Stephanie Lynne DaSilva – Physiotherapist | Waterloo, ON

Stephanie Lynne DaSilva is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Backworks Physiotherapy in Waterloo, ON, Stephanie DaSilva is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Stephanie DaSilva's focus is addressing a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. This includes everything from acute injuries like sprains and strains, to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. Stephanie DaSilva serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Stephanie Lynne DaSilva completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Western University (Graduating Class of 2008). With extensive clinical experience, Stephanie DaSilva is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Stephanie DaSilva has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Stephanie DaSilva employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Stephanie DaSilva has a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care possible. Stephanie DaSilva utilizes a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Stephanie DaSilva offers consultations in English.

Stephanie Lynne DaSilva provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Back Neck Pain

• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Pain, pins and needles, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg resulting from irritation or compression of a spinal nerve, often managed effectively with physiotherapy techniques like McKenzie method or neural mobilization.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: A common cause of persistent back and neck pain due to the cumulative strain of prolonged sitting, standing, or performing tasks in non-ideal positions.

Post Surgical

• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Helping you manage pain, improve scar mobility, and regain optimal strength and range of motion in a limb following fracture fixation surgery.
• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): A structured physiotherapy plan to help you recover full function, independence, and confidence in your new hip after replacement surgery.
• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): A progressive exercise program, often combined with manual therapy, designed to gradually restore your shoulder's range of motion, strength, and coordination following your operation.
• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): A carefully managed and individualized physiotherapy program to help you regain confidence in your spine, improve functional capacity, and prevent future issues after spinal surgery.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Painful neck conditions that can make head movements difficult, sometimes leading to headaches or radiating pain into the shoulders.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Hip problems that interfere with your mobility, sleep, and daily comfort, which can be effectively managed with physiotherapy interventions.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Aching, sharp pain, a feeling of the knee 'giving way', or difficulty fully bending or straightening your knee.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Discomfort felt around the shoulder blade, at the top of the shoulder, or radiating down the arm, making simple tasks challenging.

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 DaSilva can assess your needs.

• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Using therapeutic cold to manage the initial stages of an injury (e.g., sprains, strains) and control inflammatory responses, helping to limit tissue damage.
• 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.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Using therapeutic ultrasound as an adjunct treatment to help reduce pain, decrease inflammation, break down scar tissue, and accelerate the repair of injured soft tissues.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: A non-invasive electrotherapy modality aimed at reducing pain, muscle guarding, or swelling, and sometimes used for muscle strengthening, as part of your physiotherapy treatment.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Application of various forms of electrical stimulation, such as Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) for muscle strengthening and re-education, or Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) to assist with movement, as prescribed by your Physiotherapist.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: The application of specific wavelengths of light energy (cold laser) by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and accelerate tissue repair and regeneration at a cellular level.

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

• Physiotherapy with Stephanie DaSilva can be a transformative turning point for those affected by feeling 'off-balance' and worried about falling, especially as I get older. The shared goal is achieving improved hand and wrist function for tasks requiring dexterity, paving the way for you to enjoy safely meeting the lifting requirements at their workplace and a more active, vibrant life.
• Patients often come to Stephanie DaSilva feeling defeated by sharp pain shooting down my leg, feeling a lot like sciatica. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving getting back their independence with daily activities and personal care and resuming maintaining an upright posture while working on their computer for hours becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• If dealing with ongoing pain and stiffness after a car accident, like whiplash is preventing you from fully enjoying being able to perform deep cleaning tasks around the house, Stephanie DaSilva offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining moving more freely and with greater agility than they have in years, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• The journey to greater confidence when walking, standing, or navigating challenging environments when faced with persistent an old ankle sprain that never seems to fully heal and still feels weak is made smoother and more effective with Stephanie DaSilva's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like participating in community events and social gatherings more actively.

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

Stephanie DaSilva practices at Backworks Physiotherapy, a reputable physiotherapy clinic in the Waterloo neighborhood of Waterloo. The clinic is conveniently located near Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) and is accessible via Grand River Transit (GRT) (Bus and ION Light Rail). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Definitely. A key aspect of physiotherapy is not just treating current problems but also preventing future ones. A Physiotherapist can assess your movement, identify potential weaknesses or imbalances that could lead to injury, and provide you with a personalized program of exercises and strategies. This proactive approach is beneficial for athletes, individuals with physically demanding jobs, or anyone looking to maintain long-term musculoskeletal health and avoid recurring pain.

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.

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.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of physiotherapy sessions required varies greatly from person to person. It depends on several factors, including the nature and severity of your condition, how long you've had the issue (acute vs. chronic), your individual treatment goals, your body's unique response to therapy, and how consistently you are able to follow your prescribed home exercise program and self-management advice. Your Physiotherapist will discuss a proposed treatment frequency and estimated duration after your initial assessment and will continually re-evaluate your progress with you.

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 through specific programs and in certain 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's essential to 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 OHIP.

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.

Is there parking available at or near Backworks Physiotherapy?

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside our building. Look for the designated patient spots.

Backworks Physiotherapy
2415 University Ave East, Suite 101
Waterloo, ON, N2K 0H5

Phone: (519) 746-8172

Stephanie Lynne DaSilva 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: XXX97

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=62ccc877-8f02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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