Jennifer Susan Shaffer – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Jennifer Susan Shaffer is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Unity Health Toronto in Toronto, ON, Jennifer Shaffer is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Jennifer Shaffer provides 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. Jennifer Shaffer serves a diverse range of patients.

Jennifer Susan Shaffer completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Western University (Graduating Class of 1995). With extensive clinical experience, Jennifer Shaffer is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Jennifer Shaffer has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Jennifer Shaffer employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Jennifer Shaffer maintains a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Jennifer Shaffer offers consultations in English.

Jennifer Susan Shaffer provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Common Musculoskeletal

• 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.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Aching, sharp, or persistent pain located in the lower back, which may sometimes extend into the buttocks or legs, limiting your comfort.

Sports Injury

• 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.
• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): Knee discomfort frequently experienced by runners, cyclists, and those involved in activities with repetitive knee bending, which physiotherapy can effectively manage through exercise and biomechanical correction.

Joint Pain

• 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.
• 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. Jennifer Shaffer can assess your needs.

• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Education and instruction on effective and safe stretching techniques to help you maintain or improve your body's flexibility and joint mobility.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Application and skilled soft tissue techniques to manage pain, stiffness, and improve function in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Development of a tailored therapeutic exercise program by your Physiotherapist, focused on your specific rehabilitation needs, strength goals, flexibility improvements, balance, and overall conditioning.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Comprehensive exercise plans developed by your Physiotherapist to combat deconditioning, enhance overall physical well-being, and promote an active lifestyle.
• 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.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: A progressive program designed to build a strong and stable core, improving your body's foundation for all movements and reducing strain on other structures.

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

• Jennifer Shaffer frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of aches and pains that are from poor posture. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets improved hand and wrist function for tasks requiring dexterity and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like attending yoga and pilates classes without limitation.
• Tired of feeling like your joints are just 'wearing out' and getting harder to move? Jennifer Shaffer uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve increased flexibility throughout your body, particularly in your back and major joints and regain your freedom of movement.
• Many individuals seek help from Jennifer Shaffer when recurrent dislocations or a feeling of instability in their shoulder or knee starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve building the necessary muscle support for their joints, reducing the risk of re-injury, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like participating in community events and social gatherings more actively.
• It's truly rewarding for Jennifer Shaffer to witness patients conquer post-operative stiffness and weakness and experience effectively managing chronic pain and reclaiming an active lifestyle. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in performing self-care tasks like hair washing or reaching their back again.

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

Jennifer Shaffer practices at Unity Health Toronto, situated in the Garden District, Ryerson neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near St. Lawrence Hall and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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

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.

What are Unity Health Toronto's operating hours?

Unity Health Toronto is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and some practitioners offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call our office at (416) 864-6060 or check our website for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

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

What is Unity Health Toronto's appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients who may be waiting for care. A fee may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves skilled, hands-on treatments performed by your Physiotherapist as part of your overall physiotherapy plan. These techniques are designed to assess and treat your joints, muscles, and nerves to decrease pain and improve your mobility and function. Examples include specific joint mobilizations to improve movement, soft tissue release techniques to address muscle tightness or scar tissue, and sometimes manipulations (adjustments) if indicated and appropriate for your condition and your therapist's qualifications.

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.

How can I book an appointment at Unity Health Toronto?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (416) 864-6060 during our 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.

Unity Health Toronto
30 Bond Street
Toronto, ON, M5B 1W8

Phone: (416) 864-6060

Jennifer Susan Shaffer 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: XXX29

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=2c473792-8b02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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