Marcela Arias – Physiotherapist | Milton, ON

Marcela Arias is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Osteoathletic in Milton, ON, Marcela is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Marcela 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. Marcela serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Marcela Arias completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Universidad del Rosario (Graduating Class of 2005). With extensive clinical experience, Marcela is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Marcela has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Marcela's practice philosophy centers on empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Marcela adopts a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Marcela promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Milton community through proactive physiotherapy. Marcela Arias offers consultations in English, Spanish.

Marcela Arias 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).

Sports Injury

• Stress Fractures (Activity-Related - Conservative Management/Rehab): Localized bone pain that typically worsens with activity and is relieved by rest, often accompanied by tenderness to touch over the affected bone.
• Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): Pain and tenderness along the inner edge of the shinbone (tibia), often resulting from running, jumping, or other repetitive impact activities, especially with sudden increases in training intensity or volume.

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. Marcela can assess your needs.

• Therapeutic Heat Application: Superficial heat application carefully monitored by your therapist to promote relaxation, pain relief, and enhance the effectiveness of other treatments.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: LLLT or 'cold laser' therapy to stimulate your body's natural healing processes, provide pain relief, and improve function in conditions like tendinopathies, arthritis, or soft tissue injuries.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Employing different types of electrotherapy to support your rehabilitation goals, including promoting tissue healing or improving motor control.
• 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.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: Therapeutic traction for the cervical (neck) or lumbar (low back) spine, used by physiotherapists to help reduce pain, decompress nerve roots, and improve symptoms associated with conditions like disc herniations, sciatica, or spinal stenosis.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: The application of high-frequency sound waves by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to promote deep tissue heating, increase local blood flow, reduce pain, and facilitate the healing process in soft tissues like muscles, tendons, or ligaments.

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

• For those whose recurrent dislocations or a feeling of instability in my shoulder or knee has made attending and enjoying their children's or grandchildren's sporting events seem like a distant memory, Marcela's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward a better understanding of ergonomics for their work and home environment. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to attending and enjoying their children's or grandchildren's sporting events with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• At Marcela's physiotherapy practice, individuals with that nagging tennis elbow (or golfer's elbow) that flares up with activity are guided towards learning specific exercises that provide ongoing relief and maintain their progress. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as getting on and off the floor with ease.
• With Marcela's help, managing that persistent ache in my lower back that just won't quit to achieve more comfortable and efficient movement when transitioning between positions (e.g., sit to stand) becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like being able to carry their baby or toddler without straining their back or arms.
• Marcela believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If shoulder pain that makes simple things like lifting my arm or reaching overhead difficult is hindering your ability to doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain, a personalized plan focusing on enhanced ability to participate in social and community events can make all the difference.

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

Marcela's practice at Osteoathletic is located in the Milton Central/North/East (Old Milton, Dempsey, Clarke, Beaty, Coates) neighborhood of Milton. The clinic is conveniently located near Milton GO Station and is accessible via Milton Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

What is Osteoathletic'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.

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.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

During your first visit, the Physiotherapist will conduct a detailed evaluation to get a full picture of your condition. This usually involves a thorough discussion about your symptoms, how they impact your daily life, any relevant medical history, and your personal goals for therapy. A physical assessment will then be performed to help pinpoint the cause of your problem and assess your physical capabilities. Afterwards, your therapist will explain their findings, collaborate with you to set treatment goals, and outline a proposed plan of care. You'll likely receive some initial advice, exercises, or hands-on treatment to begin your recovery journey.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. We recommend you contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand the specifics of your plan. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If Osteoathletic offers direct billing and your plan allows it, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance not covered by your plan at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and all necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.

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. We strongly advise checking your private insurance for coverage of services in private clinics.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, a personalized home exercise program is a crucial and integral component of most physiotherapy treatment plans. Your Physiotherapist will prescribe specific exercises tailored to your condition, abilities, and goals. These exercises are designed to complement your in-clinic treatment, help you manage your symptoms effectively between sessions, accelerate your recovery, and empower you with tools for long-term self-management. Your active participation in your home program is key for optimal results.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement is best for your physiotherapy appointment – think about what you might wear to a gym or for light exercise. If you're being treated for a lower-body issue (like hip or knee pain), shorts are very helpful. For upper-body issues (like shoulder or neck pain), a tank top or loose t-shirt is suitable so the Physiotherapist can properly examine and treat the area.

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.

Osteoathletic
1215 Maple Avenue
Milton, ON, L9T 7R3

Phone: (289) 851-6511

Marcela Arias 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: XXX53

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=897cd9fc-9002-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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