Racquel Spivak – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Racquel Spivak is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at North York General Hospital in Toronto, ON, racquel spivak is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Racquel spivak's approach 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. Racquel spivak serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Racquel Spivak completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McGill University (Graduating Class of 1993). With extensive clinical experience, racquel spivak is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Racquel spivak has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Racquel spivak's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Racquel spivak offers consultations in English, French, Hebrew, Yiddish.

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

Back Neck Pain

• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Sharp, shooting, electric-like, or burning pain that travels along the path of a nerve due to issues with intervertebral discs or other spinal structures.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Symptoms resulting from a whiplash injury, which can vary in severity (WAD Grades I-III) and duration, requiring a comprehensive physiotherapy approach for recovery.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Muscular pain, trigger points, and tension headaches resulting from habitual poor posture, which can be addressed with postural re-education, exercises, and ergonomic advice.
• 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).

Common Musculoskeletal

• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Aching, sharp pain, a feeling of the knee 'giving way', or difficulty fully bending or straightening your knee.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Lower back issues that restrict your ability to bend, lift, sit for long periods, or enjoy your usual activities without discomfort.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Common injuries related to physical activity, sports participation, accidental falls, or overuse from daily or work-related tasks.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Conditions like 'jumper's knee' (patellar tendinopathy), 'swimmer's shoulder' (rotator cuff tendinopathy), or 'tennis elbow' (lateral epicondylitis) caused by tendon issues that limit your ability to perform specific tasks.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A chronic condition causing joint discomfort, stiffness (especially in the morning or after inactivity), and impacting your ability to perform daily activities, walk, or engage in hobbies.

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. racquel spivak can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): A form of manual therapy that actively involves you in your treatment, utilizing your body's muscular effort to achieve specific therapeutic effects on restricted joints and shortened soft tissues.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Providing clear guidance on self-care techniques, activity modifications, and beneficial lifestyle adjustments for long-term well-being and injury prevention.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Helping you understand how your posture impacts your musculoskeletal health and providing you with tools for lasting postural improvement and pain relief.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Assessing your fundamental movement patterns to identify limitations, asymmetries, and potential risk factors for injury or re-injury.
• 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.

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

• The path to recovery from one leg feeling shorter than the other, causing hip or back pain and achieving waking up feeling more refreshed with considerably less pain and stiffness for reaching for items on high shelves or in cupboards without shoulder strain often starts with expert guidance. racquel spivak, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• Rediscover your ability to safely meeting the lifting requirements at their workplace without the constant burden of recovering from surgery to my hand or wrist. racquel spivak focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to enhanced pelvic floor function and control (for relevant conditions), integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at racquel spivak's clinic, common concerns like dealing with ongoing pain and stiffness after a car accident, like whiplash are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of feeling a substantial improvement in their mobility and range of motion for easier movement. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like travelling more comfortably on planes, trains, or in cars for longer durations.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from facial weakness or drooping on one side (like Bell's Palsy) and achieved enhanced ability to participate in social and community events under the skilled care of racquel spivak. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as attending their favorite yoga and pilates classes without limitation with a new lease on life.

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

Racquel Spivak's practice at North York General Hospital is situated in the Bayview Village neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Sugar Beach and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

It's difficult to say exactly how many sessions you'll need without a thorough assessment, as everyone's situation and recovery path is unique. Some acute conditions might resolve in just a few sessions, while more chronic, complex, or significant issues may require a longer period of care to achieve lasting results. Your Physiotherapist will provide an estimated treatment timeline and plan after your first visit, and this will be revisited as your treatment progresses.

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. Always check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

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.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, a personalized home exercise program is a crucial and integral component of most physiotherapy treatment plans. Your Physiotherapist will prescribe specific exercises tailored to your condition, abilities, and goals. These exercises are designed to complement your in-clinic treatment, help you manage your symptoms effectively between sessions, accelerate your recovery, and empower you with tools for long-term self-management. Your active participation in your home program is key for optimal results.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows the Physiotherapist to easily access and assess the area being treated, and permits you to move freely for any exercises or movements. For example, shorts are ideal for knee, hip, or ankle issues, while a tank top or loose t-shirt works well for shoulder, neck, or upper back problems. Athletic wear or gym attire is generally a good choice. You may also be provided with a gown if needed.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Definitely. A key aspect of physiotherapy is not just treating current problems but also preventing future ones. A Physiotherapist can assess your movement, identify potential weaknesses or imbalances that could lead to injury, and provide you with a personalized program of exercises and strategies. This proactive approach is beneficial for athletes, individuals with physically demanding jobs, or anyone looking to maintain long-term musculoskeletal health and avoid recurring pain.

North York General Hospital
4001 Leslie St.
Toronto, ON, M2K 1E1

Phone: (416) 756-6000

Racquel Spivak 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: XXX81

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=7ece0fc4-8b02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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