Sema Gurbuz – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Sema Gurbuz is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Life Physio & Rehab in Toronto, ON, Sema Gurbuz is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Sema Gurbuz's approach focuses on 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. Sema Gurbuz serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Sema Gurbuz completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Hacettepe University (Graduating Class of 1987). With extensive clinical experience, Sema Gurbuz is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Sema Gurbuz has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Sema Gurbuz's practice philosophy centers on 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. Sema Gurbuz offers consultations in English, Turkish.

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

Hand Wrist

• 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.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): A condition where a finger or thumb gets stuck or 'catches' in a bent position, then may snap straight (like pulling a trigger). Caused by inflammation and narrowing of the tendon sheath around the flexor tendon.

Post Surgical

• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Specialized physiotherapy focused on regaining shoulder movement, strength, stability, and function after various types of shoulder surgeries, such as rotator cuff repair, labral tear repair, shoulder stabilization procedures (e.g., Bankart repair), or shoulder joint replacement (arthroplasty).
• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): A structured physiotherapy plan to help you recover full function, independence, and confidence in your new hip after replacement surgery.

Joint Pain

• 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.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Conditions like 'jumper's knee' (patellar tendinopathy), 'swimmer's shoulder' (rotator cuff tendinopathy), or 'tennis elbow' (lateral epicondylitis) caused by tendon issues that limit your ability to perform specific tasks.

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. Sema Gurbuz can assess your needs.

• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Targeted exercises using resistance (such as bodyweight, resistance bands, free weights, or gym equipment) to build muscle strength, power, and endurance, tailored to your specific rehabilitation needs or performance goals.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Using controlled isometric and isotonic muscle contractions, as directed by your Physiotherapist, to address joint restrictions and muscle imbalances effectively.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: A progressive approach to rebuilding your physical condition, allowing for a safe return to daily activities, work demands, and hobbies you enjoy.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: A carefully selected set of exercises specific to your condition and abilities, aimed at restoring function, reducing pain, improving movement, and preventing future issues.
• 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: Targeted manual methods performed by your Physiotherapist to release tight or overactive muscles, address fascial restrictions, and alleviate pain arising from soft tissue dysfunction.

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

• Patients often come to Sema Gurbuz feeling defeated by one leg feeling shorter than the other, causing hip or back pain. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving experiencing significant pain relief, allowing for a more comfortable daily life and resuming cycling longer distances with their cycling club becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Physiotherapy with Sema Gurbuz can be a transformative turning point for those affected by difficulty getting out of a chair or bed due to stiffness or pain. The shared goal is achieving enjoying family vacations and outings with more energy and less pain, paving the way for you to enjoy easily carrying groceries in from the car in one or two trips and a more active, vibrant life.
• Don't let trouble performing repetitive tasks at work without pain dictate what you can and cannot do. Sema Gurbuz offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at getting back to enjoying life's simple pleasures without physical limitations, helping you reclaim performing self-care tasks like hair washing or reaching their back and enjoy a more functional life.
• Tired of that 'pins and needles' feeling that won't go away interfering with enduring their daily commute, whether driving or on public transit, without stiffness? Sema Gurbuz uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve feeling more like their 'old self' before their injury or condition began and regain your freedom of movement.

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

Sema Gurbuz's practice at Life Physio & Rehab is situated in the Woodbine Heights neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near MaRS Discovery District and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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 Life Physio & Rehab 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.

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.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

It's difficult to say exactly how many sessions you'll need without a thorough assessment, as everyone's situation and recovery path is unique. Some acute conditions might resolve in just a few sessions, while more chronic, complex, or significant issues may require a longer period of care to achieve lasting results. Your Physiotherapist will provide an estimated treatment timeline and plan after your first visit, and this will be revisited as your treatment progresses.

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 coverage of services at private clinics.

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.

Life Physio & Rehab
1948 Danforth Ave.
Toronto, ON, M4C 1J4

Phone: (647) 344-6940

Sema Gurbuz 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: XXX59

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=8ff1e8f0-9002-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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