Monica H. Czosniak-Stern – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Monica H. Czosniak-Stern is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, ON, Monica is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Monica's focus is providing comprehensive assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions to help patients of all ages restore function, manage pain, and improve their quality of life. Monica serves infants, children, and adolescents.

Monica H. Czosniak-Stern completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McGill University (Graduating Class of 1981). With extensive clinical experience, Monica is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Monica has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Monica's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy. Monica adopts a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Monica maintains a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best possible care. Monica offers consultations in English, French.

Monica H. Czosniak-Stern provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Back Neck Pain

• Postural Back/Neck Pain: A common cause of persistent back and neck pain due to the cumulative strain of prolonged sitting, standing, or performing tasks in non-ideal positions.
• 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.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Often age-related changes leading to pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs with walking (neurogenic claudication in lumbar stenosis) or in the arms/hands (cervical stenosis).
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Back or neck pain that often radiates into an arm or leg, potentially with numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning sensations, due to a spinal disc problem (herniation, protrusion, or bulge) compressing or irritating a nearby nerve root (radiculopathy). Sciatica specifically refers to radicular pain down the leg.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Damage to the body's movement system, including issues like joint inflammation, ligament tears, or muscle overstretching, often requiring physiotherapy for optimal recovery.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Pain, discomfort, or stiffness in the lumbar spine region, whether it's a sudden onset or a long-lasting issue affecting your daily life.

Sports Injury

• Muscle Strains (e.g., Hamstring, Calf, Groin, Quadriceps, Rotator Cuff): Tearing of muscle fibers or the muscle-tendon unit due to overstretching, sudden forceful contraction, or eccentric loading during athletic activity or exertion, commonly known as a 'pulled muscle'.
• Stress Fractures (Activity-Related - Conservative Management/Rehab): Localized bone pain that typically worsens with activity and is relieved by rest, often accompanied by tenderness to touch over the affected bone.
• Ligament Sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL, PCL, Ankle Ligaments): Common joint injuries in athletes affecting stability, causing immediate pain, swelling, bruising, and functional loss, often requiring a structured rehabilitation program.

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. Monica can assess your needs.

• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: Utilizing traction techniques to create space within the spine, reduce nerve irritation, improve disc hydration, and alleviate back or neck pain.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Application of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) or Interferential Current (IFC) for managing acute or chronic pain conditions by modulating pain signals or promoting the release of endorphins.
• 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.
• 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 Heat Application: Application of therapeutic heat to prepare tissues for exercise, manual therapy, or stretching, or to manage chronic muscle soreness and joint stiffness.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: LLLT or 'cold laser' therapy to stimulate your body's natural healing processes, provide pain relief, and improve function in conditions like tendinopathies, arthritis, or soft tissue injuries.

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

• Struggling with the frustration of that grinding or crunching feeling in my knee or shoulder? Monica develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving reduced muscle tension and a feeling of greater physical ease. This is key to helping you get back to doing driving for longer periods without neck or back pain with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• When general muscle strains and pulls from overdoing it at the gym or in the garden is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing running their usual 5k route without knee pain, physiotherapy with Monica can help you work towards getting back their independence with daily activities and personal care. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Are you finding that recovering from a painful and limiting work-related injury (WCB/CNESST/WorkSafe claim) stops you from enjoying walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue or breathlessness? Monica 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.
• Monica frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of needing to improve my breathing patterns or lung capacity. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets improved performance in work-related physical demands and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like using garden tools effectively and without pain.

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

Monica practices at the Hospital for Sick Children, located in the Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently situated near the Financial District and is easily accessible via the TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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 Hospital for Sick Children treat?

Physiotherapists at the Hospital for Sick Children treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including but not limited to back pain, neck pain, joint pain, sports injuries, and post-surgical rehabilitation. They also address neurological conditions affecting movement and balance, and may incorporate manual therapy, exercise prescription, and electrotherapy as part of treatment plans. Monica's experience in general physiotherapy further broadens the scope of conditions addressed.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available through specific programs (e.g., post-hospitalization for certain conditions, for children/youth, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams), but eligibility criteria are strict and waitlists may apply. It is strongly recommended to check your private insurance coverage as many plans offer significant benefits for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

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

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a doctor's referral. However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for coverage; therefore, it's essential to check your insurance policy before your appointment.

Does Hospital for Sick Children 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 coverage details, including any annual maximums or deductibles, with your insurance provider.

How can I book an appointment at Hospital for Sick Children?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (416) 813-6755 during our business hours. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time.

Hospital for Sick Children
555 University Ave.
Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8

Phone: (416) 813-6755

Monica H. Czosniak-Stern 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: XXX00

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=f45dbfba-8a02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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