Simona DeMarchi – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Simona DeMarchi is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at Simona DeMarchi Paediatric Therapy in Toronto, ON, Simona is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Simona's focus is assisting individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life after neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Simona serves infants, children, and adolescents within the Toronto community.

Simona DeMarchi completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 1997). With extensive clinical experience, Simona is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Simona has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Neurological Physiotherapy.

Simona's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy. Simona employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Simona offers consultations in English.

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

Neurological

• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Rehabilitation (Incomplete/Specific Cases): Comprehensive physiotherapy focusing on improving strength in available muscles, enhancing functional mobility, and promoting health and wellness after a spinal cord injury.
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Symptom Management & Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy strategies to help manage common MS symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, spasticity, balance problems, walking difficulties, pain, and bladder dysfunction, aiming to maintain function, improve quality of life, and promote self-management.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) / Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Rehabilitation: Comprehensive neurorehabilitation provided by a Physiotherapist to support functional recovery, improve independence in daily activities, and facilitate community reintegration after a head injury.
• Functional Neurological Disorders (FND) - Movement Retraining: Rehabilitation strategies tailored to the unique and often variable presentation of FND, working collaboratively with the patient to achieve their functional goals.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Neck problems that interfere with your sleep quality, ability to work comfortably (especially at a desk), or perform everyday tasks without pain.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): A broad term for common injuries affecting muscles, tendons (tendinitis/tendinopathy), ligaments (sprains), joint capsules (capsulitis), and bursae (bursitis), leading to pain, inflammation, and functional limitations.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Injury to muscle tissue that limits your strength, range of motion, and ability to perform specific movements or activities, requiring careful rehabilitation.
• 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.

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: A structured and individualized rehabilitation approach for individuals recovering from a mild traumatic brain injury, guiding a safe and gradual return to school, work, and sport activities.

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. Simona can assess your needs.

• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Empowering you with a clear understanding of your condition, its causes, and practical tools for effective self-management and lasting relief.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A thorough evaluation by your Physiotherapist to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.
• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: Comprehensive care for concussion recovery, including initial assessment of symptoms (headache, dizziness, etc.), management of associated neck pain or dysfunction, vestibular and oculomotor (eye movement) rehabilitation, and guided, gradual return-to-learn, work, and sport protocols.
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders: Specialized assessment and treatment techniques, such as canalith repositioning maneuvers (e.g., Epley maneuver for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo - BPPV), to address symptoms of dizziness, vertigo (spinning sensations), and imbalance caused by inner ear or central vestibular system dysfunction.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Education on optimal body mechanics and corrective strategies to improve your posture during daily activities, work, and recreation.
• 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 Simona, 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 Simona DeMarchi Paediatric Therapy, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Simona frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Tired of needing help to get moving again after a long period of illness or inactivity interfering with being able to carry their baby or toddler without straining their back or arms? Simona uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve better managing flare-ups with personalized strategies and feeling more in control of their symptoms and regain your freedom of movement.
• Rediscover your ability to taking long photography walks to capture nature or cityscapes without the constant burden of feeling generally stiff, achy, and less mobile than I used to be. Simona focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to improved breathing mechanics and capacity through postural correction, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Struggling with the frustration of feeling 'off-balance' and worried about falling, especially as I get older? Simona develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving feeling empowered to take control of their physical health journey. This is key to helping you get back to doing participating in water aerobics or other pool-based exercises with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• Many individuals seek help from Simona, their physiotherapist, when feeling like my joints are just 'wearing out' and getting harder to move starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve moving more freely and with greater agility than they have in years, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like joining in on pickup basketball games at the local court.

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

Simona DeMarchi Paediatric Therapy is conveniently located in the Don Mills North neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is easily accessible near Toronto City Hall and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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 for an appointment, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider to understand their specific requirements before your first appointment.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

During your first visit, the Physiotherapist will conduct a detailed evaluation to get a full picture of your condition. This usually involves a thorough discussion about your symptoms, how they impact your daily life, any relevant medical history, and your personal goals for therapy. A physical assessment will then be performed to help pinpoint the cause of your problem and assess your physical capabilities. Afterwards, your therapist will explain their findings, collaborate with you to set treatment goals, and outline a proposed plan of care. You'll likely receive some initial advice, exercises, or hands-on treatment to begin your recovery journey.

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

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services provided in private outpatient clinics for most Ontarians. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in certain situations, such as post-hospitalization for specific conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams. However, eligibility criteria are strict, and waitlists may apply. It's essential to verify your eligibility directly with OHIP and always check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many provide significant coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

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.

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

Comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement is best for your physiotherapy appointment – think about what you might wear to a gym or for light exercise. If you're being treated for a lower-body issue (like hip or knee pain), shorts are very helpful. For upper-body issues (like shoulder or neck pain), a tank top or loose t-shirt is suitable so the Physiotherapist can properly examine and treat the area.

Simona DeMarchi Paediatric Therapy
608-220 Duncan Mill Rd.
Toronto, ON, M3B 3J5

Phone: (647) 521-5369

Simona DeMarchi 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: XXX28

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=d4f4bdf4-8b02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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