Elizabeth A Saba – Physiotherapist | Scarborough, ON

Elizabeth A Saba is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Providence Healthcare in Scarborough, ON, Elizabeth is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Elizabeth focuses on providing comprehensive assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions to help patients of all ages restore function, manage pain, and improve their quality of life. Elizabeth serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Elizabeth A Saba completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 1986). With extensive clinical experience, Elizabeth is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Elizabeth has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Elizabeth's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Scarborough community through proactive physiotherapy. Elizabeth has a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best possible care. Elizabeth offers consultations in English.

Elizabeth A Saba provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Sports Injury

• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): Pain felt around, under, or behind the kneecap (patella), often described as a dull ache that is aggravated by activities like running, jumping, squatting, using stairs (especially going down), or prolonged sitting with the knee bent.
• Stress Fractures (Activity-Related - Conservative Management/Rehab): An overuse injury where the bone is unable to withstand repetitive mechanical loading, requiring a period of offloading and gradual rehabilitation guided by a physiotherapist for safe return to activity.
• Ligament Sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL, PCL, Ankle Ligaments): Common joint injuries in athletes affecting stability, causing immediate pain, swelling, bruising, and functional loss, often requiring a structured rehabilitation program.
• Muscle Strains (e.g., Hamstring, Calf, Groin, Quadriceps, Rotator Cuff): Common athletic injuries affecting major muscle groups such as the hamstrings, calves, groin (adductors), quadriceps, or rotator cuff muscles of the shoulder.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Pain, tenderness, swelling, and dysfunction in a tendon (the strong cords that attach muscles to bones) due to overuse, repetitive strain, injury, or degeneration. Common sites include the Achilles, patellar tendon (knee), rotator cuff (shoulder), or elbow (tennis/golfer's elbow).
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.

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. Elizabeth can assess your needs.

• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Teaching you essential strategies and exercises to manage your symptoms independently, accelerate recovery, and prevent future problems.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Specific stretches designed by your therapist to target tight muscle groups relevant to your condition, helping to improve your flexibility and reduce your risk of injury.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): A systematic screening process, such as FMS™ or SFMA™ (if your Physiotherapist is certified), to understand how you move and guide preventative or corrective exercise programs.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Customized exercise plans designed to help you recover from injury, manage chronic conditions, improve physical performance, and achieve your functional goals safely and effectively.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Structured physical activities and exercises aimed at helping you safely regain strength, stamina, and confidence in your body's abilities, tailored to your current level.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Education on optimal body mechanics and corrective strategies to improve your posture during daily activities, work, and recreation.

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

• Don't let my child walking on their toes most of the time dictate what you can and cannot do. Elizabeth offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at improved ability to lift and carry objects correctly and safely, helping you reclaim simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around their neighborhood for fresh air and enjoy a more functional life.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from dealing with ongoing pain and stiffness after a car accident, like whiplash and achieved effectively managing chronic pain and reclaiming an active lifestyle under the skilled care of Elizabeth. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as attending concerts or theatre shows and sitting comfortably throughout with a new lease on life.
• Many find that knee pain, especially when going up/down stairs or after a run significantly impacts their ability to getting back to golfing 18 holes without their back acting up. Elizabeth helps patients target feeling more resilient and less vulnerable to minor strains or injuries with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Tired of that burning pain between my shoulder blades from too much computer work interfering with running their usual 5k route without knee pain? Elizabeth uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve reduced swelling and inflammation in injured areas and regain your freedom of movement.

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

Elizabeth practices at Providence Healthcare, situated in a physiotherapy clinic in the central Scarborough neighborhood of Scarborough. 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?

Manual therapy refers to specialized hands-on techniques used by a Physiotherapist to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This can include joint mobilization (gentle, rhythmic gliding movements), joint manipulation (skilled, high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts, where appropriate and within the therapist's scope and with your consent), various soft tissue mobilization techniques (like massage, myofascial release, trigger point release), and neural mobilization (gentle techniques to improve nerve movement). The primary goals are to reduce pain, improve range of motion, restore optimal joint mechanics, reduce muscle tension, and enhance tissue repair and function.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of physiotherapy sessions required varies greatly from person to person. It depends on several factors, including the nature and severity of your condition, how long you've had the issue (acute vs. chronic), your individual treatment goals, your body's unique response to therapy, and how consistently you are able to follow your prescribed home exercise program and self-management advice. Your Physiotherapist will discuss a proposed treatment frequency and estimated duration after your initial assessment and will continually re-evaluate your progress with you.

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 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 coverage of services in private clinics.

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.

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.

Providence Healthcare
3276 St Clair Ave E
Scarborough, ON, M1L 1W1

Phone: (416) 285-3666

Elizabeth A Saba 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: XXX68

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=d813030c-8a02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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