Raisa Kassam – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Raisa Kassam is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Geriatric Physiotherapy Focus / Seniors' Health). Practicing at Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - University Centre in Toronto, ON, Raisa Kassam is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Raisa Kassam focuses on the unique health needs of older adults, aiming to improve and maintain mobility, strength, balance, manage age-related conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis, reduce fall risk, and enhance overall quality of life and independence. Raisa Kassam serves a diverse range of patients.

Raisa Kassam completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2019). With clinical experience, Raisa Kassam is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Raisa Kassam has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.

Raisa Kassam's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy; a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Raisa Kassam offers consultations in English.

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

Geriatric

• Mobility Issues & Gait Disturbances in Seniors: Physiotherapy aimed at improving safe and efficient movement, gait quality (e.g., step length, speed, pattern), balance, and confidence in mobility for seniors. May include assessment and prescription of appropriate mobility aids (e.g., cane, walker).
• Age-Related Deconditioning / Frailty / Sarcopenia Management: Physiotherapy programs designed to address physical decline in older adults, focusing on rebuilding strength (resistance exercise), improving endurance (aerobic exercise), enhancing balance, and maintaining or improving functional independence.

Post Surgical

• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): A structured physiotherapy plan to help you recover full function, independence, and confidence in your new hip after replacement surgery.
• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): Gentle and progressive physiotherapy rehabilitation following spinal surgery (e.g., for disc herniation, spinal stenosis, or spinal fusion), initiated once cleared by your surgeon, to improve mobility, core strength, posture, reduce pain, and safely return to daily activities.
• 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.
• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Guiding your rehabilitation journey after ACL or other ligament surgery, from early post-operative care to advanced sport-specific training and return-to-play testing.

Arthritis

• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Helping you regain mobility, reduce discomfort, and improve function in affected joints after a gout episode, as part of your overall gout management plan.
• 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.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Physiotherapy as an important part of a multidisciplinary team approach to managing rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis), helping to minimize disease impact and maximize quality of life.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A physiotherapy approach to address the unique challenges of AS, aiming to keep you as mobile and active as possible and support your spinal health and overall well-being.

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. Raisa Kassam can assess your needs.

• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Graded exercise programs designed to improve your overall physical fitness, endurance, strength, and functional capacity, especially beneficial after illness, surgery, or periods of prolonged inactivity.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Customized exercise plans designed to help you recover from injury, manage chronic conditions, improve physical performance, and achieve your functional goals safely and effectively.
• 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.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized programs incorporating various stretching techniques (e.g., static, dynamic, PNF) to alleviate stiffness, increase tissue extensibility, and promote better posture.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Developing muscular strength and endurance to aid in injury recovery, support affected joints, improve biomechanics, and enhance athletic performance or demanding physical tasks.
• 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 Raisa Kassam, 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 Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - University Centre, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Raisa Kassam frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Rediscover your ability to being able to perform deep cleaning tasks around the house without the constant burden of general muscle strains and pulls from overdoing it at the gym or in the garden. Raisa Kassam focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to decreased frequency and intensity of headaches related to neck or postural issues, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Raisa Kassam can help you move beyond feeling unsteady on my feet or experiencing dizziness and balance problems. The focus is on the ability to manage symptoms independently if they occasionally recur, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as playing in their competitive volleyball league again.
• Many find that difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning shirts or writing due to hand pain significantly impacts their ability to performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and dexterity with ease. Raisa Kassam helps patients target enhanced ability to participate in social and community events with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• It's truly rewarding for Raisa Kassam to witness patients conquer pain and difficulty with overhead movements like reaching into a cupboard and experience developing better body awareness and understanding of healthy movement patterns. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in keeping up with their team during our weekly soccer match again.

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

Raisa Kassam practices at Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - University Centre, situated in the Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Spadina House (nearby) and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Please inquire regarding specific accessibility needs for our clinic. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

Does Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - University Centre offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - University Centre offers direct billing for most major private insurance companies such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, Blue Cross, etc. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. Always confirm your specific coverage details, including any annual maximums, per-visit limits, or deductible requirements, directly with your insurance provider, as plans vary significantly. You are responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

To make your first appointment as smooth and productive as possible, please consider bringing: your health card, any doctor's referral letter (if applicable), results or reports of any imaging tests (X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs) related to your current condition, a list of any medications you are currently taking, and your extended health benefits information (insurance card/policy number) for direct billing if available at our clinic. Wearing comfortable clothes is also a good idea.

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.

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.

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.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy refers to specialized hands-on techniques used by a Physiotherapist to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This can include joint mobilization (gentle, rhythmic gliding movements), joint manipulation (skilled, high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts, where appropriate and within the therapist's scope and with your consent), various soft tissue mobilization techniques (like massage, myofascial release, trigger point release), and neural mobilization (gentle techniques to improve nerve movement). The primary goals are to reduce pain, improve range of motion, restore optimal joint mechanics, reduce muscle tension, and enhance tissue repair and function.

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

Some temporary post-treatment soreness can be normal, much like after a good workout. However, if your pain significantly worsens, if you develop new concerning symptoms, or if the discomfort doesn't settle down within a day or two, please call us. Your Physiotherapist would want to know so they can offer guidance and make any necessary adjustments to your care plan. Open communication is key to your successful recovery.

Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - University Centre
550 University Ave.
Toronto, ON, M5G 2A2

Phone: (416) 597-3422

Raisa Kassam 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: XXX30

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=df8d3a21-d7d5-e911-a812-000d3af413df

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