Stephanie G. Dos Santos – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Stephanie G. Dos Santos is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, ON, Stephanie is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Stephanie focuses on providing comprehensive assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions to help patients of all ages restore function, manage pain, and improve their quality of life. Stephanie serves infants, children, and adolescents.

Stephanie G. Dos Santos completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 2009). With extensive clinical experience, Stephanie is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Stephanie has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Stephanie employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Stephanie utilizes a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Stephanie offers consultations in English and Portuguese.

Stephanie G. Dos Santos provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Sports Injury

• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): Pain felt around, under, or behind the kneecap (patella), often described as a dull ache that is aggravated by activities like running, jumping, squatting, using stairs (especially going down), or prolonged sitting with the knee bent.
• Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): Dull or aching pain in the front or inner part of the shin that can become sharp with activity, often felt during or after exercise.
• Ligament Sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL, PCL, Ankle Ligaments): Damage to ligaments that can range from mild (Grade 1 - overstretched) to moderate (Grade 2 - partial tear) to severe (Grade 3 - complete tear), impacting joint integrity and function.

Back Neck Pain

• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Pain and muscle tension related to ergonomic factors at work or home, muscle imbalances, and suboptimal body mechanics or movement habits.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Back or neck pain that often radiates into an arm or leg, potentially with numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning sensations, due to a spinal disc problem (herniation, protrusion, or bulge) compressing or irritating a nearby nerve root (radiculopathy). Sciatica specifically refers to radicular pain down the leg.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Often age-related changes leading to pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs with walking (neurogenic claudication in lumbar stenosis) or in the arms/hands (cervical stenosis).

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. Stephanie can assess your needs.

• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Customized strength training to address specific weaknesses identified in your assessment, helping to correct imbalances, improve movement efficiency, and achieve your physical objectives.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Targeted manual methods performed by your Physiotherapist to release tight or overactive muscles, address fascial restrictions, and alleviate pain arising from soft tissue dysfunction.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: A progressive approach to rebuilding your physical condition, allowing for a safe return to daily activities, work demands, and hobbies you enjoy.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: A carefully selected set of exercises specific to your condition and abilities, aimed at restoring function, reducing pain, improving movement, and preventing future issues.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Gentle, active manual therapy techniques where you use your own specific muscle contractions against your therapist's controlled resistance to improve joint mobility, lengthen tight tissues, and reduce pain.

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

• Patients struggling with dealing with ongoing pain and stiffness after a car accident, like whiplash can find dedicated and compassionate support from Stephanie. 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 participating fully in their martial arts practice, including sparring.
• Stephanie frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of breathing difficulties and shortness of breath with COPD or asthma, especially during activity. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets improved circulation and tissue healing and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like attending their favorite yoga and pilates classes without limitation.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Stephanie can help you move beyond difficulty coordinating my movements, feeling clumsy. The focus is on regaining full function in an injured area, enabling a return to cherished activities, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as being able to perform deep cleaning tasks around the house.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of a noticeable curve in my child's spine or uneven shoulders (scoliosis concerns)? Stephanie works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of a safe and confident return to their favorite sport or recreational activity. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as managing the physical demands of their job without constant pain.

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

Stephanie practices at the Hospital for Sick Children, located in the Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Bay Adelaide Centre and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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.

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, even though a referral isn't legally required to see a Physiotherapist, 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.

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 Ontarians. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations, such as post-hospitalization for certain conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams. However, eligibility criteria are strict and there may be waitlists. It is strongly recommended that you check your private insurance coverage as many plans offer significant coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics. You should also verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Your first physiotherapy appointment, which includes a detailed assessment and the development of your initial treatment plan, usually takes about 60 minutes. Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled for 30 to 45 minutes. The exact duration of each session will depend on the nature of your treatment and what your Physiotherapist has planned for that specific visit to best help you progress.

Is there parking available at or near Hospital for Sick Children?

Paid parking is available in the parkade adjacent to the Hospital for Sick Children. Limited free street parking may also be found in the vicinity, but please check local signage for restrictions.

Hospital for Sick Children
555 University Ave.
Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8

Phone: (416) 813-6755

Stephanie G. Dos Santos 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: XXX65

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=cbe8d1e3-8f02-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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