Wendy S. Barden – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Wendy S. Barden is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at STRETCHIT Physiotherapy Services (SIPS) in Toronto, ON, Wendy is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Wendy 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. Wendy serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Wendy S. Barden completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 1987). With extensive clinical experience, Wendy is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Wendy has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

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

Wendy S. Barden provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Back Neck Pain

• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Pain and muscle tension related to ergonomic factors at work or home, muscle imbalances, and suboptimal body mechanics or movement habits.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Symptoms like 'neurogenic claudication' – leg pain, cramping, or heaviness with walking or prolonged standing that typically eases with rest or bending forward (flexion).

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Pain, tenderness, swelling, and dysfunction in a tendon (the strong cords that attach muscles to bones) due to overuse, repetitive strain, injury, or degeneration. Common sites include the Achilles, patellar tendon (knee), rotator cuff (shoulder), or elbow (tennis/golfer's elbow).
• 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.

Hand Wrist

• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Focused physiotherapy care for complex hand and wrist problems, often involving custom splinting or orthosis fabrication, manual therapy (joint and soft tissue mobilization), specific exercises to restore dexterity, strength, and range of motion, scar management, and sensory re-education.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Helping to alleviate the symptoms of a catching, locking, or painful finger/thumb through targeted physiotherapy interventions, potentially avoiding the need for injections or surgery in some cases.

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. Wendy can assess your needs.

• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Hands-on physiotherapy focused on mobilizing restricted joints and soft tissues to promote healing, restore normal biomechanics, and alleviate pain.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.
• 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.
• 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.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Customized strength training to address specific weaknesses identified in your assessment, helping to correct imbalances, improve movement efficiency, and achieve your physical objectives.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Targeted exercises focused on strengthening the deep abdominal, back, pelvic floor, and diaphragm muscles to provide better support for your spine, improve posture, enhance balance, and increase movement efficiency.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Wendy, 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 STRETCHIT Physiotherapy Services (SIPS), physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Wendy frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Many individuals seek help from Wendy, their physiotherapist, when tendonitis pain flaring up in my shoulder, knee, elbow, or foot starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve feeling more like their 'old self' before their injury or condition began, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like playing fetch with their dog in the park for an extended time.
• Wendy frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of that persistent ache in my lower back that just won't quit. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets being able to climb stairs with ease and confidence once again and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like managing the physical demands of their job without constant pain.
• When swelling in my arm or leg, possibly lymphedema, after surgery or treatment is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing reaching for items on high shelves or in cupboards without shoulder strain, physiotherapy with Wendy can help you work towards feeling equipped with effective self-management strategies and exercises. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Don't let feeling unsteady on my feet or experiencing dizziness and balance problems dictate what you can and cannot do. Wendy offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at increased endurance for walking, allowing for longer and more enjoyable outings, helping you reclaim simply being able to get through a workday without constant pain interruptions and enjoy a more functional life.

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

Wendy practices at STRETCHIT Physiotherapy Services (SIPS), situated in the CN Tower, King and Spadina, Railway Lands, Harbourfront West neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Scotiabank Arena and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Please inquire regarding specific accessibility needs for our clinic. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiotherapist can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

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. Always check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics. Verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of physiotherapy sessions required varies greatly from person to person. It depends on several factors, including the nature and severity of your condition, how long you've had the issue (acute vs. chronic), your individual treatment goals, your body's unique response to therapy, and how consistently you are able to follow your prescribed home exercise program and self-management advice. Your Physiotherapist will discuss a proposed treatment frequency and estimated duration after your initial assessment and will continually re-evaluate your progress with you.

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 of physiotherapy services. Check your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

What are STRETCHIT Physiotherapy Services (SIPS)'s operating hours?

Our clinic is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and some practitioners offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call our office or check our website/online booking portal for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

STRETCHIT Physiotherapy Services (SIPS)
PO Box 40044, Queens Quay PO
Toronto, ON, M5V 0A4

Phone: (416) 820-2424

Wendy S. Barden 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: XXX36

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=1ddb1324-8a02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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