Cheryl Mercuri – Physiotherapist | Etobicoke, ON

Cheryl Mercuri is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Rexdale Community Health Centre in Etobicoke, ON, Cheryl Mercuri is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Cheryl Mercuri addresses 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. Cheryl Mercuri serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Cheryl Mercuri completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Davao Doctors College (Graduating Class of 1996). With extensive clinical experience, Cheryl Mercuri is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Cheryl Mercuri has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Cheryl Mercuri employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Cheryl Mercuri utilizes a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Cheryl Mercuri empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Cheryl Mercuri offers consultations in English, Filipino, and Tagalog.

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

Hand Wrist

• 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.
• 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.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Aching, sharp, or deep pain in the hip that may worsen with activity, specific movements, or even at rest.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Damage to the body's movement system, including issues like joint inflammation, ligament tears, or muscle overstretching, often requiring physiotherapy for optimal recovery.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Pain, weakness, or restricted movement in the shoulder joint, often experienced with overhead activities, lifting, reaching behind your back, or sleeping on the affected side.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Pain, swelling, clicking, locking, or instability in or around the knee joint from various causes like ligament sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL), meniscal tears (managed conservatively), or patellofemoral (kneecap) pain.

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. Cheryl Mercuri can assess your needs.

• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Targeted exercises focused on strengthening the deep abdominal, back, pelvic floor, and diaphragm muscles to provide better support for your spine, improve posture, enhance balance, and increase movement efficiency.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): A form of manual therapy that actively involves you in your treatment, utilizing your body's muscular effort to achieve specific therapeutic effects on restricted joints and shortened soft tissues.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Manual treatments specifically designed to improve joint mechanics, alleviate discomfort, reduce stiffness, and enhance your range of motion in the spine or limbs.
• 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.
• 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.

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

• Many individuals seek help from Cheryl Mercuri, their physiotherapist, when recovering from a burn and needing help with scar mobility and movement starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve feeling significantly stronger and more capable in their physical abilities, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event.
• If my baby/child having trouble with their motor skills, like delayed rolling, sitting or walking is preventing you from fully enjoying swimming laps at the pool for fitness and relaxation, Cheryl Mercuri offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining improved balance and coordination, leading to safer and more confident mobility in seniors, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• Are you finding that an awkward gait or limping when I walk stops you from enjoying travelling more comfortably on planes, trains, or in cars for longer durations? Cheryl Mercuri is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve resuming gardening, hobbies, or household tasks without strain or discomfort through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• With Cheryl Mercuri's help, managing recurrent dislocations or a feeling of instability in my shoulder or knee to achieve improved coordination for complex movements and fine motor tasks becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain.

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

Cheryl Mercuri's practice is located at the Rexdale Community Health Centre, a physiotherapy clinic in the central Etobicoke neighborhood of Etobicoke, ON. 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.

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. We recommend you contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand the specifics of your plan. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If Rexdale Community Health Centre offers direct billing and your plan allows it, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance not covered by your plan at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and all necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.

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?

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. We strongly advise checking your private insurance for coverage of services at a private clinic.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

While some physiotherapy techniques might feel uncomfortable or cause a temporary increase in soreness (similar to muscle soreness after a new workout), especially when working on stiff joints or tight muscles, it should not be excessively or intolerably painful. Your Physiotherapist will discuss what sensations you might expect with different treatments and will always aim to adjust the intensity and techniques to ensure you are as comfortable as possible while still achieving therapeutic benefits. Constant communication about your comfort level is very important.

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 manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves skilled, hands-on treatments performed by your Physiotherapist as part of your overall physiotherapy plan. These techniques are designed to assess and treat your joints, muscles, and nerves to decrease pain and improve your mobility and function. Examples include specific joint mobilizations to improve movement, soft tissue release techniques to address muscle tightness or scar tissue, and sometimes manipulations (adjustments) if indicated and appropriate for your condition and your therapist's qualifications.

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

Wear or bring clothing that allows unrestricted movement and easy access for your physiotherapist to examine the body part being assessed or treated. For example, shorts for knee problems or a sleeveless top for shoulder issues.

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

Bring your health card, any referral letters, and reports/images from medical tests. If you have private insurance, bring your insurance card or policy details.

Rexdale Community Health Centre
8 Taber Road
Etobicoke, ON, M9W 3A4

Phone: (416) 744-0066

Cheryl Mercuri 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: XXX64

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=36f3e8f0-9002-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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