Swapna Surendran – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Swapna Surendran is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at PT Health-Melrose Physiotherapy in Toronto, ON, swapna surendran is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Swapna surendran's role involves 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. Swapna surendran serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Swapna Surendran completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Kasturba Medical College (Graduating Class of 2007). With extensive clinical experience, swapna surendran is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Swapna surendran has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Swapna surendran employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Swapna surendran demonstrates a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Swapna Surendran offers consultations in English, Hindi, Marathi.

Swapna Surendran provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Arthritis

• 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.
• 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.

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): Inflammation (tendinitis) or, more commonly, degeneration (tendinosis/tendinopathy) of tendons, leading to localized pain that typically worsens with activity or loading of the tendon.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Aching, sharp pain, a feeling of the knee 'giving way', or difficulty fully bending or straightening your knee.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Pain, discomfort, or stiffness in the lumbar spine region, whether it's a sudden onset or a long-lasting issue affecting your daily life.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Discomfort experienced in the hip region, groin, outer hip, or buttock, potentially stemming from joint inflammation (bursitis), muscle strains, tendinopathy, or conservative management of labral tears.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Aching, soreness, or sharp pain experienced in the neck, which may include muscle spasms, trigger points, or reduced flexibility.

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. swapna surendran can assess your needs.

• 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): ESWT for chronic tendinopathies, heel spurs, and other musculoskeletal problems, aiming to break down scar tissue, increase blood flow, and trigger a healing response.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: A comforting physiotherapy modality that helps to soothe tight muscles, decrease pain perception, and improve the flexibility of soft tissues.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: Utilizing targeted electrical currents to help alleviate pain, manage discomfort, and support healing in conjunction with other physiotherapy interventions.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Cold therapy techniques applied by your therapist to effectively alleviate acute pain, reduce inflammation, and manage muscle soreness or spasm.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: Utilizing therapeutic laser to enhance tissue regeneration, reduce pain signals, and manage inflammation as part of your comprehensive physiotherapy care.

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

• It's truly rewarding for swapna surendran to witness patients conquer aches and pains that I'm pretty sure are from my bad posture at my desk and experience regaining full function in an injured area, enabling a return to cherished activities. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in safely meeting the lifting requirements at their workplace again.
• With swapna surendran's help, managing numbness, tingling, or weakness in my hands, arms, feet, or legs to achieve feeling more like their 'old self' before their injury or condition began becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain.
• Many individuals seek help from swapna surendran, their physiotherapist, when facial weakness or drooping on one side (like Bell's Palsy) starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve seeing their child achieve developmental milestones with greater ease (for pediatric physio), empowering them to joyfully return to activities like carrying a backpack or shoulder bag comfortably.
• When that persistent ache in my lower back that just won't quit is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing participating in light recreational activities like bowling or mini-golf, physiotherapy with swapna surendran can help you work towards improved breathing mechanics and capacity through postural correction. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.

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

Swapna Surendran's practice is located at PT Health-Melrose Physiotherapy, situated in the Bedford Park, Lawrence Manor East neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Toronto Police HQ and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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 our clinic 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.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

During your first visit, the Physiotherapist will conduct a detailed evaluation to get a full picture of your condition. This usually involves a thorough discussion about your symptoms, how they impact your daily life, any relevant medical history, and your personal goals for therapy. A physical assessment will then be performed to help pinpoint the cause of your problem and assess your physical capabilities. Afterwards, your therapist will explain their findings, collaborate with you to set treatment goals, and outline a proposed plan of care. You'll likely receive some initial advice, exercises, or hands-on treatment to begin your recovery journey.

How can I book an appointment at PT Health-Melrose Physiotherapy?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (416) 789-5936 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.

What are PT Health-Melrose Physiotherapy's operating hours?

Our clinic is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call our office at (416) 789-5936 for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

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 our clinic or your physician directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

While some physiotherapy techniques might feel uncomfortable or cause a temporary increase in soreness (similar to muscle soreness after a new workout), especially when working on stiff joints or tight muscles, it should not be excessively or intolerably painful. Your Physiotherapist will discuss what sensations you might expect with different treatments and will always aim to adjust the intensity and techniques to ensure you are as comfortable as possible while still achieving therapeutic benefits. Constant communication about your comfort level is very important.

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. We strongly advise checking your private insurance for private clinic coverage.

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 one for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

PT Health-Melrose Physiotherapy
368 Melrose Avenue
Toronto, ON, M5M 1Z7

Phone: (416) 789-5936

Swapna Surendran 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: XXX94

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=0ed14ba0-9302-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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