Hammad Aqeel – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Hammad Aqeel is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, ON, Hammad Aqeel is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Hammad Aqeel'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. Hammad Aqeel serves seniors and other patients in the Toronto community.

Hammad Aqeel completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2017). With clinical experience, Hammad Aqeel is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Hammad Aqeel has a particular interest or further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Hammad Aqeel demonstrates a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting; and promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy. Hammad Aqeel offers consultations in English, Urdu.

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

Sports Injury

• Stress Fractures (Activity-Related - Conservative Management/Rehab): A bone injury resulting from an imbalance between bone resorption and bone formation due to repetitive mechanical loading, often seen in runners or athletes who rapidly increase their training.
• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): Dull, aching pain in the front of the knee, often related to issues with the alignment and movement of the patella within the femoral groove.

Joint Pain

• 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).
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A chronic condition causing joint discomfort, stiffness (especially in the morning or after inactivity), and impacting your ability to perform daily activities, walk, or engage in hobbies.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Discomfort experienced in the hip region, groin, outer hip, or buttock, potentially stemming from joint inflammation (bursitis), muscle strains, tendinopathy, or conservative management of labral tears.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Neck problems that interfere with your sleep quality, ability to work comfortably (especially at a desk), or perform everyday tasks without pain.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Difficulty with activities like reaching for objects, dressing, personal care, or carrying items due to underlying shoulder issues, which physiotherapy can help diagnose and treat.

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. Hammad Aqeel 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 Hammad Aqeel, 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 Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Hammad Aqeel frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• When dealing with ongoing pain and stiffness after a car accident, like whiplash is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing competing effectively in their curling league games, physiotherapy with Hammad Aqeel can help you work towards feeling significantly stronger and more capable in their physical abilities. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of trouble with a constantly stiff and sore neck, making turning my head a pain? Hammad Aqeel works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of achieving their specific mobility goals, whether big or small. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as getting on and off the floor with ease.
• The journey to enjoying cycling or swimming regularly without pain or limitation when faced with persistent that 'arthritic' pain in my hands, hips, or knees is made smoother and more effective with Hammad Aqeel's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like getting back to their regular, consistent gym workouts.
• Tired of widespread muscle pain and fatigue that my doctor thinks might be fibromyalgia interfering with joining in on pickup basketball games at the local court? Hammad Aqeel uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve implementing practical strategies to avoid re-injury during work or daily life and regain your freedom of movement.

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

Hammad Aqeel practices at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, situated in the Lawrence Park neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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

It's helpful to bring your health card, any referral letters from other healthcare providers if you were referred, and any reports or images from relevant medical tests (X-rays, MRIs, etc.) related to your condition. If you have private insurance coverage for physiotherapy, please bring your insurance card or policy details for billing purposes. Comfortable attire that allows for easy movement during the assessment is also recommended.

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, even though a referral isn't legally required to see a Physiotherapist, some private insurance plans may require one for reimbursement. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider to understand their specific requirements before your appointment.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial physiotherapy appointment is a comprehensive assessment. Your Physiotherapist will start by discussing your medical history, the details of your current symptoms or injury, your concerns, and what you hope to achieve with physiotherapy (your functional goals). This is followed by a thorough physical examination, which may include evaluating your range of motion, strength, posture, balance, and specific movement patterns, as well as performing special tests relevant to your condition. Based on these findings, your therapist will provide a clinical impression or diagnosis, discuss a personalized treatment plan with you, and often begin some initial treatment or provide education and a home exercise program to get you started.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

While some physiotherapy techniques might feel uncomfortable or cause a temporary increase in soreness (similar to muscle soreness after a new workout), especially when working on stiff joints or tight muscles, it should not be excessively or intolerably painful. Your Physiotherapist will discuss what sensations you might expect with different treatments and will always aim to adjust the intensity and techniques to ensure you are as comfortable as possible while still achieving therapeutic benefits. Constant communication about your comfort level is very important.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics for most people. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in some specific situations, such as after hospitalization for certain conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams. However, eligibility criteria are strict, and there may be waitlists. It is strongly recommended that you check your private insurance coverage, as many plans offer significant coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics. You should also verify your eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

It's recommended to wear or bring clothing that allows unrestricted movement and provides easy access for your physiotherapist to examine the body part being assessed or treated. For instance, if you have a knee problem, please wear or bring shorts. For shoulder issues, a sleeveless top or a top with loose armholes is often helpful. The goal is to make the assessment and treatment as effective as possible.

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
2075 Bayview Ave.
Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5

Phone: (416) 480-6100

Hammad Aqeel 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: XXX91

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=35d63a52-1032-e811-8142-480fcff44541

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