Sandra Welsman – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Sandra Welsman is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at College of Physiotherapists of Ontario in Toronto, ON, Sandra Welsman is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Sandra Welsman addresses 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. Sandra Welsman serves a diverse range of patients, tailoring treatment plans to meet individual needs and goals.

Sandra Welsman completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McGill University (Graduating Class of 1982). With extensive clinical experience, Sandra Welsman is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Sandra Welsman has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Sandra Welsman demonstrates a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Sandra Welsman promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy. Sandra Welsman offers consultations in English, French.

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

Post Surgical

• 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-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Comprehensive shoulder rehabilitation after surgical intervention, following surgeon-specific protocols, to ensure optimal healing, manage pain and swelling, and restore your arm's functional capacity.

Hand Wrist

• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Specialized physiotherapy for conditions affecting the intricate structures of the hand and wrist, such as fractures (e.g., Colles', scaphoid), tendon lacerations or ruptures (e.g., flexor/extensor tendon repairs), ligament sprains/tears (e.g., skier's thumb, TFCC injuries), repetitive strain injuries, or arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis). Includes both conservative management and post-operative rehabilitation.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Addressing the inflammation, pain, and restricted movement associated with stenosing tenosynovitis of the finger or thumb.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Discomfort experienced in the hip region, groin, outer hip, or buttock, potentially stemming from joint inflammation (bursitis), muscle strains, tendinopathy, or conservative management of labral tears.
• 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.

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. Sandra Welsman can assess your needs.

• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Improving the mobility and health of your nervous system to reduce pain, restore sensation, and enhance overall function.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Targeted manual methods performed by your Physiotherapist to release tight or overactive muscles, address fascial restrictions, and alleviate pain arising from soft tissue dysfunction.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Manual treatments specifically designed to improve joint mechanics, alleviate discomfort, reduce stiffness, and enhance your range of motion in the spine or limbs.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Assessing your fundamental movement patterns to identify limitations, asymmetries, and potential risk factors for injury or re-injury.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Education on optimal body mechanics and corrective strategies to improve your posture during daily activities, work, and recreation.

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

• Patients often come to Sandra Welsman feeling defeated by trouble performing repetitive tasks at work without pain. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving getting back their independence with daily activities and personal care and resuming playing in their competitive volleyball league again becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Sandra Welsman can help you move beyond difficulty getting out of a chair or bed due to stiffness or pain. The focus is on successfully integrating safe movement strategies into their daily routines, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as simply being able to get through a workday without constant pain interruptions.
• Rediscover your ability to getting back to their regular, consistent gym workouts without the constant burden of widespread muscle pain and fatigue that my doctor thinks might be fibromyalgia. Sandra Welsman focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to being able to play actively with their children or grandchildren again, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• The journey to enjoying family vacations and outings with more energy and less pain when faced with persistent persistent dizziness that isn't a spinning vertigo but makes me feel unsteady is made smoother and more effective with Sandra Welsman's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like getting back to golfing 18 holes without their back acting up.

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

Sandra Welsman's practice at the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario is located in the Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Cherry Beach and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not be an ordeal of pain. While you might feel some discomfort or a stretching sensation as you work to regain movement or strength, especially in the initial stages of treatment for an acute injury or chronic stiffness, it's rarely 'painful' in a distressing or harmful way. Your Physiotherapist will guide you through each step, modify treatments to suit your comfort and tolerance, and ensure that the overall experience is positive. The ultimate aim is to make you feel better, not worse.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial physiotherapy appointment is a comprehensive assessment. Your Physiotherapist will start by discussing your medical history, the details of your current symptoms or injury, your concerns, and what you hope to achieve with physiotherapy (your functional goals). This is followed by a thorough physical examination, which may include evaluating your range of motion, strength, posture, balance, and specific movement patterns, as well as performing special tests relevant to your condition. Based on these findings, your therapist will provide a clinical impression or diagnosis, discuss a personalized treatment plan with you, and often begin some initial treatment or provide education and a home exercise program to get you started.

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

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a doctor's referral. This is known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements.

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 Ontarians. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations, such as post-hospitalization for certain conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams. Eligibility criteria are strict, and waitlists may exist. It is essential to check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics. You should also verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

Is there parking available at or near College of Physiotherapists of Ontario?

Paid parking is available in the parkade adjacent to our building. Limited free street parking may also be found in the vicinity, but please check local signage for restrictions.

College of Physiotherapists of Ontario
375 University Avenue, Suite 800
Toronto, ON, M5G 2J5

Phone: (416) 591-3828

Sandra Welsman 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: XXX67

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=d76aaca7-8902-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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