Joanna Slizowska – Physiotherapist | Markham, ON

Joanna Slizowska is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Bayshore Health Care in Markham, ON, Joanna is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Joanna's approach focuses on 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. Joanna has a particular focus 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. Joanna serves adults.

Joanna Slizowska completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Academy of Physical Education in Wrocław (Graduating Class of 1996). With extensive clinical experience, Joanna is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Joanna has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.

Joanna's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Markham community through proactive physiotherapy. Joanna employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Joanna Slizowska offers consultations in English, Polish.

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

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): 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.

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.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Helping you regain mobility, reduce discomfort, and improve function in affected joints after a gout episode, as part of your overall gout management plan.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Physiotherapy as an important part of a multidisciplinary team approach to managing rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis), helping to minimize disease impact and maximize quality of life.

Geriatric

• Mobility Issues & Gait Disturbances in Seniors: Addressing specific mobility challenges to enhance safety, reduce fall risk, and improve participation in life activities for older adults.
• Age-Related Deconditioning / Frailty / Sarcopenia Management: Helping seniors stay strong, mobile, active, and independent for longer through tailored exercise and functional rehabilitation programs.

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. Joanna can assess your needs.

• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Providing physiotherapy assessment, diagnosis, treatment guidance, education, exercise prescription, and self-management strategies remotely via secure video conferencing technology.
• 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.
• Fibromyalgia & Widespread Pain Management: Improving daily function, energy levels, and reducing pain sensitivity for individuals with fibromyalgia through a carefully progressed and individualized physiotherapy plan.
• Chronic & Persistent Pain Management Programs: A holistic and active approach to managing long-standing pain, empowering you with tools and knowledge for better daily living, increased activity tolerance, and improved mood.
• Geriatric Physiotherapy & Seniors' Health: Addressing common concerns in seniors such as difficulty walking, fear of falling, joint pain and stiffness, and deconditioning, to improve their overall quality of life and ability to participate in meaningful activities.
• Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio): Convenient and effective physiotherapy care delivered in your home by a qualified Physiotherapist, focusing on your specific goals and challenges.

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

• When feeling like my posture is hunched or rounded, causing discomfort is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing playing their musical instrument (guitar, piano, violin, etc.) for extended periods, physiotherapy with Joanna can help you work towards understanding how to prevent future flare-ups and manage their condition long-term. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Joanna's clinic, common concerns like loss of strength in one of my limbs after an injury are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of improved overall mobility, making it easier to navigate their home and community. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like dancing the night away at social events and family celebrations.
• Tired of knee pain, especially when going up/down stairs or after a run interfering with enduring their daily commute, whether driving or on public transit, without stiffness? Joanna uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve improved ability to lift and carry objects correctly and safely and regain your freedom of movement.
• If breathing difficulties and shortness of breath with COPD or asthma, especially during activity is preventing you from fully enjoying joining in on pickup basketball games at the local court, Joanna offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining better joint stability during movement and weight-bearing activities, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.

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

Joanna practices at Bayshore Health Care, situated in the Unionville (South), Buttonville, Milliken Mills West neighborhood of Markham. The clinic is conveniently located near First Markham Place and is accessible via York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva. Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows the Physiotherapist to easily access and assess the area being treated, and permits you to move freely for any exercises or movements. For example, shorts are ideal for knee, hip, or ankle issues, while a tank top or loose t-shirt works well for shoulder, neck, or upper back problems. Athletic wear or gym attire is generally a good choice. You may also be provided with a gown if needed.

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

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral. This is known as direct access. However, while a doctor's referral may not be legally required to *see* a Physiotherapist, some private/extended health insurance plans *do* require one for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check the specific requirements of your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

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 insurance for coverage of services in private clinics and verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

How can I book an appointment at Bayshore Health Care?

You can book an appointment by calling the clinic directly at (866) 697-4523 during business hours. The reception team can assist you in finding a suitable appointment time.

Is there parking available at or near Bayshore Health Care?

Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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. Contact your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand your plan's specifics, including your annual maximum, per-visit limits or co-payments, referral requirements, and direct billing options. If direct billing is possible, the clinic can bill your insurer directly for the covered portion; you would be responsible for any remaining balance. Bring your insurance card and policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, you will receive a receipt to submit to your insurer.

Bayshore Health Care
25 Royal Crest Ct., Suite 201
Markham, ON, L3R 9X4

Phone: (866) 697-4523

Joanna Slizowska 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: XXX45

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=3dc28287-8c02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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