Rajesh Mathew – Physiotherapist | Scarborough, ON

Rajesh Mathew is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Carefirst Seniors & Community Services Association in Scarborough, ON, Rajesh Mathew is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Rajesh Mathew'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. Rajesh Mathew serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Rajesh Mathew completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Mangalore University (Graduating Class of 1998). With extensive clinical experience, Rajesh Mathew is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Rajesh Mathew has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Rajesh Mathew empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Rajesh Mathew maintains a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Rajesh Mathew offers consultations in English, Hindi.

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

Common Musculoskeletal

• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Disorders affecting hand and wrist function, making daily tasks such as gripping objects, typing, writing, or fine motor activities difficult and painful.
• 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.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Common shoulder problems such as rotator cuff issues (tendinopathy, small tears), impingement syndrome, or adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) significantly affecting arm function and daily comfort.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Injury to muscle tissue that limits your strength, range of motion, and ability to perform specific movements or activities, requiring careful rehabilitation.

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): Commonly known as 'wear-and-tear' arthritis, this condition affects various joints, often worsening with age, overuse, or previous injury, and can significantly impact daily function.

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. Rajesh Mathew can assess your needs.

• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized programs incorporating various stretching techniques (e.g., static, dynamic, PNF) to alleviate stiffness, increase tissue extensibility, and promote better posture.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: A progressive program designed to build a strong and stable core, improving your body's foundation for all movements and reducing strain on other structures.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Improving the mobility and health of your nervous system to reduce pain, restore sensation, and enhance overall function.
• 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.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Application of skilled soft tissue techniques to manage pain, stiffness, and improve function in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Rajesh Mathew, 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 Carefirst Seniors & Community Services Association, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Rajesh Mathew frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Living with recovering my strength and mobility after a knee or hip replacement surgery doesn't have to be your norm. Rajesh Mathew applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards successfully integrating safe movement strategies into their daily routines, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of participating in water aerobics or other pool-based exercises.
• Rediscover your ability to participating in community events and social gatherings more actively without the constant burden of a noticeable curve in my child's spine or uneven shoulders (scoliosis concerns). Rajesh Mathew focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to a better understanding of ergonomics for their work and home environment, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• With Rajesh Mathew's help, managing numbness, tingling, or weakness in my hands, arms, feet, or legs to achieve getting back to enjoying life's simple pleasures without physical limitations becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like playing a full game of recreational hockey with their friends.
• It's truly rewarding for Rajesh Mathew to witness patients conquer feeling 'off-balance' and worried about falling, especially as I get older and experience a feeling of being 'unstuck' and more supple. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in maintaining their balance and stability while walking on uneven ground or trails again.

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

Rajesh Mathew practices at Carefirst Seniors & Community Services Association, a physiotherapy clinic in the central Scarborough neighborhood of Scarborough, ON. The clinic is conveniently located near nearby parks and community recreation facilities and is accessible via local public transit routes. Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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 Carefirst Seniors & Community Services Association 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.

What is Carefirst Seniors & Community Services Association'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 (or one business day) for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients who may be waiting for care. A fee may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments (no-shows) without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

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.

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 *do* require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

Is there parking available at or near Carefirst Seniors & Community Services Association?

Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby. Please check for signage upon arrival.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

This is very individual and depends on many factors. After your comprehensive initial assessment, your Physiotherapist will be able to give you a better idea of the anticipated number of sessions and the frequency of visits needed to achieve your specific goals. We believe in open communication and will regularly review your progress with you, adjusting the treatment plan as you improve and as needed.

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

Temporary soreness or a mild increase in symptoms after treatment is sometimes normal, especially initially. However, significant or sharp increases in pain, new neurological symptoms (numbness, tingling, weakness), or prolonged soreness require contacting the clinic or your physician immediately for advice or reassessment.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Initial assessments are 45-60 minutes; follow-up sessions are usually 30-45 minutes, but duration varies depending on individual needs and treatment plans.

Carefirst Seniors & Community Services Association
300 Silver Star Blvd.
Scarborough, ON, M1V 0G2

Phone: (416) 502-2323

Rajesh Mathew 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: XXX66

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=473c3b67-9002-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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