Sante Rocco D’Alfonso – Physiotherapist | Etobicoke, ON

Sante Rocco D'Alfonso is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at William Osler Health System in Etobicoke, ON, Sante D'Alfonso is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Sante D'Alfonso's focus is assisting individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life after neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Sante D'Alfonso serves adults.

Sante Rocco D'Alfonso completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2008). With extensive clinical experience, Sante D'Alfonso is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Sante D'Alfonso has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Neurological Physiotherapy.

Sante D'Alfonso employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Sante D'Alfonso maintains a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care, and utilizes a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Sante D'Alfonso offers consultations in English.

Sante Rocco D'Alfonso provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: A structured and individualized rehabilitation approach for individuals recovering from a mild traumatic brain injury, guiding a safe and gradual return to school, work, and sport activities.

Vestibular Balance

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Brief, often intense, episodes of dizziness or a spinning sensation (vertigo) triggered by specific changes in head position (e.g., rolling over in bed, looking up, bending down), caused by displaced inner ear crystals (otoconia).
• 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.
• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for inner ear balance problems, involving customized exercises that promote central nervous system compensation and adaptation to the weakened vestibular input.
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): A chronic functional dizziness disorder characterized by persistent sensations of dizziness, unsteadiness, or non-spinning vertigo (often lasting for 3 months or more), typically exacerbated by upright posture, active or passive motion, or exposure to complex or moving visual environments (e.g., busy supermarkets, scrolling on a screen). Often follows an acute vestibular event, medical illness, or period of psychological distress.

Neurological

• Stroke (CVA) Rehabilitation: Comprehensive neurological rehabilitation provided by a Neuro Physiotherapist to help individuals regain independence, maximize their recovery potential, and adapt to any residual impairments following a stroke.
• Parkinson's Disease Management & Movement Therapy: Physiotherapy interventions focusing on large-amplitude movements, rhythmic activities, and strategies to overcome movement difficulties associated with Parkinson's.

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. Sante D'Alfonso can assess your needs.

• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Application of skilled soft tissue techniques to manage pain, stiffness, and improve function in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Gentle, specific movements and mobilizations designed to address nerve-related pain (like sciatica or carpal tunnel symptoms), tingling, numbness, or restrictions by improving the nerve's ability to glide freely and reducing irritation.
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders: Helping you overcome dizziness, vertigo, and unsteadiness with targeted vestibular exercises and strategies, enabling you to return to daily activities with greater stability and comfort.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Using controlled isometric and isotonic muscle contractions, as directed by your Physiotherapist, to address joint restrictions and muscle imbalances effectively.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Skilled hands-on techniques, including gentle joint mobilizations (smooth, rhythmic movements) and, where appropriate and authorized, joint manipulations (quick, precise thrusts) to restore optimal movement, reduce pain, and improve joint function.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Sante D'Alfonso, 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 William Osler Health System, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Sante D'Alfonso frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Don't let feeling generally stiff, achy, and less mobile than I used to be dictate what you can and cannot do. Sante D'Alfonso offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at a more comfortable and physically manageable pregnancy experience, helping you reclaim swimming laps at the pool for fitness and relaxation and enjoy a more functional life.
• Struggling with the frustration of a 'frozen shoulder' feeling, where my shoulder feels completely stuck? Sante D'Alfonso develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving enjoying family vacations and outings with more energy and less pain. This is key to helping you get back to doing challenging myself with indoor or outdoor rock climbing with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from trouble with everyday tasks because of pain or weakness in my hands or grip and achieved much better balance overall, reducing the risk of stumbles or falls under the skilled care of Sante D'Alfonso. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as maintaining an upright posture while working on their computer for hours with a new lease on life.
• Many individuals seek help from Sante D'Alfonso, their physiotherapist, when aches and pains that I'm pretty sure are from my bad posture at my desk starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve being able to travel more comfortably and with less planning around physical limitations, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like being able to kneel or squat down to play with pets or children.

Your personalized physiotherapy plan, developed with Sante D'Alfonso, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.

Sante D'Alfonso practices at William Osler Health System, situated in a physiotherapy clinic in the central Etobicoke neighborhood of Etobicoke. The clinic is conveniently located near nearby parks and community recreation facilities and is accessible via local public transit routes. Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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 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.

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.

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.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Your first appointment (assessment & treatment plan) usually takes about 60 minutes. Follow-up appointments are typically 30 to 45 minutes long. The exact duration depends on your treatment needs.

Does William Osler Health System 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. Bring your insurance card/information and confirm coverage details with your provider. You are responsible for any uncovered portion.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at William Osler Health System treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, back and neck pain, joint problems, sports injuries, and nerve pain. We also have therapists with specialized skills in Neurological Physiotherapy. Treatments often involve manual therapy, nerve gliding techniques, and patient education.

William Osler Health System
101 Humber College Blvd.
Etobicoke, ON, M9V 1R8

Phone: (416) 494-2120

Sante Rocco D'Alfonso 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: XXX83

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=6777828c-8f02-e811-813f-480fcff40721

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