Sharon Leo Pinto – Physiotherapist | North York, ON

Sharon Leo Pinto is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Resident Physiotherapist). Practicing at North York Healthcare Associates in North York, ON, Sharon is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Sharon addresses 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. Sharon serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Sharon Leo Pinto completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (Graduating Class of 2018). With clinical experience, Sharon is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Sharon has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Sharon has a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; and promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the North York community through proactive physiotherapy. Sharon offers consultations in English, Gujarati, Hindi.

Sharon Leo Pinto provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Post Surgical

• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): A tailored physiotherapy program following hip joint replacement to optimize your recovery, manage pain, ensure adherence to any precautions, and facilitate a return to an active lifestyle.
• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Comprehensive shoulder rehabilitation after surgical intervention, following surgeon-specific protocols, to ensure optimal healing, manage pain and swelling, and restore your arm's functional capacity.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A chronic condition causing joint discomfort, stiffness (especially in the morning or after inactivity), and impacting your ability to perform daily activities, walk, or engage in hobbies.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Inflammation (tendinitis) or, more commonly, degeneration (tendinosis/tendinopathy) of tendons, leading to localized pain that typically worsens with activity or loading of the tendon.

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. Sharon can assess your needs.

• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: Utilizing traction techniques to create space within the spine, reduce nerve irritation, improve disc hydration, and alleviate back or neck pain.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): A common physiotherapy treatment for acute injuries, designed to help numb pain, decrease bleeding into the tissues, and minimize secondary hypoxic injury.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Application of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) or Interferential Current (IFC) for managing acute or chronic pain conditions by modulating pain signals or promoting the release of endorphins.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Ultrasound therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, often used to prepare tissues for manual therapy or exercise, or to manage acute and chronic soft tissue injuries.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: A non-invasive light therapy used in physiotherapy to treat various musculoskeletal conditions, promote faster healing, reduce pain, and modulate inflammation without generating heat.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Application of various forms of electrical stimulation, such as Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) for muscle strengthening and re-education, or Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) to assist with movement, as prescribed by your Physiotherapist.

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

• Tired of difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning shirts or writing due to hand pain interfering with getting back to golfing 18 holes without their back acting up? Sharon uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve improved breathing mechanics and capacity through postural correction and regain your freedom of movement.
• Don't let dealing with ongoing pain and stiffness after a car accident, like whiplash dictate what you can and cannot do. Sharon offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at decreased frequency and intensity of headaches related to neck or postural issues, helping you reclaim tackling home renovation and DIY projects with confidence and enjoy a more functional life.
• The path to recovery from that burning pain between my shoulder blades from too much computer work and achieving a better ability to cope with the physical stresses of daily life for playing fetch with their dog in the park for an extended time often starts with expert guidance. Sharon, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• Many individuals seek help from Sharon, their physiotherapist, when trouble performing repetitive tasks at work without pain starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve improved ability to lift and carry objects correctly and safely, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and dexterity with ease.

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

Sharon practices at North York Healthcare Associates, a physiotherapy clinic in the central North York neighborhood of North York. The clinic is conveniently located near nearby parks and community recreation facilities and is accessible via local public transit routes. Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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

In Ontario, you typically do not need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist. This is known as direct access. However, while a referral isn't legally required to book an appointment, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for coverage. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements for physiotherapy coverage.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession dedicated to helping people of all ages improve their movement, function, and overall well-being. A registered Physiotherapist uses evidence-based techniques like targeted exercise, hands-on manual therapy, and personalized education to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of injuries, pain conditions, and physical impairments affecting your muscles, bones, joints, nerves, and even your cardiorespiratory system. It can help you reduce pain, increase mobility and strength, recover from surgery, prevent future injuries, and enhance your quality of life.

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

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services provided in private outpatient clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available through specific programs (e.g., post-hospitalization for certain conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams), but eligibility is restrictive and there might be waitlists. Most Ontarians will need to rely on private insurance or pay out-of-pocket for physiotherapy in private clinics. It's crucial to check your private insurance policy and verify your eligibility for any public coverage directly with OHIP.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

The primary goal of physiotherapy is generally to reduce pain and improve function, not to cause significant or lasting pain. Some assessment techniques or specific treatments (like deep soft tissue work, joint mobilization, or certain exercises) might cause mild, temporary discomfort or soreness, especially if the tissues being treated are sensitive, inflamed, or very stiff. However, your Physiotherapist will always work within your tolerance levels, communicate clearly about what to expect, and encourage open feedback. If you experience notable or unacceptable pain during treatment, please inform your therapist immediately so adjustments can be made to ensure your comfort.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, in almost all cases, you will receive a customized home exercise program. These exercises are carefully chosen by your Physiotherapist to specifically target your issues and help you achieve your functional goals faster and more effectively. Performing them as recommended is very important for your progress and for maintaining the improvements you make during your clinic visits.

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.

North York Healthcare Associates
300-2255 Sheppard Ave E
North York, ON, M2J 4Y1

Phone: (416) 497-7100

Sharon Leo Pinto 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: XXX87

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=2d82dc76-9e26-ef11-840b-000d3a8490b7

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