Marlene P. Nobrega – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Marlene P. Nobrega is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Sports Physiotherapy Focus). Practicing at Marlene Nobrega, Physiotherapist in Toronto, ON, Marlene is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Marlene specializes in the assessment, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. Care is tailored to help athletes of all levels, from recreational to elite, return to their sport safely, optimize performance, and prevent future injuries. Marlene serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Marlene P. Nobrega completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 1983). With extensive clinical experience, Marlene is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Marlene has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Sports Physiotherapy.

Marlene empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Marlene employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Marlene offers consultations in English.

Marlene P. Nobrega provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Post Surgical

• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): A carefully managed and individualized physiotherapy program to help you regain confidence in your spine, improve functional capacity, and prevent future issues after spinal surgery.
• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): A structured physiotherapy program to manage post-operative pain and swelling, improve knee flexibility and strength, and re-educate your gait pattern after a TKA or PKA.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Pain, swelling, clicking, locking, or instability in or around the knee joint from various causes like ligament sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL), meniscal tears (managed conservatively), or patellofemoral (kneecap) pain.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Common injuries in active individuals, athletes, or resulting from accidents, leading to localized pain, swelling, bruising, and weakness in the affected muscle (e.g., hamstring, calf, quadriceps, groin, rotator cuff).

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: Physiotherapy for concussion recovery, focusing on symptom management, restoring normal function, and preventing long-term complications through evidence-based interventions.

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. Marlene can assess your needs.

• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Utilizing electrophysical agents as an adjunct to your physiotherapy treatments to aid recovery, improve muscle function, manage pain, or reduce swelling, tailored to your specific condition.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: The use of specific electrical stimulation devices (IFC or TENS) by your Physiotherapist to provide pain relief, reduce muscle spasm, decrease swelling, or promote muscle activation and re-education.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): The application of cold packs, ice massage, or other cold modalities by your Physiotherapist to reduce swelling, inflammation, muscle spasm, and acute pain, particularly after an injury.
• 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.
• 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.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: Utilizing therapeutic laser to enhance tissue regeneration, reduce pain signals, and manage inflammation as part of your comprehensive physiotherapy care.

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

• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of shoulder pain that makes simple things like lifting my arm or reaching overhead difficult? Marlene works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of feeling a substantial improvement in their mobility and range of motion for easier movement. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as peacefully paddling their kayak or canoe on the lake for hours.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning shirts or writing due to hand pain and achieved being able to climb stairs with ease and confidence once again under the skilled care of Marlene. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as managing the physical demands of their job without constant pain with a new lease on life.
• Patients often come to Marlene feeling defeated by breathing difficulties and shortness of breath with COPD or asthma, especially during activity. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving implementing practical strategies to avoid re-injury during work or daily life and resuming feeling energetic enough to engage in social activities in the evenings becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• If loss of strength in one of my limbs after an injury is preventing you from fully enjoying getting on and off the floor with ease, Marlene offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining resuming gardening, hobbies, or household tasks without strain or discomfort, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.

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

Marlene Nobrega, Physiotherapist, is conveniently located in the Christie neighborhood of Toronto, near the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA). The clinic is easily accessible via the TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Please inquire regarding specific accessibility needs for our clinic. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

How can I book an appointment at Marlene Nobrega, Physiotherapist?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (416) 570-5546 during our business hours. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with Marlene.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial physiotherapy appointment is a comprehensive assessment. Your Physiotherapist will start by discussing your medical history, the details of your current symptoms or injury, your concerns, and what you hope to achieve with physiotherapy (your functional goals). This is followed by a thorough physical examination, which may include evaluating your range of motion, strength, posture, balance, and specific movement patterns, as well as performing special tests relevant to your condition. Based on these findings, your therapist will provide a clinical impression or diagnosis, discuss a personalized treatment plan with you, and often begin some initial treatment or provide education and a home exercise program to get you started.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves skilled, hands-on treatments performed by your Physiotherapist as part of your overall physiotherapy plan. These techniques are designed to assess and treat your joints, muscles, and nerves to decrease pain and improve your mobility and function. Examples include specific joint mobilizations to improve movement, soft tissue release techniques to address muscle tightness or scar tissue, and sometimes manipulations (adjustments) if indicated and appropriate for your condition and your therapist's qualifications.

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. It is strongly recommended to check your private insurance for coverage of services at a private clinic.

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 of physiotherapy services. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

Is there parking available at or near Marlene Nobrega, Physiotherapist?

Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

Marlene Nobrega, Physiotherapist
57 Helena Avenue
Toronto, ON, M6G 2H3

Phone: (416) 570-5546

Marlene P. Nobrega 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: XXX25

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=d5c883b1-8902-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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