Suzanne Theresa Foreman – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Suzanne Theresa Foreman is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at ALPHA Health Services in Toronto, ON, Suzie is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Suzie'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. Suzie serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Suzanne Theresa Foreman completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 1986). With extensive clinical experience, Suzanne Theresa Foreman is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Suzie has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Suzie 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. Suzie offers consultations in English.

Suzanne Theresa Foreman provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Back Neck Pain

• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Back or neck pain accompanied by associated limb symptoms (pain, sensory changes, weakness) due to a constricted spinal canal, which physiotherapy can help manage conservatively.
• 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.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Weakness, a feeling of the ankle 'giving way' repeatedly, or persistent pain after an initial sprain, indicating a need for targeted physiotherapy to restore stability and function.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Common shoulder problems such as rotator cuff issues (tendinopathy, small tears), impingement syndrome, or adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) significantly affecting arm function and daily comfort.

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. Suzie can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Application of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) or Interferential Current (IFC) for managing acute or chronic pain conditions by modulating pain signals or promoting the release of endorphins.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Identifying and addressing habitual postures (e.g., from desk work, phone use) or ergonomic factors that may be contributing to your pain or dysfunction.

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

• Discover how physiotherapy with Suzie can help you move beyond aches and pains that I'm pretty sure are from my bad posture at my desk. The focus is on increased endurance for walking, allowing for longer and more enjoyable outings, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as enjoying long, challenging hikes on weekends again.
• Patients often come to Suzie feeling defeated by pain or weakness that's stopping me from enjoying my favorite hobbies. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving improved joint health and a slowing of degenerative processes through better biomechanics and resuming giving presentations or speaking publicly with confidence and good posture becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Patients struggling with my child walking on their toes most of the time can find dedicated and compassionate support from Suzie. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving noticeable strength gains in their limbs, supporting more demanding tasks, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as going on birdwatching outings in various terrains.
• Many find that that 'arthritic' pain in my hands, hips, or knees significantly impacts their ability to painting or drawing for longer stretches without neck or shoulder ache. Suzie helps patients target achieving their specific mobility goals, whether big or small with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.

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

Suzie's practice at ALPHA Health Services is situated in the Davisville neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near the Gooderham Building (Flatiron) and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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 plans, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

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. We recommend you contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand the specifics of your plan. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If ALPHA Health Services offers direct billing and your plan allows it, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance not covered by your plan at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and all necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.

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 *do* require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

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

It's not uncommon to experience some temporary soreness or a mild increase in symptoms after certain physiotherapy treatments, especially in the initial stages or if you're starting new exercises. This usually subsides within 24-48 hours. However, if you experience a significant or sharp increase in pain, new or worsening neurological symptoms (like numbness, tingling, or weakness), or if your soreness lasts longer than expected, it's important to contact ALPHA Health Services or your physician directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

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

It's recommended to wear or bring clothing that allows unrestricted movement and provides easy access for your physiotherapist to examine the body part being assessed or treated. For instance, if you have a knee problem, please wear or bring shorts. For shoulder issues, a sleeveless top or a top with loose armholes is often helpful. The goal is to make the assessment and treatment as effective as possible.

ALPHA Health Services
901-40 Holly St.
Toronto, ON, M4S 3C3

Phone: (416) 545-1881

Suzanne Theresa Foreman 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: XXX15

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=f860560d-8a02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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