Eleanor Claire Mak – Physiotherapist | Thornhill, ON

Eleanor Claire Mak is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at SMILE Therapy For Kids in Thornhill, ON, Eleanor is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Eleanor's focus is assisting individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life after neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Eleanor serves infants, children, and adolescents, tailoring her approach to meet the unique needs of each patient.

Eleanor Claire Mak completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Manchester Metropolitan University (Graduating Class of 2023). With clinical experience, Eleanor is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Eleanor has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Neurological Physiotherapy.

Eleanor's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Thornhill community through proactive physiotherapy. Eleanor adopts a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Eleanor empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Eleanor offers consultations in English.

Eleanor Claire Mak provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: A structured and individualized rehabilitation approach for individuals recovering from a mild traumatic brain injury, guiding a safe and gradual return to school, work, and sport activities.

Vestibular Balance

• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): Addressing chronic subjective dizziness and unsteadiness through targeted rehabilitation designed to reduce symptoms and improve functional abilities for individuals with PPPD/3PD.
• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Difficulty maintaining stability during standing, walking, or changing positions, which may be due to various factors including age-related changes, neurological conditions, musculoskeletal weakness, sensory impairments, or medication side effects, often leading to an increased risk of falls.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Ankle Sprains and Instability: A 'rolled' or twisted ankle with subsequent swelling, tenderness, and difficulty putting your full weight on the foot.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Common injuries in active individuals, athletes, or resulting from accidents, leading to localized pain, swelling, bruising, and weakness in the affected muscle (e.g., hamstring, calf, quadriceps, groin, rotator cuff).

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. Eleanor can assess your needs.

• Neurological Rehabilitation (e.g., Stroke, MS, Parkinson's, Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury): Evidence-based neurological rehabilitation focused on harnessing neuroplasticity, motor learning principles, and task-specific training to help regain lost skills and adapt to new ways of moving.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders: Specialized assessment and treatment techniques, such as canalith repositioning maneuvers (e.g., Epley maneuver for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo - BPPV), to address symptoms of dizziness, vertigo (spinning sensations), and imbalance caused by inner ear or central vestibular system dysfunction.
• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: Comprehensive care for concussion recovery, including initial assessment of symptoms (headache, dizziness, etc.), management of associated neck pain or dysfunction, vestibular and oculomotor (eye movement) rehabilitation, and guided, gradual return-to-learn, work, and sport protocols.
• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Convenient access to expert physiotherapy services from the comfort of your home, office, or any location with an internet connection, ideal for those with busy schedules, living in remote areas, or preferring virtual care.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Improving the mobility and health of your nervous system to reduce pain, restore sensation, and enhance overall function.

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

• It's truly rewarding for Eleanor to witness patients conquer general muscle strains and pulls from overdoing it at the gym or in the garden and experience achieving personal fitness goals that once seemed out of reach. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in participating in light recreational activities like bowling or mini-golf again.
• Tired of dealing with ongoing pain and stiffness after a car accident, like whiplash interfering with performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and dexterity with ease? Eleanor uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve feeling more like their 'old self' before their injury or condition began and regain your freedom of movement.
• Struggling with the frustration of clicking, popping, or pain in my jaw (TMJ issues) when I eat or talk? Eleanor develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving improved breathing mechanics and capacity through postural correction. This is key to helping you get back to doing simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around their neighborhood for fresh air with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• Many individuals seek help from Eleanor, their physiotherapist, when feeling unsteady on my feet or experiencing dizziness and balance problems starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve restored joint function, leading to smoother and more coordinated movements, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like swimming laps at the pool for fitness and relaxation.

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

Eleanor practices at SMILE Therapy For Kids, a physiotherapy clinic in the central Thornhill neighborhood of Thornhill, ON. The clinic is conveniently located near nearby parks and community recreation facilities and is accessible via local public transit routes. Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

In physiotherapy, manual therapy encompasses a range of 'hands-on' interventions. Your Physiotherapist may use these techniques to help reduce your pain, increase joint movement, relax tight muscles, or improve the mobility of your nerves. Common approaches include joint glides, sustained pressures, specific soft tissue massage, and, when indicated, joint manipulations. It's a key part of helping your body move better.

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 to 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.

Does SMILE Therapy For Kids offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

While we do not offer direct billing at this time, we provide detailed official receipts that you can easily submit to your insurer for reimbursement according to your plan. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. Always confirm your specific coverage details, including any annual maximums, per-visit limits, or deductible requirements, directly with your insurance provider, as plans vary significantly. You are responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not be painful. While some discomfort or stretching sensation might be felt, especially initially, it shouldn't be distressing. Your Physiotherapist will adjust treatments to ensure a positive experience.

SMILE Therapy For Kids
10-130 Racco Pkwy
Thornhill, ON, L4J 8X9

Phone: (905) 761-7225

Eleanor Claire Mak 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: XXX67

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=ccdc5b81-cf08-ef11-9f89-000d3ae8f115

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