Laleh Sedaghat – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Laleh Sedaghat is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Geriatric Physiotherapy Focus / Seniors' Health). Practicing at VHA Home Health Care in Toronto, ON, Laleh Sedaghat is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Laleh Sedaghat 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. Laleh Sedaghat serves seniors within the community.

Laleh Sedaghat completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (Graduating Class of 2000). With extensive clinical experience, Laleh Sedaghat is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Laleh Sedaghat has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.

Laleh Sedaghat demonstrates a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Laleh Sedaghat offers consultations in English, Farsi, Persian.

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

Common Musculoskeletal

• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Knee problems that limit your ability to stay active, perform daily tasks, or enjoy your hobbies, for which physiotherapy offers effective solutions.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Injury to muscle tissue that limits your strength, range of motion, and ability to perform specific movements or activities, requiring careful rehabilitation.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Damage to the body's movement system, including issues like joint inflammation, ligament tears, or muscle overstretching, often requiring physiotherapy for optimal recovery.

Arthritis

• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Helping to manage the musculoskeletal aspects of psoriatic disease, working in conjunction with medical management to optimize your physical function and comfort.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Helping you live well with rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory arthropathies through targeted physiotherapy interventions designed to manage symptoms, preserve function, and promote overall well-being.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Supportive physiotherapy care for joint recovery and function after gout flares, focusing on restoring range of motion, reducing inflammation, and providing advice on joint protection and lifestyle factors.

Geriatric

• Age-Related Deconditioning / Frailty / Sarcopenia Management: Helping seniors stay strong, mobile, active, and independent for longer through tailored exercise and functional rehabilitation programs.
• Mobility Issues & Gait Disturbances in Seniors: Physiotherapy aimed at improving safe and efficient movement, gait quality (e.g., step length, speed, pattern), balance, and confidence in mobility for seniors. May include assessment and prescription of appropriate mobility aids (e.g., cane, walker).

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. Laleh Sedaghat can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.
• 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.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Specialized manual techniques aimed at restoring normal movement and function to peripheral nerves that may be compressed, adhered, or under tension.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.
• Rehabilitation for Age-Related Deconditioning & Loss of Autonomy: Rehabilitation focused on reversing the effects of deconditioning, combating frailty, and restoring autonomy for seniors, enabling them to live more fully.

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

• Physiotherapy with Laleh Sedaghat can be a transformative turning point for those affected by one leg feeling shorter than the other, causing hip or back pain. The shared goal is achieving increased endurance for walking, allowing for longer and more enjoyable outings, paving the way for you to enjoy giving presentations or speaking publicly with confidence and good posture and a more active, vibrant life.
• Many find that difficulty getting out of a chair or bed due to stiffness or pain significantly impacts their ability to going on enjoyable fishing or camping trips again. Laleh Sedaghat helps patients target returning to their workout routine with greater confidence and better performance with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Patients often come to Laleh Sedaghat feeling defeated by feeling like my posture is hunched or rounded, causing discomfort. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving being active again without the constant worry of pain or re-injury and resuming handling their job that involves frequent standing, walking, or bending becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• For those whose recovering my strength and energy after being very sick (like with pneumonia or Long COVID) has made playing actively and roughhousing with their young kids or grandkids seem like a distant memory, Laleh Sedaghat's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward less reliance on pain medication, trusting more in their body's ability to heal and function. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to playing actively and roughhousing with their young kids or grandkids with greater comfort and renewed confidence.

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

Laleh Sedaghat practices at VHA Home Health Care, situated in the Lawrence Manor, Lawrence Heights neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Old City Hall and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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 plans, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

The primary goal of physiotherapy is generally to reduce pain and improve function, not to cause significant or lasting pain. Some assessment techniques or specific treatments (like deep soft tissue work, joint mobilization, or certain exercises) might cause mild, temporary discomfort or soreness, especially if the tissues being treated are sensitive, inflamed, or very stiff. However, your Physiotherapist will always work within your tolerance levels, communicate clearly about what to expect, and encourage open feedback. If you experience notable or unacceptable pain during treatment, please inform your therapist immediately so adjustments can be made to ensure your comfort.

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

Some temporary post-treatment soreness can be normal, much like after a good workout. However, if your pain significantly worsens, if you develop new concerning symptoms, or if the discomfort doesn't settle down within a day or two, please call us. Your Physiotherapist would want to know so they can offer guidance and make any necessary adjustments to your care plan. Open communication is key to your successful recovery.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at VHA Home Health Care treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain (Fibromyalgia), joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, and nerve pain. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health and general physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation), Muscle Energy Techniques (MET), and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

What is VHA Home Health Care'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 kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement is best for your physiotherapy appointment – think about what you might wear to a gym or for light exercise. If you're being treated for a lower-body issue (like hip or knee pain), shorts are very helpful. For upper-body issues (like shoulder or neck pain), a tank top or loose t-shirt is suitable so the Physiotherapist can properly examine and treat the area.

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

Patients in ON can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, in almost all cases, you will receive a customized home exercise program. These exercises are carefully chosen by your Physiotherapist to specifically target your issues and help you achieve your functional goals faster and more effectively. Performing them as recommended is very important for your progress and for maintaining the improvements you make during your clinic visits.

VHA Home Health Care
310-700 Lawrence Ave. West
Toronto, ON, M6A 3B4

Phone: (416) 489-2500

Laleh Sedaghat 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: XXX62

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=b0569b13-9002-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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