Susan Margaret Abe – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Susan Margaret Abe is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Scarborough Health Network in Toronto, ON, Susan is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Susan addresses 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. Susan serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Susan Margaret Abe completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 1996). With extensive clinical experience, Susan is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Susan has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Susan's practice philosophy centers on a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results; and a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Susan offers consultations in English.

Susan Margaret Abe provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Arthritis

• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Physiotherapy for ankylosing spondylitis focuses on maintaining spinal mobility and flexibility (especially extension), improving posture, strengthening core and back muscles, managing pain, and providing education on self-management and regular exercise.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Exercises and advice to manage the impact of gout on your joints, improve mobility, and reduce the likelihood of long-term joint damage.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Individualized exercise programs and pain management strategies tailored for psoriatic arthritis to help reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: An autoimmune condition causing chronic inflammation, pain, stiffness, swelling, and potential deformity in multiple joints, often symmetrically. Physiotherapy aims to manage pain, maintain joint function and mobility, improve strength and endurance, provide joint protection strategies, and support self-management.

Back Neck Pain

• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Sharp, shooting, electric-like, or burning pain that travels along the path of a nerve due to issues with intervertebral discs or other spinal structures.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Discomfort, aching, stiffness, or muscle fatigue in the back or neck arising from sustained or awkward postures during daily activities, prolonged work (e.g., desk work, computer use), or sleep.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Symptoms resulting from a whiplash injury, which can vary in severity (WAD Grades I-III) and duration, requiring a comprehensive physiotherapy approach for recovery.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Symptoms like 'neurogenic claudication' – leg pain, cramping, or heaviness with walking or prolonged standing that typically eases with rest or bending forward (flexion).

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. Susan 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.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Empowering you with a clear understanding of your condition, its causes, and practical tools for effective self-management and lasting relief.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): A common physiotherapy treatment for acute injuries, designed to help numb pain, decrease bleeding into the tissues, and minimize secondary hypoxic injury.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Employing different types of electrotherapy to support your rehabilitation goals, including promoting tissue healing or improving motor control.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A complete assessment of your musculoskeletal system to pinpoint issues, set clear rehabilitation goals, and get you started on the path to recovery.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): The application of focused acoustic waves (Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy) by a trained Physiotherapist to treat chronic tendon issues (e.g., plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, Achilles tendinopathy), calcific tendinosis, and other persistent musculoskeletal conditions.

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

• Rediscover your ability to giving presentations or speaking publicly with confidence and good posture without the constant burden of recovering from a burn and needing help with scar mobility and movement. Susan focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to successfully integrating safe movement strategies into their daily routines, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Susan believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If a noticeable curve in my child's spine or uneven shoulders (scoliosis concerns) is hindering your ability to sitting comfortably through a movie at the cinema or a play, a personalized plan focusing on understanding how to prevent future flare-ups and manage their condition long-term can make all the difference.
• When shoulder pain that makes simple things like lifting my arm or reaching overhead difficult is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing playing fetch with their dog in the park for an extended time, physiotherapy with Susan can help you work towards reduced swelling and inflammation in injured areas. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Many find that experiencing discomfort, back pain, or pelvic girdle pain during or after pregnancy significantly impacts their ability to tackling home renovation and DIY projects with confidence. Susan helps patients target a safe and confident return to their favorite sport or recreational activity with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.

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

Susan practices at Scarborough Health Network, situated in the Guildwood, Morningside, West Hill neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Kensington Market and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Scarborough Health Network treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain (Fibromyalgia), joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, and nerve pain. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and general physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve manual therapy, Therapeutic Ultrasound Application, Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession dedicated to helping people of all ages improve their movement, function, and overall well-being. A registered Physiotherapist uses evidence-based techniques like targeted exercise, hands-on manual therapy, and personalized education to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of injuries, pain conditions, and physical impairments affecting your muscles, bones, joints, nerves, and even your cardiorespiratory system. It can help you reduce pain, increase mobility and strength, recover from surgery, prevent future injuries, and enhance your quality of life.

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

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

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, including annual maximums, per-visit limits, co-payments, referral requirements, and direct billing options. If direct billing is available and your plan allows it, we can bill your insurer directly. Otherwise, we'll provide a receipt for you to submit to your insurer.

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

Temporary soreness or a mild increase in symptoms after physiotherapy is sometimes normal, especially initially. However, significant or sharp pain increases, new or worsening neurological symptoms (numbness, tingling, weakness), or prolonged soreness require contacting the clinic or your physician immediately for advice or reassessment.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy uses hands-on techniques to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This includes joint mobilization, joint manipulation (where appropriate and with your consent), soft tissue mobilization (massage, myofascial release, trigger point release), and neural mobilization. The goals are pain reduction, improved range of motion, restored joint mechanics, reduced muscle tension, and enhanced tissue repair.

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

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services in private outpatient clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations (e.g., post-hospitalization, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams), but eligibility is strict. Check your private insurance for coverage in private clinics.

Scarborough Health Network
2867 Ellesmere Road, 3rd Floor
Toronto, ON, M1E 4B9

Phone: (416) 284-8131

Susan Margaret Abe 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: XXX41

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=1faf02e0-8b02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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