Sonia Paula Afonso

Sonia Paula Afonso 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): Persistent tendon pain that can interfere with your sports, work, or daily activities, often requiring specific loading programs and advice from a physiotherapist for effective management.
• 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.

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.
• Muscle Strains (e.g., Hamstring, Calf, Groin, Quadriceps, Rotator Cuff): Common athletic injuries affecting major muscle groups such as the hamstrings, calves, groin (adductors), quadriceps, or rotator cuff muscles of the shoulder.
• IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): Pain, typically sharp or burning, located on the outside (lateral aspect) of the knee, or sometimes the hip. Common in runners, cyclists, and other endurance athletes, caused by irritation or inflammation of the iliotibial (IT) band as it rubs over bony prominences.
• 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. Sonia Afonso can assess your needs.

• Therapeutic Heat Application: Superficial heat application carefully monitored by your therapist to promote relaxation, pain relief, and enhance the effectiveness of other treatments.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: LLLT or 'cold laser' therapy to stimulate your body's natural healing processes, provide pain relief, and improve function in conditions like tendinopathies, arthritis, or soft tissue injuries.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): A non-invasive, evidence-based treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing, reduce pain, and promote tissue regeneration in stubborn soft tissue conditions that haven't responded to other therapies.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Utilizing electrophysical agents as an adjunct to your physiotherapy treatments to aid recovery, improve muscle function, manage pain, or reduce swelling, tailored to your specific condition.
• 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): Cold therapy techniques applied by your therapist to effectively alleviate acute pain, reduce inflammation, and manage muscle soreness or spasm.

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

• Rediscover your ability to participating in community events and social gatherings more actively without the constant burden of trouble performing repetitive tasks at work without pain. Sonia Afonso focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to a significant improvement in their overall quality of life and daily well-being, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Physiotherapy with Sonia Afonso can be a transformative turning point for those affected by awful foot pain first thing in the morning, like I'm walking on glass (plantar fasciitis). The shared goal is achieving successfully avoiding or delaying the need for more invasive treatments or surgery, paving the way for you to enjoy operating machinery or tools safely and efficiently at work and a more active, vibrant life.
• Patients struggling with tendonitis pain flaring up in my shoulder, knee, elbow, or foot can find dedicated and compassionate support from Sonia Afonso. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving noticeable strength gains in their limbs, supporting more demanding tasks, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as keeping up with their team during our weekly soccer match.
• When shoulder pain that makes simple things like lifting my arm or reaching overhead difficult is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue or breathlessness, physiotherapy with Sonia Afonso can help you work towards feeling more stable and confident on their feet, especially on uneven surfaces. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.

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

Sonia Afonso's practice at York Region District School Board is situated in the Aurora Village (Downtown), Aurora Heights, Aurora Highlands, Bayview Northeast, Hills of St. Andrew, and Bayview Southeast neighborhood of Aurora. The clinic is conveniently located near SmartCentres Aurora North and is accessible via York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva. Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at York Region District School Board treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain, joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, and nerve pain. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like general physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve manual therapy, exercise prescription, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

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

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows the Physiotherapist to easily access and assess the area being treated, and permits you to move freely for any exercises or movements. For example, shorts are ideal for knee, hip, or ankle issues, while a tank top or loose t-shirt works well for shoulder, neck, or upper back problems. Athletic wear or gym attire is generally a good choice. You may also be provided with a gown if needed.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

For your first visit, please bring your provincial health card (e.g., Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card, if applicable for any publicly funded programs or simply for identification), any relevant medical information such as a doctor's referral note (if you have one), reports from recent imaging (like X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound scans), and a list of your current medications. Also, if you plan to use private health insurance, bring your insurance card or policy details. Finally, wear or bring comfortable clothing suitable for assessment and movement.

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. However, some private/extended health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

In physiotherapy, manual therapy encompasses a range of 'hands-on' interventions. Your Physiotherapist may use these techniques to help reduce your pain, increase joint movement, relax tight muscles, or improve the mobility of your nerves. Common approaches include joint glides, sustained pressures, specific soft tissue massage, and, when indicated, joint manipulations. It's a key part of helping your body move better.

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. Contact your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand your plan's specifics. 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 direct billing is possible, we can bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance. Bring your insurance card and policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt for your insurer.

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, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams), but eligibility is strict. Check your private insurance for coverage.

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

Some temporary post-treatment soreness is normal. However, if your pain significantly worsens, you develop new symptoms, or discomfort doesn't settle within a day or two, please contact us. Your Physiotherapist will offer guidance and adjust your care plan.

York Region District School Board
60 Wellington St. W., Box 40
Aurora, ON, L4G 3H2

Phone: (905) 727-0022

Sonia Paula Afonso 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: XXX33

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=a9085ec3-8c02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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