Yasma Ali-Hassan – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Yasma Ali-Hassan is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, ON, Yasma Ali-Hassan is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Yasma Ali-Hassan'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. Yasma Ali-Hassan serves infants, children, and adolescents.

Yasma Ali-Hassan completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2023). With clinical experience, Yasma Ali-Hassan is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Yasma Ali-Hassan has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Yasma Ali-Hassan's practice philosophy centers on a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Yasma Ali-Hassan offers consultations in English, French.

Yasma Ali-Hassan provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Post Surgical

• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Comprehensive shoulder rehabilitation after surgical intervention, following surgeon-specific protocols, to ensure optimal healing, manage pain and swelling, and restore your arm's functional capacity.
• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Guiding your rehabilitation journey after ACL or other ligament surgery, from early post-operative care to advanced sport-specific training and return-to-play testing.
• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Targeted physiotherapy to help you recover from operatively treated fractures, addressing common issues like joint stiffness, muscle weakness, swelling, pain, and functional limitations in the affected limb.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): A broad term for common injuries affecting muscles, tendons (tendinitis/tendinopathy), ligaments (sprains), joint capsules (capsulitis), and bursae (bursitis), leading to pain, inflammation, and functional limitations.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Difficulty with activities like reaching for objects, dressing, personal care, or carrying items due to underlying shoulder issues, which physiotherapy can help diagnose and treat.
• 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.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Common back problems that can impact your posture, ability to perform daily activities, and overall mobility, addressed with targeted physiotherapy.

Arthritis

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Tailored exercise programs (including range of motion, strengthening, and low-impact aerobic exercises), pain relief modalities, and education on joint protection techniques and energy conservation for individuals with RA or similar conditions.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A physiotherapy approach to address the unique challenges of AS, aiming to keep you as mobile and active as possible and support your spinal health and overall well-being.

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. Yasma Ali-Hassan can assess your needs.

• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Comprehensive exercise plans developed by your Physiotherapist to combat deconditioning, enhance overall physical well-being, and promote an active lifestyle.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Educating you about your diagnosis, expected recovery timeline (prognosis), and the reasons behind your treatment plan to encourage active participation in your healing.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: A progressive program designed to build a strong and stable core, improving your body's foundation for all movements and reducing strain on other structures.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Development of a tailored therapeutic exercise program by your Physiotherapist, focused on your specific rehabilitation needs, strength goals, flexibility improvements, balance, and overall conditioning.
• 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.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Specific stretches designed by your therapist to target tight muscle groups relevant to your condition, helping to improve your flexibility and reduce your risk of injury.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Yasma Ali-Hassan, 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 The Hospital for Sick Children, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Yasma Ali-Hassan frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• If dealing with pelvic pain or bladder/bowel control issues (for both men and women) is preventing you from fully enjoying managing their personal care routines independently, Yasma Ali-Hassan offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining sleeping more soundly through the night due to reduced pain and discomfort, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• Tired of shoulder pain that makes simple things like lifting my arm or reaching overhead difficult interfering with being able to perform deep cleaning tasks around the house? Yasma Ali-Hassan uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve a significantly reduced risk of falling, enhancing safety and independence and regain your freedom of movement.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Yasma Ali-Hassan can help you move beyond needing help to get moving again after a long period of illness or inactivity. The focus is on feeling less fatigued during physical activities and throughout the day, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as sitting comfortably through a movie at the cinema or a play.
• Don't let my infant having a tilted head or a flat spot on their head (torticollis/plagiocephaly) dictate what you can and cannot do. Yasma Ali-Hassan offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at being able to travel more comfortably and with less planning around physical limitations, helping you reclaim managing shopping trips and carrying bags without excessive fatigue or pain and enjoy a more functional life.

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

Yasma Ali-Hassan practices at The Hospital for Sick Children, situated in the Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Port Lands 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?

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.

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.

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, while a referral isn't legally required to see a Physiotherapist, some private/extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Your first physiotherapy appointment, which includes a detailed assessment and the development of your initial treatment plan, usually takes about 60 minutes. Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled for 30 to 45 minutes. The exact duration of each session will depend on the nature of your treatment and what your Physiotherapist has planned for that specific visit to best help you progress.

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 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 recommended 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).

The Hospital for Sick Children
555 University Avenue
Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8

Phone: (416) 813-1500

Yasma Ali-Hassan 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: XXX24

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=a7df7ec0-af45-ee11-be6f-000d3a09cff4

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