M. Cristina Badlis – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

M. Cristina Badlis is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Scarborough Health Network in Toronto, ON, Cristina is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Cristina's focus is 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. Cristina serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

M. Cristina Badlis completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Emilio Aguinaldo College (Graduating Class of 1995). With extensive clinical experience, M. Cristina Badlis is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. M. Cristina Badlis has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Cristina's practice philosophy centers on 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 promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy. M. Cristina Badlis offers consultations in English, Filipino, and Tagalog.

M. Cristina Badlis provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

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): Addressing the inflammation, pain, and restricted movement associated with stenosing tenosynovitis of the finger or thumb.

Post Surgical

• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Physiotherapy aimed at restoring movement, strength, and function after surgical repair of broken bones (e.g., Open Reduction Internal Fixation - ORIF, intramedullary nailing), once the fracture site is sufficiently healed and cleared for rehabilitation by your surgeon.
• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): Physiotherapy rehabilitation after total or partial hip replacement surgery, aimed at restoring mobility, strength, balance, and improving your gait pattern, allowing you to perform daily activities safely and effectively.
• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Specialized physiotherapy focused on regaining shoulder movement, strength, stability, and function after various types of shoulder surgeries, such as rotator cuff repair, labral tear repair, shoulder stabilization procedures (e.g., Bankart repair), or shoulder joint replacement (arthroplasty).

Common Musculoskeletal

• Muscle Strains and Tears: A 'pulled' muscle, often occurring during activities like sprinting, jumping, lifting, or sudden changes in direction, causing immediate pain and difficulty using the muscle.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: A 'rolled' or twisted ankle with subsequent swelling, tenderness, and difficulty putting your full weight on the foot.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Aching, sharp, or persistent pain located in the lower back, which may sometimes extend into the buttocks or legs, limiting your comfort.

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. Cristina can assess your needs.

• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Customized exercise plans designed to help you recover from injury, manage chronic conditions, improve physical performance, and achieve your functional goals safely and effectively.
• 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.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Graded exercise programs designed to improve your overall physical fitness, endurance, strength, and functional capacity, especially beneficial after illness, surgery, or periods of prolonged inactivity.
• 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.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Customized strength training to address specific weaknesses identified in your assessment, helping to correct imbalances, improve movement efficiency, and achieve your physical objectives.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Specific stretches designed by your therapist to target tight muscle groups relevant to your condition, helping to improve your flexibility and reduce your risk of injury.

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

• Many individuals seek help from Cristina, their physiotherapist, when that nagging tennis elbow (or golfer's elbow) that flares up with activity starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve returning to their workout routine with greater confidence and better performance, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of clicking, popping, or pain in my jaw (TMJ issues) when I eat or talk? Cristina works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of enhanced ability to participate in social and community events. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as joining in on pickup basketball games at the local court.
• Cristina frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of tendonitis pain flaring up in my shoulder, knee, elbow, or foot. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets a return to intimacy without the fear of pain or discomfort and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like participating fully in their martial arts practice, including sparring.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from wrist pain and tingling, possibly from carpal tunnel syndrome, especially at night and achieved building the necessary muscle support for their joints, reducing the risk of re-injury under the skilled care of Cristina. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as safely meeting the lifting requirements at their workplace with a new lease on life.

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

Cristina practices at Scarborough Health Network, situated in the Guildwood, Morningside, West Hill neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Cabbagetown and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

The first physiotherapy session is primarily an in-depth assessment. Expect to spend time talking with your Physiotherapist about your specific issue, its history, and your overall health background. your therapist will then perform various physical tests to assess your movement, strength, and any areas of concern. The main goal of this first visit is to understand your condition fully so that a tailored and effective treatment plan can be developed collaboratively with you. You might also receive your first set of home exercises or some initial hands-on care to start the healing process.

What is Scarborough Health Network'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 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 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 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. Check your private insurance for private clinic coverage and verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with OHIP.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy refers to specialized hands-on techniques used by a Physiotherapist to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This can include joint mobilization (gentle, rhythmic gliding movements), joint manipulation (skilled, high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts, where appropriate and within the therapist's scope and with your consent), various soft tissue mobilization techniques (like massage, myofascial release, trigger point release), and neural mobilization (gentle techniques to improve nerve movement). The primary goals are to reduce pain, improve range of motion, restore optimal joint mechanics, reduce muscle tension, and enhance tissue repair and function.

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.

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.

Scarborough Health Network
2867 Ellesmere Road, 3rd Floor
Toronto, ON, M1E 4B9

Phone: (416) 284-8131

M. Cristina Badlis 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: XXX06

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=b271bac9-8e02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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