Rada Sandra Thomas – Physiotherapist | Burlington, ON

Rada Sandra Thomas is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Balance Osteopathic and Rehabilitation in Burlington, ON, Rada Thomas is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Rada Thomas's focus is 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. Rada Thomas serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Rada Sandra Thomas completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2002). With extensive clinical experience, Rada Thomas is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Rada Thomas has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Rada Thomas employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Rada Thomas has a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care possible. Rada Thomas utilizes a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Rada Thomas offers consultations in English.

Rada Sandra Thomas provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Post Surgical

• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: A structured, progressive, and goal-oriented physiotherapy rehabilitation program crucial for restoring knee stability, strength, range of motion, and proprioception (joint position sense) after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or other knee ligament (e.g., PCL, MCL, LCL) reconstructive surgery.
• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Physiotherapy aimed at restoring movement, strength, and function after surgical repair of broken bones (e.g., Open Reduction Internal Fixation - ORIF, intramedullary nailing), once the fracture site is sufficiently healed and cleared for rehabilitation by your surgeon.
• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): Comprehensive post-operative recovery guidance following knee replacement, including exercises, manual therapy, and education to ensure you achieve your best possible function.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Muscle Strains and Tears: Common injuries in active individuals, athletes, or resulting from accidents, leading to localized pain, swelling, bruising, and weakness in the affected muscle (e.g., hamstring, calf, quadriceps, groin, rotator cuff).
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Hip problems that interfere with your mobility, sleep, and daily comfort, which can be effectively managed with physiotherapy interventions.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or stiffness in the wrist, hand, or fingers, often resulting from overuse, repetitive tasks, arthritis, or specific conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or De Quervain's tenosynovitis.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Neck problems that interfere with your sleep quality, ability to work comfortably (especially at a desk), or perform everyday tasks without pain.

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. Rada Thomas can assess your needs.

• 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: Ultrasound therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, often used to prepare tissues for manual therapy or exercise, or to manage acute and chronic soft tissue injuries.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): The application of cold packs, ice massage, or other cold modalities by your Physiotherapist to reduce swelling, inflammation, muscle spasm, and acute pain, particularly after an injury.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Evaluation of your body's basic movements (like squatting, lunging, reaching) to highlight areas for improvement in stability, mobility, and motor control.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: The application of gentle, controlled mechanical or manual force to distract (stretch) spinal segments, aiming to alleviate pressure on intervertebral discs, nerves, and facet joints.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Empowering you with a clear understanding of your condition, its causes, and practical tools for effective self-management and lasting relief.

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

• Many patients have found lasting relief from recovering from a painful and limiting work-related injury (WCB/CNESST/WorkSafe claim) and achieved a more comfortable and physically manageable pregnancy experience under the skilled care of Rada Thomas. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as playing their musical instrument (guitar, piano, violin, etc.) for extended periods with a new lease on life.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Rada Thomas's clinic, common concerns like general muscle strains and pulls from overdoing it at the gym or in the garden are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of enhanced pelvic floor function and control (for relevant conditions). This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like attending and enjoying their children's or grandchildren's sporting events.
• Patients struggling with feeling unsteady on my feet or experiencing dizziness and balance problems can find dedicated and compassionate support from Rada Thomas. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving a reduction in nerve-related symptoms like tingling or numbness, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue or breathlessness.
• Don't let that 'arthritic' pain in my hands, hips, or knees dictate what you can and cannot do. Rada Thomas offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at being able to climb stairs with ease and confidence once again, helping you reclaim attending concerts or theatre shows and sitting comfortably throughout and enjoy a more functional life.

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

Rada Thomas practices at Balance Osteopathic and Rehabilitation, situated in the Tyandaga, Aldershot North neighborhood of Burlington. The clinic is conveniently located near Aldershot GO Station and is accessible via Burlington Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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

In Ontario, you typically do not need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist. This is known as direct access. However, while a referral isn't legally required for your appointment, some private health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider to understand their specific requirements before your first appointment.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer coverage for registered physiotherapy services, but the specifics vary widely. Before your first appointment, contact your insurance provider to clarify your plan's details. Key information to obtain includes your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is needed for reimbursement, and if direct billing is permitted. If Balance Osteopathic and Rehabilitation offers direct billing and your plan allows it, we can bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance. Bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. If direct billing isn't possible, we will provide a receipt for you to 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 clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in certain situations, such as post-hospitalization for specific conditions, or for children, youth, and seniors through specific programs. Eligibility criteria are strict, and waitlists may apply. To determine your eligibility for publicly funded physiotherapy, contact OHIP directly. Most individuals will need to rely on private insurance for coverage of physiotherapy services in private clinics.

Does Balance Osteopathic and Rehabilitation offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, Balance Osteopathic and Rehabilitation offers direct billing for most major private insurance companies. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your first appointment. However, always confirm your coverage details, including annual maximums, per-visit limits, or deductibles, with your insurance provider, as plans vary. You are responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.

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.

Balance Osteopathic and Rehabilitation
1350 Plains Road West
Burlington, ON, L7T 1H6

Phone: (289) 337-8403

Rada Sandra Thomas 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: XXX86

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=316f4d3b-8d02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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