Efren Encarnacion – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Efren Encarnacion is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Icare Physio + Clinic in Toronto, ON, Efren Encarnacion is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Efren Encarnacion's approach 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. Efren Encarnacion serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Efren Encarnacion completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Philippine College of Health Sciences (Graduating Class of 1999). With extensive clinical experience, Efren Encarnacion is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Efren Encarnacion has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Efren Encarnacion empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Efren Encarnacion maintains a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Efren Encarnacion promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy. Efren Encarnacion offers consultations in English, Filipino.

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

Hand Wrist

• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Physiotherapy to help you regain optimal use of your hand and wrist after an injury, surgery, or due to a chronic condition, enabling you to return to work, hobbies, and daily tasks.
• 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.

Arthritis

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: An autoimmune condition causing chronic inflammation, pain, stiffness, swelling, and potential deformity in multiple joints, often symmetrically. Physiotherapy aims to manage pain, maintain joint function and mobility, improve strength and endurance, provide joint protection strategies, and support self-management.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Helping you regain mobility, reduce discomfort, and improve function in affected joints after a gout episode, as part of your overall gout management plan.

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. Efren Encarnacion can assess your needs.

• Therapeutic Heat Application: The use of moist heat packs, paraffin wax, or other heat sources by your Physiotherapist to relax muscles, increase local blood flow, reduce stiffness, alleviate chronic pain, and improve tissue extensibility.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: LLLT or 'cold laser' therapy to stimulate your body's natural healing processes, provide pain relief, and improve function in conditions like tendinopathies, arthritis, or soft tissue injuries.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: A non-invasive physiotherapy modality that uses sound energy to stimulate cellular activity, enhance circulation, and support tissue recovery from injury or inflammation.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: The use of specific electrical stimulation devices (IFC or TENS) by your Physiotherapist to provide pain relief, reduce muscle spasm, decrease swelling, or promote muscle activation and re-education.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): ESWT for chronic tendinopathies, heel spurs, and other musculoskeletal problems, aiming to break down scar tissue, increase blood flow, and trigger a healing response.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Utilizing electrophysical agents as an adjunct to your physiotherapy treatments to aid recovery, improve muscle function, manage pain, or reduce swelling, tailored to your specific condition.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Efren Encarnacion, 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 Icare Physio + Clinic, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Efren Encarnacion frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• It's truly rewarding for Efren Encarnacion to witness patients conquer one leg feeling shorter than the other, causing hip or back pain and experience experiencing significant pain relief, allowing for a more comfortable daily life. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in attending concerts or theatre shows and sitting comfortably throughout again.
• Don't let recurrent dislocations or a feeling of instability in my shoulder or knee dictate what you can and cannot do. Efren Encarnacion offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at being able to play actively with their children or grandchildren again, helping you reclaim playing their musical instrument (guitar, piano, violin, etc.) for extended periods and enjoy a more functional life.
• Struggling with the frustration of feeling generally stiff, achy, and less mobile than I used to be? Efren Encarnacion develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving less reliance on pain medication, trusting more in their body's ability to heal and function. This is key to helping you get back to doing cycling longer distances with their cycling club with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• Patients often come to Efren Encarnacion feeling defeated by post-operative stiffness and weakness that's slowing down my recovery. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving feeling more stable and confident on their feet, especially on uneven surfaces and resuming being able to carry their baby or toddler without straining their back or arms becomes a realistic and attainable goal.

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

Efren Encarnacion practices at Icare Physio + Clinic, situated in the Willowdale West neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Spadina House and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Please inquire regarding specific accessibility needs for our clinic. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Is there parking available at or near Icare Physio + Clinic?

Paid parking is available in the parkade adjacent to our building. Limited free street parking may also be found in the vicinity, but please check local signage for restrictions.

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 Icare Physio + Clinic 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.

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.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

While some physiotherapy techniques might feel uncomfortable or cause a temporary increase in soreness (similar to muscle soreness after a new workout), especially when working on stiff joints or tight muscles, it should not be excessively or intolerably painful. Your Physiotherapist will discuss what sensations you might expect with different treatments and will always aim to adjust the intensity and techniques to ensure you are as comfortable as possible while still achieving therapeutic benefits. Constant communication about your comfort level is very important.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

This is very individual and depends on many factors. After your comprehensive initial assessment, your Physiotherapist will be able to give you a better idea of the anticipated number of sessions and the frequency of visits needed to achieve your specific goals. We believe in open communication and will regularly review your progress with you, adjusting the treatment plan as you improve and as needed.

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. We strongly advise checking 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.

How can I book an appointment at Icare Physio + Clinic?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (647) 292-4349 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.

Icare Physio + Clinic
106 - 5987 Bathurst St
Toronto, ON, M2R1Z3

Phone: (647) 292-4349

Efren Encarnacion 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: XXX11

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=9f18785c-9102-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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