Tulio Romanelli – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Tulio Romanelli is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, ON, Tulio is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Tulio'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. Tulio also manages acute and chronic conditions affecting the heart and lungs, such as COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis, post-operative cardiac or respiratory recovery, and post-COVID symptoms. This involves breathing exercises, airway clearance, exercise prescription, and education. Tulio serves adults.

Tulio Romanelli completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Universidade Salgado de Oliveira (Graduating Class of 2007). With extensive clinical experience, Tulio is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Tulio has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy.

Tulio's practice philosophy centers on a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Tulio demonstrates a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Tulio promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy. Tulio offers consultations in English, Portuguese.

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

Common Musculoskeletal

• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Disorders affecting hand and wrist function, making daily tasks such as gripping objects, typing, writing, or fine motor activities difficult and painful.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Neck problems that interfere with your sleep quality, ability to work comfortably (especially at a desk), or perform everyday tasks without pain.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Injury to muscle tissue that limits your strength, range of motion, and ability to perform specific movements or activities, requiring careful rehabilitation.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Aching, sharp, or deep pain in the hip that may worsen with activity, specific movements, or even at rest.

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Addressing the inflammation, pain, and restricted movement associated with stenosing tenosynovitis of the finger or thumb.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Managing a variety of acute and chronic conditions of the hand and wrist, aiming to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent long-term disability.

Cardioresp

• Post-Cardiac Event Rehabilitation (Supportive Care, e.g., after MI or CABG): Physiotherapy to help individuals safely return to physical activity, improve cardiovascular fitness and endurance, and enhance overall heart health after a cardiac incident or procedure, often in a supervised setting initially.
• 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.
• Post-Pneumonia / Respiratory Infection Recovery: Physiotherapy to aid your recovery from serious respiratory illnesses and their lingering effects on your breathing and overall physical capacity.
• Asthma Management (Exercise-Induced & General Support): Physiotherapy support for asthma management, including education on proper inhaler technique, breathing control exercises (e.g., to manage acute symptoms or anxiety during an attack), strategies to improve exercise tolerance and manage EIB, and general fitness advice.

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. Tulio can assess your needs.

• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Evaluation of your body's basic movements (like squatting, lunging, reaching) to highlight areas for improvement in stability, mobility, and motor control.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Education on optimal body mechanics and corrective strategies to improve your posture during daily activities, work, and recreation.
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs: Improving your breathing efficiency, increasing your exercise tolerance, reducing feelings of breathlessness, and enhancing your overall well-being and ability to perform daily activities when living with a chronic respiratory disease.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: An in-depth examination to fully understand your specific condition, allowing your Physiotherapist to create an effective and personalized rehabilitation plan.
• Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy (e.g., COPD, Asthma, Post-Pneumonia, Post-Cardiac Event Support): Rehabilitation support following cardiac events (e.g., heart attack, bypass surgery - often as part of a cardiac rehab team) or for chronic respiratory conditions like COPD (emphysema, chronic bronchitis), asthma, or bronchiectasis.
• 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.

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

• The path to recovery from frequent headaches that seem to start from tension in my neck or shoulders and achieving waking up feeling more refreshed with considerably less pain and stiffness for travelling more comfortably on planes, trains, or in cars for longer durations often starts with expert guidance. Tulio, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• When pain and difficulty with overhead movements like reaching into a cupboard is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing playing in their competitive volleyball league again, physiotherapy with Tulio can help you work towards getting back to enjoying life's simple pleasures without physical limitations. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Are you finding that my baby/child having trouble with their motor skills, like delayed rolling, sitting or walking stops you from enjoying keeping up with their team during our weekly soccer match? Tulio is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve a safe and confident return to their favorite sport or recreational activity through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• Patients struggling with awful foot pain first thing in the morning, like I'm walking on glass (plantar fasciitis) can find dedicated and compassionate support from Tulio. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving improved breathing mechanics and capacity through postural correction, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event.

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

Tulio's practice is located at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, situated in the Lawrence Park neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near the Distillery District and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves skilled, hands-on treatments performed by your Physiotherapist as part of your overall physiotherapy plan. These techniques are designed to assess and treat your joints, muscles, and nerves to decrease pain and improve your mobility and function. Examples include specific joint mobilizations to improve movement, soft tissue release techniques to address muscle tightness or scar tissue, and sometimes manipulations (adjustments) if indicated and appropriate for your condition and your therapist's qualifications.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre 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 (including post-spinal surgery, with surgeon clearance), 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 Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified), Postural Assessment and Correction, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

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

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a doctor'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.

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.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, in almost all cases, you will receive a customized home exercise program. These exercises are carefully chosen by your Physiotherapist to specifically target your issues and help you achieve your functional goals faster and more effectively. Performing them as recommended is very important for your progress and for maintaining the improvements you make during your clinic visits.

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 insurer before your first appointment to understand your plan's specifics (annual maximum, per-visit limits, co-payments, referral requirements, and direct billing options). If direct billing is possible, we can bill your insurer; otherwise, we'll provide a receipt for you to submit.

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
2075 Bayview Ave.
Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5

Phone: (416) 480-6100

Tulio Romanelli 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: XXX87

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=00fbe5df-9102-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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