Raphael Levi Marinho Da Silva Soares – Physiotherapist | Barrie, ON

Raphael Levi Marinho Da Silva Soares is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation in Barrie, ON, Raphael Soares is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Raphael Soares'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. Raphael Soares serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Raphael Levi Marinho Da Silva Soares completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Universidade Estácio de Sá (Graduating Class of 2004). With extensive clinical experience, Raphael Soares is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Raphael Soares has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

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

Raphael Levi Marinho Da Silva Soares provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Common Musculoskeletal

• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Aching, sharp, or persistent pain located in the lower back, which may sometimes extend into the buttocks or legs, limiting your comfort.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Pain, swelling, clicking, locking, or instability in or around the knee joint from various causes like ligament sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL), meniscal tears (managed conservatively), or patellofemoral (kneecap) pain.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Difficulty with activities like reaching for objects, dressing, personal care, or carrying items due to underlying shoulder issues, which physiotherapy can help diagnose and treat.

Back Neck Pain

• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Discomfort, aching, stiffness, or muscle fatigue in the back or neck arising from sustained or awkward postures during daily activities, prolonged work (e.g., desk work, computer use), or sleep.
• 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).
• 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.
• 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.

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. Raphael Soares can assess your needs.

• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): ESWT for chronic tendinopathies, heel spurs, and other musculoskeletal problems, aiming to break down scar tissue, increase blood flow, and trigger a healing response.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Application of various forms of electrical stimulation, such as Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) for muscle strengthening and re-education, or Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) to assist with movement, as prescribed by your Physiotherapist.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: A specialized physiotherapy treatment that uses a traction table or manual techniques to gently decompress spinal structures, relieve pressure, and promote healing.
• 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.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: The use of moist heat packs, paraffin wax, or other heat sources by your Physiotherapist to relax muscles, increase local blood flow, reduce stiffness, alleviate chronic pain, and improve tissue extensibility.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: A non-invasive physiotherapy modality that uses sound energy to stimulate cellular activity, enhance circulation, and support tissue recovery from injury or inflammation.

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

• Rediscover your ability to simply being able to get through a workday without constant pain interruptions without the constant burden of my child complaining of 'growing pains' that keep them up at night. Raphael Soares focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to being able to climb stairs with ease and confidence once again, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Raphael Soares believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If trouble with a constantly stiff and sore neck, making turning my head a pain is hindering your ability to reaching for items on high shelves or in cupboards without shoulder strain, a personalized plan focusing on a more comfortable and physically manageable pregnancy experience can make all the difference.
• Many find that loss of strength in one of my limbs after an injury significantly impacts their ability to shoveling snow or raking leaves without aggravating their back. Raphael Soares helps patients target enjoying cycling or swimming regularly without pain or limitation with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• With Raphael Soares's help, managing managing stiffness, tremors, and movement challenges with Parkinson's disease to achieve a deeper understanding of their condition and how to manage it proactively for long-term well-being becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like driving for longer periods without neck or back pain.

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

Raphael Soares practices at Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation, located in the Letitia Heights, Sunnidale neighborhood of Barrie. The clinic is conveniently located near the Barrie Community Sports Complex and is accessible via Barrie Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

Is there parking available at or near Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation?

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside our 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. Always check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation 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 sports injuries. We also offer specialized services such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve manual therapy, exercise prescription, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

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.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

In physiotherapy, manual therapy encompasses a range of 'hands-on' interventions. Your Physiotherapist may use these techniques to help reduce your pain, increase joint movement, relax tight muscles, or improve the mobility of your nerves. Common approaches include joint glides, sustained pressures, specific soft tissue massage, and, when indicated, joint manipulations. It's a key part of helping your body move better.

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 our clinic 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 should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

The first physiotherapy session is primarily an in-depth assessment. Expect to spend time talking with your Physiotherapist about your specific issue, its history, and your overall health background. Your therapist will then perform various physical tests to assess your movement, strength, and any areas of concern. The main goal of this first visit is to understand your condition fully so that a tailored and effective treatment plan can be developed collaboratively with you. You might also receive your first set of home exercises or some initial hands-on care to start the healing process.

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.

Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation
480 Huronia Road, Suite 104
Barrie, ON, L4N 6M2

Phone: (705) 734-3340

Raphael Levi Marinho Da Silva Soares 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=6461dd22-9302-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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