Stephanie Marie Saunders – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Stephanie Marie Saunders is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Resident Physiotherapist) (Sports Physiotherapy Focus). Practicing at The Runner's Academy in Toronto, ON, Stephanie is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Stephanie specializes in the assessment, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. Care is tailored to help athletes of all levels, from recreational to elite, return to their sport safely, optimize performance, and prevent future injuries. Stephanie serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Stephanie Marie Saunders completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 2024). With clinical experience, Stephanie Marie Saunders is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Stephanie Marie Saunders has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Sports Physiotherapy.

Stephanie embraces a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Stephanie has a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Stephanie Marie Saunders offers consultations in English.

Stephanie Marie Saunders 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): 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.

Post Surgical

• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): Gentle and progressive physiotherapy rehabilitation following spinal surgery (e.g., for disc herniation, spinal stenosis, or spinal fusion), initiated once cleared by your surgeon, to improve mobility, core strength, posture, reduce pain, and safely return to daily activities.
• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Comprehensive shoulder rehabilitation after surgical intervention, following surgeon-specific protocols, to ensure optimal healing, manage pain and swelling, and restore your arm's functional capacity.
• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: A structured, progressive, and goal-oriented physiotherapy rehabilitation program crucial for restoring knee stability, strength, range of motion, and proprioception (joint position sense) after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or other knee ligament (e.g., PCL, MCL, LCL) reconstructive surgery.

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: A brain injury caused by a direct or indirect blow to the head, resulting in a range of symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, visual disturbances, cognitive difficulties (e.g., 'brain fog', memory issues), fatigue, and emotional changes. Post-Concussion Syndrome refers to symptoms persisting beyond the typical recovery window.

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.

• Gait Analysis & Running/Walking Re-training: Expert analysis of your gait with personalized corrective strategies, exercises, and cues to optimize your walking or running form for pain-free movement and enhanced performance or efficiency.
• Sports Injury Rehabilitation & Management: Helping you get back in the game quickly and safely with targeted sports physiotherapy, focusing on restoring strength, agility, and confidence.
• 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.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Education and instruction on effective and safe stretching techniques to help you maintain or improve your body's flexibility and joint mobility.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Structured physical activities and exercises aimed at helping you safely regain strength, stamina, and confidence in your body's abilities, tailored to your current level.
• Sports Performance Enhancement & Injury Prevention: Working with you to identify areas for improvement and enhance your performance in your chosen sport through targeted physiotherapy, biomechanical correction, and preventative conditioning.

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 The Runner's Academy, 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:

• Living with recovering my strength and energy after being very sick (like with pneumonia or Long COVID) doesn't have to be your norm. Stephanie applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards feeling equipped with effective self-management strategies and exercises, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of tackling home renovation and DIY projects with confidence.
• Struggling with the frustration of trouble performing repetitive tasks at work without pain? Stephanie develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving feeling more positive, capable, and optimistic about their physical health. This is key to helping you get back to doing participating in light recreational activities like bowling or mini-golf with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• Physiotherapy with Stephanie can be a transformative turning point for those affected by recovering my strength and mobility after a knee or hip replacement surgery. The shared goal is achieving a return to intimacy without the fear of pain or discomfort, paving the way for you to enjoy peacefully paddling their kayak or canoe on the lake for hours and a more active, vibrant life.
• With Stephanie's help, managing facial weakness or drooping on one side (like Bell's Palsy) to achieve improved core stability and control, leading to better posture and reduced strain becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like maintaining an upright posture while working on their computer for hours.

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

Stephanie practices at The Runner's Academy, situated in the Humewood-Cedarvale neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Bay Adelaide Centre and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Please inquire regarding specific accessibility needs for our clinic. 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 typically do not need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist. This is known as direct access. However, while a referral isn't legally required for your appointment, some extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific coverage requirements.

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

OHIP generally does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available through specific programs and in certain situations, such as post-hospitalization for certain conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams. Eligibility criteria are strict and there may be waitlists. Most people will need to rely on private insurance for coverage of physiotherapy services in private clinics. It is strongly recommended that you check your private insurance coverage.

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

Some temporary post-treatment soreness can be normal, much like after a good workout. However, if your pain significantly worsens, if you develop new concerning symptoms, or if the discomfort doesn't settle down within a day or two, please call us. Your Physiotherapist would want to know so they can offer guidance and make any necessary adjustments to your care plan. Open communication is key to your successful recovery.

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

To make your first appointment as smooth and productive as possible, please consider bringing: your health card, any doctor's referral letter (if applicable), results or reports of any imaging tests (X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs) related to your current condition, a list of any medications you are currently taking, and your extended health benefits information (insurance card/policy number) for direct billing if available at our clinic. Wearing comfortable clothes is also a good idea.

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.

How can I book an appointment at The Runner's Academy?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (437) 889-5440 during our business hours. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

The Runner's Academy
918 Saint Clair Avenue West
Toronto, ON, M6C 1C6

Phone: (437) 889-5440

Stephanie Marie Saunders 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: XXX76

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=aa41293e-8523-ef11-840a-0022483d6c30

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