Sunita Dougl Francis – Physiotherapist | Etobicoke, ON

Sunita Dougl Francis is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Deerwoodcreek Care Community in Etobicoke, ON, Sunita Francis is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Sunita Francis's practice focuses on 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. Sunita Francis 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. Sunita Francis serves adults.

Sunita Dougl Francis completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda (Graduating Class of 1990). With extensive clinical experience, Sunita Francis is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Sunita Francis has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.

Sunita Francis employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Sunita Francis offers consultations in English, Gujarati, Hindi.

Sunita Dougl Francis provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Hand Wrist

• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Physiotherapy to help you regain optimal use of your hand and wrist after an injury, surgery, or due to a chronic condition, enabling you to return to work, hobbies, and daily tasks.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Conservative physiotherapy management for trigger digit, which may include splinting to rest the tendon, specific tendon gliding exercises, activity modification advice, modalities to reduce inflammation, and education to prevent recurrence.

Joint Pain

• 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.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A chronic condition causing joint discomfort, stiffness (especially in the morning or after inactivity), and impacting your ability to perform daily activities, walk, or engage in hobbies.

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. Sunita Francis can assess your needs.

• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: The application of high-frequency sound waves by your Physiotherapist to targeted tissues to promote deep tissue heating, increase local blood flow, reduce pain, and facilitate the healing process in soft tissues like muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: The use of moist heat packs, paraffin wax, or other heat sources by your Physiotherapist to relax muscles, increase local blood flow, reduce stiffness, alleviate chronic pain, and improve tissue extensibility.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Utilizing electrophysical agents as an adjunct to your physiotherapy treatments to aid recovery, improve muscle function, manage pain, or reduce swelling, tailored to your specific condition.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): A non-invasive, evidence-based treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing, reduce pain, and promote tissue regeneration in stubborn soft tissue conditions that haven't responded to other therapies.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: A specialized physiotherapy treatment that uses a traction table or manual techniques to gently decompress spinal structures, relieve pressure, and promote healing.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): The application of cold packs, ice massage, or other cold modalities by your Physiotherapist to reduce swelling, inflammation, muscle spasm, and acute pain, particularly after an injury.

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

• If trying to stay as mobile and active as possible while living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is preventing you from fully enjoying performing self-care tasks like hair washing or reaching their back, Sunita Francis offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining reduced swelling and inflammation in injured areas, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• Sunita Francis believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If recovering from a concussion and dealing with lingering symptoms like dizziness or headaches is hindering your ability to working on detailed woodworking projects in their shop without hand pain, a personalized plan focusing on feeling more positive, capable, and optimistic about their physical health can make all the difference.
• Physiotherapy with Sunita Francis can be a transformative turning point for those affected by widespread muscle pain and fatigue that my doctor thinks might be fibromyalgia. The shared goal is achieving resuming gardening, hobbies, or household tasks without strain or discomfort, paving the way for you to enjoy operating machinery or tools safely and efficiently at work and a more active, vibrant life.
• For those whose pain or weakness that's stopping me from enjoying my favorite hobbies has made driving for longer periods without neck or back pain seem like a distant memory, Sunita Francis's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward regaining full function in an injured area, enabling a return to cherished activities. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to driving for longer periods without neck or back pain with greater comfort and renewed confidence.

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

Sunita Francis's practice is located at Deerwoodcreek Care Community, a physiotherapy clinic in the central Etobicoke neighborhood of Etobicoke. The clinic is conveniently located near nearby parks and community recreation facilities and is accessible via local public transit routes. Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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 an appointment, some extended health insurance plans may require a physician's referral for coverage. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider to understand their specific requirements before your first appointment.

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

For your first visit, please bring your provincial health card (e.g., Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card, if applicable for any publicly funded programs or simply for identification), any relevant medical information such as a doctor's referral note (if you have one), reports from recent imaging (like X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound scans), and a list of your current medications. Also, if you plan to use private health insurance, bring your insurance card or policy details. Finally, wear or bring comfortable clothing suitable for assessment and movement.

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.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, in almost all cases, you will receive a customized home exercise program. These exercises are carefully chosen by your Physiotherapist to specifically target your issues and help you achieve your functional goals faster and more effectively. Performing them as recommended is very important for your progress and for maintaining the improvements you make during your clinic visits.

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, such as post-hospitalization care for certain conditions, or for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams, but eligibility is strict and there may be waitlists. Most people will need to utilize their private/extended health insurance plans for coverage of physiotherapy services in private clinics; always check your private insurance policy for details.

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 parking available at or near Deerwoodcreek Care Community?

There is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside Deerwoodcreek Care Community. Look for the designated patient spots. Please check signage for any time restrictions.

Deerwoodcreek Care Community
70 Humberline Drive
Etobicoke, ON, M9W 7H3

Phone: (416) 213-7300

Sunita Dougl Francis 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: XXX12

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=c973bac9-8e02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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