About
Lauren Frenkel is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at WSIB Ontario in Toronto, ON, Lauren Frenkel is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Lauren Frenkel focuses on providing 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. Lauren Frenkel serves a diverse range of patients, tailoring treatment plans to meet individual needs and goals.
Lauren Frenkel completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2006). With extensive clinical experience, Lauren Frenkel is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Lauren Frenkel has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.
Lauren Frenkel's practice philosophy centers around a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting; and empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Lauren Frenkel offers consultations in English.
Lauren Frenkel provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:
Joint Pain
- Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.
- 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).
Common Musculoskeletal
- Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Aching, sharp pain, a feeling of the knee 'giving way', or difficulty fully bending or straightening your knee.
- 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.
- Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Disorders affecting hand and wrist function, making daily tasks such as gripping objects, typing, writing, or fine motor activities difficult and painful.
Back Neck Pain
- Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Symptoms of nerve compression originating from the spine, such as a 'slipped disc' or 'pinched nerve', causing radiating pain, altered sensation, or muscle weakness in a limb.
- Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Symptoms resulting from a whiplash injury, which can vary in severity (WAD Grades I-III) and duration, requiring a comprehensive physiotherapy approach for recovery.
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. Lauren Frenkel can assess your needs.
- Therapeutic Heat Application: The use of moist heat packs, paraffin wax, or other heat sources by your Physiotherapist to relax muscles, increase local blood flow, reduce stiffness, alleviate chronic pain, and improve tissue extensibility.
- 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.
- Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): The application of focused acoustic waves (Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy) by a trained Physiotherapist to treat chronic tendon issues (e.g., plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, Achilles tendinopathy), calcific tendinosis, and other persistent musculoskeletal conditions.
- Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: Utilizing therapeutic laser to enhance tissue regeneration, reduce pain signals, and manage inflammation as part of your comprehensive physiotherapy care.
- Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: A specialized physiotherapy treatment that uses a traction table or manual techniques to gently decompress spinal structures, relieve pressure, and promote healing.
- Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Using therapeutic cold to manage the initial stages of an injury (e.g., sprains, strains) and control inflammatory responses, helping to limit tissue damage.
Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Lauren Frenkel, 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 WSIB Ontario, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Lauren Frenkel frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- When that 'pins and needles' feeling that won't go away is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing getting in and out of the car smoothly and without wincing, physiotherapy with Lauren Frenkel can help you work towards effectively managing chronic pain and reclaiming an active lifestyle. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
- Rediscover your ability to comfortably cooking and meal prepping for their family without the constant burden of feeling like my posture is hunched or rounded, causing discomfort. Lauren Frenkel focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to a renewed sense of vitality and enthusiasm for daily activities, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
- Are you finding that pain in my shins when I try to run or be active (shin splints) stops you from enjoying keeping up with their team during our weekly soccer match? Lauren Frenkel is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve restoring normal movement patterns essential for everyday tasks through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
- For those whose a 'frozen shoulder' feeling, where my shoulder feels completely stuck has made enduring their daily commute, whether driving or on public transit, without stiffness seem like a distant memory, Lauren Frenkel's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward better joint stability during movement and weight-bearing activities. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to enduring their daily commute, whether driving or on public transit, without stiffness with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
Your personalized physiotherapy plan, developed with Lauren Frenkel, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.
Lauren Frenkel practices at WSIB Ontario, situated in the CN Tower, King and Spadina, Railway Lands, Harbourfront West neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Yorkville Shopping District and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.
- What are WSIB Ontario's operating hours?
- Our clinic 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 or check our website/online booking portal at for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.
- What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?
- It's recommended to wear or bring clothing that allows unrestricted movement and provides easy access for your physiotherapist to examine the body part being assessed or treated. For instance, if you have a knee problem, please wear or bring shorts. For shoulder issues, a sleeveless top or a top with loose armholes is often helpful. The goal is to make the assessment and treatment as effective as possible.
- 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.
- What is WSIB Ontario'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 (or one business day) 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 equivalent to 50% of the service cost may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments (no-shows) without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.
- How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?
- You can expect your initial physiotherapy visit to be around an hour long. This extended time allows for a comprehensive assessment of your condition and a collaborative discussion about your treatment goals. Subsequent follow-up sessions are generally between 30 and 45 minutes, though this can be adjusted based on your individual requirements. Your Physiotherapist will advise on the appropriate appointment length for your specific care.
- What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at WSIB Ontario 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 (Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee)), joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries (like Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery), and nerve pain. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve Therapeutic Heat Application, Muscle Energy Techniques (MET), and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.
- 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.
- 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.
WSIB Ontario
200 Front St. West
Toronto, ON, M5V 3J1
Phone: (416) 344-1000
Lauren Sacks 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: XXX19
Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=94b6b2cf-8e02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671
Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.
