Melissa Soares – Physiotherapist | Brampton, ON

Melissa Soares is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Home and Community Care - CW LHIN in Brampton, ON, Melissa is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Melissa'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. Melissa serves adults.

Melissa Soares completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2008). With extensive clinical experience, Melissa is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Melissa has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Melissa's practice philosophy centers on a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Melissa offers consultations in English.

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

Common Musculoskeletal

• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Discomfort felt around the shoulder blade, at the top of the shoulder, or radiating down the arm, making simple tasks challenging.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Aching, soreness, or sharp pain experienced in the neck, which may include muscle spasms, trigger points, or reduced flexibility.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: A 'pulled' muscle, often occurring during activities like sprinting, jumping, lifting, or sudden changes in direction, causing immediate pain and difficulty using the muscle.

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Addressing the inflammation, pain, and restricted movement associated with stenosing tenosynovitis of the finger or thumb.
• 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.

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 can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Ultrasound therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, often used to prepare tissues for manual therapy or exercise, or to manage acute and chronic soft tissue injuries.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: The application of gentle, controlled mechanical or manual force to distract (stretch) spinal segments, aiming to alleviate pressure on intervertebral discs, nerves, and facet joints.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Application of various forms of electrical stimulation, such as Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) for muscle strengthening and re-education, or Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) to assist with movement, as prescribed by your Physiotherapist.
• 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.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: A comforting physiotherapy modality that helps to soothe tight muscles, decrease pain perception, and improve the flexibility of soft tissues.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Melissa, 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 Home and Community Care - CW LHIN, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Melissa frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of dealing with pelvic pain or bladder/bowel control issues (for both men and women)? Melissa works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of successfully avoiding or delaying the need for more invasive treatments or surgery. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as dancing the night away at social events and family celebrations.
• If difficulty moving one side of my body or walking easily after a stroke is preventing you from fully enjoying simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around their neighborhood for fresh air, Melissa offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining restored joint function, leading to smoother and more coordinated movements, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• Don't let pain and difficulty with overhead movements like reaching into a cupboard dictate what you can and cannot do. Melissa offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at greater confidence when walking, standing, or navigating challenging environments, helping you reclaim actively participating in family outings and vacations without holding others back and enjoy a more functional life.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Melissa's clinic, common concerns like recovering from a concussion and dealing with lingering symptoms like dizziness or headaches are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of improved ability to lift and carry objects correctly and safely. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like simply being able to get through a workday without constant pain interruptions.

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

Melissa practices at Home and Community Care - CW LHIN, located in the Fletcher's Creek South, Steeles Industrial neighborhood of Brampton. The clinic is conveniently located near the Gateway Terminal Area and is accessible via Brampton Transit (including Züm BRT). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

How can I book an appointment at Home and Community Care - CW LHIN?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (905) 796-0040 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.

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. You should check your private insurance for coverage, as many plans offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics. Always verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Home and Community Care - CW LHIN treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain (including Congenital Muscular Torticollis/Plagiocephaly), joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries (like Postural Dysfunction/Pain Related to Poor Posture), and nerve pain. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and general physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy), Therapeutic Ultrasound Application, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Initial assessment appointments are generally longer to allow for a thorough evaluation and discussion, typically lasting between 45 to 60 minutes. Subsequent follow-up treatment sessions are usually shorter, often ranging from 30 to 45 minutes. However, the duration can vary depending on your specific needs, the complexity of your condition, the type of treatment being provided, and the treatment plan designed by your Physiotherapist.

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 of physiotherapy services. Check your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

Home and Community Care - CW LHIN
199 County Court Blvd.
Brampton, ON, L6W 4P3

Phone: (905) 796-0040

Melissa Soares 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: XXX14

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=a72100c0-8f02-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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