Mathew Thomas Manathara – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Mathew Thomas Manathara is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at St. George Care Community in Toronto, ON, Mathew is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Mathew focuses on providing comprehensive assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions to help patients of all ages restore function, manage pain, and improve their quality of life. Mathew serves a diverse range of patients, tailoring treatment plans to meet individual needs and goals.

Mathew Thomas Manathara completed their degree in Physiotherapy from City College of Physiotherapy (Graduating Class of 1999). With extensive clinical experience, Mathew is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Mathew has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Mathew's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy. Mathew empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Mathew adopts a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Mathew offers consultations in English, Gujarati, Hindi, and Malayalam.

Mathew Thomas Manathara provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Back Neck Pain

• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Sharp, shooting, electric-like, or burning pain that travels along the path of a nerve due to issues with intervertebral discs or other spinal structures.
• 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.

Sports Injury

• Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): Dull or aching pain in the front or inner part of the shin that can become sharp with activity, often felt during or after exercise.
• Stress Fractures (Activity-Related - Conservative Management/Rehab): Tiny cracks or severe bruising within a bone caused by repetitive force, overuse, or cumulative stress, common in weight-bearing bones of the lower leg (tibia, fibula), foot (metatarsals, navicular), or hip in athletes involved in high-impact sports.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Muscle Strains and Tears: Injury to muscle tissue that limits your strength, range of motion, and ability to perform specific movements or activities, requiring careful rehabilitation.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or stiffness in the wrist, hand, or fingers, often resulting from overuse, repetitive tasks, arthritis, or specific conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or De Quervain's tenosynovitis.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Discomfort experienced in the hip region, groin, outer hip, or buttock, potentially stemming from joint inflammation (bursitis), muscle strains, tendinopathy, or conservative management of labral tears.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Aching, soreness, or sharp pain experienced in the neck, which may include muscle spasms, trigger points, or reduced flexibility.

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. Mathew can assess your needs.

• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): A form of manual therapy that actively involves you in your treatment, utilizing your body's muscular effort to achieve specific therapeutic effects on restricted joints and shortened soft tissues.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Skilled hands-on techniques, including gentle joint mobilizations (smooth, rhythmic movements) and, where appropriate and authorized, joint manipulations (quick, precise thrusts) to restore optimal movement, reduce pain, and improve joint function.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Graded exercise programs designed to improve your overall physical fitness, endurance, strength, and functional capacity, especially beneficial after illness, surgery, or periods of prolonged inactivity.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Specialized workouts to enhance your core strength, stability, and endurance, which are crucial for injury prevention, back health, and efficient performance in daily activities and sports.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized programs incorporating various stretching techniques (e.g., static, dynamic, PNF) to alleviate stiffness, increase tissue extensibility, and promote better posture.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Targeted exercises using resistance (such as bodyweight, resistance bands, free weights, or gym equipment) to build muscle strength, power, and endurance, tailored to your specific rehabilitation needs or performance goals.

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

• When one leg feeling shorter than the other, causing hip or back pain is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing swimming laps at the pool for fitness and relaxation, physiotherapy with Mathew can help you work towards seeing their child achieve developmental milestones with greater ease (for pediatric physio). The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Tired of tendonitis pain flaring up in my shoulder, knee, elbow, or foot interfering with carrying a backpack or shoulder bag comfortably? Mathew uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve a smooth and confident transition back to their work duties and regain your freedom of movement.
• Struggling with the frustration of knee pain, especially when going up/down stairs or after a run? Mathew develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving the ability to sit for longer periods (e.g., at a desk, in a car) without significant discomfort. This is key to helping you get back to doing keeping up with their team during our weekly soccer match with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• At Mathew's physiotherapy practice, individuals with pain and difficulty with overhead movements like reaching into a cupboard are guided towards running their usual distance comfortably and with improved form. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as cycling longer distances with their cycling club.

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

Mathew's practice is located at St. George Care Community in the Annex, North Midtown, Yorkville neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic enjoys a convenient location near Chinatown and is easily accessible via the TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors. Our clinic is accessible.

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, while a referral isn't legally required for an appointment, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific coverage requirements.

What is St. George Care Community's appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients who may be waiting for care. A fee may be charged for cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice or missed appointments without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

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.

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

OHIP generally does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private outpatient clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations, such as post-hospitalization for certain conditions or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams, but eligibility criteria are strict and there may be waitlists. It's essential to check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics. Always verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with OHIP.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not be painful. While you might experience some discomfort or a stretching sensation, especially initially, it should not be distressing or harmful. Your Physiotherapist will adjust treatments to your comfort level, ensuring a positive experience. The goal is to make you feel better, not worse.

St. George Care Community
225 St. George St.
Toronto, ON, M5R 2M2

Phone: (416) 967-3985

Mathew Thomas Manathara 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: XXX85

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=4623ddeb-8d02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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