Praful Handa – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Praful Handa is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at LAMP Community Health Centre in Toronto, ON, Praful (Binny) is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Praful (Binny) 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. Praful (Binny) serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Praful Handa completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 2012). With clinical experience, Praful (Binny) is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Praful (Binny) has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Praful (Binny)'s practice philosophy centers on empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results; a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Praful (Binny) offers consultations in English, French, Hindi.

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

Back Neck Pain

• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Pain and muscle tension related to ergonomic factors at work or home, muscle imbalances, and suboptimal body mechanics or movement habits.
• 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: Symptoms like 'neurogenic claudication' – leg pain, cramping, or heaviness with walking or prolonged standing that typically eases with rest or bending forward (flexion).
• 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.

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Addressing the inflammation, pain, and restricted movement associated with stenosing tenosynovitis of the finger or thumb.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Specialized physiotherapy for conditions affecting the intricate structures of the hand and wrist, such as fractures (e.g., Colles', scaphoid), tendon lacerations or ruptures (e.g., flexor/extensor tendon repairs), ligament sprains/tears (e.g., skier's thumb, TFCC injuries), repetitive strain injuries, or arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis). Includes both conservative management and post-operative rehabilitation.

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. Praful (Binny) can assess your needs.

• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: Utilizing therapeutic laser to enhance tissue regeneration, reduce pain signals, and manage inflammation as part of your comprehensive physiotherapy care.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Utilizing electrophysical agents as an adjunct to your physiotherapy treatments to aid recovery, improve muscle function, manage pain, or reduce swelling, tailored to your specific condition.
• 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.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: Superficial heat application carefully monitored by your therapist to promote relaxation, pain relief, and enhance the effectiveness of other treatments.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: A carefully selected set of exercises specific to your condition and abilities, aimed at restoring function, reducing pain, improving movement, and preventing future issues.
• 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.

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

• Through personalized physiotherapy at Praful (Binny)'s clinic, common concerns like numbness, tingling, or weakness in my hands, arms, feet, or legs are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of returning to their workout routine with greater confidence and better performance. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like performing self-care tasks like hair washing or reaching their back.
• At Praful (Binny)'s physiotherapy practice, individuals with that 'arthritic' pain in my hands, hips, or knees are guided towards waking up feeling more refreshed with considerably less pain and stiffness. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as comfortably cooking and meal prepping for their family.
• The journey to a more comfortable and physically manageable pregnancy experience when faced with persistent an awkward gait or limping when I walk is made smoother and more effective with Praful (Binny)'s expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like working at their desk all day without developing back or neck stiffness.
• Tired of feeling unsteady on my feet or experiencing dizziness and balance problems interfering with simply being able to get through a workday without constant pain interruptions? Praful (Binny) uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve improved joint health and a slowing of degenerative processes through better biomechanics and regain your freedom of movement.

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

Praful (Binny) practices at LAMP Community Health Centre, situated in the New Toronto, Mimico South, Humber Bay Shores neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Royal Alexandra Theatre and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Initial assessment appointments are generally longer to allow for a thorough evaluation and discussion, typically lasting between 45 to 60 minutes. Subsequent follow-up treatment sessions are usually shorter, often ranging from 30 to 45 minutes. However, the duration can vary depending on your specific needs, the complexity of your condition, the type of treatment being provided, and the treatment plan designed by your Physiotherapist.

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 LAMP Community Health Centre 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 there parking available at or near LAMP Community Health Centre?

Ample free patient parking is available directly in front of and beside the building. Look for the designated patient spots.

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. Check your private insurance for private clinic coverage.

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 should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

During your first visit, the Physiotherapist will conduct a detailed evaluation to get a full picture of your condition. This usually involves a thorough discussion about your symptoms, how they impact your daily life, any relevant medical history, and your personal goals for therapy. A physical assessment will then be performed to help pinpoint the cause of your problem and assess your physical capabilities. Afterwards, your therapist will explain their findings, collaborate with you to set treatment goals, and outline a proposed plan of care. You'll likely receive some initial advice, exercises, or hands-on treatment to begin your recovery journey.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at LAMP Community Health Centre treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain, joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), and nerve pain. We also have therapists with specialized skills in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve manual therapy, electrotherapy, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

LAMP Community Health Centre
185 Fifth St.
Toronto, ON, M8V 2Z5

Phone: (416) 252-6471

Praful Handa 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: XXX60

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=00d37f56-9102-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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