Shakufe Virani – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Shakufe Virani is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care in Toronto, ON, Shakufe Virani is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Shakufe Virani'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. Shakufe Virani serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Shakufe Virani completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McGill University (Graduating Class of 1992). With extensive clinical experience, Shakufe Virani is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Shakufe Virani has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Shakufe Virani demonstrates a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy; and a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Shakufe Virani offers consultations in English, French, Italian, Spanish.

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

Back Neck Pain

• 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.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Often age-related changes leading to pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs with walking (neurogenic claudication in lumbar stenosis) or in the arms/hands (cervical stenosis).
• 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.

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.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Injuries to ankle ligaments, typically from twisting or 'rolling' motions, leading to pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. Can result in recurrent sprains and chronic instability if not properly rehabilitated.
• 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.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Painful neck conditions that can make head movements difficult, sometimes leading to headaches or radiating pain into the shoulders.

Sports Injury

• Stress Fractures (Activity-Related - Conservative Management/Rehab): A bone injury resulting from an imbalance between bone resorption and bone formation due to repetitive mechanical loading, often seen in runners or athletes who rapidly increase their training.
• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): Dull, aching pain in the front of the knee, often related to issues with the alignment and movement of the patella within the femoral groove.

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. Shakufe Virani can assess your needs.

• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): A form of manual therapy that actively involves you in your treatment, utilizing your body's muscular effort to achieve specific therapeutic effects on restricted joints and shortened soft tissues.
• 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): Assessing your fundamental movement patterns to identify limitations, asymmetries, and potential risk factors for injury or re-injury.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Skilled hands-on techniques, including gentle joint mobilizations (smooth, rhythmic movements) and, where appropriate and authorized, joint manipulations (quick, precise thrusts) to restore optimal movement, reduce pain, and improve joint function.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Shakufe Virani, 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 Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Shakufe Virani frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Rediscover your ability to taking group exercise classes at the community center without the constant burden of feeling generally stiff, achy, and less mobile than I used to be. Shakufe Virani focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to a smoother and stronger postpartum recovery, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from hip pain when I walk, climb stairs, or try to sleep on my side and achieved better joint stability during movement and weight-bearing activities under the skilled care of Shakufe Virani. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as challenging myself with indoor or outdoor rock climbing with a new lease on life.
• It's truly rewarding for Shakufe Virani to witness patients conquer difficulty getting out of a chair or bed due to stiffness or pain and experience more comfortable and efficient movement when transitioning between positions (e.g., sit to stand). A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in attending their favorite yoga and pilates classes without limitation again.
• At Shakufe Virani's physiotherapy practice, individuals with wrist pain and tingling, possibly from carpal tunnel syndrome, especially at night are guided towards a better understanding of ergonomics for their work and home environment. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue or breathlessness.

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

Shakufe Virani's practice at Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care is situated in the Newtonbrook, Willowdale neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near MaRS Discovery District and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not be an ordeal of pain. While you might feel some discomfort or a stretching sensation as you work to regain movement or strength, especially in the initial stages of treatment for an acute injury or chronic stiffness, it's rarely 'painful' in a distressing or harmful way. Your Physiotherapist will guide you through each step, modify treatments to suit your comfort and tolerance, and ensure that the overall experience is positive. The ultimate aim is to make you feel better, not worse.

What is Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care'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 or missed appointments without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, a personalized home exercise program is a crucial and integral component of most physiotherapy treatment plans. Your Physiotherapist will prescribe specific exercises tailored to your condition, abilities, and goals. These exercises are designed to complement your in-clinic treatment, help you manage your symptoms effectively between sessions, accelerate your recovery, and empower you with tools for long-term self-management. Your active participation in your home program is key for optimal results.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Your first physiotherapy appointment, which includes a detailed assessment and the development of your initial treatment plan, usually takes about 60 minutes. Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled for 30 to 45 minutes. The exact duration of each session will depend on the nature of your treatment and what your Physiotherapist has planned for that specific visit to best help you progress.

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 may require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

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

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services in private outpatient clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations (e.g., post-hospitalization), but eligibility is strict. Check your private insurance for coverage and verify your eligibility with OHIP.

Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
5700 Yonge Street, 7th Floor
Toronto, ON, M2M 4K5

Phone: (416) 327-8804

Shakufe Virani 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: XXX71

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=04888f0e-8b02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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