Brenda L. Elliott – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Brenda L. Elliott is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at Sinai Health System - Bridgepoint in Toronto, ON, Brenda Elliott is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Brenda Elliott focuses on assisting individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life after neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Brenda Elliott serves adults.

Brenda L. Elliott completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 1995). With extensive clinical experience, Brenda Elliott is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Brenda Elliott has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Neurological Physiotherapy.

Brenda Elliott employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Brenda Elliott has a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Brenda Elliott offers consultations in English.

Brenda L. Elliott provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Vestibular Balance

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Effective, non-invasive treatment for positional dizziness and vertigo using specific head and body movements performed by a trained Vestibular Physiotherapist.
• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Individualized exercise programs including gaze stabilization exercises (e.g., VORx1, VORx2), habituation exercises (for motion sensitivity), and balance retraining to improve function when the vestibular system is impaired.
• 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.

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: Physiotherapy for concussion recovery, focusing on symptom management, restoring normal function, and preventing long-term complications through evidence-based interventions.

Neurological

• Stroke (CVA) Rehabilitation: Comprehensive neurological rehabilitation provided by a Neuro Physiotherapist to help individuals regain independence, maximize their recovery potential, and adapt to any residual impairments following a stroke.
• Functional Neurological Disorders (FND) - Movement Retraining: A movement-based therapy approach, often guided by principles of motor learning and de-emphasis on presumed damage, to help individuals with FND regain voluntary control over their physical symptoms and improve confidence in their movements.

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. Brenda Elliott can assess your needs.

• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Targeted therapy to alleviate symptoms such as shooting pain, pins and needles, or weakness arising from neural tension or entrapment.
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders: Customized exercise-based programs (e.g., gaze stabilization, habituation, balance retraining exercises) prescribed by a trained Vestibular Physiotherapist to reduce vestibular symptoms, improve functional balance, decrease fall risk, and enhance confidence in movement.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: A variety of hands-on methods such as therapeutic massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and active release style techniques to reduce muscle tension, break down scar tissue, improve circulation, and enhance tissue flexibility.
• Neurological Rehabilitation (e.g., Stroke, MS, Parkinson's, Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury): Tailored exercises, hands-on techniques, and functional strategies to manage symptoms (e.g., spasticity, weakness, ataxia) and optimize function in various neurological conditions, promoting participation in daily life.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.

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

• Many individuals seek help from Brenda Elliott, their physiotherapist, when difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning shirts or writing due to hand pain starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve successfully integrating safe movement strategies into their daily routines, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like sitting comfortably through a movie at the cinema or a play.
• The journey to increased endurance for walking, allowing for longer and more enjoyable outings when faced with persistent recovering from a burn and needing help with scar mobility and movement is made smoother and more effective with Brenda Elliott's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like running their usual 5k route without knee pain.
• When pain and difficulty with overhead movements like reaching into a cupboard is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing hitting the slopes for a full day of skiing or snowboarding in winter, physiotherapy with Brenda Elliott can help you work towards improved performance in work-related physical demands. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Brenda Elliott can help you move beyond recovering from a concussion and dealing with lingering symptoms like dizziness or headaches. The focus is on restored joint function, leading to smoother and more coordinated movements, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as actively participating in family outings and vacations without holding others back.

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

Brenda Elliott practices at Sinai Health System - Bridgepoint, located in the Studio District (Leslieville) neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Chinatown and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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

In Ontario, you typically do not need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist. This is known as direct access. However, while a referral isn't legally required for your appointment, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement of your physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider to understand their specific requirements before your first appointment.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Initial assessment appointments are generally longer to allow for a thorough evaluation and discussion, typically lasting between 45 to 60 minutes. Subsequent follow-up treatment sessions are usually shorter, often ranging from 30 to 45 minutes. However, the duration can vary depending on your specific needs, the complexity of your condition, the type of treatment being provided, and the treatment plan designed by your Physiotherapist.

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

Physiotherapy services in private outpatient clinics are generally not covered by OHIP for most Ontarians. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations, such as post-hospitalization for certain conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams. However, eligibility criteria are strict and there may be waitlists. It's essential to check your private insurance coverage, as many plans offer significant coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial physiotherapy appointment is a comprehensive assessment. Your Physiotherapist will start by discussing your medical history, the details of your current symptoms or injury, your concerns, and what you hope to achieve with physiotherapy (your functional goals). This is followed by a thorough physical examination, which may include evaluating your range of motion, strength, posture, balance, and specific movement patterns, as well as performing special tests relevant to your condition. Based on these findings, your therapist will provide a clinical impression or diagnosis, discuss a personalized treatment plan with you, and often begin some initial treatment or provide education and a home exercise program to get you started.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Definitely. A key aspect of physiotherapy is not just treating current problems but also preventing future ones. A Physiotherapist can assess your movement, identify potential weaknesses or imbalances that could lead to injury, and provide you with a personalized program of exercises and strategies. This proactive approach is beneficial for athletes, individuals with physically demanding jobs, or anyone looking to maintain long-term musculoskeletal health and avoid recurring pain.

Sinai Health System - Bridgepoint
1 Bridgepoint Dr.
Toronto, ON, M4M 2B5

Phone: (416) 461-8252

Brenda L. Elliott 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: XXX50

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=03d1128e-8b02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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