Christine Betty Novak – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Christine Betty Novak is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at University Health Network in Toronto, ON, Christine is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Christine 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. Christine serves a diverse range of patients, tailoring treatment plans to meet individual needs and goals.

Christine Betty Novak completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 1983). With extensive clinical experience, Christine is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Christine has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Christine's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy. Christine employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Christine offers consultations in English.

Christine Betty Novak provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Sports Injury

• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): A common overuse injury in active individuals and athletes, sometimes referred to as 'runner's knee' or 'anterior knee pain', often related to biomechanical issues in how the kneecap tracks.
• Muscle Strains (e.g., Hamstring, Calf, Groin, Quadriceps, Rotator Cuff): Common athletic injuries affecting major muscle groups such as the hamstrings, calves, groin (adductors), quadriceps, or rotator cuff muscles of the shoulder.
• IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): Sharp or burning pain on the outer side of the knee that often starts gradually and worsens with continued activity, sometimes radiating up the thigh or down the leg.
• Stress Fractures (Activity-Related - Conservative Management/Rehab): An overuse injury where the bone is unable to withstand repetitive mechanical loading, requiring a period of offloading and gradual rehabilitation guided by a physiotherapist for safe return to activity.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Commonly known as 'wear-and-tear' arthritis, this condition affects various joints, often worsening with age, overuse, or previous injury, and can significantly impact daily function.
• 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. Christine can assess your needs.

• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Employing different types of electrotherapy to support your rehabilitation goals, including promoting tissue healing or improving motor control.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): Targeted shockwave application to promote tissue regeneration, modulate pain, and improve function in chronic injuries, often with lasting results.
• 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.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: A comforting physiotherapy modality that helps to soothe tight muscles, decrease pain perception, and improve the flexibility of soft tissues.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: LLLT or 'cold laser' therapy to stimulate your body's natural healing processes, provide pain relief, and improve function in conditions like tendinopathies, arthritis, or soft tissue injuries.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: The application of high-frequency sound waves by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to promote deep tissue heating, increase local blood flow, reduce pain, and facilitate the healing process in soft tissues like muscles, tendons, or ligaments.

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

• Discover how physiotherapy with Christine can help you move beyond tendonitis pain flaring up in my shoulder, knee, elbow, or foot. The focus is on the ability to manage symptoms independently if they occasionally recur, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as performing self-care tasks like hair washing or reaching their back.
• Many find that persistent dizziness that isn't a spinning vertigo but makes me feel unsteady significantly impacts their ability to working at their desk all day without developing back or neck stiffness. Christine helps patients target enjoying family vacations and outings with more energy and less pain with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Christine frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of recovering my strength and energy after being very sick (like with pneumonia or Long COVID). A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets waking up feeling more refreshed with considerably less pain and stiffness and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like tackling home renovation and DIY projects with confidence.
• Physiotherapy with Christine can be a transformative turning point for those affected by facial weakness or drooping on one side (like Bell's Palsy). The shared goal is achieving feeling a substantial improvement in their mobility and range of motion for easier movement, paving the way for you to enjoy dancing the night away at social events and family celebrations and a more active, vibrant life.

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

Christine practices at University Health Network, situated in the Kensington Market, Chinatown, Grange Park neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Cabbagetown and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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.

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.

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 parking available at or near University Health Network?

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

How can I book an appointment at University Health Network?

You can book an appointment by calling the clinic directly at (416) 603-5800 during business hours. The friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time.

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 are University Health Network's operating hours?

University Health Network is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Hours can vary, so please call (416) 603-5800 for the most current hours.

What is University Health Network's appointment cancellation policy?

We kindly request at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations or rescheduling. A fee may be charged for late cancellations or missed appointments.

University Health Network
399 Bathurst Street
Toronto, ON, M5T 2S6

Phone: (416) 603-5800

Christine Betty Novak 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=951ea4b3-8902-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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