Melissa Bonnie McAlister – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Melissa Bonnie McAlister is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at East Toronto Orthopaedic & Sports Injury Clinic in Toronto, ON, Melissa McAlister is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Melissa McAlister addresses 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. Melissa McAlister serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Melissa Bonnie McAlister completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Queen's University (Graduating Class of 2006). With extensive clinical experience, Melissa McAlister is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Melissa McAlister has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Melissa McAlister's practice philosophy centers around a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results; and a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Melissa McAlister offers consultations in English.

Melissa Bonnie McAlister provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Post Surgical

• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): A progressive rehabilitation program after surgery to fix a broken bone, helping you regain full use of your arm or leg and return to your normal activities.
• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Specialized physiotherapy following knee ligament reconstruction surgery to ensure a successful recovery, minimize complications (like stiffness or muscle atrophy), and facilitate a safe and confident return to activity and sport, preventing re-injury.
• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): A progressive exercise program, often combined with manual therapy, designed to gradually restore your shoulder's range of motion, strength, and coordination following your operation.
• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): A carefully managed and individualized physiotherapy program to help you regain confidence in your spine, improve functional capacity, and prevent future issues after spinal surgery.

Hand Wrist

• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Managing a variety of acute and chronic conditions of the hand and wrist, aiming to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent long-term disability.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Conservative physiotherapy management for trigger digit, which may include splinting to rest the tendon, specific tendon gliding exercises, activity modification advice, modalities to reduce inflammation, and education to prevent recurrence.

Arthritis

• 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.
• 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.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Individualized exercise programs and pain management strategies tailored for psoriatic arthritis to help reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Helping you live well with rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory arthropathies through targeted physiotherapy interventions designed to manage symptoms, preserve function, and promote 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. Melissa McAlister can assess your needs.

• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Utilizing electrophysical agents as an adjunct to your physiotherapy treatments to aid recovery, improve muscle function, manage pain, or reduce swelling, tailored to your specific condition.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: The use of specific electrical stimulation devices (IFC or TENS) by your Physiotherapist to provide pain relief, reduce muscle spasm, decrease swelling, or promote muscle activation and re-education.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Using therapeutic cold to manage the initial stages of an injury (e.g., sprains, strains) and control inflammatory responses, helping to limit tissue damage.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): ESWT for chronic tendinopathies, heel spurs, and other musculoskeletal problems, aiming to break down scar tissue, increase blood flow, and trigger a healing response.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: Therapeutic traction for the cervical (neck) or lumbar (low back) spine, used by physiotherapists to help reduce pain, decompress nerve roots, and improve symptoms associated with conditions like disc herniations, sciatica, or spinal stenosis.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: A non-invasive physiotherapy modality that uses sound energy to stimulate cellular activity, enhance circulation, and support tissue recovery from injury or inflammation.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Melissa McAlister, 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 East Toronto Orthopaedic & Sports Injury Clinic, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Melissa McAlister frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Many find that facial weakness or drooping on one side (like Bell's Palsy) significantly impacts their ability to peacefully paddling their kayak or canoe on the lake for hours. Melissa McAlister helps patients target feeling a substantial improvement in their mobility and range of motion for easier movement with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Melissa McAlister believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If managing stiffness, tremors, and movement challenges with Parkinson's disease is hindering your ability to carrying a backpack or shoulder bag comfortably, a personalized plan focusing on a better understanding of ergonomics for their work and home environment can make all the difference.
• If my child complaining of 'growing pains' that keep them up at night is preventing you from fully enjoying sleeping soundly through the night without being woken by pain or discomfort, Melissa McAlister offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining a noticeable improvement in their gait and walking efficiency, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• Patients struggling with widespread muscle pain and fatigue that my doctor thinks might be fibromyalgia can find dedicated and compassionate support from Melissa McAlister. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving reduced muscle tension and a feeling of greater physical ease, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as reading a good book for hours without experiencing neck pain or headaches.

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

Melissa McAlister practices at East Toronto Orthopaedic & Sports Injury Clinic, situated in the Woodbine Heights neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Nathan Phillips Square and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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 Ontarians. 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 waitlists may exist. Always check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics. Verify your specific OHIP eligibility directly with them.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

You can expect your initial physiotherapy visit to be around an hour long. This extended time allows for a comprehensive assessment of your condition and a collaborative discussion about your treatment goals. Subsequent follow-up sessions are generally between 30 and 45 minutes, though this can be adjusted based on your individual requirements. Your Physiotherapist will advise on the appropriate appointment length for your specific care.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

It's recommended to wear or bring clothing that allows unrestricted movement and provides easy access for your physiotherapist to examine the body part being assessed or treated. For instance, if you have a knee problem, please wear or bring shorts. For shoulder issues, a sleeveless top or a top with loose armholes is often helpful. The goal is to make the assessment and treatment as effective as possible.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at East Toronto Orthopaedic & Sports Injury Clinic treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, back and neck pain, joint problems (arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, and nerve pain. We also utilize manual therapy, Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES), and Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy, along with exercise prescription and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

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

No, you typically do not need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapist in Ontario (direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your appointment.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

The first physiotherapy session is primarily an in-depth assessment. Expect to spend time talking with your Physiotherapist about your specific issue, its history, and your overall health background. Your therapist will then perform various physical tests to assess your movement, strength, and any areas of concern. The main goal of this first visit is to understand your condition fully so that a tailored and effective treatment plan can be developed collaboratively with you. You might also receive your first set of home exercises or some initial hands-on care to start the healing process.

What is East Toronto Orthopaedic & Sports Injury Clinic's appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. We kindly request at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations or rescheduling. A fee may be charged for late cancellations or missed appointments. Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to change your appointment.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

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

East Toronto Orthopaedic & Sports Injury Clinic
4-1577 Danforth Ave.
Toronto, ON, M4C 1H7

Phone: (416) 691-3943

Melissa Bonnie McAlister 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: XXX72

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=3ab5d6ab-8e02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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