Saravanan Sakthivel – Physiotherapist | Burlington, ON

Saravanan Sakthivel is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Lifemark Seniors Wellness in Burlington, ON, Saran is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Saran's focus is addressing 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. Saran 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.

Saravanan Sakthivel completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University (Graduating Class of 1998). With extensive clinical experience, Saravanan Sakthivel is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Saravanan Sakthivel has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.

Saran's practice philosophy centers on a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Saravanan Sakthivel offers consultations in English, Tamil.

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

Neurological

• Parkinson's Disease Management & Movement Therapy: Specialized physiotherapy exercises and movement strategies (e.g., LSVT BIG® principles, amplitude-based training, cueing techniques) to improve balance, gait (walking), posture, flexibility, coordination, and overall motor function in individuals with Parkinson's Disease.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) / Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Rehabilitation: Focusing on restoring movement, balance, and independence after a traumatic or acquired brain injury through evidence-based physiotherapy approaches.

Vestibular Balance

• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Individualized exercise programs including gaze stabilization exercises (e.g., VORx1, VORx2), habituation exercises (for motion sensitivity), and balance retraining to improve function when the vestibular system is impaired.
• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Comprehensive balance assessment by a Physiotherapist to identify underlying causes of unsteadiness, followed by targeted exercise programs and strategies to help you stay steady on your feet.
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): A common cause of chronic dizziness that can be helped with specific physiotherapy strategies aimed at desensitizing the brain to provocative stimuli and normalizing reliance on sensory inputs.
• 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.

Arthritis

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Physiotherapy as an important part of a multidisciplinary team approach to managing rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis), helping to minimize disease impact and maximize quality of life.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Specific exercises (e.g., McKenzie exercises, stretching, postural exercises) and strategies to help individuals with ankylosing spondylitis maintain function, reduce stiffness, and prevent long-term spinal changes.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Supportive physiotherapy for individuals with psoriatic arthritis, focusing on managing joint pain and swelling, maintaining range of motion and strength, improving function, and providing advice on activity modification and joint protection.

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. Saran can assess your needs.

• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Teaching you essential strategies and exercises to manage your symptoms independently, accelerate recovery, and prevent future problems.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Helping you understand how your posture impacts your musculoskeletal health and providing you with tools for lasting postural improvement and pain relief.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): A systematic screening process, such as FMS™ or SFMA™ (if your Physiotherapist is certified), to understand how you move and guide preventative or corrective exercise programs.
• Chronic & Persistent Pain Management Programs: A holistic and active approach to managing long-standing pain, empowering you with tools and knowledge for better daily living, increased activity tolerance, and improved mood.
• Fibromyalgia & Widespread Pain Management: Improving daily function, energy levels, and reducing pain sensitivity for individuals with fibromyalgia through a carefully progressed and individualized physiotherapy plan.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: Detailed physical assessment of your joints, muscles, nerves, and movement patterns to identify the root cause of your symptoms and guide your treatment.

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

• The path to recovery from post-operative stiffness and weakness that's slowing down my recovery and achieving enhanced pelvic floor function and control (for relevant conditions) for sitting comfortably through a movie at the cinema or a play often starts with expert guidance. Saran, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• Are you finding that breathing difficulties and shortness of breath with COPD or asthma, especially during activity stops you from enjoying attending and enjoying their children's or grandchildren's sporting events? Saran is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve improved overall mobility, making it easier to navigate their home and community through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• For those whose recovering from a painful and limiting work-related injury (WCB/CNESST/WorkSafe claim) has made being able to kneel or squat down to play with pets or children seem like a distant memory, Saran's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward a more comfortable and physically manageable pregnancy experience. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to being able to kneel or squat down to play with pets or children with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Tired of feeling generally stiff, achy, and less mobile than I used to be interfering with being able to perform deep cleaning tasks around the house? Saran uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve getting back their independence with daily activities and personal care and regain your freedom of movement.

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

Saran practices at Lifemark Seniors Wellness, situated in the Headon Forest, Palmer neighborhood of Burlington. The clinic is conveniently located near Burlington Mall and is accessible via Burlington Transit. 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. It is strongly recommended to check your private insurance for coverage as many plans offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Lifemark Seniors Wellness treat?

Physiotherapists at Lifemark Seniors Wellness treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain, joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, and nerve pain. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health. Our treatments often involve manual therapy, exercise prescription, patient education, and other strategies to help you achieve your functional goals.

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

In Ontario, you 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 of physiotherapy services. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

What are Lifemark Seniors Wellness's operating hours?

Lifemark Seniors Wellness is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and some practitioners offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call the clinic or check their website for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

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.

Lifemark Seniors Wellness
3215 North Service Road
Burlington, ON, L7N 3G2

Phone: (905) 523-5777

Saravanan Sakthivel 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: XXX41

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=e1cc4686-9102-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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