Maria C. Bechard

Mia Bechard provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Addressing the inflammation, pain, and restricted movement associated with stenosing tenosynovitis of the finger or thumb.
• 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.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Commonly known as 'wear-and-tear' arthritis, this condition affects various joints, often worsening with age, overuse, or previous injury, and can significantly impact daily function.
• 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.

Arthritis

• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Specific exercises (e.g., McKenzie exercises, stretching, postural exercises) and strategies to help individuals with ankylosing spondylitis maintain function, reduce stiffness, and prevent long-term spinal changes.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Supportive physiotherapy for individuals with psoriatic arthritis, focusing on managing joint pain and swelling, maintaining range of motion and strength, improving function, and providing advice on activity modification and joint protection.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: An autoimmune condition causing chronic inflammation, pain, stiffness, swelling, and potential deformity in multiple joints, often symmetrically. Physiotherapy aims to manage pain, maintain joint function and mobility, improve strength and endurance, provide joint protection strategies, and support self-management.

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. Mia Bechard can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: A variety of hands-on methods such as therapeutic massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and active release style techniques to reduce muscle tension, break down scar tissue, improve circulation, and enhance tissue flexibility.
• 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.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): A non-invasive, evidence-based treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing, reduce pain, and promote tissue regeneration in stubborn soft tissue conditions that haven't responded to other therapies.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: The application of specific wavelengths of light energy (cold laser) by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and accelerate tissue repair and regeneration at a cellular level.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Utilizing targeted electrical currents to help alleviate pain, manage discomfort, and support healing in conjunction with other physiotherapy interventions.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Mia Bechard, 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 East Toronto Orthopaedic & Sports Injury Clinic, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Mia Bechard frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Discover how physiotherapy with Mia Bechard can help you move beyond sharp pain shooting down my leg, feeling a lot like sciatica. The focus is on greater ease with dressing, bathing, and other self-care activities, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as playing fetch with their dog in the park for an extended time.
• At Mia Bechard's physiotherapy practice, individuals with a noticeable curve in my child's spine or uneven shoulders (scoliosis concerns) are guided towards the ability to manage symptoms independently if they occasionally recur. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as playing a few sets of tennis without shoulder pain.
• Rediscover your ability to sleeping soundly through the night without being woken by pain or discomfort without the constant burden of wrist pain and tingling, possibly from carpal tunnel syndrome, especially at night. Mia Bechard focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to noticeable strength gains in their limbs, supporting more demanding tasks, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Don't let trying to stay as mobile and active as possible while living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) dictate what you can and cannot do. Mia Bechard offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at getting back to hiking, running, or cycling pain-free and with renewed vigor, helping you reclaim being able to carry their baby or toddler without straining their back or arms and enjoy a more functional life.

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

Mia Bechard practices at East Toronto Orthopaedic & Sports Injury Clinic, situated in the Woodbine Heights neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near the Art Gallery of Ontario and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Is there parking available at or near East Toronto Orthopaedic & Sports Injury Clinic?

Paid parking is available in the parkade adjacent to our building. Limited free street parking may also be found in the vicinity, but please check local signage for restrictions.

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

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows the Physiotherapist to easily access and assess the area being treated, and permits you to move freely for any exercises or movements. For example, shorts are ideal for knee, hip, or ankle issues, while a tank top or loose t-shirt works well for shoulder, neck, or upper back problems. Athletic wear or gym attire is generally a good choice. You may also be provided with a gown if needed.

Does East Toronto Orthopaedic & Sports Injury Clinic 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 and policy details to your appointment. Always confirm your specific coverage details, including any annual maximums, per-visit limits, or deductible requirements, directly with your insurance provider, as plans vary significantly. You are responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.

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.

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. However, some private/extended health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

East Toronto Orthopaedic & Sports Injury Clinic
4-1577 Danforth Ave.
Toronto, ON, M4C 1H7

Phone: (416) 691-3943

Maria C. Bechard 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: XXX68

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=597996c5-8902-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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