Melanie Erin Stevens Sutherland – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Melanie Erin Stevens Sutherland is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Body Co. in Toronto, ON, Melanie Stevens Sutherland is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Melanie Stevens Sutherland's approach focuses on 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. Melanie Stevens Sutherland serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Melanie Erin Stevens Sutherland completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 2000). With extensive clinical experience, Melanie Stevens Sutherland is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Melanie Stevens Sutherland has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Melanie Stevens Sutherland's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Melanie Stevens Sutherland offers consultations in English, French.

Melanie Erin Stevens Sutherland provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Arthritis

• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Helping you regain mobility, reduce discomfort, and improve function in affected joints after a gout episode, as part of your overall gout management plan.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): An inflammatory arthritis that can affect some people with psoriasis (a skin condition), causing joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and sometimes affecting tendons (enthesitis) and ligaments. Can affect small or large joints, often asymmetrically, and sometimes the spine.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Pain, tenderness, swelling, and dysfunction in a tendon (the strong cords that attach muscles to bones) due to overuse, repetitive strain, injury, or degeneration. Common sites include the Achilles, patellar tendon (knee), rotator cuff (shoulder), or elbow (tennis/golfer's elbow).
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Commonly known as 'wear-and-tear' arthritis, this condition affects various joints, often worsening with age, overuse, or previous injury, and can significantly impact daily function.

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. Melanie Stevens Sutherland can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Customized strength training to address specific weaknesses identified in your assessment, helping to correct imbalances, improve movement efficiency, and achieve your physical objectives.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Evaluation of your body's basic movements (like squatting, lunging, reaching) to highlight areas for improvement in stability, mobility, and motor control.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Customized exercise plans designed to help you recover from injury, manage chronic conditions, improve physical performance, and achieve your functional goals safely and effectively.
• 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.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Targeted exercises focused on strengthening the deep abdominal, back, pelvic floor, and diaphragm muscles to provide better support for your spine, improve posture, enhance balance, and increase movement efficiency.

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

• Melanie Stevens Sutherland frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of that persistent ache in my lower back that just won't quit. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets getting back to hiking, running, or cycling pain-free and with renewed vigor and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like playing in their competitive volleyball league again.
• At Melanie Stevens Sutherland's physiotherapy practice, individuals with knee pain, especially when going up/down stairs or after a run are guided towards feeling a substantial improvement in their mobility and range of motion for easier movement. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as reaching for items on high shelves or in cupboards without shoulder strain.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of recovering my strength and energy after being very sick (like with pneumonia or Long COVID)? Melanie Stevens Sutherland works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of increased endurance for walking, allowing for longer and more enjoyable outings. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as being able to perform deep cleaning tasks around the house.
• The path to recovery from working on getting back to normal after a fracture or other surgery and achieving improved joint health and a slowing of degenerative processes through better biomechanics for walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue or breathlessness often starts with expert guidance. Melanie Stevens Sutherland, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.

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

Melanie Stevens Sutherland's practice at Body Co. is situated in the High Park, The Junction South neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Trillium Park and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

How can I book an appointment at Body Co.?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (416) 572-0479 during our business hours. Many of our practitioners also offer the convenience of online booking through our website at [Website Address Here]. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

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.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of physiotherapy sessions required varies greatly from person to person. It depends on several factors, including the nature and severity of your condition, how long you've had the issue (acute vs. chronic), your individual treatment goals, your body's unique response to therapy, and how consistently you are able to follow your prescribed home exercise program and self-management advice. Your Physiotherapist will discuss a proposed treatment frequency and estimated duration after your initial assessment and will continually re-evaluate your progress with you.

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

Patients in Ontario can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (this is known as direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. Check your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, in almost all cases, you will receive a customized home exercise program. These exercises are carefully chosen by your Physiotherapist to specifically target your issues and help you achieve your functional goals faster and more effectively. Performing them as recommended is very important for your progress and for maintaining the improvements you make during your clinic visits.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

While some physiotherapy techniques might feel uncomfortable or cause a temporary increase in soreness (similar to muscle soreness after a new workout), especially when working on stiff joints or tight muscles, it should not be excessively or intolerably painful. Your Physiotherapist will discuss what sensations you might expect with different treatments and will always aim to adjust the intensity and techniques to ensure you are as comfortable as possible while still achieving therapeutic benefits. Constant communication about your comfort level is very important.

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.

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. Check your private insurance for private clinic coverage.

Body Co.
3093 Dundas Street West
Toronto, ON, M6P 1Z9

Phone: (416) 572-0479

Melanie Erin Stevens Sutherland 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: XXX96

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=1c43d761-8d02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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