Christina Petrucci – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Christina Petrucci is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - University Centre in Toronto, ON, Christina Petrucci is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Christina Petrucci focuses on 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. Christina Petrucci serves seniors and other patients in the community.

Christina Petrucci completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2019). With clinical experience, Christina Petrucci is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Christina Petrucci has a particular interest or further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Christina Petrucci's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy; 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. Christina Petrucci offers consultations in English.

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

Back Neck Pain

• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Pain and muscle tension related to ergonomic factors at work or home, muscle imbalances, and suboptimal body mechanics or movement habits.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Often age-related changes leading to pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs with walking (neurogenic claudication in lumbar stenosis) or in the arms/hands (cervical stenosis).
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): A range of neck and related symptoms including pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and sometimes arm pain or cognitive difficulties, following a rapid acceleration-deceleration injury to the neck, most typically from a motor vehicle accident.
• 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.

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): Conditions like 'jumper's knee' (patellar tendinopathy), 'swimmer's shoulder' (rotator cuff tendinopathy), or 'tennis elbow' (lateral epicondylitis) caused by tendon issues that limit your ability to perform specific tasks.

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. Christina Petrucci can assess your needs.

• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Evaluation of your body's basic movements (like squatting, lunging, reaching) to highlight areas for improvement in stability, mobility, and motor control.
• 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.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Progressive resistance training programs designed by your Physiotherapist to improve muscle performance, support joint health, and enhance functional capacity for daily life or sport.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Education and instruction on effective and safe stretching techniques to help you maintain or improve your body's flexibility and joint mobility.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Empowering you with a clear understanding of your condition, its causes, and practical tools for effective self-management and lasting relief.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Education on optimal body mechanics and corrective strategies to improve your posture during daily activities, work, and recreation.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Christina Petrucci, 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 Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - University Centre, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Christina Petrucci frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Patients often come to Christina Petrucci feeling defeated by my child complaining of 'growing pains' that keep them up at night. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving getting back their independence with daily activities and personal care and resuming swimming laps at the pool for fitness and relaxation becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Rediscover your ability to playing actively and roughhousing with their young kids or grandkids without the constant burden of knee pain, especially when going up/down stairs or after a run. Christina Petrucci focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to noticeable strength gains in their limbs, supporting more demanding tasks, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Are you finding that my child walking on their toes most of the time stops you from enjoying participating in water aerobics or other pool-based exercises? Christina Petrucci is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve improved performance in work-related physical demands through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• Struggling with the frustration of clicking, popping, or pain in my jaw (TMJ issues) when I eat or talk? Christina Petrucci develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving getting back to hiking, running, or cycling pain-free and with renewed vigor. This is key to helping you get back to doing playing their musical instrument (guitar, piano, violin, etc.) for extended periods with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.

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

Christina Petrucci's practice is located at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - University Centre, situated in the Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Sugar Beach and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

You can expect your initial physiotherapy visit to be around an hour long. This extended time allows for a comprehensive assessment of your condition and a collaborative discussion about your treatment goals. Subsequent follow-up sessions are generally between 30 and 45 minutes, though this can be adjusted based on your individual requirements. Your Physiotherapist will advise on the appropriate appointment length for your specific care.

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. This is known as direct access. However, even though a referral isn't legally required to see a Physiotherapist, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider to understand their specific requirements before your first appointment.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

In physiotherapy, manual therapy encompasses a range of 'hands-on' interventions. Your Physiotherapist may use these techniques to help reduce your pain, increase joint movement, relax tight muscles, or improve the mobility of your nerves. Common approaches include joint glides, sustained pressures, specific soft tissue massage, and, when indicated, joint manipulations. It's a key part of helping your body move better.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Essentially, physiotherapy helps you get moving and stay moving effectively and comfortably. Whether you're dealing with an acute injury, chronic pain, post-surgical recovery, or a condition affecting your physical abilities, your Physiotherapist will work with you. They'll use their expertise in body mechanics, rehabilitation, and pain management to create a personalized treatment plan involving exercises, hands-on techniques, and practical advice to help you achieve your functional goals and live a more active, fulfilling 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.

What is Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - University Centre'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. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients who may be waiting for care. A fee may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

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

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services provided in private outpatient clinics. 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 recommended that you check your private/extended health insurance plan for coverage, as many plans offer significant coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Absolutely! Home exercises are a vital part of your rehabilitation journey and empower you to take an active role in your recovery process. Your Physiotherapist will carefully select and teach you exercises specific to your needs. These exercises help to reinforce what's done in the clinic, manage your condition effectively, and ensure you continue progressing towards your goals even when you're not in a session.

Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - University Centre
550 University Ave.
Toronto, ON, M5G 2A2

Phone: (416) 597-3422

Christina Petrucci 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: XXX08

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=7a921721-10c8-e911-a811-000d3af413df

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