Lilibeth Gonzaga Pastolero – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Lilibeth Gonzaga Pastolero is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at St. Joseph Health Centre in Toronto, ON, Lilibeth Pastolero is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Lilibeth Pastolero's practice 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. Lilibeth Pastolero 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.

Lilibeth Gonzaga Pastolero completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Philippine College of Health Sciences (Graduating Class of 2000). With extensive clinical experience, Lilibeth Pastolero is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Lilibeth Pastolero has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.

Lilibeth Pastolero employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Lilibeth Pastolero promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy. Lilibeth Pastolero offers consultations in English, Tagalog.

Lilibeth Gonzaga Pastolero provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Hand Wrist

• 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.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Physiotherapy to help you regain optimal use of your hand and wrist after an injury, surgery, or due to a chronic condition, enabling you to return to work, hobbies, and daily tasks.

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.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Weakness, a feeling of the ankle 'giving way' repeatedly, or persistent pain after an initial sprain, indicating a need for targeted physiotherapy to restore stability and function.

Back Neck Pain

• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Nerve compression symptoms due to a narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal or the small openings where nerves exit the spine (foramina), most commonly in the lumbar (lower back) or cervical (neck) regions.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Sharp, shooting, electric-like, or burning pain that travels along the path of a nerve due to issues with intervertebral discs or other spinal structures.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Pain and muscle tension related to ergonomic factors at work or home, muscle imbalances, and suboptimal body mechanics or movement habits.

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. Lilibeth Pastolero can assess your needs.

• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Providing clear guidance on self-care techniques, activity modifications, and beneficial lifestyle adjustments for long-term well-being and injury prevention.
• Fibromyalgia & Widespread Pain Management: Helping you manage fibromyalgia symptoms through targeted exercise, education on pain mechanisms, and self-care strategies to improve daily function and overall quality of life.
• Chronic & Persistent Pain Management Programs: Comprehensive strategies developed with your Physiotherapist to help you understand and live better with chronic pain, focusing on improving function, reducing pain's impact, and enhancing self-efficacy rather than solely on pain elimination.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Helping you understand how your posture impacts your musculoskeletal health and providing you with tools for lasting postural improvement and pain relief.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): A systematic screening process, such as FMS™ or SFMA™ (if your Physiotherapist is certified), to understand how you move and guide preventative or corrective exercise programs.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A thorough evaluation by your Physiotherapist to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.

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

• Lilibeth Pastolero frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of recovering from a painful and limiting work-related injury (WCB/CNESST/WorkSafe claim). A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets a significantly reduced risk of falling, enhancing safety and independence and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like playing in their competitive volleyball league again.
• Patients often come to Lilibeth Pastolero feeling defeated by soreness and tightness in my Achilles tendon, especially after exercise. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving improved circulation and tissue healing and resuming hitting the slopes for a full day of skiing or snowboarding in winter becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• The journey to increased flexibility throughout their body, particularly in their back and major joints when faced with persistent a 'frozen shoulder' feeling, where my shoulder feels completely stuck is made smoother and more effective with Lilibeth Pastolero's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like painting or drawing for longer stretches without neck or shoulder ache.
• If breathing difficulties and shortness of breath with COPD or asthma, especially during activity is preventing you from fully enjoying maintaining an upright posture while working on their computer for hours, Lilibeth Pastolero offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining a renewed sense of vitality and enthusiasm for daily activities, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.

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

Lilibeth Pastolero practices at St. Joseph Health Centre, situated in the Parkdale, Roncesvalles neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Roy Thomson Hall and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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.

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.

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 recommended to check your private insurance for coverage of 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.

What is St. Joseph Health Centre'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. A fee may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

St. Joseph Health Centre
30 The Queensway
Toronto, ON, M6R 1B5

Phone: (416) 530-6000

Lilibeth Gonzaga Pastolero 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: XXX12

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=6d8930c4-9302-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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