Gunjan Ashokbhai Patel – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Gunjan Ashokbhai Patel is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Closing the Gap Healthcare in Toronto, ON, Patel Gunjan is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Patel Gunjan'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. Patel Gunjan serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Patel Gunjan completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (Graduating Class of 2012). With extensive clinical experience, Patel Gunjan is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Patel Gunjan has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Patel Gunjan's practice philosophy centers on empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Patel Gunjan adopts a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. A patient-centered approach is central to Patel Gunjan's practice, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Patel Gunjan offers consultations in English, Gujarati, Hindi.

Gunjan Ashokbhai Patel provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Arthritis

• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A type of chronic inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spine (especially the sacroiliac joints and vertebrae), leading to pain, stiffness, and potential fusion of vertebrae, which can result in a stooped posture if not managed.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Hand Wrist

• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Focused physiotherapy care for complex hand and wrist problems, often involving custom splinting or orthosis fabrication, manual therapy (joint and soft tissue mobilization), specific exercises to restore dexterity, strength, and range of motion, scar management, and sensory re-education.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Conservative physiotherapy management for trigger digit, which may include splinting to rest the tendon, specific tendon gliding exercises, activity modification advice, modalities to reduce inflammation, and education to prevent recurrence.

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. Patel Gunjan can assess your needs.

• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Teaching you essential strategies and exercises to manage your symptoms independently, accelerate recovery, and prevent future problems.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Skilled hands-on techniques, including gentle joint mobilizations (smooth, rhythmic movements) and, where appropriate and authorized, joint manipulations (quick, precise thrusts) to restore optimal movement, reduce pain, and improve joint function.
• 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.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: A variety of hands-on methods such as therapeutic massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and active release style techniques to reduce muscle tension, break down scar tissue, improve circulation, and enhance tissue flexibility.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Improving the mobility and health of your nervous system to reduce pain, restore sensation, and enhance overall function.
• 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 Patel Gunjan, 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 Closing the Gap Healthcare, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Patel Gunjan frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Through personalized physiotherapy at Patel Gunjan's clinic, common concerns like my child walking on their toes most of the time are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of a feeling of being 'unstuck' and more supple. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like easily carrying groceries in from the car in one or two trips.
• Physiotherapy with Patel Gunjan can be a transformative turning point for those affected by feeling 'off-balance' and worried about falling, especially as I get older. The shared goal is achieving better managing flare-ups with personalized strategies and feeling more in control of their symptoms, paving the way for you to enjoy engaging in detailed crafting, sewing, or knitting hobbies for hours and a more active, vibrant life.
• At Patel Gunjan's physiotherapy practice, individuals with trouble performing repetitive tasks at work without pain are guided towards being active again without the constant worry of pain or re-injury. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as getting back to their regular, consistent gym workouts.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Patel Gunjan can help you move beyond numbness, tingling, or weakness in my hands, arms, feet, or legs. The focus is on enjoying cycling or swimming regularly without pain or limitation, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as handling their job that involves frequent standing, walking, or bending.

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

Patel Gunjan practices at Closing the Gap Healthcare, situated in the York Mills West neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Please inquire regarding specific accessibility needs for our clinic. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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 Closing the Gap Healthcare 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.

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

Patients in Ontario can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (this is known as direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans *do* require a doctor's referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check the specific requirements of your individual insurance policy 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.

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 Closing the Gap Healthcare or your Physiotherapist 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 that you check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

Closing the Gap Healthcare
35 The Links Road, Suite 202
Toronto, ON, M2P 1T7

Phone: (416) 226-6141

Gunjan Ashokbhai Patel 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: XXX47

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=85c19381-9202-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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