Michelle Medina Schober – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Michelle Schober is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Lifemark Health in Toronto, ON, Michelle Schober is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Michelle Schober 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. Michelle Schober also offers specialized assessment and treatment for dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders caused by inner ear or central vestibular system issues. Michelle Schober aims to reduce symptoms, improve stability, and reduce fall risk, serving patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Michelle Schober completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Philadelphia (Graduating Class of 2003). With extensive clinical experience, Michelle Schober is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Michelle Schober has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Vestibular and Balance Rehabilitation and Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Michelle Schober empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Michelle Schober adopts a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Michelle Schober maintains a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Michelle Schober offers consultations in English.

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

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): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.

Neurological

• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Rehabilitation (Incomplete/Specific Cases): Comprehensive physiotherapy focusing on improving strength in available muscles, enhancing functional mobility, and promoting health and wellness after a spinal cord injury.
• Facial Palsy / Bell's Palsy Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation for facial nerve disorders to help restore facial expression, improve function (e.g., eating, speaking, eye closure), and enhance overall facial appearance and confidence.

Back Neck Pain

• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Nerve compression symptoms due to a narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal or the small openings where nerves exit the spine (foramina), most commonly in the lumbar (lower back) or cervical (neck) regions.
• 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.

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 Schober 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.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Using therapeutic ultrasound as an adjunct treatment to help reduce pain, decrease inflammation, break down scar tissue, and accelerate the repair of injured soft tissues.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): Targeted shockwave application to promote tissue regeneration, modulate pain, and improve function in chronic injuries, often with lasting results.
• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: A structured and individualized rehabilitation approach to help you navigate your recovery after a concussion, promoting symptom resolution and safe resumption of activities.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: Superficial heat application carefully monitored by your therapist to promote relaxation, pain relief, and enhance the effectiveness of other treatments.

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

• For those whose working on getting back to normal after a fracture or other surgery has made playing a full game of recreational hockey with their friends seem like a distant memory, Michelle Schober's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward a smoother and stronger postpartum recovery. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to playing a full game of recreational hockey with their friends with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Michelle Schober can help you move beyond persistent dizziness that isn't a spinning vertigo but makes me feel unsteady. The focus is on getting back to enjoying life's simple pleasures without physical limitations, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as using garden tools effectively and without pain.
• The journey to enjoying cycling or swimming regularly without pain or limitation when faced with persistent widespread muscle pain and fatigue that my doctor thinks might be fibromyalgia is made smoother and more effective with Michelle Schober's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like returning to a specific physical hobby they had to give up due to pain.
• Are you finding that difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning shirts or writing due to hand pain stops you from enjoying returning to dancing, whether it's ballet, salsa, or just for fun? Michelle Schober is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve a better ability to cope with the physical stresses of daily life through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.

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

Michelle Schober practices at Lifemark Health, situated in the Berczy Park (St. Lawrence Market area) neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Yonge-Dundas Square and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiotherapist can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Lifemark Health 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, joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, and nerve pain. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like Vestibular and Balance Rehabilitation and Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve manual therapy, 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?

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral. This is known as direct access. However, some private/extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. 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 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 there may be waitlists. Check your private insurance for private clinic coverage.

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. Key things to check include your annual maximum for physiotherapy, per-visit limits or co-payments, referral requirements, and if your plan allows direct billing. If Lifemark Health offers direct billing and your plan allows it, we can bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance. Bring your insurance card and policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with a receipt to submit to your insurer.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

Bring your provincial health card, any relevant medical information (doctor's referral, imaging reports), a medication list, and your insurance card or policy details (if applicable). Wear comfortable clothing suitable for movement.

Lifemark Health
1 Yonge Street
Toronto, ON, M5E 1E6

Phone: (416) 485-1344

Michelle Medina Schober 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: XXX86

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=9f24fab5-8d02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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