Vanessa Mascarenhas – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Vanessa Mascarenhas is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at Vanessa Mascarenhas; Physiotherapist in Toronto, ON, Vanessa Mascarenhas is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Vanessa Mascarenhas's role focuses on assisting individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life after neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Vanessa Mascarenhas serves infants, children, and adolescents.

Vanessa Mascarenhas completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 1995). With extensive clinical experience, Vanessa Mascarenhas is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Vanessa Mascarenhas has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Neurological Physiotherapy.

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

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

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: Physiotherapy for concussion recovery, focusing on symptom management, restoring normal function, and preventing long-term complications through evidence-based interventions.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Pain affecting the hip joint and surrounding musculature, which can limit activities like walking, standing for long periods, rising from a chair, or lying on the affected side.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Discomfort felt around the shoulder blade, at the top of the shoulder, or radiating down the arm, making simple tasks challenging.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Damage or tearing of muscle fibers, ranging from a mild overstretch (Grade 1 strain) to a partial or complete rupture (Grade 2 or 3 tear), typically caused by sudden forceful contraction, excessive stretch, or direct trauma.

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 Mascarenhas can assess your needs.

• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Comprehensive assessment of your fall risk factors with individualized interventions, including balance exercises, strength training, gait re-training, and home safety advice to help you prevent falls.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Gentle, specific movements and mobilizations designed to address nerve-related pain (like sciatica or carpal tunnel symptoms), tingling, numbness, or restrictions by improving the nerve's ability to glide freely and reducing irritation.
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders: Helping you overcome dizziness, vertigo, and unsteadiness with targeted vestibular exercises and strategies, enabling you to return to daily activities with greater stability and comfort.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: A variety of hands-on methods such as therapeutic massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and active release style techniques to reduce muscle tension, break down scar tissue, improve circulation, and enhance tissue flexibility.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Using controlled isometric and isotonic muscle contractions, as directed by your Physiotherapist, to address joint restrictions and muscle imbalances effectively.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Skilled hands-on techniques, including gentle joint mobilizations (smooth, rhythmic movements) and, where appropriate and authorized, joint manipulations (quick, precise thrusts) to restore optimal movement, reduce pain, and improve joint function.

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

• Through personalized physiotherapy at Vanessa Mascarenhas's clinic, common concerns like feeling generally stiff, achy, and less mobile than I used to be are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of a significantly reduced risk of falling, enhancing safety and independence. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like walking their children to school or the park.
• Patients struggling with pain in my shins when I try to run or be active (shin splints) can find dedicated and compassionate support from Vanessa Mascarenhas. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving moving more freely and with greater agility than they have in years, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as working on detailed woodworking projects in their shop without hand pain.
• Tired of numbness, tingling, or weakness in my hands, arms, feet, or legs interfering with playing their musical instrument (guitar, piano, violin, etc.) for extended periods? Vanessa Mascarenhas uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve feeling more positive, capable, and optimistic about their physical health and regain your freedom of movement.
• With Vanessa Mascarenhas's help, managing feeling like my joints are just 'wearing out' and getting harder to move to achieve waking up feeling more refreshed with considerably less pain and stiffness becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like safely meeting the lifting requirements at their workplace.

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

Vanessa Mascarenhas; Physiotherapist is situated in the Rouge Hill, Port Union, Highland Creek neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Massey Hall and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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

What is Vanessa Mascarenhas; Physiotherapist'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 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.

Is there parking available at or near Vanessa Mascarenhas; Physiotherapist?

Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby. Please check signage for any restrictions.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Absolutely! Home exercises are a vital part of your rehabilitation journey and empower you to take an active role in your recovery process. Your Physiotherapist will carefully select and teach you exercises specific to your needs. These exercises help to reinforce what's done in the clinic, manage your condition effectively, and ensure you continue progressing towards your goals even when you're not in a session.

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, direct billing). If direct billing is possible, we can bill your insurer; otherwise, we'll provide a receipt for your insurer. Bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

This depends on many factors. After your initial assessment, your Physiotherapist will give you a better idea of the anticipated number of sessions and frequency of visits needed to achieve your goals. We will regularly review your progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.

Vanessa Mascarenhas; Physiotherapist
131 Sunny Slope Ave.
Toronto, ON, M1C 2P3

Phone: (647) 289-6258

Vanessa Mascarenhas 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: XXX79

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=753026b0-8b02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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