Farhana Michelle Jaffer – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Farhana Michelle Jaffer is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at GLA Rehab in Toronto, ON, Farhana is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Farhana's focus is 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. Farhana serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Farhana Michelle Jaffer completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2004). With extensive clinical experience, Farhana is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Farhana has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Farhana's practice philosophy centers on a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Farhana adopts a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Farhana offers consultations in English, Gujarati.

Farhana Michelle Jaffer provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Common Musculoskeletal

• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Common shoulder problems such as rotator cuff issues (tendinopathy, small tears), impingement syndrome, or adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) significantly affecting arm function and daily comfort.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Disorders affecting hand and wrist function, making daily tasks such as gripping objects, typing, writing, or fine motor activities difficult and painful.

Sports Injury

• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): A common overuse injury in active individuals and athletes, sometimes referred to as 'runner's knee' or 'anterior knee pain', often related to biomechanical issues in how the kneecap tracks.
• 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.
• Muscle Strains (e.g., Hamstring, Calf, Groin, Quadriceps, Rotator Cuff): Tearing of muscle fibers or the muscle-tendon unit due to overstretching, sudden forceful contraction, or eccentric loading during athletic activity or exertion, commonly known as a 'pulled muscle'.
• Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): An overuse injury affecting the lower leg, common in athletes, dancers, and military recruits, characterized by diffuse pain along the tibia.

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. Farhana can assess your needs.

• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Targeted exercises focused on strengthening the deep abdominal, back, pelvic floor, and diaphragm muscles to provide better support for your spine, improve posture, enhance balance, and increase movement efficiency.
• 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.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Customized strength training to address specific weaknesses identified in your assessment, helping to correct imbalances, improve movement efficiency, and achieve your physical objectives.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Graded exercise programs designed to improve your overall physical fitness, endurance, strength, and functional capacity, especially beneficial after illness, surgery, or periods of prolonged inactivity.
• 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.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Assessing your fundamental movement patterns to identify limitations, asymmetries, and potential risk factors for injury or re-injury.

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

• Living with my child complaining of 'growing pains' that keep them up at night doesn't have to be your norm. Farhana applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards noticeable strength gains in their limbs, supporting more demanding tasks, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of performing self-care tasks like hair washing or reaching their back.
• Patients struggling with a noticeable curve in my child's spine or uneven shoulders (scoliosis concerns) can find dedicated and compassionate support from Farhana. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving enjoying family vacations and outings with more energy and less pain, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as spending hours gardening comfortably, without subsequent back or knee strain.
• Rediscover your ability to working at their desk all day without developing back or neck stiffness without the constant burden of working on getting back to normal after a fracture or other surgery. Farhana focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to a better ability to cope with the physical stresses of daily life, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from an old ankle sprain that never seems to fully heal and still feels weak and achieved a significant improvement in their overall quality of life and daily well-being under the skilled care of Farhana. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as keeping up with their team during our weekly soccer match with a new lease on life.

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

Farhana practices at GLA Rehab, located in the Don Mills North neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near the University Settlement Recreation Centre 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 expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

The first physiotherapy session is primarily an in-depth assessment. Expect to spend time talking with your Physiotherapist about your specific issue, its history, and your overall health background. your therapist will then perform various physical tests to assess your movement, strength, and any areas of concern. The main goal of this first visit is to understand your condition fully so that a tailored and effective treatment plan can be developed collaboratively with you. You might also receive your first set of home exercises or some initial hands-on care to start the healing process.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiotherapist can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

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, while a referral isn't legally required to see a Physiotherapist, some private/extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement. It's crucial to check your insurance policy's specific requirements before your first appointment.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

It's difficult to say exactly how many sessions you'll need without a thorough assessment, as everyone's situation and recovery path is unique. Some acute conditions might resolve in just a few sessions, while more chronic, complex, or significant issues may require a longer period of care to achieve lasting results. Your Physiotherapist will provide an estimated treatment timeline and plan after your first visit, and this will be revisited as your treatment progresses.

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

GLA Rehab
1370 Don Mills Road, Suite 1
Toronto, ON, M3B 3N7

Phone: (416) 449-6466

Farhana Michelle Jaffer 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: XXX46

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=7082890b-8e02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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