Mayra Constanza Serpa Tarazona – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Mayra Constanza Serpa Tarazona is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at St. Joseph Health Centre in Toronto, ON, Mayra Serpa is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Mayra Serpa's role involves 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. Mayra Serpa focuses on the unique health needs of older adults, aiming to improve and maintain mobility, strength, balance, manage age-related conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis, reduce fall risk, and enhance overall quality of life and independence. Mayra Serpa serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Mayra Constanza Serpa Tarazona completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Universidad Manuela Beltrán (Graduating Class of 2008). With extensive clinical experience, Mayra Serpa is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Mayra Serpa has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.

Mayra Serpa's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy. Mayra Serpa demonstrates a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best possible care. Mayra Serpa employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Mayra Serpa offers consultations in English, Spanish.

Mayra Constanza Serpa Tarazona provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Helping to alleviate the symptoms of a catching, locking, or painful finger/thumb through targeted physiotherapy interventions, potentially avoiding the need for injections or surgery in some cases.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Physiotherapy to help you regain optimal use of your hand and wrist after an injury, surgery, or due to a chronic condition, enabling you to return to work, hobbies, and daily tasks.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Conditions like 'jumper's knee' (patellar tendinopathy), 'swimmer's shoulder' (rotator cuff tendinopathy), or 'tennis elbow' (lateral epicondylitis) caused by tendon issues that limit your ability to perform specific tasks.

Arthritis

• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Supportive physiotherapy for individuals with psoriatic arthritis, focusing on managing joint pain and swelling, maintaining range of motion and strength, improving function, and providing advice on activity modification and joint protection.
• 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.

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. Mayra Serpa can assess your needs.

• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Application of skilled soft tissue techniques to manage pain, stiffness, and improve function in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
• Rehabilitation for Age-Related Deconditioning & Loss of Autonomy: Comprehensive support for improving performance in activities of daily living (e.g., dressing, bathing, transferring, cooking) and rebuilding physical confidence and independence in older adults.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Using controlled isometric and isotonic muscle contractions, as directed by your Physiotherapist, to address joint restrictions and muscle imbalances effectively.
• 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): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
• Geriatric Physiotherapy & Seniors' Health: Helping older adults stay active, mobile, independent, and confident in their physical abilities through compassionate and evidence-based physiotherapy.

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

• The path to recovery from swelling in my arm or leg, possibly lymphedema, after surgery or treatment and achieving feeling more resilient and less vulnerable to minor strains or injuries for swimming laps at the pool for fitness and relaxation often starts with expert guidance. Mayra Serpa, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Mayra Serpa's clinic, common concerns like trying to stay as mobile and active as possible while living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of improved balance and coordination, leading to safer and more confident mobility in seniors. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like sitting comfortably through a movie at the cinema or a play.
• Rediscover your ability to simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around their neighborhood for fresh air without the constant burden of that persistent ache in my lower back that just won't quit. Mayra Serpa focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to better joint stability during movement and weight-bearing activities, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Physiotherapy with Mayra Serpa can be a transformative turning point for those affected by sharp pain shooting down my leg, feeling a lot like sciatica. The shared goal is achieving a renewed sense of vitality and enthusiasm for daily activities, paving the way for you to enjoy attending concerts or theatre shows and sitting comfortably throughout and a more active, vibrant life.

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

Mayra Serpa practices at St. Joseph Health Centre, situated in the Parkdale, Roncesvalles neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Chinatown and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Absolutely! Home exercises are a vital part of your rehabilitation journey and empower you to take an active role in your recovery process. Your Physiotherapist will carefully select and teach you exercises specific to your needs. These exercises help to reinforce what's done in the clinic, manage your condition effectively, and ensure you continue progressing towards your goals even when you're not in a session.

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 physiotherapy services in private clinics.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

This is very individual and depends on many factors. After your comprehensive initial assessment, your Physiotherapist will be able to give you a better idea of the anticipated number of sessions and the frequency of visits needed to achieve your specific goals. We believe in open communication and will regularly review your progress with you, adjusting the treatment plan as you improve and as needed.

Does St. Joseph Health Centre offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

While we do not offer direct billing at this time, we provide detailed official receipts that you can easily submit to your insurer for reimbursement according to your plan. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment and always confirm your specific coverage details, including any annual maximums, per-visit limits, or deductible requirements, directly with your insurance provider, as plans vary significantly. You are responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.

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. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. Contact your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand your plan's specifics. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If our clinic offers direct billing and your plan allows it, we can bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance not covered by your plan at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and all necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Your initial visit will be around an hour long. Follow-up sessions are generally between 30 and 45 minutes, though this can be adjusted based on your needs. Your Physiotherapist will advise on the appropriate appointment length for your specific care.

St. Joseph Health Centre
30 The Queensway
Toronto, ON, M6R 1B5

Phone: (416) 530-6000

Mayra Constanza Serpa Tarazona 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: XXX65

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=b67f5694-9302-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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