Dr. Dhineskumar Sivananthan

As a Physiatrist, Dr. Dhineskumar Sivananthan addresses a variety of conditions related to physical function, pain, and rehabilitation, including but not limited to:

Neurological Conditions

• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Management & Rehabilitation: Long-term care and rehabilitation for individuals with traumatic or non-traumatic spinal cord injuries, addressing paralysis, spasticity, bladder/bowel dysfunction, and other complications.
• Peripheral Neuropathy: Addressing disorders of the peripheral nervous system to reduce discomfort and prevent complications.
• Parkinson's Disease - Functional Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation strategies to improve mobility, balance, gait, and performance of daily activities for individuals with Parkinson's disease.
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) - Symptom Management & Functional Rehab: Helping manage symptoms such as fatigue, spasticity, weakness, and balance problems in individuals with MS to maintain function and independence.

Chronic Pain Syndromes

• Neuropathic Pain (Nerve Pain): Addressing chronic pain conditions caused by nerve injury or disease.
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): Treatment aimed at reducing severe pain, swelling, skin changes, and functional impairment associated with CRPS.
• Chronic Widespread Pain: Developing strategies to cope with and reduce the burden of chronic widespread pain.

Debilitating Conditions Functional Improvement

• Debility & Deconditioning (e.g., post-illness, hospitalization): Helping patients regain strength, endurance, and mobility to improve their ability to perform daily tasks.
• Amputation Rehabilitation & Prosthetic Management: Comprehensive care for individuals with limb loss, including pre-prosthetic management, prosthetic prescription, gait training, and adjustment to life with a prosthesis.

Musculoskeletal Conditions

• Osteoarthritis & Other Arthritic Conditions: Helping patients manage the symptoms of various arthritic conditions affecting mobility and quality of life.
• Low Back Pain & Neck Pain (Non-Surgical): Managing acute or chronic pain in the lumbar, thoracic, or cervical spine due to disc issues, arthritis, muscle strain, or stenosis without surgery.

This list provides examples of conditions commonly managed. A comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan are always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Sivananthan, typically following referral. If your specific concern isn't listed, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic for more information.

• Spasticity Management (e.g., Botulinum Toxin Injections): Targeted injections to manage disabling muscle stiffness and spasms, enhancing comfort and functional abilities.
• Coordination of Multidisciplinary Care: Facilitating communication and collaboration among various therapists and specialists involved in a patient's care.
• Individualized Rehabilitation Program Design: Developing comprehensive, patient-centered rehabilitation plans tailored to individual needs, goals, and specific conditions.
• Treatment of Joint Pain (Arthritis, Tendinopathies): Managing pain and dysfunction related to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, tendinitis, bursitis, and other joint conditions.
• Electrodiagnostic Medicine (EMG/NCS): Specialized nerve testing to identify conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, radiculopathy (pinched nerves), peripheral neuropathy, and muscle diseases.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Sivananthan. Not all services may be listed, and the suitability of any treatment depends on individual assessment and referral where appropriate. For a comprehensive understanding or to discuss your specific medical needs, please schedule a consultation or speak with your referring physician.

All services by Dr. Dhineskumar Sivananthan adhere to the scope of practice for Physiatrists in ON and the standards of The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).

At Dr. Dhineskumar Sivananthan's practice, the focus is on partnering with you to maximize your functional abilities, manage your condition effectively, and improve your overall quality of life. Dr. Sivananthan frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Sivananthan when they first notice wanting to find non-surgical ways to manage their chronic joint pain. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve a smoother transition back to community living after hospitalization, enabling them to once again enjoy enjoying hobbies like painting, knitting, or playing a musical instrument without hesitation.
• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of their work-related injury preventing them from performing their job duties, Dr. Sivananthan offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach being able to participate more fully in family and social life. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of being able to stand for periods needed for work or daily tasks.
• Dr. Sivananthan's comprehensive care for the challenge of adapting to a new disability and wanting to regain independence is meticulously designed to result in a noticeable improvement in their posture and body mechanics. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as participating in rehabilitation therapies actively and effectively without dental worries.
• Dr. Sivananthan often consults with patients whose feeling like they've lost a lot of strength after being bedridden significantly limits their enjoyment of dressing, bathing, and grooming themselves without assistance or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve being able to manage their daily activities with greater ease and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.

Your personalized rehabilitation plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Sivananthan, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional goals. Dr. Sivananthan is committed to empowering patients with the expertise and support needed to achieve their highest possible level of independence and well-being.

Dr. Sivananthan's practice, a rehabilitation clinic in Scarborough, is situated in a central location within the Scarborough neighborhood of Scarborough. The clinic is conveniently located near local healthcare facilities and community services and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Designated accessible parking spots are often located close to the entrance.

Do I typically need a referral to see a Physiatrist (Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist) like Dr. Sivananthan?

In Ontario, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required to see a Physiatrist like Dr. Sivananthan for consultations and treatments covered by provincial health plans like the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). This referral ensures the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Sivananthan has the necessary background medical information. If you believe you need a physiatric assessment, please speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor.

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Sivananthan at the clinic?

Your first visit with Dr. Sivananthan will involve a comprehensive assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of your medical history, your current symptoms, how these symptoms impact your daily life, and any previous treatments. Dr. Sivananthan will then perform a thorough physical examination, focusing on the musculoskeletal and/or neurological system depending on your needs. Any prior imaging or test results will be reviewed. Based on this evaluation, Dr. Sivananthan will discuss their diagnostic impressions, recommend further investigations if needed, and outline potential treatment and rehabilitation options, working with you to establish functional goals.

What does a Physiatrist / Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist like Dr. Sivananthan do?

A Physiatrist like Dr. Sivananthan is a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing, treating, and managing conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. Their primary goal is to enhance and restore functional ability, reduce pain, and improve quality of life for people with physical impairments or disabilities. They use non-surgical treatments including medication, therapeutic exercise programs, targeted injections (if applicable), and coordinate comprehensive rehabilitation plans often involving a team of therapists.

What are EMG and NCS tests, and why might Dr. Sivananthan recommend them?

Electromyography (EMG) evaluates the electrical activity produced by skeletal muscles, and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) measure how quickly and well electrical signals travel along nerves. Dr. Sivananthan might recommend these electrodiagnostic tests to diagnose conditions such as pinched nerves (radiculopathy), carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, muscular dystrophy, or other neuromuscular disorders. These tests help pinpoint the location and severity of nerve or muscle problems, guiding further treatment.

Are services provided by a Physiatrist like Dr. Sivananthan covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP))?

Most physician consultations and medically necessary assessments by a registered specialist Physiatrist like Dr. Sivananthan are typically covered by provincial health plans such as OHIP in Ontario, provided you have a valid health card and an appropriate referral if required. However, some specific treatments or procedures (e.g., certain injections, assistive devices, comprehensive programs) may not be fully covered or may have associated fees. Inquire with the clinic about potential out-of-pocket costs and check with your private insurance regarding coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.

What are some common conditions a Physiatrist like Dr. Sivananthan treats?

Dr. Sivananthan treats a range of conditions, including the consequences of stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury (including concussion), sports injuries, arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid), chronic low back and neck pain, peripheral neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and conditions requiring amputation rehabilitation. The focus is on improving function, reducing pain, and enhancing quality of life.

3030 Birchmount Rd
Scarborough, ON, M1W 3W3

Phone: (416) 495-2558

Dr. Dhineskumar Sivananthan is a licensed Physiatrist in ON, regulated by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 & Medicine Act, 1991 (Ontario).

License Number: 109378

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Sivananthan-Dhineskumar/0310065-109378

A referral from a family physician or another specialist may be required to see Dr. Sivananthan. Dr. Sivananthan and the team are committed to providing comprehensive care. If you have a medical emergency, please proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911.