Soniya Rahim Virani – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Soniya Rahim Virani is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Geriatric Physiotherapy Focus / Seniors' Health). Practicing at Delmanor Prince Edward Retirement Residence in Toronto, ON, Soniya Virani is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Soniya Virani 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. Soniya Virani serves seniors within the Toronto community.

Soniya Rahim Virani completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Janardan Rai Nagar Rajasthan Vidyapeeth University (Graduating Class of 2006). With clinical experience, Soniya Virani is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Soniya Virani has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.

Soniya Virani promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy; a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Soniya Virani offers consultations in English, Gujarati, Hindi, Hindustani, Panjabi, Punjabi, Urdu.

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

Arthritis

• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Exercises and advice to manage the impact of gout on your joints, improve mobility, and reduce the likelihood of long-term joint damage.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Individualized exercise programs and pain management strategies tailored for psoriatic arthritis to help reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Physiotherapy for ankylosing spondylitis focuses on maintaining spinal mobility and flexibility (especially extension), improving posture, strengthening core and back muscles, managing pain, and providing education on self-management and regular exercise.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Helping you live well with rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory arthropathies through targeted physiotherapy interventions designed to manage symptoms, preserve function, and promote overall well-being.

Vestibular Balance

• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): A chronic functional dizziness disorder characterized by persistent sensations of dizziness, unsteadiness, or non-spinning vertigo (often lasting for 3 months or more), typically exacerbated by upright posture, active or passive motion, or exposure to complex or moving visual environments (e.g., busy supermarkets, scrolling on a screen). Often follows an acute vestibular event, medical illness, or period of psychological distress.
• Vestibular Hypofunction (Unilateral or Bilateral): Reduced function of one (unilateral) or both (bilateral) inner ear balance systems (vestibular organs), leading to persistent dizziness, gaze instability (difficulty keeping vision clear during head movement), imbalance, and sometimes nausea.
• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Comprehensive balance assessment by a Physiotherapist to identify underlying causes of unsteadiness, followed by targeted exercise programs and strategies to help you stay steady on your feet.

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. Soniya Virani can assess your needs.

• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Specific stretches designed by your therapist to target tight muscle groups relevant to your condition, helping to improve your flexibility and reduce your risk of injury.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Targeted exercises focused on strengthening the deep abdominal, back, pelvic floor, and diaphragm muscles to provide better support for your spine, improve posture, enhance balance, and increase movement efficiency.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Comprehensive exercise plans developed by your Physiotherapist to combat deconditioning, enhance overall physical well-being, and promote an active lifestyle.
• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Targeted exercises and strategies designed by your Physiotherapist to improve your stability, coordination, lower limb strength, and body awareness (proprioception), thereby reducing your risk of falls, particularly beneficial for older adults or individuals with balance impairments.
• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Providing physiotherapy assessment, diagnosis, treatment guidance, education, exercise prescription, and self-management strategies remotely via secure video conferencing technology.
• Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio): Bringing expert physiotherapy services to you when clinic visits are challenging, ensuring continuity of care and personalized attention in your familiar surroundings.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Soniya 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 Delmanor Prince Edward Retirement Residence, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Soniya Virani frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• If needing to improve my breathing patterns or lung capacity is preventing you from fully enjoying managing the physical demands of their job without constant pain, Soniya Virani offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining improved coordination for complex movements and fine motor tasks, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• Rediscover your ability to doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain without the constant burden of my infant having a tilted head or a flat spot on their head (torticollis/plagiocephaly). Soniya Virani focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to being able to play actively with their children or grandchildren again, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• The journey to better joint stability during movement and weight-bearing activities when faced with persistent recovering from a painful and limiting work-related injury (WCB/CNESST/WorkSafe claim) is made smoother and more effective with Soniya Virani's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like handling their job that involves frequent standing, walking, or bending.
• Patients struggling with that grinding or crunching feeling in my knee or shoulder can find dedicated and compassionate support from Soniya Virani. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving feeling empowered to take control of their physical health journey, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as carrying a backpack or shoulder bag comfortably.

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

Soniya Virani's practice at Delmanor Prince Edward Retirement Residence is located in the Kingsway, Montgomery's Inn, Old Mill North neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near St. Lawrence Market and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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.

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

It's helpful to bring your health card, any referral letters from other healthcare providers if you were referred, and any reports or images from relevant medical tests (X-rays, MRIs, etc.) related to your condition. If you have private insurance coverage for physiotherapy, please bring your insurance card or policy details for billing purposes. Comfortable attire that allows for easy movement during the assessment is also recommended.

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

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a doctor's referral. This is known as direct access. However, some private insurance plans may require a referral for coverage, so it's essential to check your insurance policy before your appointment.

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

OHIP generally does not cover physiotherapy services in private clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations (e.g., post-hospitalization, for certain populations) but eligibility is strict. Check with OHIP and your private insurance provider to determine coverage.

Delmanor Prince Edward Retirement Residence
4180 Dundas Street West
Toronto, ON, M8X 1X8

Phone: (416) 233-0725

Soniya Rahim 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: XXX64

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=6e17e51c-9302-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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