Daniela Ferreira Soares – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Daniela Ferreira Soares is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Geriatric Physiotherapy Focus / Seniors' Health). Practicing at Sinai Health System - Bridgepoint in Toronto, ON, Daniela Soares is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Daniela Soares focuses on the unique health needs of older adults, aiming to improve and maintain mobility, strength, balance, manage age-related conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis, reduce fall risk, and enhance overall quality of life and independence. Daniela Soares serves seniors in the Toronto area.

Daniela Ferreira Soares completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2004). With clinical experience, Daniela Soares is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Daniela Soares has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.

Daniela Soares employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting; a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy. Daniela Soares offers consultations in English, Portuguese.

Daniela Ferreira Soares 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): The crucial rehabilitation phase following total or partial knee replacement surgery, with physiotherapy focusing on restoring range of motion, building strength, improving balance, managing pain and swelling, and enabling functional mobility (e.g., walking, stairs, getting in/out of a car).
• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): Supportive physiotherapy to aid your recovery and help you manage symptoms after back or neck surgery, focusing on education, safe movement strategies, and specific exercises.
• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Helping you manage pain, improve scar mobility, and regain optimal strength and range of motion in a limb following fracture fixation surgery.
• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): A progressive exercise program, often combined with manual therapy, designed to gradually restore your shoulder's range of motion, strength, and coordination following your operation.

Neurological

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) / Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy addressing physical impairments following a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or acquired brain injury (ABI), including issues with balance, coordination, strength, mobility, spasticity, endurance, and cognitive-physical integration.
• Facial Palsy / Bell's Palsy Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy for weakness or paralysis of facial muscles, often affecting one side of the face (e.g., Bell's Palsy, Ramsay Hunt syndrome, post-surgical facial nerve injury).

Geriatric

• Mobility Issues & Gait Disturbances in Seniors: Difficulty with walking (e.g., slow gait, shuffling, unsteadiness), transferring (e.g., getting in/out of a chair or bed), using stairs, or performing other daily mobility tasks due to age-related changes, chronic health conditions, deconditioning, or fear of falling.
• Age-Related Deconditioning / Frailty / Sarcopenia Management: Physiotherapy programs designed to address physical decline in older adults, focusing on rebuilding strength (resistance exercise), improving endurance (aerobic exercise), enhancing balance, and maintaining or improving functional independence.

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. Daniela Soares can assess your needs.

• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Comprehensive exercise plans developed by your Physiotherapist to combat deconditioning, enhance overall physical well-being, and promote an active lifestyle.
• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Providing physiotherapy assessment, diagnosis, treatment guidance, education, exercise prescription, and self-management strategies remotely via secure video conferencing technology.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized programs incorporating various stretching techniques (e.g., static, dynamic, PNF) to alleviate stiffness, increase tissue extensibility, and promote better posture.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: A progressive program designed to build a strong and stable core, improving your body's foundation for all movements and reducing strain on other structures.
• Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio): Convenient and effective physiotherapy care delivered in your home by a qualified Physiotherapist, focusing on your specific goals and challenges.
• 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.

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

• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of difficulty moving one side of my body or walking easily after a stroke? Daniela Soares works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of a greater sense of body confidence and trust in their physical abilities. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as painting or drawing for longer stretches without neck or shoulder ache.
• The path to recovery from recovering from a burn and needing help with scar mobility and movement and achieving being able to climb stairs with ease and confidence once again for getting back to golfing 18 holes without their back acting up often starts with expert guidance. Daniela Soares, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• At Daniela Soares's physiotherapy practice, individuals with a noticeable curve in my child's spine or uneven shoulders (scoliosis concerns) are guided towards improved performance in work-related physical demands. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as hitting the slopes for a full day of skiing or snowboarding in winter.
• When pain in my shins when I try to run or be active (shin splints) is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing joining in on pickup basketball games at the local court, physiotherapy with Daniela Soares can help you work towards successfully avoiding or delaying the need for more invasive treatments or surgery. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.

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

Daniela Soares practices at Sinai Health System - Bridgepoint, situated in the Studio District (Leslieville) neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Royal Ontario Museum and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

The primary goal of physiotherapy is generally to reduce pain and improve function, not to cause significant or lasting pain. Some assessment techniques or specific treatments (like deep soft tissue work, joint mobilization, or certain exercises) might cause mild, temporary discomfort or soreness, especially if the tissues being treated are sensitive, inflamed, or very stiff. However, your Physiotherapist will always work within your tolerance levels, communicate clearly about what to expect, and encourage open feedback. If you experience notable or unacceptable pain during treatment, please inform your therapist immediately so adjustments can be made to ensure your comfort.

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

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral. This is known as direct access. However, while a doctor's referral may not be legally required to *see* a Physiotherapist, some private/extended health insurance plans *do* require one for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check the specific requirements of your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

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 that you check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics. You should also verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

How can I book an appointment at Sinai Health System - Bridgepoint?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (416) 461-8252 during our business hours. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

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.

Sinai Health System - Bridgepoint
1 Bridgepoint Dr.
Toronto, ON, M4M 2B5

Phone: (416) 461-8252

Daniela Ferreira Soares 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: XXX29

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=08fc4410-8e02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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