Farhad Salek – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Farhad Salek is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Sheppard Clinic Physio & Wellness in Toronto, ON, Farhad Salek is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Farhad Salek's focus is 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. Farhad Salek serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Farhad Salek completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Tehran (Graduating Class of 1980). With extensive clinical experience, Farhad Salek is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Farhad Salek has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Farhad Salek empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Farhad Salek adopts a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Farhad Salek demonstrates a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Farhad Salek offers consultations in English, Farsi.

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

Back Neck Pain

• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Discomfort, aching, stiffness, or muscle fatigue in the back or neck arising from sustained or awkward postures during daily activities, prolonged work (e.g., desk work, computer use), or sleep.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Symptoms resulting from a whiplash injury, which can vary in severity (WAD Grades I-III) and duration, requiring a comprehensive physiotherapy approach for recovery.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Pain, pins and needles, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg resulting from irritation or compression of a spinal nerve, often managed effectively with physiotherapy techniques like McKenzie method or neural mobilization.

Arthritis

• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Exercises and advice to manage the impact of gout on your joints, improve mobility, and reduce the likelihood of long-term joint damage.
• 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.
• 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: An autoimmune condition causing chronic inflammation, pain, stiffness, swelling, and potential deformity in multiple joints, often symmetrically. Physiotherapy aims to manage pain, maintain joint function and mobility, improve strength and endurance, provide joint protection strategies, and support self-management.

Post Surgical

• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Targeted physiotherapy to help you recover from operatively treated fractures, addressing common issues like joint stiffness, muscle weakness, swelling, pain, and functional limitations in the affected limb.
• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Specialized physiotherapy following knee ligament reconstruction surgery to ensure a successful recovery, minimize complications (like stiffness or muscle atrophy), and facilitate a safe and confident return to activity and sport, preventing re-injury.
• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): Specialized physiotherapy after knee joint replacement surgery to help you regain independence, optimize your surgical outcome, and return to desired daily activities and hobbies.

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. Farhad Salek can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Development of a tailored therapeutic exercise program by your Physiotherapist, focused on your specific rehabilitation needs, strength goals, flexibility improvements, balance, and overall conditioning.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Providing clear guidance on self-care techniques, activity modifications, and beneficial lifestyle adjustments for long-term well-being and injury prevention.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Comprehensive exercise plans developed by your Physiotherapist to combat deconditioning, enhance overall physical well-being, and promote an active lifestyle.
• 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.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Identifying and addressing habitual postures (e.g., from desk work, phone use) or ergonomic factors that may be contributing to your pain or dysfunction.

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

• Many patients have found lasting relief from an awkward gait or limping when I walk and achieved learning specific exercises that provide ongoing relief and maintain their progress under the skilled care of Farhad Salek. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as spending hours gardening comfortably, without subsequent back or knee strain with a new lease on life.
• Farhad Salek believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If feeling unsteady on my feet or experiencing dizziness and balance problems is hindering your ability to tackling home renovation and DIY projects with confidence, a personalized plan focusing on enjoying cycling or swimming regularly without pain or limitation can make all the difference.
• At Farhad Salek's physiotherapy practice, individuals with general muscle strains and pulls from overdoing it at the gym or in the garden are guided towards greater ease with dressing, bathing, and other self-care activities. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as getting back to golfing 18 holes without their back acting up.
• Many find that facial weakness or drooping on one side (like Bell's Palsy) significantly impacts their ability to taking group exercise classes at the community center. Farhad Salek helps patients target feeling empowered to take control of their physical health journey with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.

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

Farhad Salek practices at Sheppard Clinic Physio & Wellness, situated in the Willowdale South neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Bay Adelaide Centre and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). 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.

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.

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.

Is there parking available at or near Sheppard Clinic Physio & Wellness?

Our clinic has a small number of dedicated parking spots at the rear of the building, accessible via a small alleyway. Additional street parking is available, but please check local signage for time limits and restrictions.

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.

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

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a doctor's referral. This is known as direct access. However, some private/extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It's essential to check your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

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. Check your private insurance coverage as many plans offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

Sheppard Clinic Physio & Wellness
125 Sheppard Avenue East
Toronto, ON, M2N 3A5

Phone: (416) 551-4325

Farhad Salek 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: XXX36

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=ba9e9f65-8d02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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