Rebecca Katherine Shantz – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Rebecca Katherine Shantz is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Women's College Hospital in Toronto, ON, Rebecca Shantz is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Rebecca Shantz's focus is providing comprehensive assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions to help patients of all ages restore function, manage pain, and improve their quality of life. Rebecca Shantz serves a diverse range of patients.

Rebecca Katherine Shantz completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2014). With extensive clinical experience, Rebecca Shantz is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Rebecca Shantz has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Rebecca Shantz's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy. Rebecca Shantz employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Rebecca Shantz has a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Rebecca Shantz offers consultations in English.

Rebecca Katherine Shantz provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Sports Injury

• Stress Fractures (Activity-Related - Conservative Management/Rehab): A bone injury resulting from an imbalance between bone resorption and bone formation due to repetitive mechanical loading, often seen in runners or athletes who rapidly increase their training.
• Ligament Sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL, PCL, Ankle Ligaments): Damage to ligaments that can range from mild (Grade 1 - overstretched) to moderate (Grade 2 - partial tear) to severe (Grade 3 - complete tear), impacting joint integrity and function.

Back Neck Pain

• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Symptoms of nerve compression originating from the spine, such as a 'slipped disc' or 'pinched nerve', causing radiating pain, altered sensation, or muscle weakness in a limb.
• 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.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Pain, weakness, or restricted movement in the shoulder joint, often experienced with overhead activities, lifting, reaching behind your back, or sleeping on the affected side.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Painful neck conditions that can make head movements difficult, sometimes leading to headaches or radiating pain into the shoulders.
• 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).

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. Rebecca Shantz can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: A comforting physiotherapy modality that helps to soothe tight muscles, decrease pain perception, and improve the flexibility of soft tissues.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Using therapeutic ultrasound as an adjunct treatment to help reduce pain, decrease inflammation, break down scar tissue, and accelerate the repair of injured soft tissues.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: The use of specific electrical stimulation devices (IFC or TENS) by your Physiotherapist to provide pain relief, reduce muscle spasm, decrease swelling, or promote muscle activation and re-education.
• 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.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Employing different types of electrotherapy to support your rehabilitation goals, including promoting tissue healing or improving motor control.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Rebecca Shantz, 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 Women's College Hospital, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Rebecca Shantz frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• The journey to the ability to manage symptoms independently if they occasionally recur when faced with persistent an old ankle sprain that never seems to fully heal and still feels weak is made smoother and more effective with Rebecca Shantz's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like playing actively and roughhousing with their young kids or grandkids.
• Many find that that nagging tennis elbow (or golfer's elbow) that flares up with activity significantly impacts their ability to performing self-care tasks like hair washing or reaching their back. Rebecca Shantz helps patients target better joint stability during movement and weight-bearing activities with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Rediscover your ability to participating in water aerobics or other pool-based exercises without the constant burden of pain and difficulty with overhead movements like reaching into a cupboard. Rebecca Shantz focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to improved circulation and tissue healing, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• The path to recovery from recovering from a concussion and dealing with lingering symptoms like dizziness or headaches and achieving restored joint function, leading to smoother and more coordinated movements for getting in and out of the car smoothly and without wincing often starts with expert guidance. Rebecca Shantz, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.

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

Rebecca Shantz practices at Women's College Hospital, situated in the University of Toronto, Harbord neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Trillium Park and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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 plans, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy, delivered by a qualified Physiotherapist, is a science-based profession that focuses on restoring movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness, or disability. It can also help to reduce your risk of future problems. Your physiotherapist will use techniques such as therapeutic exercise, manual therapy (hands-on treatment), education, and advice, empowering you to manage your health independently and achieve your physical goals.

Does Women's College Hospital offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

While we do not offer direct billing at this time, we provide detailed official receipts that you can easily submit to your insurer for reimbursement according to your plan. 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.

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.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiotherapist can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

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.

Women's College Hospital
76 Grenville Street, 4th Floor
Toronto, ON, M5S 1B2

Phone: (416) 323-6400

Rebecca Katherine Shantz 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: XXX85

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=b683d44b-9202-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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