Maria Theresa Bendebel Narvas – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Maria Theresa Narvas is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Central Scarborough Physiotherapy Clinic in Toronto, ON, Maria Theresa Narvas is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Maria Theresa Narvas addresses 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. Maria Theresa Narvas serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Maria Theresa Narvas completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Perpetual Help System DALTA (Graduating Class of 2001). With extensive clinical experience, Maria Theresa Narvas is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Maria Theresa Narvas has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

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

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

Back Neck Pain

• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Pain, pins and needles, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg resulting from irritation or compression of a spinal nerve, often managed effectively with physiotherapy techniques like McKenzie method or neural mobilization.
• 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).
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: A common cause of persistent back and neck pain due to the cumulative strain of prolonged sitting, standing, or performing tasks in non-ideal positions.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Neck, shoulder, and upper back discomfort, often accompanied by headaches or 'brain fog', after a sudden jerking motion of the head, such as in a rear-end collision.

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): Conservative physiotherapy management for trigger digit, which may include splinting to rest the tendon, specific tendon gliding exercises, activity modification advice, modalities to reduce inflammation, and education to prevent recurrence.

Joint Pain

• 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.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Persistent tendon pain that can interfere with your sports, work, or daily activities, often requiring specific loading programs and advice from a physiotherapist for effective 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. Maria Theresa Narvas can assess your needs.

• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A thorough evaluation by your Physiotherapist to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.
• 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.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Education on optimal body mechanics and corrective strategies to improve your posture during daily activities, work, and recreation.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Gentle, active manual therapy techniques where you use your own specific muscle contractions against your therapist's controlled resistance to improve joint mobility, lengthen tight tissues, and reduce pain.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Gentle, specific movements and mobilizations designed to address nerve-related pain (like sciatica or carpal tunnel symptoms), tingling, numbness, or restrictions by improving the nerve's ability to glide freely and reducing irritation.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Hands-on physiotherapy focused on mobilizing restricted joints and soft tissues to promote healing, restore normal biomechanics, and alleviate pain.

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

• Living with hip pain when I walk, climb stairs, or try to sleep on my side doesn't have to be your norm. Maria Theresa Narvas applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards improved balance and coordination, leading to safer and more confident mobility in seniors, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of maintaining their balance and stability while walking on uneven ground or trails.
• Patients struggling with dealing with ongoing pain and stiffness after a car accident, like whiplash can find dedicated and compassionate support from Maria Theresa Narvas. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving greater ease in performing overhead activities or reaching, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as keeping up with their team during our weekly soccer match.
• When trouble performing repetitive tasks at work without pain is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing going on enjoyable fishing or camping trips again, physiotherapy with Maria Theresa Narvas can help you work towards better managing flare-ups with personalized strategies and feeling more in control of their symptoms. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of aches and pains that I'm pretty sure are from my bad posture at my desk? Maria Theresa Narvas works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of a greater sense of body confidence and trust in their physical abilities. 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.

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

Maria Theresa Narvas practices at Central Scarborough Physiotherapy Clinic, situated in the Wexford, Maryvale neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Kensington Market and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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

In Ontario, you typically do not need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist. This is known as direct access. However, some extended health insurance plans may require a referral for coverage, so it's essential to check with your insurance provider before your appointment.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of physiotherapy sessions required varies greatly from person to person. It depends on several factors, including the nature and severity of your condition, how long you've had the issue (acute vs. chronic), your individual treatment goals, your body's unique response to therapy, and how consistently you are able to follow your prescribed home exercise program and self-management advice. Your Physiotherapist will discuss a proposed treatment frequency and estimated duration after your initial assessment and will continually re-evaluate your progress with you.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession dedicated to helping people of all ages improve their movement, function, and overall well-being. A registered Physiotherapist uses evidence-based techniques like targeted exercise, hands-on manual therapy, and personalized education to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of injuries, pain conditions, and physical impairments affecting your muscles, bones, joints, nerves, and even your cardiorespiratory system. It can help you reduce pain, increase mobility and strength, recover from surgery, prevent future injuries, and enhance your quality of life.

How can I book an appointment at Central Scarborough Physiotherapy Clinic?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (416) 755-0879 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. Check your private insurance for coverage; many plans offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

It's not uncommon to experience some temporary soreness or a mild increase in symptoms after certain physiotherapy treatments, especially in the initial stages or if you're starting new exercises. This usually subsides within 24-48 hours. However, if you experience a significant or sharp increase in pain, new or worsening neurological symptoms (like numbness, tingling, or weakness), or if your soreness lasts longer than expected, it's important to contact Central Scarborough Physiotherapy Clinic or your physician directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

Central Scarborough Physiotherapy Clinic
14-2155 Lawrence Ave. East
Toronto, ON, M1R 5G9

Phone: (416) 755-0879

Maria Theresa Bendebel Narvas 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: XXX42

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=66032d0c-9502-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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