Shyamala Preethi Dayanand – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Shyamala Preethi Dayanand is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Geriatric Physiotherapy Focus / Seniors' Health). Practicing at Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care in Toronto, ON, Preethi is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Preethi focuses on the unique health needs of older adults, aiming to improve and maintain mobility, strength, balance, manage age-related conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis, reduce fall risk, and enhance overall quality of life and independence. Preethi serves a diverse range of patients.

Shyamala Preethi Dayanand completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University (Graduating Class of 2004). With clinical experience, Shyamala Preethi Dayanand is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Shyamala Preethi Dayanand has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.

Preethi employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Shyamala Preethi Dayanand offers consultations in English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu.

Shyamala Preethi Dayanand 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): 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.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.

Geriatric

• Mobility Issues & Gait Disturbances in Seniors: Addressing specific mobility challenges to enhance safety, reduce fall risk, and improve participation in life activities for older adults.
• Age-Related Deconditioning / Frailty / Sarcopenia Management: Physiotherapy programs designed to address physical decline in older adults, focusing on rebuilding strength (resistance exercise), improving endurance (aerobic exercise), enhancing balance, and maintaining or improving functional independence.

Neurological

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) / Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Rehabilitation: Tailored rehabilitation programs focusing on restoring physical abilities, managing secondary complications, and improving quality of life for individuals post-TBI or ABI.
• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Rehabilitation (Incomplete/Specific Cases): Helping individuals with spinal cord injuries achieve their highest level of physical potential through targeted exercises, functional training, equipment prescription, and compensatory strategies.
• Facial Palsy / Bell's Palsy Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy for weakness or paralysis of facial muscles, often affecting one side of the face (e.g., Bell's Palsy, Ramsay Hunt syndrome, post-surgical facial nerve injury).

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. Preethi can assess your needs.

• Chronic & Persistent Pain Management Programs: Personalized physiotherapy programs designed to reduce the impact of chronic pain on your life, helping you to gradually increase activity levels and re-engage in meaningful activities.
• 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.
• 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.
• Rehabilitation for Age-Related Deconditioning & Loss of Autonomy: Rehabilitation focused on reversing the effects of deconditioning, combating frailty, and restoring autonomy for seniors, enabling them to live more fully.
• Geriatric Physiotherapy & Seniors' Health: Addressing common concerns in seniors such as difficulty walking, fear of falling, joint pain and stiffness, and deconditioning, to improve their overall quality of life and ability to participate in meaningful activities.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): A systematic screening process, such as FMS™ or SFMA™ (if your Physiotherapist is certified), to understand how you move and guide preventative or corrective exercise programs.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Preethi, 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. Preethi frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• The journey to feeling less fatigued during physical activities and throughout the day when faced with persistent recovering my strength and energy after being very sick (like with pneumonia or Long COVID) is made smoother and more effective with Preethi's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like peacefully paddling their kayak or canoe on the lake for hours.
• Patients often come to Preethi feeling defeated by trouble performing repetitive tasks at work without pain. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving improved breathing mechanics and capacity through postural correction and resuming standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Preethi can help you move beyond needing help to get moving again after a long period of illness or inactivity. The focus is on a return to intimacy without the fear of pain or discomfort, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as sitting comfortably through a movie at the cinema or a play.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from experiencing discomfort, back pain, or pelvic girdle pain during or after pregnancy and achieved developing better body awareness and understanding of healthy movement patterns under the skilled care of Preethi. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as managing shopping trips and carrying bags without excessive fatigue or pain with a new lease on life.

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

Preethi'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 Cherry Beach and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Please inquire regarding specific accessibility needs for our clinic. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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 Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care 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. It is strongly advised to check the specific requirements of your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

This is very individual and depends on many factors. After your comprehensive initial assessment, your Physiotherapist will be able to give you a better idea of the anticipated number of sessions and the frequency of visits needed to achieve your specific goals. We believe in open communication and will regularly review your progress with you, adjusting the treatment plan as you improve and as needed.

Does Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

While we do not offer direct billing at this time, we provide detailed official receipts that you can easily submit to your insurer for reimbursement according to your plan. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your first appointment and always confirm your specific coverage details, including any annual maximums, per-visit limits, or deductible requirements, directly with your insurance provider, as plans vary significantly. You are responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.

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

It's not uncommon to experience some temporary soreness or a mild increase in symptoms after certain physiotherapy treatments, especially in the initial stages or if you're starting new exercises. This usually subsides within 24-48 hours. However, if you experience a significant or sharp increase in pain, new or worsening neurological symptoms (like numbness, tingling, or weakness), or if your soreness lasts longer than expected, it's important to contact Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care or your Physiotherapist directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

It's recommended to wear or bring clothing that allows unrestricted movement and provides easy access for your physiotherapist to examine the body part being assessed or treated. For instance, if you have a knee problem, please wear or bring shorts. For shoulder issues, a sleeveless top or a top with loose armholes is often helpful. The goal is to make the assessment and treatment as effective as possible.

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. It is strongly advised to check your private insurance for private clinic coverage.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

While some physiotherapy techniques might feel uncomfortable or cause a temporary increase in soreness (similar to muscle soreness after a new workout), especially when working on stiff joints or tight muscles, it should not be excessively or intolerably painful. Your Physiotherapist will discuss what sensations you might expect with different treatments and will always aim to adjust the intensity and techniques to ensure you are as comfortable as possible while still achieving therapeutic benefits. Constant communication about your comfort level is very important.

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

Phone: (416) 327-8804

Shyamala Preethi Dayanand 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: XXX18

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=30cb1b85-9002-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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