Mary Derna Sabo – Physiotherapist | Sudbury, ON

Mary Derna Sabo is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at NEO Kids Children’s Treatment Centre - Health Sciences North in Sudbury, ON, Mary is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Mary's focus is assisting individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life after neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Mary serves infants, children, and adolescents, tailoring her approach to meet the unique needs of each patient.

Mary Derna Sabo completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 1991). With extensive clinical experience, Mary is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Mary has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Neurological Physiotherapy.

Mary's practice philosophy centers on empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Mary has a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best possible care. Mary offers consultations in English.

Mary Derna Sabo provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Vestibular Balance

• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): Vestibular rehabilitation therapy, including habituation exercises, sensory re-weighting, and balance training, often as part of a multidisciplinary approach (which may include medication or CBT), for managing the symptoms of PPPD/3PD.
• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Helping your brain adapt to a weakened inner ear balance sense, reducing chronic dizziness, improving visual focus during movement, and enhancing your overall balance and stability.
• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Comprehensive balance assessment by a Physiotherapist to identify underlying causes of unsteadiness, followed by targeted exercise programs and strategies to help you stay steady on your feet.

Common Musculoskeletal

• 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.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Knee problems that limit your ability to stay active, perform daily tasks, or enjoy your hobbies, for which physiotherapy offers effective solutions.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: A 'pulled' muscle, often occurring during activities like sprinting, jumping, lifting, or sudden changes in direction, causing immediate pain and difficulty using the muscle.

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. Mary can assess your needs.

• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Educating you about your diagnosis, expected recovery timeline (prognosis), and the reasons behind your treatment plan to encourage active participation in your healing.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A thorough evaluation by your Physiotherapist to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.
• Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio): Bringing expert physiotherapy services to you when clinic visits are challenging, ensuring continuity of care and personalized attention in your familiar surroundings.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Assessing your fundamental movement patterns to identify limitations, asymmetries, and potential risk factors for injury or re-injury.
• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Providing physiotherapy assessment, diagnosis, treatment guidance, education, exercise prescription, and self-management strategies remotely via secure video conferencing technology.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Detailed analysis of your static and dynamic posture, with tailored exercises, stretches, and advice to help you improve alignment and reduce strain on your body.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Mary, 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 NEO Kids Children’s Treatment Centre - Health Sciences North, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Mary frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• The path to recovery from loss of strength in one of my limbs after an injury and achieving implementing practical strategies to avoid re-injury during work or daily life for doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain often starts with expert guidance. Mary, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Mary's clinic, common concerns like that 'arthritic' pain in my hands, hips, or knees are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of feeling significantly stronger and more capable in their physical abilities. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like keeping up with their team during our weekly soccer match.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from pain or weakness that's stopping me from enjoying my favorite hobbies and achieved returning to their workout routine with greater confidence and better performance under the skilled care of Mary. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as returning to a specific physical hobby they had to give up due to pain with a new lease on life.
• The journey to improved ability to lift and carry objects correctly and safely when faced with persistent wrist pain and tingling, possibly from carpal tunnel syndrome, especially at night is made smoother and more effective with Mary's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like painting or drawing for longer stretches without neck or shoulder ache.

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

Mary practices at NEO Kids Children’s Treatment Centre - Health Sciences North, situated in the Downtown Sudbury, Minnow Lake, Ramsey Lake Area neighborhood of Sudbury. The clinic is conveniently located near the Costco Area and is accessible via GOVA Transit (Greater Sudbury Transit). Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

How can I book an appointment at NEO Kids Children’s Treatment Centre - Health Sciences North?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (705) 523-7120 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.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

You can expect your initial physiotherapy visit to be around an hour long. This extended time allows for a comprehensive assessment of your condition and a collaborative discussion about your treatment goals. Subsequent follow-up sessions are generally between 30 and 45 minutes, though this can be adjusted based on your individual requirements. Your Physiotherapist will advise on the appropriate appointment length for your specific care.

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.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Definitely. A key aspect of physiotherapy is not just treating current problems but also preventing future ones. A Physiotherapist can assess your movement, identify potential weaknesses or imbalances that could lead to injury, and provide you with a personalized program of exercises and strategies. This proactive approach is beneficial for athletes, individuals with physically demanding jobs, or anyone looking to maintain long-term musculoskeletal health and avoid recurring pain.

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 may require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check the specific requirements of your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Essentially, physiotherapy helps you get moving and stay moving effectively and comfortably. Whether you're dealing with an acute injury, chronic pain, post-surgical recovery, or a condition affecting your physical abilities, your Physiotherapist will work with you. They'll use their expertise in body mechanics, rehabilitation, and pain management to create a personalized treatment plan involving exercises, hands-on techniques, and practical advice to help you achieve your functional goals and live a more active, fulfilling life.

What are NEO Kids Children’s Treatment Centre - Health Sciences North's operating hours?

NEO Kids Children’s Treatment Centre - Health Sciences North is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. However, hours can vary, so please call our office at (705) 523-7120 for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

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 advised to check your private insurance for private clinic coverage.

NEO Kids Children’s Treatment Centre - Health Sciences North
1933 Regent Street, Unit 46F
Sudbury, ON, P3E 5R2

Phone: (705) 523-7120

Mary Derna Sabo 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: XXX15

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=f06fb2c6-8a02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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