Sunitha Subashini Shanmugam – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Sunitha Subashini Shanmugam is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Achieva Health in Toronto, ON, Sunitha is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Sunitha'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. Sunitha has a particular focus 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.

Sunitha Subashini Shanmugam completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University (Graduating Class of 2004). With extensive clinical experience, Sunitha is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Sunitha has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.

Sunitha's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy; a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Sunitha Subashini Shanmugam offers consultations in English, Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu.

Sunitha Subashini Shanmugam provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Geriatric

• Mobility Issues & Gait Disturbances in Seniors: Physiotherapy aimed at improving safe and efficient movement, gait quality (e.g., step length, speed, pattern), balance, and confidence in mobility for seniors. May include assessment and prescription of appropriate mobility aids (e.g., cane, walker).
• Age-Related Deconditioning / Frailty / Sarcopenia Management: Combating the effects of inactivity and the aging process to help prevent or manage frailty, maintain mobility, and improve overall autonomy and quality of life in seniors.

Arthritis

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Physiotherapy as an important part of a multidisciplinary team approach to managing rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis), helping to minimize disease impact and maximize quality of life.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Physiotherapy to address residual joint stiffness, pain, swelling, and functional loss after an acute gout attack has subsided, or to help manage musculoskeletal impairments and tophi-related issues associated with chronic gout, always in conjunction with appropriate medical management for urate control.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Supportive physiotherapy for individuals with psoriatic arthritis, focusing on managing joint pain and swelling, maintaining range of motion and strength, improving function, and providing advice on activity modification and joint protection.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Specific exercises (e.g., McKenzie exercises, stretching, postural exercises) and strategies to help individuals with ankylosing spondylitis maintain function, reduce stiffness, and prevent long-term spinal changes.

Hand Wrist

• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Focused physiotherapy care for complex hand and wrist problems, often involving custom splinting or orthosis fabrication, manual therapy (joint and soft tissue mobilization), specific exercises to restore dexterity, strength, and range of motion, scar management, and sensory re-education.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Addressing the inflammation, pain, and restricted movement associated with stenosing tenosynovitis of the finger or thumb.

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. Sunitha can assess your needs.

• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Providing clear guidance on self-care techniques, activity modifications, and beneficial lifestyle adjustments for long-term well-being and injury prevention.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: An in-depth examination to fully understand your specific condition, allowing your Physiotherapist to create an effective and personalized rehabilitation plan.
• Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio): Providing professional physiotherapy assessment, treatment, education, and exercise prescription directly in the comfort and convenience of your home environment, especially for those who have difficulty attending an outpatient clinic due to mobility issues, severe pain, or other constraints.
• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Effective virtual physiotherapy care to help you manage your condition, progress your rehabilitation, and receive professional advice when in-person visits are challenging or not preferred.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): A systematic screening process, such as FMS™ or SFMA™ (if your Physiotherapist is certified), to understand how you move and guide preventative or corrective exercise programs.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Education on optimal body mechanics and corrective strategies to improve your posture during daily activities, work, and recreation.

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

• With Sunitha's help, managing a noticeable curve in my child's spine or uneven shoulders (scoliosis concerns) to achieve much better balance overall, reducing the risk of stumbles or falls becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like reaching for items on high shelves or in cupboards without shoulder strain.
• Struggling with the frustration of recurrent dislocations or a feeling of instability in my shoulder or knee? Sunitha develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving reduced swelling and inflammation in injured areas. This is key to helping you get back to doing challenging myself with indoor or outdoor rock climbing with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• If clicking, popping, or pain in my jaw (TMJ issues) when I eat or talk is preventing you from fully enjoying walking their children to school or the park, Sunitha offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining achieving personal fitness goals that once seemed out of reach, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• Many individuals seek help from Sunitha, their physiotherapist, when feeling 'off-balance' and worried about falling, especially as I get older starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve successfully integrating safe movement strategies into their daily routines, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like working on detailed woodworking projects in their shop without hand pain.

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

Sunitha practices at Achieva Health, located in the Davisville North neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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 of the population. 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. Always check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapist in ON?

Patients in ON can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

Is there parking available at or near Achieva Health?

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

What are Achieva Health's operating hours?

Achieva Health is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call the office or check their website for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. Contact your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand your plan's specifics. If Achieva Health offers direct billing and your plan allows it, they can bill your insurer directly. You would be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance. Bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. If direct billing is not possible, you will receive an official receipt to submit to your insurer.

Does Achieva Health offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Please contact Achieva Health directly to inquire about their direct billing capabilities. Always confirm your specific coverage details with your insurance provider.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Wear or bring clothing that allows unrestricted movement and easy access for examination of the body part being assessed or treated.

What is Achieva Health's appointment cancellation policy?

Achieva Health requests at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations or rescheduling. A fee may be charged for late cancellations or missed appointments.

Achieva Health
355 Eglinton Ave. East, 4th Floor
Toronto, ON, M4P 1M5

Phone: (416) 489-8888

Sunitha Subashini Shanmugam 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: XXX85

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=dfb65865-2b48-e811-814a-480fcff40721

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