Vanessa Pavani – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Vanessa Pavani is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Bridgepoint Active Health Care in Toronto, ON, Vanessa is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Vanessa focuses on 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. Vanessa serves adults within the Toronto community.

Vanessa Pavani completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) (Graduating Class of 1998). 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.

Vanessa's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy. Vanessa employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Vanessa empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Vanessa offers consultations in English, Italian, and Portuguese.

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

Back Neck Pain

• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Back or neck pain that often radiates into an arm or leg, potentially with numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning sensations, due to a spinal disc problem (herniation, protrusion, or bulge) compressing or irritating a nearby nerve root (radiculopathy). Sciatica specifically refers to radicular pain down the leg.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: A common cause of persistent back and neck pain due to the cumulative strain of prolonged sitting, standing, or performing tasks in non-ideal positions.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Nerve compression symptoms due to a narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal or the small openings where nerves exit the spine (foramina), most commonly in the lumbar (lower back) or cervical (neck) regions.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Post-traumatic neck pain, restricted movement, and associated issues common after car accidents, which benefit from early and appropriate physiotherapy intervention.

Hand Wrist

• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Specialized physiotherapy for conditions affecting the intricate structures of the hand and wrist, such as fractures (e.g., Colles', scaphoid), tendon lacerations or ruptures (e.g., flexor/extensor tendon repairs), ligament sprains/tears (e.g., skier's thumb, TFCC injuries), repetitive strain injuries, or arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis). Includes both conservative management and post-operative rehabilitation.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): A condition where a finger or thumb gets stuck or 'catches' in a bent position, then may snap straight (like pulling a trigger). Caused by inflammation and narrowing of the tendon sheath around the flexor tendon.

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.

• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A thorough evaluation by your Physiotherapist to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.
• 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.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Targeted manual methods performed by your Physiotherapist to release tight or overactive muscles, address fascial restrictions, and alleviate pain arising from soft tissue dysfunction.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Using controlled isometric and isotonic muscle contractions, as directed by your Physiotherapist, to address joint restrictions and muscle imbalances effectively.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Improving the mobility and health of your nervous system to reduce pain, restore sensation, and enhance overall function.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): A systematic screening process, such as FMS™ or SFMA™ (if your Physiotherapist is certified), to understand how you move and guide preventative or corrective exercise programs.

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 Bridgepoint Active Health Care, 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:

• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of numbness, tingling, or weakness in my hands, arms, feet, or legs? Vanessa works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of greater ease with dressing, bathing, and other self-care activities. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as operating machinery or tools safely and efficiently at work.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Vanessa can help you move beyond difficulty coordinating my movements, feeling clumsy. The focus is on being able to travel more comfortably and with less planning around physical limitations, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as painting or drawing for longer stretches without neck or shoulder ache.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Vanessa's clinic, common concerns like that 'arthritic' pain in my hands, hips, or knees are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of improved hand and wrist function for tasks requiring dexterity. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like being able to kneel or squat down to play with pets or children.
• Vanessa believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If that burning pain between my shoulder blades from too much computer work is hindering your ability to resuming their weightlifting routine at the gym safely, a personalized plan focusing on the ability to manage symptoms independently if they occasionally recur can make all the difference.

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

Vanessa practices at Bridgepoint Active Health Care, situated in the Studio District (Leslieville) neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Hospital Row (various hospitals) and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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

In Ontario, you typically do not need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist. This is known as direct access. However, even though a referral isn't legally required to make an appointment, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for coverage of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider to understand their specific requirements before your first appointment.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Definitely. A key aspect of physiotherapy is not just treating current problems but also preventing future ones. A Physiotherapist can assess your movement, identify potential weaknesses or imbalances that could lead to injury, and provide you with a personalized program of exercises and strategies. This proactive approach is beneficial for athletes, individuals with physically demanding jobs, or anyone looking to maintain long-term musculoskeletal health and avoid recurring pain.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

OHIP generally does not cover physiotherapy services provided in private outpatient clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available through specific programs, such as post-hospitalization for certain conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams. Eligibility criteria for these programs are strict and there may be waitlists. Most people will need to rely on private insurance or pay out-of-pocket for physiotherapy services in private clinics. It is essential to check your private insurance coverage and verify your eligibility for any public coverage directly with OHIP.

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.

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 Bridgepoint Active Health Care?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (416) 461-8252 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 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.

What is Bridgepoint Active Health Care'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.

Bridgepoint Active Health Care
1 Bridgepoint Drive
Toronto, ON, M4M 2B5

Phone: (416) 461-8252

Vanessa Pavani 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: XXX43

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=4428519a-9302-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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