Christine Homonylo – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Christine Homonylo is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at University Health Network in Toronto, ON, Christine Homonylo is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Christine Homonylo'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. Christine Homonylo serves adults.

Christine Homonylo completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Mohawk College (Graduating Class of 1990). With extensive clinical experience, Christine Homonylo is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Christine Homonylo has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Christine Homonylo employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Christine Homonylo utilizes a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Christine Homonylo offers consultations in English.

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

Sports Injury

• IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): A common cause of lateral knee pain in athletes, often linked to training errors, muscle imbalances (e.g., weak hip abductors), or poor biomechanics, which physiotherapy aims to address.
• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): Knee discomfort frequently experienced by runners, cyclists, and those involved in activities with repetitive knee bending, which physiotherapy can effectively manage through exercise and biomechanical correction.
• Ligament Sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL, PCL, Ankle Ligaments): Injuries like a 'twisted ankle', 'knee ligament injury', or 'shoulder separation' (AC joint sprain) sustained during athletic activity or accidental falls.

Common Musculoskeletal

• 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.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Acute or chronic pain originating from various musculoskeletal sources, such as a pulled muscle (strain), inflamed tendon, or irritated bursa.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Pain, discomfort, or stiffness in the lumbar spine region, whether it's a sudden onset or a long-lasting issue affecting your daily life.

Back Neck Pain

• 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.
• 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.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Symptoms of nerve compression originating from the spine, such as a 'slipped disc' or 'pinched nerve', causing radiating pain, altered sensation, or muscle weakness in a limb.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Post-traumatic neck pain, restricted movement, and associated issues common after car accidents, which benefit from early and appropriate physiotherapy intervention.

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 Homonylo can assess your needs.

• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: A non-invasive physiotherapy modality that uses sound energy to stimulate cellular activity, enhance circulation, and support tissue recovery from injury or inflammation.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): ESWT for chronic tendinopathies, heel spurs, and other musculoskeletal problems, aiming to break down scar tissue, increase blood flow, and trigger a healing response.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: A non-invasive light therapy used in physiotherapy to treat various musculoskeletal conditions, promote faster healing, reduce pain, and modulate inflammation without generating heat.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: Utilizing traction techniques to create space within the spine, reduce nerve irritation, improve disc hydration, and alleviate back or neck pain.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Application of various forms of electrical stimulation, such as Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) for muscle strengthening and re-education, or Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) to assist with movement, as prescribed by your Physiotherapist.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: Superficial heat application carefully monitored by your therapist to promote relaxation, pain relief, and enhance the effectiveness of other treatments.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Christine Homonylo, 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 Homonylo frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Through personalized physiotherapy at Christine Homonylo's clinic, common concerns like needing to improve my breathing patterns or lung capacity are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of restored joint function, leading to smoother and more coordinated movements. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like feeling energetic enough to engage in social activities in the evenings.
• Living with a 'frozen shoulder' feeling, where my shoulder feels completely stuck doesn't have to be your norm. Christine Homonylo applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards feeling more resilient and less vulnerable to minor strains or injuries, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue or breathlessness.
• Tired of a noticeable curve in my child's spine or uneven shoulders (scoliosis concerns) interfering with pushing a stroller or shopping cart without difficulty? Christine Homonylo uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve feeling more energetic and less weighed down by physical discomfort and regain your freedom of movement.
• Struggling with the frustration of difficulty coordinating my movements, feeling clumsy? Christine Homonylo develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving increased flexibility throughout their body, particularly in their back and major joints. This is key to helping you get back to doing managing the physical demands of their job without constant pain with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.

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

Christine Homonylo practices at University Health Network, situated in the Dufferin, Dovercourt Village neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near the Distillery District and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapist in ON?

In Ontario, you typically do not need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist. This is known as direct access. However, even though a referral isn't legally required to book an appointment, some extended health insurance plans may require one for coverage. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements for physiotherapy coverage.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of physiotherapy sessions required varies greatly from person to person. It depends on several factors, including the nature and severity of your condition, how long you've had the issue (acute vs. chronic), your individual treatment goals, your body's unique response to therapy, and how consistently you are able to follow your prescribed home exercise program and self-management advice. Your Physiotherapist will discuss a proposed treatment frequency and estimated duration after your initial assessment and will continually re-evaluate your progress with you.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Your first physiotherapy appointment, which includes a detailed assessment and the development of your initial treatment plan, usually takes about 60 minutes. Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled for 30 to 45 minutes. The exact duration of each session will depend on the nature of your treatment and what your Physiotherapist has planned for that specific visit to best help you progress.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial physiotherapy appointment is a comprehensive assessment. Your Physiotherapist will start by discussing your medical history, the details of your current symptoms or injury, your concerns, and what you hope to achieve with physiotherapy (your functional goals). This is followed by a thorough physical examination, which may include evaluating your range of motion, strength, posture, balance, and specific movement patterns, as well as performing special tests relevant to your condition. Based on these findings, your therapist will provide a clinical impression or diagnosis, discuss a personalized treatment plan with you, and often begin some initial treatment or provide education and a home exercise program to get you started.

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

The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) generally does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available through certain programs, such as post-hospitalization care for specific conditions or through community physiotherapy clinics and family health teams, but eligibility criteria are strict and there may be waitlists. Most people will need to rely on private or extended health insurance plans for coverage of physiotherapy services in private clinics. It is strongly recommended that you check your private insurance coverage details.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at University Health Network treat?

Physiotherapists at University Health Network treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including but not limited to back and neck pain, joint problems (arthritis, post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, and nerve pain. They also address conditions such as pelvic floor dysfunction and other general physiotherapy needs. Treatments often involve manual therapy, exercise prescription, electrotherapy modalities such as Therapeutic Ultrasound Application and Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), and patient education to help achieve functional goals.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiotherapist can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

Some temporary post-treatment soreness can be normal, much like after a good workout. However, if your pain significantly worsens, if you develop new concerning symptoms, or if the discomfort doesn't settle down within a day or two, please call us. Your Physiotherapist would want to know so they can offer guidance and make any necessary adjustments to your care plan. Open communication is key to your successful recovery.

University Health Network
130 Dunn Ave.
Toronto, ON, M6H 2R7

Phone: (416) 597-3422

Christine Homonylo 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: XXX43

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=9413d2a2-8a02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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