Prachi Desai – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Prachi Desai is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Resident Physiotherapist). Practicing at B-stretched Bay Adelaide in Toronto, ON, Prachi Desai is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Prachi Desai's practice 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. Prachi Desai also assists individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life after neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Prachi Desai serves adults.

Prachi Desai completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Uka Tarsadia University (Graduating Class of 2018). With clinical experience, Prachi Desai is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Prachi Desai has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Neurological Physiotherapy.

Prachi Desai employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Prachi Desai empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Prachi Desai promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy. Prachi Desai offers consultations in English, Gujarati, Hindi.

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

Arthritis

• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Supportive physiotherapy care for joint recovery and function after gout flares, focusing on restoring range of motion, reducing inflammation, and providing advice on joint protection and lifestyle factors.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Supportive physiotherapy for individuals with psoriatic arthritis, focusing on managing joint pain and swelling, maintaining range of motion and strength, improving function, and providing advice on activity modification and joint protection.
• 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.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Helping you live well with rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory arthropathies through targeted physiotherapy interventions designed to manage symptoms, preserve function, and promote overall well-being.

Neurological

• Stroke (CVA) Rehabilitation: Comprehensive neurological rehabilitation provided by a Neuro Physiotherapist to help individuals regain independence, maximize their recovery potential, and adapt to any residual impairments following a stroke.
• Functional Neurological Disorders (FND) - Movement Retraining: A movement-based therapy approach, often guided by principles of motor learning and de-emphasis on presumed damage, to help individuals with FND regain voluntary control over their physical symptoms and improve confidence in their movements.

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. Prachi Desai can assess your needs.

• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Skilled hands-on techniques, including gentle joint mobilizations (smooth, rhythmic movements) and, where appropriate and authorized, joint manipulations (quick, precise thrusts) to restore optimal movement, reduce pain, and improve joint function.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Targeted manual methods performed by your Physiotherapist to release tight or overactive muscles, address fascial restrictions, and alleviate pain arising from soft tissue dysfunction.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.
• 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.
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders: Customized exercise-based programs (e.g., gaze stabilization, habituation, balance retraining exercises) prescribed by a trained Vestibular Physiotherapist to reduce vestibular symptoms, improve functional balance, decrease fall risk, and enhance confidence in movement.
• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Targeted exercises and strategies designed by your Physiotherapist to improve your stability, coordination, lower limb strength, and body awareness (proprioception), thereby reducing your risk of falls, particularly beneficial for older adults or individuals with balance impairments.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Prachi Desai, 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 B-stretched Bay Adelaide, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Prachi Desai frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• If my infant having a tilted head or a flat spot on their head (torticollis/plagiocephaly) is preventing you from fully enjoying hitting the slopes for a full day of skiing or snowboarding in winter, Prachi Desai offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining enhanced pelvic floor function and control (for relevant conditions), often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• When recovering from surgery to my hand or wrist is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing giving presentations or speaking publicly with confidence and good posture, physiotherapy with Prachi Desai can help you work towards successfully avoiding or delaying the need for more invasive treatments or surgery. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from recovering from a painful and limiting work-related injury (WCB/CNESST/WorkSafe claim) and achieved noticeable strength gains in their limbs, supporting more demanding tasks under the skilled care of Prachi Desai. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as setting up and taking down equipment for hobbies or sports with a new lease on life.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of needing help to get moving again after a long period of illness or inactivity? Prachi Desai works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of getting their strength back after surgery or a period of inactivity. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as maintaining an upright posture while working on their computer for hours.

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

Prachi Desai's practice is located at B-stretched Bay Adelaide, in the Richmond, Adelaide, King (Entertainment District) neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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.

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. We recommend you contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand the specifics of your plan. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If B-stretched Bay Adelaide offers direct billing and your plan allows it, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance not covered by your plan at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and all necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.

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. We strongly advise checking your private insurance for private clinic coverage.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Absolutely! Home exercises are a vital part of your rehabilitation journey and empower you to take an active role in your recovery process. Your Physiotherapist will carefully select and teach you exercises specific to your needs. These exercises help to reinforce what's done in the clinic, manage your condition effectively, and ensure you continue progressing towards your goals even when you're not in a session.

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 B-stretched Bay Adelaide'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 for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients. A fee may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession dedicated to helping people of all ages improve their movement, function, and overall well-being. A registered Physiotherapist uses evidence-based techniques like targeted exercise, hands-on manual therapy, and personalized education to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of injuries, pain conditions, and physical impairments affecting your muscles, bones, joints, nerves, and even your cardiorespiratory system. It can help you reduce pain, increase mobility and strength, recover from surgery, prevent future injuries, and enhance your quality of life.

B-stretched Bay Adelaide
333 Bay St Concourse level Units 11 & 12
Toronto, ON, M5H 2R2

Phone: (416) 366-2074

Prachi Desai 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: XXX61

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=a0d766ef-1924-ef11-840a-000d3ae9a76d

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