Vanessa Julia Decesare – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Vanessa Julia Decesare is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Cleveland Clinic Canada Midtown in Toronto, ON, Vanessa is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Vanessa 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. Vanessa specializes in the assessment, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. Care is tailored to help athletes of all levels, from recreational to elite, return to their sport safely, optimize performance, and prevent future injuries. Vanessa serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Vanessa Julia Decesare completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Melbourne (Graduating Class of 2014). With extensive clinical experience, Vanessa is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Vanessa has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Sports Physiotherapy.

Vanessa embraces a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Vanessa empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Vanessa has a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Vanessa offers consultations in English.

Vanessa Julia Decesare provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

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.

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.

Sports Injury

• Stress Fractures (Activity-Related - Conservative Management/Rehab): An overuse injury where the bone is unable to withstand repetitive mechanical loading, requiring a period of offloading and gradual rehabilitation guided by a physiotherapist for safe return to activity.
• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): Pain felt around, under, or behind the kneecap (patella), often described as a dull ache that is aggravated by activities like running, jumping, squatting, using stairs (especially going down), or prolonged sitting with the knee bent.

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. Vanessa can assess your needs.

• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.
• Sports Injury Rehabilitation & Management: Helping you get back in the game quickly and safely with targeted sports physiotherapy, focusing on restoring strength, agility, and confidence.
• Gait Analysis & Running/Walking Re-training: Detailed biomechanical assessment of your walking or running patterns, often using video analysis, to identify inefficiencies, asymmetries, or faulty mechanics that may contribute to pain or injury.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Progressive resistance training programs designed by your Physiotherapist to improve muscle performance, support joint health, and enhance functional capacity for daily life or sport.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Customized exercise plans designed to help you recover from injury, manage chronic conditions, improve physical performance, and achieve your functional goals safely and effectively.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Guided stretching routines and flexibility exercises prescribed by your Physiotherapist, aimed at improving your range of motion, reducing muscle tightness or stiffness, and enhancing overall movement quality.

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

• Vanessa frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of needing to improve my breathing patterns or lung capacity. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets implementing practical strategies to avoid re-injury during work or daily life and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like pushing a stroller or shopping cart without difficulty.
• Are you finding that trying to get back to my best after a frustrating sports injury stops you from enjoying playing a full game of recreational hockey with their friends? Vanessa is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve building the necessary muscle support for their joints, reducing the risk of re-injury through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• Rediscover your ability to working at their desk all day without developing back or neck stiffness without the constant burden of my infant having a tilted head or a flat spot on their head (torticollis/plagiocephaly). Vanessa focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to enjoying less stiffness in the mornings and throughout the day, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Many find that knee pain, especially when going up/down stairs or after a run significantly impacts their ability to enjoying long, challenging hikes on weekends again. Vanessa helps patients target reduced swelling and inflammation in injured areas with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.

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

Vanessa practices at Cleveland Clinic Canada Midtown, situated in the Davisville North neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Spadina House and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Does Cleveland Clinic Canada Midtown offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, Cleveland Clinic Canada Midtown offers direct billing for most major private insurance companies such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, Blue Cross, etc. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. However, please always confirm your specific coverage details, including any annual maximums, per-visit limits, or deductible requirements, directly with your insurance provider, as plans vary significantly. You are responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.

What is Cleveland Clinic Canada Midtown'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 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?

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a doctor's referral. This is known as direct access. However, some private/extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check the specific requirements of your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

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

Comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement is best for your physiotherapy appointment – think about what you might wear to a gym or for light exercise. If you're being treated for a lower-body issue (like hip or knee pain), shorts are very helpful. For upper-body issues (like shoulder or neck pain), a tank top or loose t-shirt is suitable so the Physiotherapist can properly examine and treat the area.

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. It is strongly advised that you check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics. You should also verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

Cleveland Clinic Canada Midtown
150 Eglinton Avenue East
Toronto, ON, M4P 1E8

Phone: (416) 507-6600

Vanessa Julia Decesare 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: XXX37

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=1498a323-3f78-e911-a990-000d3af438b6

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