Sangeetha Gnanajothi – Physiotherapist | Scarborough, ON

Sangeetha Gnanajothi is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Geriatric Physiotherapy Focus / Seniors' Health). Practicing at Shepherd Lodge Long Term Care Home in Scarborough, ON, Sangeetha Gnanajothi is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Sangeetha Gnanajothi 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. Sangeetha Gnanajothi serves seniors within the Scarborough community.

Sangeetha Gnanajothi completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University (Graduating Class of 2004). With clinical experience, Sangeetha Gnanajothi is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Sangeetha Gnanajothi has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.

Sangeetha Gnanajothi embraces a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting; promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Scarborough community through proactive physiotherapy. Sangeetha Gnanajothi offers consultations in English, Tamil.

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

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Inflammation (tendinitis) or, more commonly, degeneration (tendinosis/tendinopathy) of tendons, leading to localized pain that typically worsens with activity or loading of the tendon.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A chronic condition causing joint discomfort, stiffness (especially in the morning or after inactivity), and impacting your ability to perform daily activities, walk, or engage in hobbies.

Geriatric

• Age-Related Deconditioning / Frailty / Sarcopenia Management: A decline in physical function, muscle mass and strength (sarcopenia), and endurance commonly associated with aging or inactivity, sometimes leading to frailty, increased fall risk, and reduced ability to perform daily tasks independently.
• Mobility Issues & Gait Disturbances in Seniors: Addressing specific mobility challenges to enhance safety, reduce fall risk, and improve participation in life activities for older adults.

Vestibular Balance

• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Physiotherapy aimed at improving your balance, coordination, lower limb strength, reaction time, and confidence to reduce your risk of falling and enhance safe mobility in your home and community.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Effective, non-invasive treatment for positional dizziness and vertigo using specific head and body movements performed by a trained Vestibular Physiotherapist.

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. Sangeetha Gnanajothi can assess your needs.

• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A thorough evaluation by your Physiotherapist to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.
• Chronic & Persistent Pain Management Programs: Comprehensive strategies developed with your Physiotherapist to help you understand and live better with chronic pain, focusing on improving function, reducing pain's impact, and enhancing self-efficacy rather than solely on pain elimination.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Education on optimal body mechanics and corrective strategies to improve your posture during daily activities, work, and recreation.
• 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.
• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Helping you stay steady on your feet and maintain your independence through targeted balance and coordination exercises, and practical fall prevention education.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Educating you about your diagnosis, expected recovery timeline (prognosis), and the reasons behind your treatment plan to encourage active participation in your healing.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Sangeetha Gnanajothi, 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 Shepherd Lodge Long Term Care Home, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Sangeetha Gnanajothi frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Physiotherapy with Sangeetha Gnanajothi can be a transformative turning point for those affected by recovering from a concussion and dealing with lingering symptoms like dizziness or headaches. The shared goal is achieving feeling equipped with effective self-management strategies and exercises, paving the way for you to enjoy walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue or breathlessness and a more active, vibrant life.
• Sangeetha Gnanajothi believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If that 'arthritic' pain in my hands, hips, or knees is hindering your ability to dressing myself independently and without difficulty, including shoes and socks, a personalized plan focusing on a greater sense of body confidence and trust in their physical abilities can make all the difference.
• Sangeetha Gnanajothi frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of trying to get back to my best after a frustrating sports injury. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets developing better body awareness and understanding of healthy movement patterns and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like using garden tools effectively and without pain.
• Patients often come to Sangeetha Gnanajothi feeling defeated by one leg feeling shorter than the other, causing hip or back pain. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving enjoying family vacations and outings with more energy and less pain and resuming actively participating in family outings and vacations without holding others back becomes a realistic and attainable goal.

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

Sangeetha Gnanajothi's practice is located at Shepherd Lodge Long Term Care Home, situated in the central Scarborough neighborhood of Scarborough. 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.

What is Shepherd Lodge Long Term Care Home'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 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. Always check your private/extended health insurance plans, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in 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 *do* require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement is best for your physiotherapy appointment – think about what you might wear to a gym or for light exercise. If you're being treated for a lower-body issue (like hip or knee pain), shorts are very helpful. For upper-body issues (like shoulder or neck pain), a tank top or loose t-shirt is suitable so the Physiotherapist can properly examine and treat the area.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, a personalized home exercise program is a crucial and integral component of most physiotherapy treatment plans. Your Physiotherapist will prescribe specific exercises tailored to your condition, abilities, and goals. These exercises are designed to complement your in-clinic treatment, help you manage your symptoms effectively between sessions, accelerate your recovery, and empower you with tools for long-term self-management. Your active participation in your home program is key for optimal results.

Shepherd Lodge Long Term Care Home
3760 Sheppard Ave. East
Scarborough, ON, M1T 3K9

Phone: (416) 609-5700

Sangeetha Gnanajothi 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: XXX52

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=308378d1-8f02-e811-813f-480fcff40721

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