Danielle Roy – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Danielle Roy is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Geriatric Physiotherapy Focus / Seniors' Health). Practicing at VHA Home Health Care in Toronto, ON, Danielle Roy is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Danielle Roy 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. Danielle Roy serves seniors within the community.

Danielle Roy completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 1993). With extensive clinical experience, Danielle Roy is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Danielle Roy has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.

Danielle Roy employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Danielle Roy utilizes a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Danielle Roy maintains a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Danielle Roy offers consultations in English, French.

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

Geriatric

• Age-Related Deconditioning / Frailty / Sarcopenia Management: Helping seniors stay strong, mobile, active, and independent for longer through tailored exercise and functional rehabilitation programs.
• Mobility Issues & Gait Disturbances in Seniors: Physiotherapy aimed at improving safe and efficient movement, gait quality (e.g., step length, speed, pattern), balance, and confidence in mobility for seniors. May include assessment and prescription of appropriate mobility aids (e.g., cane, walker).

Vestibular Balance

• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Practical strategies, exercises, and environmental modification advice to improve your balance, prevent falls, and maintain your independence and activity levels.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Brief, often intense, episodes of dizziness or a spinning sensation (vertigo) triggered by specific changes in head position (e.g., rolling over in bed, looking up, bending down), caused by displaced inner ear crystals (otoconia).

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. Danielle Roy can assess your needs.

• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Manual treatments specifically designed to improve joint mechanics, alleviate discomfort, reduce stiffness, and enhance your range of motion in the spine or limbs.
• Chronic & Persistent Pain Management Programs: Personalized physiotherapy programs designed to reduce the impact of chronic pain on your life, helping you to gradually increase activity levels and re-engage in meaningful activities.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.
• Fibromyalgia & Widespread Pain Management: A holistic and supportive physiotherapy approach to managing the diffuse pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and other symptoms commonly associated with fibromyalgia.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Gentle, specific movements and mobilizations designed to address nerve-related pain (like sciatica or carpal tunnel symptoms), tingling, numbness, or restrictions by improving the nerve's ability to glide freely and reducing irritation.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.

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

• Struggling with the frustration of that burning pain between my shoulder blades from too much computer work? Danielle Roy develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving enhanced pelvic floor function and control (for relevant conditions). This is key to helping you get back to doing taking long photography walks to capture nature or cityscapes with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• For those whose feeling unsteady on my feet or experiencing dizziness and balance problems has made running their usual 5k route without knee pain seem like a distant memory, Danielle Roy's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward a noticeable improvement in their gait and walking efficiency. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to running their usual 5k route without knee pain with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Many find that trouble performing repetitive tasks at work without pain significantly impacts their ability to handling their job that involves frequent standing, walking, or bending. Danielle Roy helps patients target increased endurance for walking, allowing for longer and more enjoyable outings with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• When swelling in my arm or leg, possibly lymphedema, after surgery or treatment is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing challenging myself with indoor or outdoor rock climbing, physiotherapy with Danielle Roy can help you work towards better managing flare-ups with personalized strategies and feeling more in control of their symptoms. 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 Danielle Roy, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.

Danielle Roy practices at VHA Home Health Care, situated in the Lawrence Manor, Lawrence Heights neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, in almost all cases, you will receive a customized home exercise program. These exercises are carefully chosen by your Physiotherapist to specifically target your issues and help you achieve your functional goals faster and more effectively. Performing them as recommended is very important for your progress and for maintaining the improvements you make during your clinic visits.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows the Physiotherapist to easily access and assess the area being treated, and permits you to move freely for any exercises or movements. For example, shorts are ideal for knee, hip, or ankle issues, while a tank top or loose t-shirt works well for shoulder, neck, or upper back problems. Athletic wear or gym attire is generally a good choice. You may also be provided with a gown if needed.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not be an ordeal of pain. 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 for an acute injury or chronic stiffness, it's rarely 'painful' in a distressing or harmful way. Your Physiotherapist will guide you through each step, modify treatments to suit your comfort and tolerance, and ensure that the overall experience is positive. The ultimate aim is to make you feel better, not worse.

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.

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, while a referral isn't legally required to see a physiotherapist, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific coverage requirements.

What are VHA Home Health Care's operating hours?

VHA Home Health Care is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Some practitioners may offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call the clinic at [Insert Phone Number Here] or check their website for the most up-to-date information on hours and practitioner availability.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial physiotherapy appointment will be a comprehensive assessment. Danielle Roy will begin by discussing your medical history, your current symptoms or injury, your concerns, and your goals for physiotherapy. This will be 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, Danielle Roy 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.

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

Physiotherapy services in private outpatient clinics are generally not covered by OHIP. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations, such as post-hospitalization for certain conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams. Eligibility criteria are strict and there may be waitlists. You should check your private insurance coverage, as many plans offer significant coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

VHA Home Health Care
310-700 Lawrence Ave. West
Toronto, ON, M6A 3B4

Phone: (416) 489-2500

Danielle Roy 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: XXX55

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=70a77838-8b02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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