Laura Lopez Hernandez

Laura Lopez Hernandez provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Common Musculoskeletal

• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Symptoms in your hand or wrist that impact your ability to perform your job, hobbies, or essential self-care tasks, addressed by specialized hand physiotherapy.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Painful neck conditions that can make head movements difficult, sometimes leading to headaches or radiating pain into the shoulders.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): A broad term for common injuries affecting muscles, tendons (tendinitis/tendinopathy), ligaments (sprains), joint capsules (capsulitis), and bursae (bursitis), leading to pain, inflammation, and functional limitations.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: A 'rolled' or twisted ankle with subsequent swelling, tenderness, and difficulty putting your full weight on the foot.

Hand Wrist

• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Focused physiotherapy care for complex hand and wrist problems, often involving custom splinting or orthosis fabrication, manual therapy (joint and soft tissue mobilization), specific exercises to restore dexterity, strength, and range of motion, scar management, and sensory re-education.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): A condition where a finger or thumb gets stuck or 'catches' in a bent position, then may snap straight (like pulling a trigger). Caused by inflammation and narrowing of the tendon sheath around the flexor tendon.

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: An autoimmune condition causing chronic inflammation, pain, stiffness, swelling, and potential deformity in multiple joints, often symmetrically. Physiotherapy aims to manage pain, maintain joint function and mobility, improve strength and endurance, provide joint protection strategies, and support self-management.
• 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): 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.

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. Laura Lopez Hernandez can assess your needs.

• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Evaluation of your body's basic movements (like squatting, lunging, reaching) to highlight areas for improvement in stability, mobility, and motor control.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Skilled hands-on techniques, including gentle joint mobilizations (smooth, rhythmic movements) and, where appropriate and authorized, joint manipulations (quick, precise thrusts) to restore optimal movement, reduce pain, and improve joint function.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Education on optimal body mechanics and corrective strategies to improve your posture during daily activities, work, and recreation.
• 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.
• 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.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Gentle, active manual therapy techniques where you use your own specific muscle contractions against your therapist's controlled resistance to improve joint mobility, lengthen tight tissues, and reduce pain.

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

• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of an awkward gait or limping when I walk? Laura Lopez Hernandez works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of understanding how to prevent future flare-ups and manage their condition long-term. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as getting in and out of the car smoothly and without wincing.
• Laura Lopez Hernandez frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of clicking, popping, or pain in my jaw (TMJ issues) when I eat or talk. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets being able to play actively with their children or grandchildren again and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like handling their job that involves frequent standing, walking, or bending.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Laura Lopez Hernandez's clinic, common concerns like difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning shirts or writing due to hand pain are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of a smoother and stronger postpartum recovery. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like participating in community events and social gatherings more actively.
• Struggling with the frustration of recovering my strength and energy after being very sick (like with pneumonia or Long COVID)? Laura Lopez Hernandez develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving getting back to hiking, running, or cycling pain-free and with renewed vigor. This is key to helping you get back to doing managing the physical demands of their job without constant pain with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.

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

Laura Lopez Hernandez, Physiotherapist (Mobile), is conveniently located in the Davisville neighborhood of Toronto, near Port Lands. The clinic is easily accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Laura Lopez Hernandez, Physiotherapist (Mobile) 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, joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, and nerve pain. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified), Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation), and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

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 (direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Essentially, physiotherapy helps you get moving and stay moving effectively and comfortably. Whether you're dealing with an acute injury, chronic pain, post-surgical recovery, or a condition affecting your physical abilities, your Physiotherapist will work with you. They'll use their expertise in body mechanics, rehabilitation, and pain management to create a personalized treatment plan involving exercises, hands-on techniques, and practical advice to help you achieve your functional goals and live a more active, fulfilling life.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

Bring your health card, any doctor's referral letter (if applicable), imaging test results (X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs), a medication list, and your extended health benefits information (if applicable for direct billing). Wear comfortable clothing.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy aims to reduce pain, not cause it. Some treatments might cause mild, temporary discomfort, but your Physiotherapist will work within your tolerance levels. Report any significant pain immediately.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy uses hands-on techniques to assess and treat joints, muscles, and nerves, decreasing pain and improving mobility. Examples include joint mobilizations, soft tissue release, and sometimes manipulations (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.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Initial appointments are about an hour; follow-up appointments are usually 30-45 minutes, but this can vary.

Laura Lopez Hernandez, Physiotherapist (Mobile)
305-745 Mount Pleasant Rd
Toronto, ON, M4S 2N4

Phone: (647) 767-7306

Laura Lopez Hernandez 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: XXX18

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=914115e8-9302-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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