Sebastian H. Asselbergs – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Sebastian H. Asselbergs is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at WSIB Ontario in Toronto, ON, Sebastian Asselbergs is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Sebastian Asselbergs'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. Sebastian Asselbergs serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Sebastian H. Asselbergs completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Academie voor Fysiotherapie Breda (Graduating Class of 1983). With extensive clinical experience, Sebastian Asselbergs is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Sebastian Asselbergs has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Sebastian Asselbergs's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy. Sebastian Asselbergs employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Sebastian Asselbergs offers consultations in Dutch, English, French, German.

Sebastian H. Asselbergs 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): Pain, tenderness, swelling, and dysfunction in a tendon (the strong cords that attach muscles to bones) due to overuse, repetitive strain, injury, or degeneration. Common sites include the Achilles, patellar tendon (knee), rotator cuff (shoulder), or elbow (tennis/golfer's elbow).
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.

Back Neck Pain

• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Post-traumatic neck pain, restricted movement, and associated issues common after car accidents, which benefit from early and appropriate physiotherapy intervention.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Nerve compression symptoms due to a narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal or the small openings where nerves exit the spine (foramina), most commonly in the lumbar (lower back) or cervical (neck) regions.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Pain and muscle tension related to ergonomic factors at work or home, muscle imbalances, and suboptimal body mechanics or movement habits.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Symptoms of nerve compression originating from the spine, such as a 'slipped disc' or 'pinched nerve', causing radiating pain, altered sensation, or muscle weakness in a limb.

Arthritis

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Tailored exercise programs (including range of motion, strengthening, and low-impact aerobic exercises), pain relief modalities, and education on joint protection techniques and energy conservation for individuals with RA or similar conditions.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A type of chronic inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spine (especially the sacroiliac joints and vertebrae), leading to pain, stiffness, and potential fusion of vertebrae, which can result in a stooped posture if not managed.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Individualized exercise programs and pain management strategies tailored for psoriatic arthritis to help reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Physiotherapy to address residual joint stiffness, pain, swelling, and functional loss after an acute gout attack has subsided, or to help manage musculoskeletal impairments and tophi-related issues associated with chronic gout, always in conjunction with appropriate medical management for urate control.

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. Sebastian Asselbergs can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Identifying inefficient or compensatory movement patterns that could be contributing to your pain or hindering your physical performance.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Specialized manual techniques aimed at restoring normal movement and function to peripheral nerves that may be compressed, adhered, or under tension.

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

• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of that nagging tennis elbow (or golfer's elbow) that flares up with activity? Sebastian Asselbergs works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of improved breathing mechanics and capacity through postural correction. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event.
• The journey to feeling empowered to take control of their physical health journey when faced with persistent hip pain when I walk, climb stairs, or try to sleep on my side is made smoother and more effective with Sebastian Asselbergs's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like joining in on pickup basketball games at the local court.
• Patients often come to Sebastian Asselbergs feeling defeated by wrist pain and tingling, possibly from carpal tunnel syndrome, especially at night. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving greater ease with dressing, bathing, and other self-care activities and resuming playing a full game of recreational hockey with their friends becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Rediscover your ability to returning to a specific physical hobby they had to give up due to pain without the constant burden of my child complaining of 'growing pains' that keep them up at night. Sebastian Asselbergs focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to reduced muscle tension and a feeling of greater physical ease, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.

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

Sebastian Asselbergs's practice at WSIB Ontario is situated in the CN Tower, King and Spadina, Railway Lands, Harbourfront West neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Chinatown Centre and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

Some temporary post-treatment soreness can be normal, much like after a good workout. However, if your pain significantly worsens, if you develop new concerning symptoms, or if the discomfort doesn't settle down within a day or two, please call us. Your Physiotherapist would want to know so they can offer guidance and make any necessary adjustments to your care plan. Open communication is key to your successful recovery.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. We recommend you contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand the specifics of your plan. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If WSIB Ontario offers direct billing and your plan allows it, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance not covered by your plan at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and all necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.

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

Patients in Ontario can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (this is known as direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans *do* require a doctor's referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. We strongly advise you to check the specific requirements of your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves skilled, hands-on treatments performed by your Physiotherapist as part of your overall physiotherapy plan. These techniques are designed to assess and treat your joints, muscles, and nerves to decrease pain and improve your mobility and function. Examples include specific joint mobilizations to improve movement, soft tissue release techniques to address muscle tightness or scar tissue, and sometimes manipulations (adjustments) if indicated and appropriate for your condition and your therapist's qualifications.

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. We strongly advise checking your private insurance for private clinic coverage.

WSIB Ontario
200 Front St. West
Toronto, ON, M5V 3J1

Phone: (416) 344-1000

Sebastian H. Asselbergs 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: XXX11

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=b82e73c9-8902-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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