Melanie Perkins – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Melanie Perkins is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - University Centre in Toronto, ON, Melanie Perkins is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Melanie Perkins'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. Melanie Perkins serves adults.

Melanie Perkins completed their degree in Physiotherapy from York St John University (Graduating Class of 2016). With clinical experience, Melanie Perkins is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Melanie Perkins has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Neurological Physiotherapy.

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

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

Neurological

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) / Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Rehabilitation: Focusing on restoring movement, balance, and independence after a traumatic or acquired brain injury through evidence-based physiotherapy approaches.
• Muscular Dystrophy / Myopathy - Supportive Physiotherapy Care: Supportive physiotherapy care designed to enhance quality of life, manage the physical challenges of various muscle diseases, and promote independence for as long as possible.

Peripheral Nerve

• Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic, Chemotherapy-Induced, Idiopathic): Physiotherapy focuses on improving balance, strength, sensation (where possible), reducing fall risk, managing pain, and providing education on foot care (especially for diabetic neuropathy) and adaptive strategies.
• Nerve Entrapments / Compressions (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Sciatica, Meralgia Paresthetica): Physiotherapy for common nerve compression syndromes, including Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (wrist), Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (neck/shoulder), Sciatica (low back/buttock), or Meralgia Paresthetica (outer thigh). Treatment often includes manual therapy, nerve gliding exercises (neural mobilization), postural correction, ergonomic advice, and activity modification.

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 Perkins can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders: Helping you overcome dizziness, vertigo, and unsteadiness with targeted vestibular exercises and strategies, enabling you to return to daily activities with greater stability and comfort.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Education on optimal body mechanics and corrective strategies to improve your posture during daily activities, work, and recreation.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: Detailed physical assessment of your joints, muscles, nerves, and movement patterns to identify the root cause of your symptoms and guide your treatment.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Gentle, active manual therapy techniques where you use your own specific muscle contractions against your therapist's controlled resistance to improve joint mobility, lengthen tight tissues, and reduce pain.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Melanie Perkins, 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 Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - University Centre, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Melanie Perkins frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Living with a 'frozen shoulder' feeling, where my shoulder feels completely stuck doesn't have to be your norm. Melanie Perkins applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards the ability to manage symptoms independently if they occasionally recur, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of participating fully in their martial arts practice, including sparring.
• Melanie Perkins believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If difficulty getting out of a chair or bed due to stiffness or pain is hindering your ability to travelling more comfortably on planes, trains, or in cars for longer durations, a personalized plan focusing on greater ease with dressing, bathing, and other self-care activities can make all the difference.
• Patients struggling with needing help to get moving again after a long period of illness or inactivity can find dedicated and compassionate support from Melanie Perkins. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving improved overall mobility, making it easier to navigate their home and community, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as participating in community events and social gatherings more actively.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Melanie Perkins can help you move beyond feeling 'off-balance' and worried about falling, especially as I get older. The focus is on sleeping more soundly through the night due to reduced pain and discomfort, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as getting in and out of the car smoothly and without wincing.

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

Melanie Perkins practices at Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - University Centre, situated in the Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near St. Lawrence Hall and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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. Always check your private/extended health insurance plans, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

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.

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

Some temporary post-treatment soreness can be normal. However, if your pain significantly worsens, if you develop new concerning symptoms, or if the discomfort doesn't settle down within a day or two, please call us. Your Physiotherapist would want to know so they can offer guidance and make any necessary adjustments to your care plan. Open communication is key to your successful recovery.

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 (annual maximum, per-visit limits, co-payments, referral requirements, and direct billing options). If direct billing is possible, we can bill your insurer directly for the covered portion; otherwise, we will provide a receipt for you to submit.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Your first appointment (assessment and treatment plan) usually takes about 60 minutes. Follow-up appointments are typically 30 to 45 minutes long, depending on your treatment needs.

How can I book an appointment at Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - University Centre?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (416) 597-3422 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.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves skilled, hands-on treatments performed by your Physiotherapist to assess and treat your joints, muscles, and nerves to decrease pain and improve mobility and function. Examples include joint mobilizations, soft tissue release techniques, and sometimes manipulations (adjustments).

Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - University Centre
550 University Ave.
Toronto, ON, M5G 2A2

Phone: (416) 597-3422

Melanie Perkins 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: XXX38

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=b56df892-9663-ee11-8df0-000d3a09c157

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