Teresa De Fatima Torres – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Teresa De Fatima Torres is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy Focus). Practicing at Toronto General Hospital in Toronto, ON, Teresa Torres is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Teresa Torres's focus is managing acute and chronic conditions affecting the heart and lungs, such as COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis, post-operative cardiac or respiratory recovery, and post-COVID symptoms. Teresa Torres's approach involves breathing exercises, airway clearance, exercise prescription, and education. Teresa Torres serves adults.

Teresa De Fatima Torres completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Universidade Federal de São Carlos (Graduating Class of 1995). With extensive clinical experience, Teresa Torres is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Teresa Torres has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy.

Teresa Torres empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Teresa Torres has a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Teresa Torres offers consultations in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Teresa De Fatima Torres provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.
• 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

• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Damage to the body's movement system, including issues like joint inflammation, ligament tears, or muscle overstretching, often requiring physiotherapy for optimal recovery.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: A 'rolled' or twisted ankle with subsequent swelling, tenderness, and difficulty putting your full weight on the foot.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Aching, soreness, or sharp pain experienced in the neck, which may include muscle spasms, trigger points, or reduced flexibility.
• 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.

Cardioresp

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Management (e.g., Chronic Bronchitis, Emphysema): Helping you breathe easier, do more with less shortness of breath, and better manage your COPD through a personalized physiotherapy plan.
• Post-Pneumonia / Respiratory Infection Recovery: Helping you get back on your feet, improve your stamina, and restore your respiratory health after a severe chest infection.
• Post-Cardiac Event Rehabilitation (Supportive Care, e.g., after MI or CABG): Aiding your recovery, promoting heart health, and helping you achieve an active lifestyle after a cardiac condition through a structured physiotherapy component of cardiac rehab.
• Bronchiectasis Management (Airway Clearance): A chronic lung condition where the airways (bronchi) become permanently widened and damaged, leading to mucus buildup, recurrent chest infections, chronic cough, and breathlessness. Physiotherapy focuses primarily on airway clearance techniques.

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. Teresa Torres can assess your needs.

• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Targeted exercises using resistance (such as bodyweight, resistance bands, free weights, or gym equipment) to build muscle strength, power, and endurance, tailored to your specific rehabilitation needs or performance goals.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Targeted therapy to alleviate symptoms such as shooting pain, pins and needles, or weakness arising from neural tension or entrapment.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: A carefully selected set of exercises specific to your condition and abilities, aimed at restoring function, reducing pain, improving movement, and preventing future issues.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Specialized workouts to enhance your core strength, stability, and endurance, which are crucial for injury prevention, back health, and efficient performance in daily activities and sports.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Gentle, active manual therapy techniques where you use your own specific muscle contractions against your therapist's controlled resistance to improve joint mobility, lengthen tight tissues, and reduce pain.

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

• Discover how physiotherapy with Teresa Torres can help you move beyond soreness and tightness in my Achilles tendon, especially after exercise. The focus is on enhanced pelvic floor function and control (for relevant conditions), enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as working on detailed woodworking projects in their shop without hand pain.
• Don't let persistent dizziness that isn't a spinning vertigo but makes me feel unsteady dictate what you can and cannot do. Teresa Torres offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at increased flexibility throughout their body, particularly in their back and major joints, helping you reclaim giving presentations or speaking publicly with confidence and good posture and enjoy a more functional life.
• Tired of general muscle strains and pulls from overdoing it at the gym or in the garden interfering with returning to a specific physical hobby they had to give up due to pain? Teresa Torres uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve enhanced ability to participate in social and community events and regain your freedom of movement.
• Patients struggling with difficulty getting out of a chair or bed due to stiffness or pain can find dedicated and compassionate support from Teresa Torres. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving a noticeable reduction in daily discomfort, making everyday tasks easier and more enjoyable, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as participating in light recreational activities like bowling or mini-golf.

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

Teresa Torres practices at Toronto General Hospital, situated in the Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near the University of Toronto (St. George Campus south edge) and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

It's difficult to say exactly how many sessions you'll need without a thorough assessment, as everyone's situation and recovery path is unique. Some acute conditions might resolve in just a few sessions, while more chronic, complex, or significant issues may require a longer period of care to achieve lasting results. Your Physiotherapist will provide an estimated treatment timeline and plan after your first visit, and this will be revisited as your treatment progresses.

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.

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.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

In physiotherapy, manual therapy encompasses a range of 'hands-on' interventions. Your Physiotherapist may use these techniques to help reduce your pain, increase joint movement, relax tight muscles, or improve the mobility of your nerves. Common approaches include joint glides, sustained pressures, specific soft tissue massage, and, when indicated, joint manipulations. It's a key part of helping your body move better.

How can I book an appointment at Toronto General Hospital?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (416) 340-4800 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 is Toronto General Hospital's appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice (or one business day) for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients who may be waiting for care. A fee may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments (no-shows) without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

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.

What are Toronto General Hospital's operating hours?

Our clinic is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Hours can vary, so please call our office at (416) 340-4800 for the most current hours and availability.

Toronto General Hospital
200 Elizabeth St.
Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4

Phone: (416) 340-4800

Teresa De Fatima Torres 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: XXX92

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=0ed9f03c-9002-e811-813f-480fcff40721

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