Sophie Mendo – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Sophie Mendo is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy Focus). Practicing at Toronto General Hospital in Toronto, ON, Sophie Mendo is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Sophie Mendo's focus is managing acute and chronic conditions affecting the heart and lungs, such as COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis, post-operative cardiac or respiratory recovery, and post-COVID symptoms. This involves breathing exercises, airway clearance, exercise prescription, and education. Sophie Mendo serves adults.

Sophie Mendo completed their degree in Physiotherapy from the University of Ottawa (Graduating Class of 2010). With extensive clinical experience, Sophie Mendo is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Sophie Mendo has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy.

Sophie Mendo's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy. Sophie Mendo empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Sophie Mendo adopts a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Sophie Mendo offers consultations in English, French, and Italian.

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

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.
• 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.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Disorders affecting hand and wrist function, making daily tasks such as gripping objects, typing, writing, or fine motor activities difficult and painful.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Difficulty with activities like reaching for objects, dressing, personal care, or carrying items due to underlying shoulder issues, which physiotherapy can help diagnose and treat.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Common injuries related to physical activity, sports participation, accidental falls, or overuse from daily or work-related tasks.

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. Sophie Mendo can assess your needs.

• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Using controlled isometric and isotonic muscle contractions, as directed by your Physiotherapist, to address joint restrictions and muscle imbalances effectively.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: A variety of hands-on methods such as therapeutic massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and active release style techniques to reduce muscle tension, break down scar tissue, improve circulation, and enhance tissue flexibility.
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs: Improving your breathing efficiency, increasing your exercise tolerance, reducing feelings of breathlessness, and enhancing your overall well-being and ability to perform daily activities when living with a chronic respiratory disease.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Skilled hands-on techniques, including gentle joint mobilizations (smooth, rhythmic movements) and, where appropriate and authorized, joint manipulations (quick, precise thrusts) to restore optimal movement, reduce pain, and improve joint function.
• Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy (e.g., COPD, Asthma, Post-Pneumonia, Post-Cardiac Event Support): Rehabilitation support following cardiac events (e.g., heart attack, bypass surgery - often as part of a cardiac rehab team) or for chronic respiratory conditions like COPD (emphysema, chronic bronchitis), asthma, or bronchiectasis.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Specialized manual techniques aimed at restoring normal movement and function to peripheral nerves that may be compressed, adhered, or under tension.

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

• Sophie Mendo frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of pain or weakness that's stopping me from enjoying my favorite hobbies. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets increased flexibility throughout their body, particularly in their back and major joints and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like participating in light recreational activities like bowling or mini-golf.
• If working on getting back to normal after a fracture or other surgery is preventing you from fully enjoying participating in water aerobics or other pool-based exercises, Sophie Mendo offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining being able to play actively with their children or grandchildren again, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• Don't let trying to get back to my best after a frustrating sports injury dictate what you can and cannot do. Sophie Mendo offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at seeing their child achieve developmental milestones with greater ease (for pediatric physio), helping you reclaim painting or drawing for longer stretches without neck or shoulder ache and enjoy a more functional life.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from feeling unsteady on my feet or experiencing dizziness and balance problems and achieved a significantly reduced risk of falling, enhancing safety and independence under the skilled care of Sophie Mendo. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as swimming laps at the pool for fitness and relaxation with a new lease on life.

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

Sophie Mendo practices at Toronto General Hospital, situated in the Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Old City Hall and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. 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 can typically see a physiotherapist directly without a doctor's referral. This is known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

You can expect your initial physiotherapy visit to be around an hour long. This extended time allows for a comprehensive assessment of your condition and a collaborative discussion about your treatment goals. Subsequent follow-up sessions are generally between 30 and 45 minutes, though this can be adjusted based on your individual requirements. Your Physiotherapist will advise on the appropriate appointment length for your specific care.

What are Toronto General Hospital's operating hours?

Toronto General Hospital is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Some practitioners may offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call the hospital or check their website for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

Is there parking available at or near Toronto General Hospital?

Paid parking is available in the parkade adjacent to Toronto General Hospital. Limited free street parking may also be found in the vicinity, but please check local signage for restrictions and time limits.

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 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 recommended that you check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy refers to specialized hands-on techniques used by a Physiotherapist to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This can include joint mobilization (gentle, rhythmic gliding movements), joint manipulation (skilled, high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts, where appropriate and within the therapist's scope and with your consent), various soft tissue mobilization techniques (like massage, myofascial release, trigger point release), and neural mobilization (gentle techniques to improve nerve movement). The primary goals are to reduce pain, improve range of motion, restore optimal joint mechanics, reduce muscle tension, and enhance tissue repair and function.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiotherapist can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

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.

Toronto General Hospital
200 Elizabeth St.
Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4

Phone: (416) 340-4800

Sophie Mendo 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: XXX81

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=35cc1b85-9002-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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