Emily Joy Rijgersberg – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Emily Joy Rijgersberg is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Rehab First Inc. in Toronto, ON, Emily Rijgersberg is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Emily Rijgersberg addresses 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. Emily Rijgersberg serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Emily Joy Rijgersberg completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Western University (Graduating Class of 2009). With clinical experience, Emily Rijgersberg is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Emily Rijgersberg has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Emily Rijgersberg maintains a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; Emily Rijgersberg adopts a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Emily Rijgersberg offers consultations in English.

Emily Joy Rijgersberg provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Common Musculoskeletal

• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or stiffness in the wrist, hand, or fingers, often resulting from overuse, repetitive tasks, arthritis, or specific conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or De Quervain's tenosynovitis.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Lower back issues that restrict your ability to bend, lift, sit for long periods, or enjoy your usual activities without discomfort.

Back Neck Pain

• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Pain and muscle tension related to ergonomic factors at work or home, muscle imbalances, and suboptimal body mechanics or movement habits.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Nerve compression symptoms due to a narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal or the small openings where nerves exit the spine (foramina), most commonly in the lumbar (lower back) or cervical (neck) regions.

Arthritis

• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A physiotherapy approach to address the unique challenges of AS, aiming to keep you as mobile and active as possible and support your spinal health and overall well-being.
• 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): An inflammatory arthritis that can affect some people with psoriasis (a skin condition), causing joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and sometimes affecting tendons (enthesitis) and ligaments. Can affect small or large joints, often asymmetrically, and sometimes the spine.
• 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. Emily Rijgersberg can assess your needs.

• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Using therapeutic cold to manage the initial stages of an injury (e.g., sprains, strains) and control inflammatory responses, helping to limit tissue damage.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): The application of focused acoustic waves (Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy) by a trained Physiotherapist to treat chronic tendon issues (e.g., plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, Achilles tendinopathy), calcific tendinosis, and other persistent musculoskeletal conditions.
• 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 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.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Employing different types of electrotherapy to support your rehabilitation goals, including promoting tissue healing or improving motor control.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: A non-invasive electrotherapy modality aimed at reducing pain, muscle guarding, or swelling, and sometimes used for muscle strengthening, as part of your physiotherapy treatment.

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

• The path to recovery from facial weakness or drooping on one side (like Bell's Palsy) and achieving improved ability to lift and carry objects correctly and safely for attending their favorite yoga and pilates classes without limitation often starts with expert guidance. Emily Rijgersberg, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• Emily Rijgersberg frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of dealing with ongoing pain and stiffness after a car accident, like whiplash. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets feeling a substantial improvement in their mobility and range of motion for easier movement and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like dressing myself independently and without difficulty, including shoes and socks.
• Patients often come to Emily Rijgersberg feeling defeated by my child walking on their toes most of the time. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving improved breathing mechanics and capacity through postural correction and resuming running their usual 5k route without knee pain becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Physiotherapy with Emily Rijgersberg can be a transformative turning point for those affected by managing stiffness, tremors, and movement challenges with Parkinson's disease. The shared goal is achieving effectively managing chronic pain and reclaiming an active lifestyle, paving the way for you to enjoy enduring their daily commute, whether driving or on public transit, without stiffness and a more active, vibrant life.

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

Emily Rijgersberg's practice at Rehab First Inc. is situated in the Northwest Etobicoke (West Humber - Clairville) neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Meridian Hall and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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

It's not uncommon to experience some temporary soreness or a mild increase in symptoms after certain physiotherapy treatments, especially in the initial stages or if you're starting new exercises. This usually subsides within 24-48 hours. However, if you experience a significant or sharp increase in pain, new or worsening neurological symptoms (like numbness, tingling, or weakness), or if your soreness lasts longer than expected, it's important to contact Rehab First Inc. or your physician directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

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 and to verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

What is Rehab First Inc.'s appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients who may be waiting for care. A fee may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

To make your first appointment as smooth and productive as possible, please consider bringing: your health card, any doctor's referral letter (if applicable), results or reports of any imaging tests (X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs) related to your current condition, a list of any medications you are currently taking, and your extended health benefits information (insurance card/policy number) for direct billing if available at our clinic. Wearing comfortable clothes is also a good idea.

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.

Rehab First Inc.
93 Skyway Ave, Suite 106
Toronto, ON, M9W 6N6

Phone: (416) 489-5151

Emily Joy Rijgersberg 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: XXX96

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=62bfbaf5-8f02-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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