Gracia G Asper – Physiotherapist | Burlington, ON

Gracia G Asper is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at Joseph Brant Hospital in Burlington, ON, Gracia is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Gracia's focus is assisting 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. Gracia serves adults.

Gracia G Asper completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 1991). With extensive clinical experience, Gracia is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Gracia has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Neurological Physiotherapy.

Gracia employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results; and a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Gracia offers consultations in English, Tagalog.

Gracia G Asper provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Common Musculoskeletal

• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Common injuries related to physical activity, sports participation, accidental falls, or overuse from daily or work-related tasks.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: A 'pulled' muscle, often occurring during activities like sprinting, jumping, lifting, or sudden changes in direction, causing immediate pain and difficulty using the muscle.

Vestibular Balance

• 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.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Effective, non-invasive treatment for positional dizziness and vertigo using specific head and body movements performed by a trained Vestibular Physiotherapist.
• 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.
• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Practical strategies, exercises, and environmental modification advice to improve your balance, prevent falls, and maintain your independence and activity levels.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Pain, tenderness, swelling, and dysfunction in a tendon (the strong cords that attach muscles to bones) due to overuse, repetitive strain, injury, or degeneration. Common sites include the Achilles, patellar tendon (knee), rotator cuff (shoulder), or elbow (tennis/golfer's elbow).

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. Gracia can assess your needs.

• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Identifying inefficient or compensatory movement patterns that could be contributing to your pain or hindering your physical performance.
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders: Specialized assessment and treatment techniques, such as canalith repositioning maneuvers (e.g., Epley maneuver for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo - BPPV), to address symptoms of dizziness, vertigo (spinning sensations), and imbalance caused by inner ear or central vestibular system dysfunction.
• Neurological Rehabilitation (e.g., Stroke, MS, Parkinson's, Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury): Evidence-based neurological rehabilitation focused on harnessing neuroplasticity, motor learning principles, and task-specific training to help regain lost skills and adapt to new ways of moving.
• 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.
• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: Specialized physiotherapy to address persistent concussion symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, balance problems, visual disturbances, and difficulty concentrating or tolerating activity.
• Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio): Providing professional physiotherapy assessment, treatment, education, and exercise prescription directly in the comfort and convenience of your home environment, especially for those who have difficulty attending an outpatient clinic due to mobility issues, severe pain, or other constraints.

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

• Patients often come to Gracia feeling defeated by swelling in my arm or leg, possibly lymphedema, after surgery or treatment. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving resuming gardening, hobbies, or household tasks without strain or discomfort and resuming being able to kneel or squat down to play with pets or children becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• The path to recovery from recovering from surgery to my hand or wrist and achieving a significantly reduced risk of falling, enhancing safety and independence for being able to perform deep cleaning tasks around the house often starts with expert guidance. Gracia, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• It's truly rewarding for Gracia to witness patients conquer feeling like my joints are just 'wearing out' and getting harder to move and experience a better ability to cope with the physical stresses of daily life. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in driving for longer periods without neck or back pain again.
• Don't let persistent dizziness that isn't a spinning vertigo but makes me feel unsteady dictate what you can and cannot do. Gracia offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at feeling more positive, capable, and optimistic about their physical health, helping you reclaim feeling energetic enough to engage in social activities in the evenings and enjoy a more functional life.

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

Gracia practices at Joseph Brant Hospital, located in the Aldershot South neighborhood of Burlington. The clinic is conveniently located near Burlington Mall and is accessible via Burlington Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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

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.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not be an ordeal of pain. While you might feel some discomfort or a stretching sensation as you work to regain movement or strength, especially in the initial stages of treatment for an acute injury or chronic stiffness, it's rarely 'painful' in a distressing or harmful way. Your Physiotherapist will guide you through each step, modify treatments to suit your comfort and tolerance, and ensure that the overall experience is positive. The ultimate aim is to make you feel better, not worse.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy, delivered by a qualified Physiotherapist, is a science-based profession that focuses on restoring movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness, or disability. It can also help to reduce your risk of future problems. Your physiotherapist will use techniques such as therapeutic exercise, manual therapy (hands-on treatment), education, and advice, empowering you to manage your health independently and achieve your physical goals.

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.

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

Bring your provincial health card, any relevant medical information (doctor's referral, imaging reports), a medication list, and your insurance card (if applicable). Wear comfortable clothing suitable for movement.

Joseph Brant Hospital
1245 Lakeshore Road
Burlington, ON, L7S 0A2

Phone: (905) 632-3737

Gracia G Asper 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: XXX28

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=e370b2c6-8a02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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