Dorothy Zammit Martaus – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Dorothy Zammit Martaus is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at UHN Toronto Rehab (University Centre) in Toronto, ON, Dorothy Zammit Martaus is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Dorothy Zammit Martaus 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. Dorothy Zammit Martaus serves adults.

Dorothy Zammit Martaus completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Queen Margaret University (Graduating Class of 2010). With clinical experience, Dorothy Zammit Martaus is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Dorothy Zammit Martaus has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Dorothy Zammit Martaus employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Dorothy Zammit Martaus offers consultations in Arabic, English, Italian, Maltese.

Dorothy Zammit Martaus provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Arthritis

• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Physiotherapy for ankylosing spondylitis focuses on maintaining spinal mobility and flexibility (especially extension), improving posture, strengthening core and back muscles, managing pain, and providing education on self-management and regular exercise.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Physiotherapy to address residual joint stiffness, pain, swelling, and functional loss after an acute gout attack has subsided, or to help manage musculoskeletal impairments and tophi-related issues associated with chronic gout, always in conjunction with appropriate medical management for urate control.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Physiotherapy as an important part of a multidisciplinary team approach to managing rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis), helping to minimize disease impact and maximize quality of life.
• 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.

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): A condition where a finger or thumb gets stuck or 'catches' in a bent position, then may snap straight (like pulling a trigger). Caused by inflammation and narrowing of the tendon sheath around the flexor tendon.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Managing a variety of acute and chronic conditions of the hand and wrist, aiming to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent long-term disability.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Painful neck conditions that can make head movements difficult, sometimes leading to headaches or radiating pain into the shoulders.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Weakness, a feeling of the ankle 'giving way' repeatedly, or persistent pain after an initial sprain, indicating a need for targeted physiotherapy to restore stability and function.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Discomfort experienced in the hip region, groin, outer hip, or buttock, potentially stemming from joint inflammation (bursitis), muscle strains, tendinopathy, or conservative management of labral tears.

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. Dorothy Zammit Martaus can assess your needs.

• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Utilizing targeted electrical currents to help alleviate pain, manage discomfort, and support healing in conjunction with other physiotherapy interventions.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: Application of therapeutic heat to prepare tissues for exercise, manual therapy, or stretching, or to manage chronic muscle soreness and joint stiffness.
• 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.
• 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.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Using therapeutic cold to manage the initial stages of an injury (e.g., sprains, strains) and control inflammatory responses, helping to limit tissue damage.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Dorothy Zammit Martaus, 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 UHN Toronto Rehab (University Centre), physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Dorothy Zammit Martaus frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Dorothy Zammit Martaus believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If trouble with a constantly stiff and sore neck, making turning my head a pain is hindering your ability to playing actively and roughhousing with their young kids or grandkids, a personalized plan focusing on getting back to enjoying life's simple pleasures without physical limitations can make all the difference.
• Don't let a noticeable curve in my child's spine or uneven shoulders (scoliosis concerns) dictate what you can and cannot do. Dorothy Zammit Martaus offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at less reliance on pain medication, trusting more in their body's ability to heal and function, helping you reclaim travelling more comfortably on planes, trains, or in cars for longer durations and enjoy a more functional life.
• When working on getting back to normal after a fracture or other surgery is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing returning to a specific physical hobby they had to give up due to pain, physiotherapy with Dorothy Zammit Martaus can help you work towards enjoying family vacations and outings with more energy and less pain. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Dorothy Zammit Martaus's clinic, common concerns like one leg feeling shorter than the other, causing hip or back pain are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of getting back their independence with daily activities and personal care. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like attending and enjoying their children's or grandchildren's sporting events.

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

Dorothy Zammit Martaus practices at UHN Toronto Rehab (University Centre), situated in the Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Sugar Beach and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

How can I book an appointment at UHN Toronto Rehab (University Centre)?

You can book an appointment by calling the clinic directly at (416) 597-3422 during business hours. Many practitioners also offer online booking through their website. The friendly reception team will assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

The first physiotherapy session is primarily an in-depth assessment. Expect to spend time talking with your Physiotherapist about your specific issue, its history, and your overall health background. Your therapist will then perform various physical tests to assess your movement, strength, and any areas of concern. The main goal of this first visit is to understand your condition fully so that a tailored and effective treatment plan can be developed collaboratively with you. You might also receive your first set of home exercises or some initial hands-on care to start the healing process.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, a personalized home exercise program is a crucial and integral component of most physiotherapy treatment plans. Your Physiotherapist will prescribe specific exercises tailored to your condition, abilities, and goals. These exercises are designed to complement your in-clinic treatment, help you manage your symptoms effectively between sessions, accelerate your recovery, and empower you with tools for long-term self-management. Your active participation in your home program is key for optimal results.

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. Check your private insurance for private clinic coverage.

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.

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. Contact your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand your plan's specifics (annual maximum, per-visit limits, co-payments, referral requirements, and direct billing options). If direct billing is possible, the clinic can bill your insurer directly for the covered portion; you'll be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance. Bring your insurance card and policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing isn't possible, you'll receive a receipt to submit to your insurer.

UHN Toronto Rehab (University Centre)
550 University Ave.
Toronto, ON, M5G 2A2

Phone: (416) 597-3422

Dorothy Zammit Martaus 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: XXX61

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=36bff82d-9202-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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