Chaya Plonka – Physiotherapist | Thornhill, ON

Chaya Plonka is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Chaya Plonka, Physiotherapist in Thornhill, ON, Chaya Plonka is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Chaya Plonka's practice 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. Chaya Plonka also focuses on the unique health needs of older adults, aiming to improve and maintain mobility, strength, balance, manage age-related conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis, reduce fall risk, and enhance overall quality of life and independence. Chaya Plonka serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Chaya Plonka completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2014). With extensive clinical experience, Chaya Plonka is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Chaya Plonka has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.

Chaya Plonka's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Thornhill community through proactive physiotherapy; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Chaya Plonka offers consultations in English.

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

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Inflammation (tendinitis) or, more commonly, degeneration (tendinosis/tendinopathy) of tendons, leading to localized pain that typically worsens with activity or loading of the tendon.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.

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.
• 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.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Muscular pain, trigger points, and tension headaches resulting from habitual poor posture, which can be addressed with postural re-education, exercises, and ergonomic advice.
• 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.

Geriatric

• Age-Related Deconditioning / Frailty / Sarcopenia Management: Combating the effects of inactivity and the aging process to help prevent or manage frailty, maintain mobility, and improve overall autonomy and quality of life in seniors.
• Mobility Issues & Gait Disturbances in Seniors: Difficulty with walking (e.g., slow gait, shuffling, unsteadiness), transferring (e.g., getting in/out of a chair or bed), using stairs, or performing other daily mobility tasks due to age-related changes, chronic health conditions, deconditioning, or fear of falling.

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. Chaya Plonka can assess your needs.

• Rehabilitation for Age-Related Deconditioning & Loss of Autonomy: Helping seniors regain their physical capacity, reduce dependency, and improve their ability to manage at home safely and effectively.
• Fibromyalgia & Widespread Pain Management: Tailored physiotherapy including gentle exercise prescription (e.g., aquatic therapy, graded aerobic exercise), pain management education, activity pacing strategies, stress reduction techniques, and gentle manual therapies for individuals living with fibromyalgia or other widespread pain conditions.
• Geriatric Physiotherapy & Seniors' Health: Helping older adults stay active, mobile, independent, and confident in their physical abilities through compassionate and evidence-based physiotherapy.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Assessing your fundamental movement patterns to identify limitations, asymmetries, and potential risk factors for injury or re-injury.
• 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.

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

• Many find that swelling in my arm or leg, possibly lymphedema, after surgery or treatment significantly impacts their ability to reaching for items on high shelves or in cupboards without shoulder strain. Chaya Plonka helps patients target improved coordination for complex movements and fine motor tasks with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Struggling with the frustration of a noticeable curve in my child's spine or uneven shoulders (scoliosis concerns)? Chaya Plonka develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving a return to intimacy without the fear of pain or discomfort. This is key to helping you get back to doing getting back to their regular, consistent gym workouts with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• The journey to improved balance and coordination, leading to safer and more confident mobility in seniors when faced with persistent feeling generally stiff, achy, and less mobile than I used to be is made smoother and more effective with Chaya Plonka's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like getting in and out of the car smoothly and without wincing.
• Chaya Plonka frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of recovering from surgery to my hand or wrist. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets returning to their workout routine with greater confidence and better performance and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like peacefully paddling their kayak or canoe on the lake for hours.

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

Chaya Plonka, Physiotherapist, is situated in a physiotherapy clinic in the central Thornhill neighborhood of Thornhill. The clinic is conveniently located near nearby parks and community recreation facilities and is accessible via local public transit routes. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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 Ontarians. 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. Always check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement is best for your physiotherapy appointment – think about what you might wear to a gym or for light exercise. If you're being treated for a lower-body issue (like hip or knee pain), shorts are very helpful. For upper-body issues (like shoulder or neck pain), a tank top or loose t-shirt is suitable so the Physiotherapist can properly examine and treat the area.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Chaya Plonka, Physiotherapist treat?

Chaya Plonka's Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain (including herniated discs and sciatica), joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries (like sprains, strains, tendonitis, and bursitis), and nerve pain. Chaya Plonka also has specialized skills in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health. Treatments often involve manual therapy, exercise prescription, and patient education to help achieve functional goals.

How can I book an appointment at Chaya Plonka, Physiotherapist?

You can book an appointment by calling the clinic directly at (416) 893-0119 during business hours. The clinic may also offer online booking through their website. The reception team can assist in finding a suitable appointment time.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. Contact your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand your plan's specifics: annual maximum for physiotherapy, per-visit limits or co-payments, referral requirements, and direct billing options. If Chaya Plonka, Physiotherapist offers direct billing and your plan allows it, they can bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You'll be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance. Bring your insurance card and policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing isn't possible, you'll receive a receipt to submit to your insurer.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy aims to reduce pain and improve function. Some assessment techniques or treatments might cause mild, temporary discomfort, but your Physiotherapist will work within your tolerance levels and encourage open feedback. Report any significant pain immediately.

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 (direct access). However, some private insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your appointment.

Chaya Plonka, Physiotherapist
452 Spring Gate Blvd
Thornhill, ON, L4J 5E1

Phone: (416) 893-0119

Chaya Plonka 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: XXX89

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=f3f6e33f-9202-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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