Maina Lynette Msiska – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Maina Lynette Msiska is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital in Toronto, ON, Maina is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Maina's role involves assisting individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life after neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Maina 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. Maina serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Maina Lynette Msiska completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Zambia (Graduating Class of 2014). With clinical experience, Maina is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Maina has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health and Neurological Physiotherapy.

Maina employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting; a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Maina offers consultations in English.

Maina Lynette Msiska provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Geriatric

• Age-Related Deconditioning / Frailty / Sarcopenia Management: A decline in physical function, muscle mass and strength (sarcopenia), and endurance commonly associated with aging or inactivity, sometimes leading to frailty, increased fall risk, and reduced ability to perform daily tasks independently.
• Mobility Issues & Gait Disturbances in Seniors: Difficulty with walking (e.g., slow gait, shuffling, unsteadiness), transferring (e.g., getting in/out of a chair or bed), using stairs, or performing other daily mobility tasks due to age-related changes, chronic health conditions, deconditioning, or fear of falling.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Conditions like 'jumper's knee' (patellar tendinopathy), 'swimmer's shoulder' (rotator cuff tendinopathy), or 'tennis elbow' (lateral epicondylitis) caused by tendon issues that limit your ability to perform specific tasks.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A chronic condition causing joint discomfort, stiffness (especially in the morning or after inactivity), and impacting your ability to perform daily activities, walk, or engage in hobbies.

Vestibular Balance

• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for inner ear balance problems, involving customized exercises that promote central nervous system compensation and adaptation to the weakened vestibular input.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Brief, often intense, episodes of dizziness or a spinning sensation (vertigo) triggered by specific changes in head position (e.g., rolling over in bed, looking up, bending down), caused by displaced inner ear crystals (otoconia).

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. Maina can assess your needs.

• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.
• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Convenient access to expert physiotherapy services from the comfort of your home, office, or any location with an internet connection, ideal for those with busy schedules, living in remote areas, or preferring virtual care.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Application of skilled soft tissue techniques to manage pain, stiffness, and improve function in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
• Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio): Convenient and effective physiotherapy care delivered in your home by a qualified Physiotherapist, focusing on your specific goals and challenges.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Targeted therapy to alleviate symptoms such as shooting pain, pins and needles, or weakness arising from neural tension or entrapment.

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

• If post-operative stiffness and weakness that's slowing down my recovery is preventing you from fully enjoying hitting the slopes for a full day of skiing or snowboarding in winter, Maina offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining restored joint function, leading to smoother and more coordinated movements, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• Don't let that 'arthritic' pain in my hands, hips, or knees dictate what you can and cannot do. Maina offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at being able to travel more comfortably and with less planning around physical limitations, helping you reclaim sleeping soundly through the night without being woken by pain or discomfort and enjoy a more functional life.
• Tired of my infant having a tilted head or a flat spot on their head (torticollis/plagiocephaly) interfering with using garden tools effectively and without pain? Maina uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve decreased frequency and intensity of headaches related to neck or postural issues and regain your freedom of movement.
• It's truly rewarding for Maina to witness patients conquer recovering from a concussion and dealing with lingering symptoms like dizziness or headaches and experience feeling less fatigued during physical activities and throughout the day. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain again.

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

Maina practices at Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital, situated in the Studio District (Leslieville) neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Toronto Eaton Centre and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital 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 (Herniated Disc / Sciatica Symptoms), 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 Muscle Energy Techniques (MET), Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

It's difficult to say exactly how many sessions you'll need without a thorough assessment, as everyone's situation and recovery path is unique. Some acute conditions might resolve in just a few sessions, while more chronic, complex, or significant issues may require a longer period of care to achieve lasting results. Your Physiotherapist will provide an estimated treatment timeline and plan after your first visit, and this will be revisited as your treatment progresses.

How can I book an appointment at Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (416) 461-8252 during our business hours. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

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 *do* require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

Does Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

While we do not offer direct billing at this time, we provide detailed official receipts that you can easily submit to your insurer for reimbursement according to your plan. Please bring your insurance card/information and confirm your coverage details with your provider, as plans vary.

Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital
1 Bridgepoint Drive
Toronto, ON, M4M 2B5

Phone: (416) 461-8252

Maina Lynette Msiska 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: XXX95

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=67f1716d-127c-ed11-81ad-0022486df36c

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