Selena Elizabeth Santos – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Selena Elizabeth Santos is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Resident Physiotherapist). Practicing at Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, ON, Selena is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Selena's focus is providing comprehensive assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions to help patients of all ages restore function, manage pain, and improve their quality of life. Selena serves infants, children, and adolescents.

Selena Elizabeth Santos completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2024). With clinical experience, Selena Elizabeth Santos is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Selena Elizabeth Santos has a particular interest or further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Selena employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting; a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Selena Elizabeth Santos offers consultations in English.

Selena Elizabeth Santos provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Back Neck Pain

• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Symptoms resulting from a whiplash injury, which can vary in severity (WAD Grades I-III) and duration, requiring a comprehensive physiotherapy approach for recovery.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Sharp, shooting, electric-like, or burning pain that travels along the path of a nerve due to issues with intervertebral discs or other spinal structures.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: A common cause of persistent back and neck pain due to the cumulative strain of prolonged sitting, standing, or performing tasks in non-ideal positions.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Knee problems that limit your ability to stay active, perform daily tasks, or enjoy your hobbies, for which physiotherapy offers effective solutions.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Aching, sharp, or deep pain in the hip that may worsen with activity, specific movements, or even at rest.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Pain, discomfort, or stiffness in the lumbar spine region, whether it's a sudden onset or a long-lasting issue affecting your daily life.

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. Selena can assess your needs.

• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Providing clear guidance on self-care techniques, activity modifications, and beneficial lifestyle adjustments for long-term well-being and injury prevention.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: A progressive program designed to build a strong and stable core, improving your body's foundation for all movements and reducing strain on other structures.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Development of a tailored therapeutic exercise program by your Physiotherapist, focused on your specific rehabilitation needs, strength goals, flexibility improvements, balance, and overall conditioning.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Progressive resistance training programs designed by your Physiotherapist to improve muscle performance, support joint health, and enhance functional capacity for daily life or sport.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A thorough evaluation by your Physiotherapist to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Detailed analysis of your static and dynamic posture, with tailored exercises, stretches, and advice to help you improve alignment and reduce strain on your body.

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

• Physiotherapy with Selena can be a transformative turning point for those affected by needing to improve my breathing patterns or lung capacity. The shared goal is achieving a significant improvement in their overall quality of life and daily well-being, paving the way for you to enjoy running their usual 5k route without knee pain and a more active, vibrant life.
• Tired of widespread muscle pain and fatigue that my doctor thinks might be fibromyalgia interfering with operating machinery or tools safely and efficiently at work? Selena uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve feeling more positive, capable, and optimistic about their physical health and regain your freedom of movement.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Selena's clinic, common concerns like difficulty getting out of a chair or bed due to stiffness or pain are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of a renewed sense of vitality and enthusiasm for daily activities. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like peacefully paddling their kayak or canoe on the lake for hours.
• Selena believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If difficulty moving one side of my body or walking easily after a stroke is hindering your ability to participating in community events and social gatherings more actively, a personalized plan focusing on sleeping more soundly through the night due to reduced pain and discomfort can make all the difference.

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

Selena practices at the Hospital for Sick Children, located in the Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Kensington Market and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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 Hospital for Sick Children'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 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 without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

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.

Does Hospital for Sick Children offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Please contact the clinic directly to confirm their direct billing practices. Bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. You are responsible for any portion not covered by insurance.

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

Many private health insurance plans offer coverage for physiotherapy. Contact your insurer before your appointment to understand your plan's specifics (annual maximum, per-visit limits, co-payments, referral requirements, and direct billing options). If direct billing is available and your plan allows it, the clinic may bill your insurer directly. Otherwise, you will receive a receipt for submission to your insurer.

Is there parking available at or near Hospital for Sick Children?

Please contact the clinic directly to inquire about parking availability and options.

Hospital for Sick Children
555 University Ave.
Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8

Phone: (416) 813-6755

Selena Elizabeth Santos 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: XXX88

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=b328cee3-306a-ef11-a670-002248b11322

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