Emily Strauss – Physiotherapist | Thornhill, ON

Emily Strauss is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at NeuroActive Physiotherapy in Thornhill, ON, Emily Strauss is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Emily Strauss'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. Emily Strauss also assists 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. Emily Strauss serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Emily Strauss completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2013). With extensive clinical experience, Emily Strauss is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Emily Strauss has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Neurological Physiotherapy.

Emily Strauss's practice philosophy centers on a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Emily Strauss empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Emily Strauss offers consultations in English.

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

Vestibular Balance

• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Comprehensive balance assessment by a Physiotherapist to identify underlying causes of unsteadiness, followed by targeted exercise programs and strategies to help you stay steady on your feet.
• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Individualized exercise programs including gaze stabilization exercises (e.g., VORx1, VORx2), habituation exercises (for motion sensitivity), and balance retraining to improve function when the vestibular system is impaired.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): A common cause of vertigo that is highly treatable with specific physiotherapy maneuvers, such as the Epley maneuver or Semont maneuver, designed to reposition the displaced inner ear crystals.
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): Vestibular rehabilitation therapy, including habituation exercises, sensory re-weighting, and balance training, often as part of a multidisciplinary approach (which may include medication or CBT), for managing the symptoms of PPPD/3PD.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Commonly known as 'wear-and-tear' arthritis, this condition affects various joints, often worsening with age, overuse, or previous injury, and can significantly impact daily function.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Persistent tendon pain that can interfere with your sports, work, or daily activities, often requiring specific loading programs and advice from a physiotherapist for effective management.

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 Strauss can assess your needs.

• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Targeted manual methods performed by your Physiotherapist to release tight or overactive muscles, address fascial restrictions, and alleviate pain arising from soft tissue dysfunction.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: Detailed physical assessment of your joints, muscles, nerves, and movement patterns to identify the root cause of your symptoms and guide your treatment.
• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: A structured and individualized rehabilitation approach to help you navigate your recovery after a concussion, promoting symptom resolution and safe resumption of activities.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Hands-on physiotherapy focused on mobilizing restricted joints and soft tissues to promote healing, restore normal biomechanics, and alleviate pain.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Targeted therapy to alleviate symptoms such as shooting pain, pins and needles, or weakness arising from neural tension or entrapment.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.

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

• The journey to reduced muscle tension and a feeling of greater physical ease when faced with persistent that 'arthritic' pain in my hands, hips, or knees is made smoother and more effective with Emily Strauss's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like travelling more comfortably on planes, trains, or in cars for longer durations.
• Rediscover your ability to performing self-care tasks like hair washing or reaching their back without the constant burden of difficulty getting out of a chair or bed due to stiffness or pain. Emily Strauss focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to waking up feeling more refreshed with considerably less pain and stiffness, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Emily Strauss's clinic, common concerns like difficulty moving one side of my body or walking easily after a stroke are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of building the necessary muscle support for their joints, reducing the risk of re-injury. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and dexterity with ease.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of clicking, popping, or pain in my jaw (TMJ issues) when I eat or talk? Emily Strauss works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of a smoother and stronger postpartum recovery. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as engaging in volunteer work that might have physical demands.

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

Emily Strauss practices at NeuroActive Physiotherapy, 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. Please inquire regarding specific accessibility needs for our clinic. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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

For your first visit, please bring your provincial health card (e.g., Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card, if applicable for any publicly funded programs or simply for identification), any relevant medical information such as a doctor's referral note (if you have one), reports from recent imaging (like X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound scans), and a list of your current medications. Also, if you plan to use private health insurance, bring your insurance card or policy details. Finally, wear or bring comfortable clothing suitable for assessment and movement.

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. Always check your private/extended health insurance plans, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

What are NeuroActive Physiotherapy's operating hours?

NeuroActive Physiotherapy is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and some practitioners offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call our office or check our website/online booking portal for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

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 NeuroActive Physiotherapy 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.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Initial assessment appointments are generally longer to allow for a thorough evaluation and discussion, typically lasting between 45 to 60 minutes. Subsequent follow-up treatment sessions are usually shorter, often ranging from 30 to 45 minutes. However, the duration can vary depending on your specific needs, the complexity of your condition, the type of treatment being provided, and the treatment plan designed by your Physiotherapist.

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 *do* require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. Check your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

NeuroActive Physiotherapy
42 Shemer Dr.
Thornhill, ON, L4J 9C1

Phone: (416) 629-4452

Emily Strauss 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: XXX35

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=680506bc-9102-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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