Max Handelman – Physiotherapist | Thornhill, ON

Max Handelman is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Resident Physiotherapist). Practicing at Movement Sports Medicine + Physiotherapy in Thornhill, ON, Max Handelman is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Max Handelman's focus is addressing 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. Max Handelman serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Max Handelman completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Queen's University (Graduating Class of 2024). With clinical experience, Max Handelman is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Max Handelman has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

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

Max Handelman provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

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.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Injuries to ankle ligaments, typically from twisting or 'rolling' motions, leading to pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. Can result in recurrent sprains and chronic instability if not properly rehabilitated.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Painful neck conditions that can make head movements difficult, sometimes leading to headaches or radiating pain into the shoulders.
• 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.

Arthritis

• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A physiotherapy approach to address the unique challenges of AS, aiming to keep you as mobile and active as possible and support your spinal health and overall well-being.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Physiotherapy as an important part of a multidisciplinary team approach to managing rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis), helping to minimize disease impact and maximize quality of life.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Physiotherapy to address residual joint stiffness, pain, swelling, and functional loss after an acute gout attack has subsided, or to help manage musculoskeletal impairments and tophi-related issues associated with chronic gout, always in conjunction with appropriate medical management for urate control.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.
• 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. Max Handelman can assess your needs.

• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Evidence-based exercise programs designed by your physiotherapist, including instruction and progression, to optimize your recovery and enhance your physical well-being.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): A non-invasive, evidence-based treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing, reduce pain, and promote tissue regeneration in stubborn soft tissue conditions that haven't responded to other therapies.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: The use of moist heat packs, paraffin wax, or other heat sources by your Physiotherapist to relax muscles, increase local blood flow, reduce stiffness, alleviate chronic pain, and improve tissue extensibility.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: A specialized physiotherapy treatment that uses a traction table or manual techniques to gently decompress spinal structures, relieve pressure, and promote healing.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: A non-invasive electrotherapy modality aimed at reducing pain, muscle guarding, or swelling, and sometimes used for muscle strengthening, as part of your physiotherapy treatment.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Comprehensive exercise plans developed by your Physiotherapist to combat deconditioning, enhance overall physical well-being, and promote an active lifestyle.

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

• Tired of that persistent ache in my lower back that just won't quit interfering with pushing a stroller or shopping cart without difficulty? Max Handelman uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve learning specific exercises that provide ongoing relief and maintain their progress and regain your freedom of movement.
• Rediscover your ability to competing effectively in their curling league games without the constant burden of soreness and tightness in my Achilles tendon, especially after exercise. Max Handelman focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to a safe and confident return to their favorite sport or recreational activity, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Patients struggling with feeling generally stiff, achy, and less mobile than I used to be can find dedicated and compassionate support from Max Handelman. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving getting back to enjoying life's simple pleasures without physical limitations, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around their neighborhood for fresh air.
• Don't let general muscle strains and pulls from overdoing it at the gym or in the garden dictate what you can and cannot do. Max Handelman offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at restoring normal movement patterns essential for everyday tasks, helping you reclaim doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain and enjoy a more functional life.

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

Max Handelman practices at Movement Sports Medicine + Physiotherapy, a physiotherapy clinic in the central Thornhill neighborhood of Thornhill. The clinic is conveniently located near nearby parks and community recreation facilities and is accessible via local public transit routes. Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiotherapist can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

Is there parking available at or near Movement Sports Medicine + Physiotherapy?

Our clinic has a small number of dedicated parking spots at the rear of the building, accessible via a rear alleyway. Additional street parking is available, but please be sure to check local signage for time limits and restrictions.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Movement Sports Medicine + Physiotherapy treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including but not limited to back and neck pain, joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), and sports injuries. We also offer specialized services in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve manual therapy, Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription, Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

What is Movement Sports Medicine + Physiotherapy'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 equivalent to 50% of the service cost may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments (no-shows) 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?

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.

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

No, you do not need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist in Ontario. However, some extended health insurance plans may require a referral for coverage, so it is best to check with your insurance provider before your appointment.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Your first physiotherapy appointment, which includes a detailed assessment and the development of your initial treatment plan, usually takes about 60 minutes. Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled for 30 to 45 minutes. The exact duration of each session will depend on the nature of your treatment and what your Physiotherapist has planned for that specific visit to best help you progress.

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

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available through specific programs and may be available in certain circumstances such as post-hospitalization for certain conditions or for specific populations like children, youth, or seniors. Check with OHIP directly to verify your eligibility. Most people will need to rely on their private/extended health insurance for coverage in private clinics. Always check your private insurance plan for details on coverage.

Movement Sports Medicine + Physiotherapy
210 - 31 Disera Dr
Thornhill, ON, L4J 0A7

Phone: (905) 882-3070

Max Handelman 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: XXX12

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=86e2e05b-5166-ef11-a670-6045bd5c6716

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