Bibiana Margarita Gonzalez – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Bibiana Margarita Gonzalez is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, ON, Bibiana Gonzalez is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Bibiana Gonzalez focuses on 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. Bibiana Gonzalez serves adults.

Bibiana Margarita Gonzalez completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Universidad del Rosario (Graduating Class of 1988). With extensive clinical experience, Bibiana Gonzalez is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Bibiana Gonzalez has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Bibiana Gonzalez's practice philosophy centers around a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; and a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Bibiana Gonzalez offers consultations in English, Spanish.

Bibiana Margarita Gonzalez provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Helping to alleviate the symptoms of a catching, locking, or painful finger/thumb through targeted physiotherapy interventions, potentially avoiding the need for injections or surgery in some cases.
• 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.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Painful neck conditions that can make head movements difficult, sometimes leading to headaches or radiating pain into the shoulders.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or stiffness in the wrist, hand, or fingers, often resulting from overuse, repetitive tasks, arthritis, or specific conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or De Quervain's tenosynovitis.

Post Surgical

• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Comprehensive physiotherapy for knee ligament injuries post-operatively, focusing on restoring full knee function, power, and agility to meet your specific athletic or lifestyle demands.
• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): A progressive exercise program, often combined with manual therapy, designed to gradually restore your shoulder's range of motion, strength, and coordination following your operation.
• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Physiotherapy aimed at restoring movement, strength, and function after surgical repair of broken bones (e.g., Open Reduction Internal Fixation - ORIF, intramedullary nailing), once the fracture site is sufficiently healed and cleared for rehabilitation by your surgeon.
• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): A structured physiotherapy program to manage post-operative pain and swelling, improve knee flexibility and strength, and re-educate your gait pattern after a TKA or PKA.

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. Bibiana Gonzalez can assess your needs.

• 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.
• 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.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Educating you about your diagnosis, expected recovery timeline (prognosis), and the reasons behind your treatment plan to encourage active participation in your healing.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Using controlled isometric and isotonic muscle contractions, as directed by your Physiotherapist, to address joint restrictions and muscle imbalances effectively.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Skilled hands-on techniques, including gentle joint mobilizations (smooth, rhythmic movements) and, where appropriate and authorized, joint manipulations (quick, precise thrusts) to restore optimal movement, reduce pain, and improve joint function.

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

• Living with difficulty getting out of a chair or bed due to stiffness or pain doesn't have to be your norm. Bibiana Gonzalez applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards more comfortable and efficient movement when transitioning between positions (e.g., sit to stand), so you can get back to the simple pleasure of walking their children to school or the park.
• When a 'frozen shoulder' feeling, where my shoulder feels completely stuck is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing playing actively and roughhousing with their young kids or grandkids, physiotherapy with Bibiana Gonzalez can help you work towards running their usual distance comfortably and with improved form. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• The journey to greater confidence when walking, standing, or navigating challenging environments when faced with persistent that grinding or crunching feeling in my knee or shoulder is made smoother and more effective with Bibiana Gonzalez's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like participating in community events and social gatherings more actively.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from trouble performing repetitive tasks at work without pain and achieved feeling more energetic and less weighed down by physical discomfort under the skilled care of Bibiana Gonzalez. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as cycling longer distances with their cycling club with a new lease on life.

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

Bibiana Gonzalez practices at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, located in the Lawrence Park neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near University Settlement Recreation Centre and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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?

It's recommended to wear or bring clothing that allows unrestricted movement and provides easy access for your physiotherapist to examine the body part being assessed or treated. For instance, if you have a knee problem, please wear or bring shorts. For shoulder issues, a sleeveless top or a top with loose armholes is often helpful. The goal is to make the assessment and treatment as effective as possible.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including but not limited to back pain, neck pain, arthritis, sports injuries, and post-surgical rehabilitation. Bibiana Gonzalez's expertise in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy allows her to address many specific issues. Treatments often involve Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment, Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding), manual therapy, and exercise prescription.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services in private outpatient clinics. 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 coverage, as many plans offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

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

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a doctor's referral. However, some private/extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
2075 Bayview Ave.
Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5

Phone: (416) 480-6100

Bibiana Margarita Gonzalez 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: XXX47

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=f65e903f-8b02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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