Sarah Michelle Perruzza – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Sarah Perruzza is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Davenport Perth Neighbourhood and Community Health Centre in Toronto, ON, Sarah Perruzza is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Sarah Perruzza 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. Sarah Perruzza serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Sarah Perruzza completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 2017). With clinical experience, Sarah Perruzza is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Sarah Perruzza has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Sarah Perruzza maintains a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Sarah Perruzza offers consultations in English.

Sarah Michelle Perruzza provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Addressing the inflammation, pain, and restricted movement associated with stenosing tenosynovitis of the finger or thumb.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Focused physiotherapy care for complex hand and wrist problems, often involving custom splinting or orthosis fabrication, manual therapy (joint and soft tissue mobilization), specific exercises to restore dexterity, strength, and range of motion, scar management, and sensory re-education.

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.
• 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.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Aching, soreness, or sharp pain experienced in the neck, which may include muscle spasms, trigger points, or reduced flexibility.
• 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. Sarah Perruzza 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.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Hands-on physiotherapy focused on mobilizing restricted joints and soft tissues to promote healing, restore normal biomechanics, and alleviate pain.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Graded exercise programs designed to improve your overall physical fitness, endurance, strength, and functional capacity, especially beneficial after illness, surgery, or periods of prolonged inactivity.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Customized strength training to address specific weaknesses identified in your assessment, helping to correct imbalances, improve movement efficiency, and achieve your physical objectives.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: A variety of hands-on methods such as therapeutic massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and active release style techniques to reduce muscle tension, break down scar tissue, improve circulation, and enhance tissue flexibility.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Sarah Perruzza, 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 Davenport Perth Neighbourhood and Community Health Centre, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Sarah Perruzza frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• The journey to greater confidence when walking, standing, or navigating challenging environments when faced with persistent pain and difficulty with overhead movements like reaching into a cupboard is made smoother and more effective with Sarah Perruzza's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like safely meeting the lifting requirements at their workplace.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from recovering from a burn and needing help with scar mobility and movement and achieved improved core stability and control, leading to better posture and reduced strain under the skilled care of Sarah Perruzza. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as playing in their competitive volleyball league again with a new lease on life.
• Many individuals seek help from Sarah Perruzza, their physiotherapist, when dealing with pelvic pain or bladder/bowel control issues (for both men and women) starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve implementing practical strategies to avoid re-injury during work or daily life, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like reading a good book for hours without experiencing neck pain or headaches.
• Many find that recurrent dislocations or a feeling of instability in my shoulder or knee significantly impacts their ability to managing the physical demands of their job without constant pain. Sarah Perruzza helps patients target restoring normal movement patterns essential for everyday tasks with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.

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

Sarah Perruzza practices at Davenport Perth Neighbourhood and Community Health Centre, situated in the Runnymede, The Junction North neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Exhibition Place and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

You can expect your initial physiotherapy visit to be around an hour long. This extended time allows for a comprehensive assessment of your condition and a collaborative discussion about your treatment goals. Subsequent follow-up sessions are generally between 30 and 45 minutes, though this can be adjusted based on your individual requirements. Your Physiotherapist will advise on the appropriate appointment length for your specific care.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, in almost all cases, you will receive a customized home exercise program. These exercises are carefully chosen by your Physiotherapist to specifically target your issues and help you achieve your functional goals faster and more effectively. Performing them as recommended is very important for your progress and for maintaining the improvements you make during your clinic visits.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession dedicated to helping people of all ages improve their movement, function, and overall well-being. A registered Physiotherapist uses evidence-based techniques like targeted exercise, hands-on manual therapy, and personalized education to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of injuries, pain conditions, and physical impairments affecting your muscles, bones, joints, nerves, and even your cardiorespiratory system. It can help you reduce pain, increase mobility and strength, recover from surgery, prevent future injuries, and enhance your quality of life.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

The primary goal of physiotherapy is generally to reduce pain and improve function, not to cause significant or lasting pain. Some assessment techniques or specific treatments (like deep soft tissue work, joint mobilization, or certain exercises) might cause mild, temporary discomfort or soreness, especially if the tissues being treated are sensitive, inflamed, or very stiff. However, your Physiotherapist will always work within your tolerance levels, communicate clearly about what to expect, and encourage open feedback. If you experience notable or unacceptable pain during treatment, please inform your therapist immediately so adjustments can be made to ensure your comfort.

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

In Ontario, you typically do not need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist. This is known as direct access. However, some extended health insurance plans may require a referral for coverage, so it's essential to check with your insurance provider before your first appointment.

Does Davenport Perth Neighbourhood and Community Health Centre offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Please contact Davenport Perth Neighbourhood and Community Health Centre directly to inquire about their direct billing policies with private insurance companies. It is advisable to bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment and confirm your coverage with your insurance provider beforehand.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

Physiotherapy services in private clinics are generally not covered by OHIP. However, publicly funded physiotherapy may be available in specific situations, such as post-hospitalization for certain conditions or through community physiotherapy clinics. It is best to check your private insurance coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics and verify your eligibility for any public coverage directly with OHIP.

Davenport Perth Neighbourhood and Community Health Centre
1900 Davenport Rd.
Toronto, ON, M6N 1B7

Phone: (416) 656-8025

Sarah Michelle Perruzza 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: XXX14

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=6c01f105-9402-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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