Chandrika M Desai – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Chandrika M Desai is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at VHA Rehab Solutions - A Division of VHA Home HealthCare in Toronto, ON, Chandrika Desai is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Chandrika Desai's focus is providing comprehensive assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions to help patients of all ages restore function, manage pain, and improve their quality of life. Chandrika Desai serves adults.

Chandrika M Desai completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda (Graduating Class of 1997). With extensive clinical experience, Chandrika Desai is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Chandrika Desai has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Chandrika Desai employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Chandrika Desai utilizes a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Chandrika Desai offers consultations in English, Gujarati, Hindi, Panjabi, and Punjabi.

Chandrika M Desai provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Common Musculoskeletal

• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Disorders affecting hand and wrist function, making daily tasks such as gripping objects, typing, writing, or fine motor activities difficult and painful.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Aching, sharp pain, a feeling of the knee 'giving way', or difficulty fully bending or straightening your knee.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Persistent tendon pain that can interfere with your sports, work, or daily activities, often requiring specific loading programs and advice from a physiotherapist for effective management.

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. Chandrika Desai can assess your needs.

• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Guided stretching routines and flexibility exercises prescribed by your Physiotherapist, aimed at improving your range of motion, reducing muscle tightness or stiffness, and enhancing overall movement quality.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Specialized workouts to enhance your core strength, stability, and endurance, which are crucial for injury prevention, back health, and efficient performance in daily activities and sports.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Application of skilled soft tissue techniques to manage pain, stiffness, and improve function in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Hands-on physiotherapy focused on mobilizing restricted joints and soft tissues to promote healing, restore normal biomechanics, and alleviate pain.
• 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.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Graded exercise programs designed to improve your overall physical fitness, endurance, strength, and functional capacity, especially beneficial after illness, surgery, or periods of prolonged inactivity.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Chandrika Desai, 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 VHA Rehab Solutions - A Division of VHA Home HealthCare, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Chandrika Desai frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Discover how physiotherapy with Chandrika Desai can help you move beyond feeling like my posture is hunched or rounded, causing discomfort. The focus is on enhanced ability to participate in social and community events, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as returning to dancing, whether it's ballet, salsa, or just for fun.
• Rediscover your ability to competing effectively in their curling league games without the constant burden of trouble performing repetitive tasks at work without pain. Chandrika Desai focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to a smooth and confident transition back to their work duties, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Are you finding that recovering my strength and energy after being very sick (like with pneumonia or Long COVID) stops you from enjoying driving for longer periods without neck or back pain? Chandrika Desai is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve noticeable strength gains in their limbs, supporting more demanding tasks through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• Living with that burning pain between my shoulder blades from too much computer work doesn't have to be your norm. Chandrika Desai applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards being active again without the constant worry of pain or re-injury, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of attending their favorite yoga and pilates classes without limitation.

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

Chandrika Desai practices at VHA Rehab Solutions - A Division of VHA Home HealthCare, situated in the Lawrence Manor, Lawrence Heights neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Bay Adelaide Centre and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

Is there parking available at or near VHA Rehab Solutions - A Division of VHA Home HealthCare?

Paid parking is available in the parkade adjacent to our building. Limited free street parking may also be found in the vicinity, but please check local signage for restrictions.

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 insurance plans may require a referral for coverage; check your policy details before your appointment.

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.

Does VHA Rehab Solutions - A Division of VHA Home HealthCare offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Please contact the clinic directly to confirm their direct billing capabilities with your specific insurance provider. Bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment.

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) but eligibility is strict. Check your private insurance coverage.

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.

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), 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.

What is VHA Rehab Solutions - A Division of VHA Home HealthCare's appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. A fee may be charged for late cancellations or missed appointments without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

VHA Rehab Solutions - A Division of VHA Home HealthCare
310-700 Lawrence Avenue West
Toronto, ON, M6A 3B4

Phone: (416) 489-2500

Chandrika M Desai 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: XXX12

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=c38422de-8d02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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