exercise, manual therapy, or stretching, or to manage chronic muscle soreness and joint stiffness.
• 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.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: The use of specific electrical stimulation devices (IFC or TENS) by your Physiotherapist to provide pain relief, reduce muscle spasm, decrease swelling, or promote muscle activation and re-education.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): The application of focused acoustic waves (Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy) by a trained Physiotherapist to treat chronic tendon issues (e.g., plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, Achilles tendinopathy), calcific tendinosis, and other persistent musculoskeletal conditions.

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

• When knee pain, especially when going up/down stairs or after a run is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing playing a few sets of tennis without shoulder pain, physiotherapy with Astur can help you work towards improved coordination for complex movements and fine motor tasks. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Are you finding that widespread muscle pain and fatigue that my doctor thinks might be fibromyalgia stops you from enjoying joining in on pickup basketball games at the local court? Astur is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve enjoying cycling or swimming regularly without pain or limitation through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• For those whose recovering from a painful and limiting work-related injury (WCB/CNESST/WorkSafe claim) has made challenging myself with indoor or outdoor rock climbing seem like a distant memory, Astur's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward a noticeable reduction in daily discomfort, making everyday tasks easier and more enjoyable. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to challenging myself with indoor or outdoor rock climbing with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Astur's clinic, common concerns like needing to improve my breathing patterns or lung capacity are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of feeling equipped with effective self-management strategies and exercises. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like attending concerts or theatre shows and sitting comfortably throughout.

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

Astur practices at First Line Physiotherapy, a physiotherapy clinic in the central North York neighborhood of North York. The clinic is conveniently located near nearby parks and community recreation facilities and is accessible via local public transit routes. Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

What are First Line Physiotherapy's operating hours?

First Line Physiotherapy is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and some practitioners offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call our office or check our website/online booking portal for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

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; check your policy before your first appointment.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves skilled, hands-on treatments performed by your Physiotherapist as part of your overall physiotherapy plan. These techniques are designed to assess and treat your joints, muscles, and nerves to decrease pain and improve your mobility and function. Examples include specific joint mobilizations to improve movement, soft tissue release techniques to address muscle tightness or scar tissue, and sometimes manipulations (adjustments) if indicated and appropriate for your condition and your therapist's qualifications.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

This depends on many factors. After your initial assessment, your Physiotherapist will give you a better idea of the anticipated number of sessions and frequency of visits needed. We will regularly review your progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.

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 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.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

The primary goal of physiotherapy is to reduce pain and improve function. Some treatments might cause mild, temporary discomfort, but your Physiotherapist will work within your tolerance levels. Inform your therapist immediately if you experience notable pain.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at First Line Physiotherapy treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including back and neck pain, joint problems, sports injuries, and nerve pain. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and patient education.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy focuses on restoring movement and function when affected by injury, illness, or disability. Your physiotherapist will use techniques such as therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, education, and advice to help you manage your health and achieve your physical goals.

First Line Physiotherapy
100-2920 Dufferin St.
North York, ON, M6B 3S8

Phone: (416) 789-9444

Astur Sarkisyan 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: XXX98

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=ee1e217f-9002-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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