Michelle Camazzola – Physiotherapist | Richmond Hill, ON

Michelle Camazzola is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at York Physiotherapy Associates in Richmond Hill, ON, Michelle is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Michelle 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. Michelle serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Michelle Camazzola completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Western University (Graduating Class of 1997). With extensive clinical experience, Michelle is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Michelle has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

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

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

Arthritis

• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Helping to manage the musculoskeletal aspects of psoriatic disease, working in conjunction with medical management to optimize your physical function and comfort.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A type of chronic inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spine (especially the sacroiliac joints and vertebrae), leading to pain, stiffness, and potential fusion of vertebrae, which can result in a stooped posture if not managed.
• 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.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Injuries to ankle ligaments, typically from twisting or 'rolling' motions, leading to pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. Can result in recurrent sprains and chronic instability if not properly rehabilitated.
• 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.

Back Neck Pain

• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Back or neck pain accompanied by associated limb symptoms (pain, sensory changes, weakness) due to a constricted spinal canal, which physiotherapy can help manage conservatively.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Pain, pins and needles, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg resulting from irritation or compression of a spinal nerve, often managed effectively with physiotherapy techniques like McKenzie method or neural mobilization.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Neck, shoulder, and upper back discomfort, often accompanied by headaches or 'brain fog', after a sudden jerking motion of the head, such as in a rear-end collision.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Discomfort, aching, stiffness, or muscle fatigue in the back or neck arising from sustained or awkward postures during daily activities, prolonged work (e.g., desk work, computer use), or sleep.

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. Michelle can assess your needs.

• 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: Utilizing targeted electrical currents to help alleviate pain, manage discomfort, and support healing in conjunction with other physiotherapy interventions.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: Superficial heat application carefully monitored by your therapist to promote relaxation, pain relief, and enhance the effectiveness of other treatments.
• 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.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): A common physiotherapy treatment for acute injuries, designed to help numb pain, decrease bleeding into the tissues, and minimize secondary hypoxic injury.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Targeted therapy to alleviate symptoms such as shooting pain, pins and needles, or weakness arising from neural tension or entrapment.

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

• At Michelle's physiotherapy practice, individuals with trouble performing repetitive tasks at work without pain are guided towards a smooth and confident transition back to their work duties. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as playing fetch with their dog in the park for an extended time.
• With Michelle's help, managing that 'arthritic' pain in my hands, hips, or knees to achieve improved hand and wrist function for tasks requiring dexterity becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like sitting comfortably through a movie at the cinema or a play.
• It's truly rewarding for Michelle to witness patients conquer facial weakness or drooping on one side (like Bell's Palsy) and experience enjoying family vacations and outings with more energy and less pain. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in participating in water aerobics or other pool-based exercises again.
• Struggling with the frustration of sharp pain shooting down my leg, feeling a lot like sciatica? Michelle develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving feeling less fatigued during physical activities and throughout the day. This is key to helping you get back to doing hitting the slopes for a full day of skiing or snowboarding in winter with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.

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

Michelle practices at York Physiotherapy Associates, situated in the Central Richmond Hill, Mill Pond neighborhood of Richmond Hill. The clinic is conveniently located near Hillcrest Mall and is accessible via York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva. Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

What is York Physiotherapy Associates's appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice (or one business day) for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients who may be waiting for care. A fee equivalent to 50% of the service cost may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments (no-shows) without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

The primary goal of physiotherapy is generally to reduce pain and improve function, not to cause significant or lasting pain. Some assessment techniques or specific treatments (like deep soft tissue work, joint mobilization, or certain exercises) might cause mild, temporary discomfort or soreness, especially if the tissues being treated are sensitive, inflamed, or very stiff. However, your Physiotherapist will always work within your tolerance levels, communicate clearly about what to expect, and encourage open feedback. If you experience notable or unacceptable pain during treatment, please inform your therapist immediately so adjustments can be made to ensure your comfort.

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. It is strongly advised to check your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

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 advised to check your private insurance for private clinic coverage and to verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with OHIP.

Is there parking available at or near York Physiotherapy Associates?

Paid parking is available in the parkade adjacent to our building. Limited free street parking may also be found in the vicinity, but please check local signage for restrictions.

Does York Physiotherapy Associates 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. 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.

York Physiotherapy Associates
10909 Yonge St, #205
Richmond Hill, ON, L4C 3E3

Phone: (905) 770-4100

Michelle Camazzola 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: XXX34

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=16f5bdf4-8b02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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