Nicole Alyssa Bruni – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Nicole Alyssa Bruni is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy Focus). Practicing at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, ON, Nicole Bruni is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Nicole Bruni focuses on managing acute and chronic conditions affecting the heart and lungs, such as COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis, post-operative cardiac or respiratory recovery, and post-COVID symptoms. Nicole Bruni's approach involves breathing exercises, airway clearance techniques, exercise prescription, and patient education, serving adults within the Toronto community.

Nicole Alyssa Bruni completed their degree in Physiotherapy from the University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2017). With extensive clinical experience, Nicole Bruni is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Nicole Bruni has a particular interest and further training in cardiorespiratory physiotherapy.

Nicole Bruni employs a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Nicole Bruni promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy. Nicole Bruni offers consultations in English.

Nicole Alyssa Bruni provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Cardioresp

• Bronchiectasis Management (Airway Clearance): Managing symptoms and preventing exacerbations in bronchiectasis through specialized respiratory physiotherapy, including individualized airway clearance regimens and exercise advice.
• Post-Pneumonia / Respiratory Infection Recovery: Physiotherapy rehabilitation to help regain lung function, improve breathing efficiency, clear any residual lung secretions (mucus), build up endurance and strength, and manage persistent cough or breathlessness after a significant lung infection like pneumonia or severe bronchitis.

Post Surgical

• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): Physiotherapy rehabilitation after total or partial hip replacement surgery, aimed at restoring mobility, strength, balance, and improving your gait pattern, allowing you to perform daily activities safely and effectively.
• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Comprehensive shoulder rehabilitation after surgical intervention, following surgeon-specific protocols, to ensure optimal healing, manage pain and swelling, and restore your arm's functional capacity.
• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Helping you manage pain, improve scar mobility, and regain optimal strength and range of motion in a limb following fracture fixation surgery.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Persistent tendon pain that can interfere with your sports, work, or daily activities, often requiring specific loading programs and advice from a physiotherapist for effective management.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Commonly known as 'wear-and-tear' arthritis, this condition affects various joints, often worsening with age, overuse, or previous injury, and can significantly impact daily function.

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. Nicole Bruni can assess your needs.

• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Hands-on physiotherapy focused on mobilizing restricted joints and soft tissues to promote healing, restore normal biomechanics, and alleviate pain.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Application of skilled soft tissue techniques to manage pain, stiffness, and improve function in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Progressive resistance training programs designed by your Physiotherapist to improve muscle performance, support joint health, and enhance functional capacity for daily life or sport.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Structured physical activities and exercises aimed at helping you safely regain strength, stamina, and confidence in your body's abilities, tailored to your current level.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Targeted exercises focused on strengthening the deep abdominal, back, pelvic floor, and diaphragm muscles to provide better support for your spine, improve posture, enhance balance, and increase movement efficiency.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Improving the mobility and health of your nervous system to reduce pain, restore sensation, and enhance overall function.

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

• Are you finding that working on getting back to normal after a fracture or other surgery stops you from enjoying getting back to golfing 18 holes without their back acting up? Nicole Bruni is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve sleeping more soundly through the night due to reduced pain and discomfort through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• Nicole Bruni frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of knee pain, especially when going up/down stairs or after a run. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets a greater sense of body confidence and trust in their physical abilities and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like using garden tools effectively and without pain.
• Many find that pain or weakness that's stopping me from enjoying my favorite hobbies significantly impacts their ability to playing in their competitive volleyball league again. Nicole Bruni helps patients target learning specific exercises that provide ongoing relief and maintain their progress with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of loss of strength in one of my limbs after an injury? Nicole Bruni works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of improved joint health and a slowing of degenerative processes through better biomechanics. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as comfortably cooking and meal prepping for their family.

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

Nicole Bruni practices at St. Michael's Hospital, located in the Garden District, Ryerson neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near the Yorkville Shopping District and is easily accessible via the TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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.

How can I book an appointment at St. Michael's Hospital?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (416) 864-5180 during our business hours. Many of our practitioners also offer the convenience of online booking through our website. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, in almost all cases, you will receive a customized home exercise program. These exercises are carefully chosen by your Physiotherapist to specifically target your issues and help you achieve your functional goals faster and more effectively. Performing them as recommended is very important for your progress and for maintaining the improvements you make during your clinic visits.

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 coverage of services at private clinics.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Essentially, physiotherapy helps you get moving and stay moving effectively and comfortably. Whether you're dealing with an acute injury, chronic pain, post-surgical recovery, or a condition affecting your physical abilities, your Physiotherapist will work with you. They'll use their expertise in body mechanics, rehabilitation, and pain management to create a personalized treatment plan involving exercises, hands-on techniques, and practical advice to help you achieve your functional goals and live a more active, fulfilling life.

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. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves skilled, hands-on treatments performed by your Physiotherapist as part of your overall physiotherapy plan. These techniques are designed to assess and treat your joints, muscles, and nerves to decrease pain and improve your mobility and function. Examples include specific joint mobilizations to improve movement, soft tissue release techniques to address muscle tightness or scar tissue, and sometimes manipulations (adjustments) if indicated and appropriate for your condition and your therapist's qualifications.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

This is very individual and depends on many factors. After your comprehensive initial assessment, your Physiotherapist will be able to give you a better idea of the anticipated number of sessions and the frequency of visits needed to achieve your specific goals. We believe in open communication and will regularly review your progress with you, adjusting the treatment plan as you improve and as needed.

St. Michael's Hospital
30 Bond Street
Toronto, ON, M5B 1W8

Phone: (416) 864-5180

Nicole Alyssa Bruni 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: XXX88

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=b98de111-9402-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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