Maria Stefanova Rachevits

Maria Stefanova Rachevits provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Common Musculoskeletal

• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Neck problems that interfere with your sleep quality, ability to work comfortably (especially at a desk), or perform everyday tasks without pain.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Damage to the body's movement system, including issues like joint inflammation, ligament tears, or muscle overstretching, often requiring physiotherapy for optimal recovery.
• 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.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Hip problems that interfere with your mobility, sleep, and daily comfort, which can be effectively managed with physiotherapy interventions.

Back Neck Pain

• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Muscular pain, trigger points, and tension headaches resulting from habitual poor posture, which can be addressed with postural re-education, exercises, and ergonomic advice.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Symptoms like 'neurogenic claudication' – leg pain, cramping, or heaviness with walking or prolonged standing that typically eases with rest or bending forward (flexion).
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Symptoms of nerve compression originating from the spine, such as a 'slipped disc' or 'pinched nerve', causing radiating pain, altered sensation, or muscle weakness in a limb.

Hand Wrist

• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Managing a variety of acute and chronic conditions of the hand and wrist, aiming to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent long-term disability.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Helping to alleviate the symptoms of a catching, locking, or painful finger/thumb through targeted physiotherapy interventions, potentially avoiding the need for injections or surgery in some cases.

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. Maria Rachevitz can assess your needs.

• 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: Targeted manual methods performed by your Physiotherapist to release tight or overactive muscles, address fascial restrictions, and alleviate pain arising from soft tissue dysfunction.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.
• 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.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized programs incorporating various stretching techniques (e.g., static, dynamic, PNF) to alleviate stiffness, increase tissue extensibility, and promote better posture.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.

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

• For those whose recovering my strength and energy after being very sick (like with pneumonia or Long COVID) has made attending and enjoying their children's or grandchildren's sporting events seem like a distant memory, Maria Rachevitz's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward achieving their specific mobility goals, whether big or small. 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.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from loss of strength in one of my limbs after an injury and achieved getting back to hiking, running, or cycling pain-free and with renewed vigor under the skilled care of Maria Rachevitz. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as taking group exercise classes at the community center with a new lease on life.
• With Maria Rachevitz's help, managing soreness and tightness in my Achilles tendon, especially after exercise to achieve enjoying family vacations and outings with more energy and less pain becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like playing a full game of recreational hockey with their friends.
• Patients often come to Maria Rachevitz feeling defeated by managing stiffness, tremors, and movement challenges with Parkinson's disease. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving getting back their independence with daily activities and personal care and resuming dancing the night away at social events and family celebrations becomes a realistic and attainable goal.

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

Maria Rachevitz practices at the Holland Orthopaedic & Arthritic Centre, located in the Church and Wellesley neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic enjoys a convenient location near Queen's Park and is easily accessible via the TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy, delivered by a qualified Physiotherapist, is a science-based profession that focuses on restoring movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness, or disability. It can also help to reduce your risk of future problems. Your physiotherapist will use techniques such as therapeutic exercise, manual therapy (hands-on treatment), education, and advice, empowering you to manage your health independently and achieve your physical goals.

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.

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.

How can I book an appointment at Holland Orthopaedic & Arthritic Centre?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (416) 967-8500 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 there parking available at or near Holland Orthopaedic & Arthritic Centre?

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside our building. Look for the designated patient spots.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapist in ON?

In Ontario, you 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.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services in private outpatient clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations (e.g., post-hospitalization), but eligibility is strict. Check your private insurance for coverage.

Holland Orthopaedic & Arthritic Centre
43 Wellesley St. E.
Toronto, ON, M4Y 1H1

Phone: (416) 967-8500

Maria Stefanova Rachevits 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: XXX29

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=0cf8e7b9-8d02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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