Ellen May Habert – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Ellen Habert is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Geriatric Physiotherapy Focus / Seniors' Health). Practicing at Closing the Gap Healthcare in Toronto, ON, Ellen Habert is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Ellen Habert focuses on the unique health needs of older adults, aiming to improve and maintain mobility, strength, balance, manage age-related conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis, reduce fall risk, and enhance overall quality of life and independence. Ellen Habert serves seniors within the community.

Ellen Habert completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 1987). With extensive clinical experience, Ellen Habert is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Ellen Habert has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.

Ellen Habert employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Ellen Habert utilizes a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Ellen Habert promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy. Ellen Habert offers consultations in English.

Ellen May Habert provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Neurological

• Parkinson's Disease Management & Movement Therapy: Helping individuals with Parkinson's Disease maintain mobility, functional independence, and safety, and improve their quality of movement and life.
• Functional Neurological Disorders (FND) - Movement Retraining: Rehabilitation strategies tailored to the unique and often variable presentation of FND, working collaboratively with the patient to achieve their functional goals.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) / Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Rehabilitation: Focusing on restoring movement, balance, and independence after a traumatic or acquired brain injury through evidence-based physiotherapy approaches.
• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Rehabilitation (Incomplete/Specific Cases): Helping individuals with spinal cord injuries achieve their highest level of physical potential through targeted exercises, functional training, equipment prescription, and compensatory strategies.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Conditions like 'jumper's knee' (patellar tendinopathy), 'swimmer's shoulder' (rotator cuff tendinopathy), or 'tennis elbow' (lateral epicondylitis) caused by tendon issues that limit your ability to perform specific tasks.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.

Arthritis

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Tailored exercise programs (including range of motion, strengthening, and low-impact aerobic exercises), pain relief modalities, and education on joint protection techniques and energy conservation for individuals with RA or similar conditions.
• 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.

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. Ellen Habert can assess your needs.

• Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio): Convenient and effective physiotherapy care delivered in your home by a qualified Physiotherapist, focusing on your specific goals and challenges.
• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Receiving personalized physiotherapy care online through secure and interactive video sessions with your qualified Physiotherapist, including real-time exercise correction and tailored advice.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A thorough evaluation by your Physiotherapist to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Detailed analysis of your static and dynamic posture, with tailored exercises, stretches, and advice to help you improve alignment and reduce strain on your body.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Educating you about your diagnosis, expected recovery timeline (prognosis), and the reasons behind your treatment plan to encourage active participation in your healing.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Evaluation of your body's basic movements (like squatting, lunging, reaching) to highlight areas for improvement in stability, mobility, and motor control.

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

• Discover how physiotherapy with Ellen Habert can help you move beyond recovering from a burn and needing help with scar mobility and movement. The focus is on greater ease with dressing, bathing, and other self-care activities, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as challenging myself with indoor or outdoor rock climbing.
• At Ellen Habert's physiotherapy practice, individuals with that burning pain between my shoulder blades from too much computer work are guided towards enhanced recovery from post-surgical procedures with fewer complications. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as tackling home renovation and DIY projects with confidence.
• Struggling with the frustration of recovering my strength and energy after being very sick (like with pneumonia or Long COVID)? Ellen Habert develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving getting back to enjoying life's simple pleasures without physical limitations. This is key to helping you get back to doing simply being able to get through a workday without constant pain interruptions with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• Many find that recovering from a painful and limiting work-related injury (WCB/CNESST/WorkSafe claim) significantly impacts their ability to cycling longer distances with their cycling club. Ellen Habert helps patients target a smoother and stronger postpartum recovery with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.

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

Ellen Habert practices at Closing the Gap Healthcare, situated in the York Mills West neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Kensington Market and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapist in ON?

In Ontario, you typically do not need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist. This is known as direct access. However, even though a referral isn't legally required to *see* a physiotherapist, some private insurance plans may require one for coverage. It's crucial to check your individual insurance policy before your first appointment to avoid unexpected costs.

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

Some temporary post-treatment soreness can be normal, much like after a good workout. However, if your pain significantly worsens, if you develop new concerning symptoms, or if the discomfort doesn't settle down within a day or two, please call us. Your Physiotherapist would want to know so they can offer guidance and make any necessary adjustments to your care plan. Open communication is key to your successful recovery.

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 Ontarians. 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. Most people rely on private insurance for coverage of physiotherapy in private clinics. Check your private insurance policy for details.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Absolutely! Home exercises are a vital part of your rehabilitation journey and empower you to take an active role in your recovery process. Your Physiotherapist will carefully select and teach you exercises specific to your needs. These exercises help to reinforce what's done in the clinic, manage your condition effectively, and ensure you continue progressing towards your goals even when you're not in a session.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Essentially, physiotherapy helps you get moving and stay moving effectively and comfortably. Whether you're dealing with an acute injury, chronic pain, post-surgical recovery, or a condition affecting your physical abilities, your Physiotherapist will work with you. They'll use their expertise in body mechanics, rehabilitation, and pain management to create a personalized treatment plan involving exercises, hands-on techniques, and practical advice to help you achieve your functional goals and live a more active, fulfilling life.

What are Closing the Gap Healthcare's operating hours?

Closing the Gap Healthcare is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Some practitioners may offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call the clinic at [Insert Phone Number Here] or check their website for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Definitely. A key aspect of physiotherapy is not just treating current problems but also preventing future ones. A Physiotherapist can assess your movement, identify potential weaknesses or imbalances that could lead to injury, and provide you with a personalized program of exercises and strategies. This proactive approach is beneficial for athletes, individuals with physically demanding jobs, or anyone looking to maintain long-term musculoskeletal health and avoid recurring pain.

Closing the Gap Healthcare
35 The Links Road, Suite 202
Toronto, ON, M2P 1T7

Phone: (416) 226-6141

Ellen May Habert 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: XXX87

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=f2a03e25-8a02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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