Hedda Szpiz-Zahavi – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Hedda Zahavi is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Geriatric Physiotherapy Focus / Seniors' Health). Practicing at Baycrest in Toronto, ON, Hedda Zahavi is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Hedda Zahavi focuses on the unique health needs of older adults, aiming to improve and maintain mobility, strength, balance, manage age-related conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis, reduce fall risk, and enhance overall quality of life and independence. Hedda Zahavi serves seniors within the community.

Hedda Zahavi completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McGill University (Graduating Class of 1980). With extensive clinical experience, Hedda Zahavi is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Hedda Zahavi has a particular interest and further training in Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.

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

Hedda Szpiz-Zahavi provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Arthritis

• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Supportive physiotherapy for individuals with psoriatic arthritis, focusing on managing joint pain and swelling, maintaining range of motion and strength, improving function, and providing advice on activity modification and joint protection.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Tailored exercise programs (including range of motion, strengthening, and low-impact aerobic exercises), pain relief modalities, and education on joint protection techniques and energy conservation for individuals with RA or similar conditions.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Persistent tendon pain that can interfere with your sports, work, or daily activities, often requiring specific loading programs and advice from a physiotherapist for effective management.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Commonly known as 'wear-and-tear' arthritis, this condition affects various joints, often worsening with age, overuse, or previous injury, and can significantly impact daily function.

Vestibular Balance

• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Comprehensive balance assessment by a Physiotherapist to identify underlying causes of unsteadiness, followed by targeted exercise programs and strategies to help you stay steady on your feet.
• 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): Reduced function of one (unilateral) or both (bilateral) inner ear balance systems (vestibular organs), leading to persistent dizziness, gaze instability (difficulty keeping vision clear during head movement), imbalance, and sometimes nausea.
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): A common cause of chronic dizziness that can be helped with specific physiotherapy strategies aimed at desensitizing the brain to provocative stimuli and normalizing reliance on sensory inputs.

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. Hedda Zahavi 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.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Empowering you with a clear understanding of your condition, its causes, and practical tools for effective self-management and lasting relief.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Helping you understand how your posture impacts your musculoskeletal health and providing you with tools for lasting postural improvement and pain relief.
• Rehabilitation for Age-Related Deconditioning & Loss of Autonomy: Comprehensive support for improving performance in activities of daily living (e.g., dressing, bathing, transferring, cooking) and rebuilding physical confidence and independence in older adults.
• Geriatric Physiotherapy & Seniors' Health: Tailored exercise prescription, education on safe movement, manual therapy (gentle techniques), and functional training to help seniors maintain their independence, enhance safety in their home and community, and promote active and healthy aging.
• 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.

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

• With Hedda Zahavi's help, managing feeling 'off-balance' and worried about falling, especially as I get older to achieve resuming gardening, hobbies, or household tasks without strain or discomfort becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like cycling longer distances with their cycling club.
• Physiotherapy with Hedda Zahavi can be a transformative turning point for those affected by that 'pins and needles' feeling that won't go away. The shared goal is achieving enhanced recovery from post-surgical procedures with fewer complications, paving the way for you to enjoy engaging in detailed crafting, sewing, or knitting hobbies for hours and a more active, vibrant life.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from my baby/child having trouble with their motor skills, like delayed rolling, sitting or walking and achieved implementing practical strategies to avoid re-injury during work or daily life under the skilled care of Hedda Zahavi. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as reading a good book for hours without experiencing neck pain or headaches with a new lease on life.
• Patients struggling with wrist pain and tingling, possibly from carpal tunnel syndrome, especially at night can find dedicated and compassionate support from Hedda Zahavi. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving improved performance in work-related physical demands, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as being able to carry their baby or toddler without straining their back or arms.

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

Hedda Zahavi's practice at Baycrest is situated in the Lawrence Manor, Lawrence Heights neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Union Station and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy refers to specialized hands-on techniques used by a Physiotherapist to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This can include joint mobilization (gentle, rhythmic gliding movements), joint manipulation (skilled, high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts, where appropriate and within the therapist's scope and with your consent), various soft tissue mobilization techniques (like massage, myofascial release, trigger point release), and neural mobilization (gentle techniques to improve nerve movement). The primary goals are to reduce pain, improve range of motion, restore optimal joint mechanics, reduce muscle tension, and enhance tissue repair and function.

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 or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider to understand their specific requirements before your first appointment.

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.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Your first physiotherapy appointment, which includes a detailed assessment and the development of your initial treatment plan, usually takes about 60 minutes. Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled for 30 to 45 minutes. The exact duration of each session will depend on the nature of your treatment and what your Physiotherapist has planned for that specific visit to best help you progress.

How can I book an appointment at Baycrest?

You can book an appointment by calling the clinic directly at (416) 785-2500 during business hours. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

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 Baycrest or your physician 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 to check your private insurance for coverage of services in private clinics.

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.

Baycrest
3560 Bathurst St.
Toronto, ON, M6A 2E1

Phone: (416) 785-2500

Hedda Szpiz-Zahavi 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: XXX85

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=210fea84-8a02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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