Clayton George Gonsalves – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Clayton George Gonsalves is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Strength-N-U in Toronto, ON, Clay Gonsalves is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Clay Gonsalves'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. Clay Gonsalves serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Clayton George Gonsalves completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2008). With extensive clinical experience, Clay Gonsalves is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Clay Gonsalves has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

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

Clayton George Gonsalves provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Post Surgical

• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): Specialized physiotherapy after knee joint replacement surgery to help you regain independence, optimize your surgical outcome, and return to desired daily activities and hobbies.
• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): A progressive rehabilitation program after surgery to fix a broken bone, helping you regain full use of your arm or leg and return to your normal activities.

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.

Arthritis

• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Exercises and advice to manage the impact of gout on your joints, improve mobility, and reduce the likelihood of long-term joint damage.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Helping you live well with rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory arthropathies through targeted physiotherapy interventions designed to manage symptoms, preserve function, and promote overall well-being.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A type of chronic inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spine (especially the sacroiliac joints and vertebrae), leading to pain, stiffness, and potential fusion of vertebrae, which can result in a stooped posture if not managed.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Helping to manage the musculoskeletal aspects of psoriatic disease, working in conjunction with medical management to optimize your physical function and comfort.

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. Clay Gonsalves can assess your needs.

• Therapeutic Heat Application: Superficial heat application carefully monitored by your therapist to promote relaxation, pain relief, and enhance the effectiveness of other treatments.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Using therapeutic ultrasound as an adjunct treatment to help reduce pain, decrease inflammation, break down scar tissue, and accelerate the repair of injured soft tissues.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: Therapeutic traction for the cervical (neck) or lumbar (low back) spine, used by physiotherapists to help reduce pain, decompress nerve roots, and improve symptoms associated with conditions like disc herniations, sciatica, or spinal stenosis.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): A non-invasive, evidence-based treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing, reduce pain, and promote tissue regeneration in stubborn soft tissue conditions that haven't responded to other therapies.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: The application of specific wavelengths of light energy (cold laser) by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and accelerate tissue repair and regeneration at a cellular level.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Cold therapy techniques applied by your therapist to effectively alleviate acute pain, reduce inflammation, and manage muscle soreness or spasm.

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

• Patients struggling with that grinding or crunching feeling in my knee or shoulder can find dedicated and compassionate support from Clay Gonsalves. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving feeling more positive, capable, and optimistic about their physical health, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as giving presentations or speaking publicly with confidence and good posture.
• Are you finding that pain or weakness that's stopping me from enjoying my favorite hobbies stops you from enjoying participating fully in their martial arts practice, including sparring? Clay Gonsalves is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve a renewed sense of vitality and enthusiasm for daily activities through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• The journey to improved balance and coordination, leading to safer and more confident mobility in seniors when faced with persistent awful foot pain first thing in the morning, like I'm walking on glass (plantar fasciitis) is made smoother and more effective with Clay Gonsalves's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like participating in water aerobics or other pool-based exercises.
• Many find that wrist pain and tingling, possibly from carpal tunnel syndrome, especially at night significantly impacts their ability to hitting the slopes for a full day of skiing or snowboarding in winter. Clay Gonsalves helps patients target implementing practical strategies to avoid re-injury during work or daily life with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.

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

Clay Gonsalves practices at Strength-N-U, located in the Agincourt neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Royal Alexandra Theatre and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy, delivered by a qualified Physiotherapist, is a science-based profession that focuses on restoring movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness, or disability. It can also help to reduce your risk of future problems. Your physiotherapist will use techniques such as therapeutic exercise, manual therapy (hands-on treatment), education, and advice, empowering you to manage your health independently and achieve your physical goals.

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

It's not uncommon to experience some temporary soreness or a mild increase in symptoms after certain physiotherapy treatments, especially in the initial stages or if you're starting new exercises. This usually subsides within 24-48 hours. However, if you experience a significant or sharp increase in pain, new or worsening neurological symptoms (like numbness, tingling, or weakness), or if your soreness lasts longer than expected, it's important to contact Strength-N-U or your physician directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

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, some private/extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check your individual insurance policy before your first appointment to confirm their requirements.

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. It is strongly advised that you check your private insurance coverage for private clinic physiotherapy services.

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 Strength-N-U 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.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not be painful. While you might feel some discomfort or a stretching sensation as you work to regain movement or strength, especially in the initial stages of treatment, it should not be distressing or harmful. Your Physiotherapist will guide you through each step, modify treatments to suit your comfort and tolerance, and ensure that the overall experience is positive.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes. A key aspect of physiotherapy is injury prevention. A Physiotherapist can assess your movement, identify potential weaknesses or imbalances, and provide a personalized program of exercises and strategies to maintain long-term musculoskeletal health and avoid recurring pain.

Strength-N-U
10 Milner Avenue
Toronto, ON, M1S 3P8

Phone: (647) 693-0064

Clayton George Gonsalves 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: XXX71

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=8b02ada1-8f02-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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