Ayda Babakhamseh – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Ayda Babakhamseh is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, ON, Ayda is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Ayda'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. Ayda serves infants, children, and adolescents.

Ayda Babakhamseh completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 2023). With clinical experience, Ayda Babakhamseh is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Ayda Babakhamseh has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Ayda employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting; promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy. Ayda Babakhamseh offers consultations in English, Farsi.

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

Common Musculoskeletal

• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Common knee complaints that can affect your ability to walk, climb stairs, squat, run, or participate in sports, addressed through a tailored physiotherapy program.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Pain affecting the hip joint and surrounding musculature, which can limit activities like walking, standing for long periods, rising from a chair, or lying on the affected side.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Painful neck conditions that can make head movements difficult, sometimes leading to headaches or radiating pain into the shoulders.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: A 'rolled' or twisted ankle with subsequent swelling, tenderness, and difficulty putting your full weight on the foot.

Arthritis

• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Exercises and advice to manage the impact of gout on your joints, improve mobility, and reduce the likelihood of long-term joint damage.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Specific exercises (e.g., McKenzie exercises, stretching, postural exercises) and strategies to help individuals with ankylosing spondylitis maintain function, reduce stiffness, and prevent long-term spinal changes.
• 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.

Back Neck Pain

• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Symptoms resulting from a whiplash injury, which can vary in severity (WAD Grades I-III) and duration, requiring a comprehensive physiotherapy approach for recovery.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: A common cause of persistent back and neck pain due to the cumulative strain of prolonged sitting, standing, or performing tasks in non-ideal positions.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Nerve compression symptoms due to a narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal or the small openings where nerves exit the spine (foramina), most commonly in the lumbar (lower back) or cervical (neck) regions.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Sharp, shooting, electric-like, or burning pain that travels along the path of a nerve due to issues with intervertebral discs or other spinal structures.

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. Ayda can assess your needs.

• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Specialized manual techniques aimed at restoring normal movement and function to peripheral nerves that may be compressed, adhered, or under tension.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Application of skilled soft tissue techniques to manage pain, stiffness, and improve function in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Using controlled isometric and isotonic muscle contractions, as directed by your Physiotherapist, to address joint restrictions and muscle imbalances effectively.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Teaching you essential strategies and exercises to manage your symptoms independently, accelerate recovery, and prevent future problems.
• 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.
• 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.

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

• If trouble performing repetitive tasks at work without pain is preventing you from fully enjoying simply being able to get through a workday without constant pain interruptions, Ayda offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining returning to their workout routine with greater confidence and better performance, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• Physiotherapy with Ayda can be a transformative turning point for those affected by that nagging tennis elbow (or golfer's elbow) that flares up with activity. The shared goal is achieving getting their strength back after surgery or a period of inactivity, paving the way for you to enjoy walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue or breathlessness and a more active, vibrant life.
• Ayda believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If a noticeable curve in my child's spine or uneven shoulders (scoliosis concerns) is hindering your ability to enjoying long, challenging hikes on weekends again, a personalized plan focusing on achieving personal fitness goals that once seemed out of reach can make all the difference.
• Many find that persistent dizziness that isn't a spinning vertigo but makes me feel unsteady significantly impacts their ability to carrying a backpack or shoulder bag comfortably. Ayda helps patients target a smoother and stronger postpartum recovery with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.

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

Ayda's practice at The Hospital for Sick Children is situated in the Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Harbourfront Centre and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

What are The Hospital for Sick Children's operating hours?

The Hospital for Sick Children is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call the hospital or check their website for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

In physiotherapy, manual therapy encompasses a range of 'hands-on' interventions. Your Physiotherapist may use these techniques to help reduce your pain, increase joint movement, relax tight muscles, or improve the mobility of your nerves. Common approaches include joint glides, sustained pressures, specific soft tissue massage, and, when indicated, joint manipulations. It's a key part of helping your body move better.

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.

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. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, a personalized home exercise program is a crucial and integral component of most physiotherapy treatment plans. Your Physiotherapist will prescribe specific exercises tailored to your condition, abilities, and goals. These exercises are designed to complement your in-clinic treatment, help you manage your symptoms effectively between sessions, accelerate your recovery, and empower you with tools for long-term self-management. Your active participation in your home program is key for optimal results.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at The Hospital for Sick Children treat?

Physiotherapists at The Hospital for Sick Children treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions in children and adolescents. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain, joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), and sports injuries. Treatments often involve manual therapy, exercise prescription, and patient education to help achieve functional goals.

The Hospital for Sick Children
555 University Avenue
Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8

Phone: (416) 813-1500

Ayda Babakhamseh 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: XXX84

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=836782fa-497e-ee11-8179-000d3a09cd81

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