Justina Matar – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Justina Matar is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, ON, Justina Matar is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Justina Matar's role involves assisting individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life after neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Justina Matar also addresses 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. Justina Matar serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Justina Matar completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University College Dublin (Graduating Class of 2018). With extensive clinical experience, Justina Matar is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Justina Matar has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Neurological Physiotherapy.

Justina Matar's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy. Justina Matar employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Justina Matar has a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Justina Matar offers consultations in English.

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

Post Surgical

• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): Comprehensive post-operative recovery guidance following knee replacement, including exercises, manual therapy, and education to ensure you achieve your best possible function.
• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): Supportive physiotherapy to aid your recovery and help you manage symptoms after back or neck surgery, focusing on education, safe movement strategies, and specific exercises.
• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): A tailored physiotherapy program following hip joint replacement to optimize your recovery, manage pain, ensure adherence to any precautions, and facilitate a return to an active lifestyle.
• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Targeted physiotherapy to help you recover from operatively treated fractures, addressing common issues like joint stiffness, muscle weakness, swelling, pain, and functional limitations in the affected limb.

Back Neck Pain

• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Back or neck pain that often radiates into an arm or leg, potentially with numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning sensations, due to a spinal disc problem (herniation, protrusion, or bulge) compressing or irritating a nearby nerve root (radiculopathy). Sciatica specifically refers to radicular pain down the leg.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Discomfort, aching, stiffness, or muscle fatigue in the back or neck arising from sustained or awkward postures during daily activities, prolonged work (e.g., desk work, computer use), or sleep.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Symptoms like 'neurogenic claudication' – leg pain, cramping, or heaviness with walking or prolonged standing that typically eases with rest or bending forward (flexion).
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Neck, shoulder, and upper back discomfort, often accompanied by headaches or 'brain fog', after a sudden jerking motion of the head, such as in a rear-end collision.

Vestibular Balance

• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for inner ear balance problems, involving customized exercises that promote central nervous system compensation and adaptation to the weakened vestibular input.
• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Difficulty maintaining stability during standing, walking, or changing positions, which may be due to various factors including age-related changes, neurological conditions, musculoskeletal weakness, sensory impairments, or medication side effects, often leading to an increased risk of falls.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Resolving the spinning sensations caused by BPPV quickly and effectively through targeted canalith repositioning techniques, often providing immediate relief.
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): Addressing chronic subjective dizziness and unsteadiness through targeted rehabilitation designed to reduce symptoms and improve functional abilities for individuals with PPPD/3PD.

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. Justina Matar can assess your needs.

• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Identifying inefficient or compensatory movement patterns that could be contributing to your pain or hindering your physical performance.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: An in-depth examination to fully understand your specific condition, allowing your Physiotherapist to create an effective and personalized rehabilitation plan.
• Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio): Providing professional physiotherapy assessment, treatment, education, and exercise prescription directly in the comfort and convenience of your home environment, especially for those who have difficulty attending an outpatient clinic due to mobility issues, severe pain, or other constraints.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Education on optimal body mechanics and corrective strategies to improve your posture during daily activities, work, and recreation.
• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: Comprehensive care for concussion recovery, including initial assessment of symptoms (headache, dizziness, etc.), management of associated neck pain or dysfunction, vestibular and oculomotor (eye movement) rehabilitation, and guided, gradual return-to-learn, work, and sport protocols.
• Neurological Rehabilitation (e.g., Stroke, MS, Parkinson's, Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury): Tailored exercises, hands-on techniques, and functional strategies to manage symptoms (e.g., spasticity, weakness, ataxia) and optimize function in various neurological conditions, promoting participation in daily life.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Justina Matar, 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. Justina Matar frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• When trying to get back to my best after a frustrating sports injury is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing being able to perform deep cleaning tasks around the house, physiotherapy with Justina Matar can help you work towards a reduction in nerve-related symptoms like tingling or numbness. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Justina Matar believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If post-operative stiffness and weakness that's slowing down my recovery is hindering your ability to managing shopping trips and carrying bags without excessive fatigue or pain, a personalized plan focusing on moving more freely and with greater agility than they have in years can make all the difference.
• Patients often come to Justina Matar feeling defeated by recovering my strength and energy after being very sick (like with pneumonia or Long COVID). With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving waking up feeling more refreshed with considerably less pain and stiffness and resuming simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around their neighborhood for fresh air becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Patients struggling with facial weakness or drooping on one side (like Bell's Palsy) can find dedicated and compassionate support from Justina Matar. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving a return to intimacy without the fear of pain or discomfort, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as sitting comfortably through a movie at the cinema or a play.

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

Justina Matar practices at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, located in the Lawrence Park neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Little Italy and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, a personalized home exercise program is a crucial and integral component of most physiotherapy treatment plans. Your Physiotherapist will prescribe specific exercises tailored to your condition, abilities, and goals. These exercises are designed to complement your in-clinic treatment, help you manage your symptoms effectively between sessions, accelerate your recovery, and empower you with tools for long-term self-management. Your active participation in your home program is key for optimal results.

How can I book an appointment at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre?

You can book an appointment by calling the clinic directly at (416) 480-6100 during business hours. Online booking may also be available through the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre website. The reception team will assist you in finding a suitable appointment time.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of physiotherapy sessions required varies greatly depending on the nature and severity of your condition, its duration, your treatment goals, your body's response to therapy, and your adherence to the home exercise program. Your Physiotherapist will discuss a proposed treatment plan after your initial assessment and will re-evaluate your progress.

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

Some temporary soreness is normal, especially initially. However, significant or sharp pain increases, new neurological symptoms (numbness, tingling, weakness), or prolonged soreness require contacting Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre immediately for advice or plan adjustments.

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

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services in private outpatient clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations (e.g., post-hospitalization) but eligibility is strict. Check your private insurance for coverage.

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

No, a doctor's referral isn't legally required to see a Physiotherapist in Ontario (direct access). However, some insurance plans may require one for reimbursement; check your policy.

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

Comfortable clothing allowing for ease of movement is best. Shorts are helpful for lower-body treatments, and a tank top or loose t-shirt is suitable for upper-body treatments.

What is Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre's appointment cancellation policy?

We request at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Late cancellations or missed appointments may incur a fee. Contact the clinic as soon as possible if you need to change your appointment.

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

Phone: (416) 480-6100

Justina Matar 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: XXX50

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=5f398cff-8385-e911-a983-000d3af42a5a

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