Brett Harding Alexander – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Brett Harding Alexander is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Altum Health, Toronto Outpatient Services in Toronto, ON, Brett Alexander is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Brett Alexander 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. Brett Alexander serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Brett Harding Alexander completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 2015). With clinical experience, Brett Alexander is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Brett Alexander has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Brett Alexander employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting; a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Brett Alexander offers consultations in English.

Brett Harding Alexander 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

• 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.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Aching, sharp, or persistent pain located in the lower back, which may sometimes extend into the buttocks or legs, limiting your comfort.

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. Brett Alexander can assess your needs.

• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): The therapeutic use of different electrical currents by your Physiotherapist to achieve specific physiological effects, such as improving muscle contraction, reducing atrophy, or enhancing functional movement.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: A non-invasive light therapy used in physiotherapy to treat various musculoskeletal conditions, promote faster healing, reduce pain, and modulate inflammation without generating heat.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): The application of cold packs, ice massage, or other cold modalities by your Physiotherapist to reduce swelling, inflammation, muscle spasm, and acute pain, particularly after an injury.
• 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.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: Utilizing traction techniques to create space within the spine, reduce nerve irritation, improve disc hydration, and alleviate back or neck pain.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Application of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) or Interferential Current (IFC) for managing acute or chronic pain conditions by modulating pain signals or promoting the release of endorphins.

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

• Patients struggling with awful foot pain first thing in the morning, like I'm walking on glass (plantar fasciitis) can find dedicated and compassionate support from Brett Alexander. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving a feeling of being 'unstuck' and more supple, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as getting back to their regular, consistent gym workouts.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Brett Alexander's clinic, common concerns like difficulty coordinating my movements, feeling clumsy are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of being able to travel more comfortably and with less planning around physical limitations. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like getting back to golfing 18 holes without their back acting up.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from needing to improve my breathing patterns or lung capacity and achieved regaining full function in an injured area, enabling a return to cherished activities under the skilled care of Brett Alexander. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as reaching for items on high shelves or in cupboards without shoulder strain with a new lease on life.
• Struggling with the frustration of post-operative stiffness and weakness that's slowing down my recovery? Brett Alexander develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving effectively managing chronic pain and reclaiming an active lifestyle. This is key to helping you get back to doing competing effectively in their curling league games with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.

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

Brett Alexander's practice at Altum Health, Toronto Outpatient Services is situated in the Kensington Market, Chinatown, Grange Park neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy refers to specialized hands-on techniques used by a Physiotherapist to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This can include joint mobilization (gentle, rhythmic gliding movements), joint manipulation (skilled, high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts, where appropriate and within the therapist's scope and with your consent), various soft tissue mobilization techniques (like massage, myofascial release, trigger point release), and neural mobilization (gentle techniques to improve nerve movement). The primary goals are to reduce pain, improve range of motion, restore optimal joint mechanics, reduce muscle tension, and enhance tissue repair and function.

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 advised to check your private insurance for private clinic coverage.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

For your first visit, please bring your provincial health card (e.g., Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card, if applicable for any publicly funded programs or simply for identification), any relevant medical information such as a doctor's referral note (if you have one), reports from recent imaging (like X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound scans), and a list of your current medications. Also, if you plan to use private health insurance, bring your insurance card or policy details. Finally, wear or bring comfortable clothing suitable for assessment and movement.

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.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession dedicated to helping people of all ages improve their movement, function, and overall well-being. A registered Physiotherapist uses evidence-based techniques like targeted exercise, hands-on manual therapy, and personalized education to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of injuries, pain conditions, and physical impairments affecting your muscles, bones, joints, nerves, and even your cardiorespiratory system. It can help you reduce pain, increase mobility and strength, recover from surgery, prevent future injuries, and enhance your quality of life.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

This is very individual and depends on many factors. After your comprehensive initial assessment, your Physiotherapist will be able to give you a better idea of the anticipated number of sessions and the frequency of visits needed to achieve your specific goals. We believe in open communication and will regularly review your progress with you, adjusting the treatment plan as you improve and as needed.

Altum Health, Toronto Outpatient Services
399 Bathurst Street, Krembil Discovery Tower, 4th Floor
Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8

Phone: (416) 603-5092

Brett Harding Alexander 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: XXX09

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=d6292edb-9202-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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