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Strive Physiotherapy and Sports Medicine

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Serving the midtown Toronto community, conveniently located at intersection of Yonge and Eglinton.

Fee increase effective January 1st, 2024 Please note some of our fees will be increasing on Jan 1st 2024, please click here for more information.

Wellness screening: We are committed to maintaining a safe and healthy place for all who enter our clinic. Prior to each appointment you will receive, via email, an online wellness screening questionnaire. Please complete this questionnaire to help us stay healthy and able to provide care. Masking is optional in the clinic, based on your personal health situation. If you would like your practitioner to wear a mask, please let us know when you arrive .

Booking tips: Please review the following booking guidelines prior to scheduling an appointment. If it is your first time visiting the clinic, if you have a new area of concern or if it has been greater than 6 months since your last appointment with us, please schedule an ASSESSMENT. When scheduling FOLLOW UP VISITS appointments, please chose the same practitioners with whom you completed an assessment. We do review all bookings and may adjust the appointment type based on the information in your file. If any changes are made to your booking, you will receive an email notification.

Cancellation policy: Please be aware that 24 hours’ notice is required for cancellation of all appointments, or you may be directly charged for the full amount of your missed appointment.

We thank you for your dedication to your health and well-being and we look forward to seeing you soon.

Serving the Yonge and Eglinton community.

Services
Service

Sports Medicine & Physiatry

Appointments with the Physiatrist are covered by OHIP and a referral from your primary care physician is required. Dr. Tam is accepting new patients with short wait times for an appointment. A valid health card must be presented prior to each visit otherwise you will be required to pay for the services rendered at your visit. Residents of Quebec and non-residents of Canada will be required to p... Read More

Appointments with the Physiatrist are covered by OHIP and a referral from your primary care physician is required. Dr. Tam is accepting new patients with short wait times for an appointment. A valid health card must be presented prior to each visit otherwise you will be required to pay for the services rendered at your visit. Residents of Quebec and non-residents of Canada will be required to pay for the services rendered at their visit. Payment for services not covered by OHIP is required at each visit.

The field of Sports Medicine focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, treatment of sports injuries and musculoskeletal conditions. Physicians who have a speciality in the area of Sports Medicine are skilled in the assessment and diagnosis of sports injuries. Whether your condition requires a referral for diagnostic testing, a prescription for medication, a referral to a specialist or surgeon or to provide a recommendation for treatment options, your Strive Sports Medicine Physician is here to help.

What is a Physiatrist?
Rehab doctors or, Physiatrists are physicians who specialize in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), a medical specialty that evaluates and manages patients whose functional abilities have been affected/impaired.

Concussion Rehabilitation

Concussion Rehabilitation at Strive is lead by Nicole Cesca, Physiotherapist. Nicole has advanced training in concussion assessment and management. She will design an individualized rehabilitation program that will focus not just on your symptoms but on addressing you as a whole person, which may include addressing the neck, thoracic spine and vestibular symptoms. Interested in learning more? B... Read More

Concussion Rehabilitation at Strive is lead by Nicole Cesca, Physiotherapist. Nicole has advanced training in concussion assessment and management. She will design an individualized rehabilitation program that will focus not just on your symptoms but on addressing you as a whole person, which may include addressing the neck, thoracic spine and vestibular symptoms. Interested in learning more? Book a 10min Ask a Physio complementary phone call to see if this type of care is the right fit for you.

Dancer Care - Physiotherapy

Dance focused Physiotherapy: Are you a dancer looking to improve your performance? Struggling with an injury or would like a pre-season or pre-point assessment to ensure you start the season off right? Strive Physiotherapist Grace Underwood has been in your shoes. Grace was a trained ballet, pointe, and jazz dancer having completed several dance examinations from the Royal Academy of Dance and ... Read More

Dance focused Physiotherapy: Are you a dancer looking to improve your performance? Struggling with an injury or would like a pre-season or pre-point assessment to ensure you start the season off right? Strive Physiotherapist Grace Underwood has been in your shoes. Grace was a trained ballet, pointe, and jazz dancer having completed several dance examinations from the Royal Academy of Dance and the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing for Classical Ballet. She has completed training in dance rehabilitation in areas including pre-season and pre-pointe assessments, assessment and treatment of dance injuries and other dance specific techniques. So, whether you are a recreational dancer or an elite competitive dancer, Grace is here for you. She will provide you with a personalized assessment and treatment plan and help you achieve your goals. Still not sure? Book a Complementary 10min Ask A Physio phone call and find out if this is the care you have been looking for.

Massage Therapy

Registered Massage Therapists (RMT) are self-regulating Health Care Professionals who are certified by and registered with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario. At Strive, our RMTs use a variety of hands on techniques to address muscle pain and tension as a result of training and injury. Jennifer Costa's massage approach is to treat the body as a whole using fascial and trigger point re... Read More

Registered Massage Therapists (RMT) are self-regulating Health Care Professionals who are certified by and registered with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario. At Strive, our RMTs use a variety of hands on techniques to address muscle pain and tension as a result of training and injury. Jennifer Costa's massage approach is to treat the body as a whole using fascial and trigger point release techniques. Please note HST is applied to the cost of the visit.

Pedorthics

Pedorthists are trained in the assessment of lower limb anatomy and muscle and joint function. In Canada, Pedorthists who are members of the Pedorthic Association of Canada, receive the certification of Canadian Certified Pedorthists – C. Ped (C). They receive specialized education and training in foot orthotics and footwear. At Strive, Babs Aiyede, a Canadian Certified Pedorthist, works in col... Read More

Pedorthists are trained in the assessment of lower limb anatomy and muscle and joint function. In Canada, Pedorthists who are members of the Pedorthic Association of Canada, receive the certification of Canadian Certified Pedorthists – C. Ped (C). They receive specialized education and training in foot orthotics and footwear. At Strive, Babs Aiyede, a Canadian Certified Pedorthist, works in collaboration with your other Strive team members, to alleviate pain, abnormalities and debilitating conditions of the lower limbs and feet.

Pilates

Pilates can help people of all ages, abilities and fitness levels. It is adaptable to an individual’s specific health and movement goals. Pilates can be used for athletic conditioning and cross training, as well as injury prevention, chronic pain management, and rehabilitation. Pilates is a suitable complement to manual therapies such as Physiotherapy and Massage. Pilates aims to re-educate mo... Read More

Pilates can help people of all ages, abilities and fitness levels. It is adaptable to an individual’s specific health and movement goals. Pilates can be used for athletic conditioning and cross training, as well as injury prevention, chronic pain management, and rehabilitation. Pilates is a suitable complement to manual therapies such as Physiotherapy and Massage. Pilates aims to re-educate movement through specific programming, dynamic imagery, and cueing. Packaged pricing is available for 5, 10 or 20 sessions, email or call us to find out more!

Physiotherapy - In Clinic

The foundation of any initial appointment with a Physiotherapist, is a thorough patient interview, which allows your Physiotherapist to learn more about you. It includes learning about your condition, your past medical history, contributing factors and understanding your needs and goals. This can be done in person, over the telephone or through video conferencing. The next step involves careful... Read More

The foundation of any initial appointment with a Physiotherapist, is a thorough patient interview, which allows your Physiotherapist to learn more about you. It includes learning about your condition, your past medical history, contributing factors and understanding your needs and goals. This can be done in person, over the telephone or through video conferencing. The next step involves careful observation of you and how you move. In person and video appointments are best for these situations as it allows your Physiotherapist to guide you through different positions and movement patterns to gain the necessary information to provide a diagnosis and create a treatment plan. Working together, you and your Strive Physiotherapist will create a plan to help you manage your pain, move better and strive for better health!
Virtual appointment options are available as well. Please see Virtual Physiotherapy for more information.

Physiotherapy - Melanie MacKinnon

As a senior therapist, Melanie typically books a few weeks in advance for new assessments and her appointment rates are higher. When booking an assessment with Melanie, it is highly recommended to also tentatively book one (1) follow up appointment, one (1) week later. During your appointment, you and Melanie will work together to create a plan of care and schedule or reschedule appointments as... Read More

As a senior therapist, Melanie typically books a few weeks in advance for new assessments and her appointment rates are higher. When booking an assessment with Melanie, it is highly recommended to also tentatively book one (1) follow up appointment, one (1) week later. During your appointment, you and Melanie will work together to create a plan of care and schedule or reschedule appointments as needed. Appreciating the need for timely care, if Melanie's wait list is too long for you to wait for care, schedule a 10 min Ask A Physio discovery call with Melanie so she can help you to find the practitioner on our team best suited for you. Melanie is deeply invested in creating a team of highly skilled and compassionate practitioners and is actively involved in supporting their professional development. If you are a previous patient of Melanie's and are having a hard time finding an appointment, please contact our admin team to help put you on the wait list.

Paediatric Physiotherapy

Paediatric physiotherapy involves assessment and therapeutic intervention for children and youth of all ages. Paediatric physiotherapy spans a broad range of applications, from rehabilitating orthopedic injuries to helping your little one achieve their developmental milestones. Paediatric Physiotherapy can help with gross motor delay/developmental delay, scoliosis, torticollis, cerebral palsy, ... Read More

Paediatric physiotherapy involves assessment and therapeutic intervention for children and youth of all ages. Paediatric physiotherapy spans a broad range of applications, from rehabilitating orthopedic injuries to helping your little one achieve their developmental milestones. Paediatric Physiotherapy can help with gross motor delay/developmental delay, scoliosis, torticollis, cerebral palsy, osgood-schlatter's and many more conditions!

Pelvic Health Physiotherapy

Pelvic Health Rehabilitation is a growing area of speciality for persons experiencing dysfunction or pain with their bladder, bowel and sexual function. Although changes in bladder and bowel function following pregnancy or prostate surgery are common, it should not be thought of as normal. Pelvic floor muscles are an integral component of our core muscles and also play an essential role in ke... Read More

Pelvic Health Rehabilitation is a growing area of speciality for persons experiencing dysfunction or pain with their bladder, bowel and sexual function. Although changes in bladder and bowel function following pregnancy or prostate surgery are common, it should not be thought of as normal.
Pelvic floor muscles are an integral component of our core muscles and also play an essential role in keeping our backs healthy. Strive Physiotherapist Stephanie Gardonio combines her expertise in manual therapy and pelvic health rehabilitation to succsesfuly address these conditions with sensitivity and compassion.

Vestibular Physiotherapy

Vestibular rehabilitation is an exercise based treatment program, designed to help improve balance, decrease and manage symptoms of dizziness, vertigo and the associated nausea, unsteadiness and headaches that often accompany these symptoms. If you are experiencing dizziness, imbalance, vertigo, Meniere's syndrome, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), neck-related dizzinesss and/or migr... Read More

Vestibular rehabilitation is an exercise based treatment program, designed to help improve balance, decrease and manage symptoms of dizziness, vertigo and the associated nausea, unsteadiness and headaches that often accompany these symptoms. If you are experiencing dizziness, imbalance, vertigo, Meniere's syndrome, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), neck-related dizzinesss and/or migraines, a Physiotherapist trained in vestibular rehabilitation can be of help!

Virtual Physiotherapy

Virtual care appointments are well suited to: 1) Education and discussion regarding pain management strategies, activity and lifestyle modification to address pain and prevent injury 2) Creation or progression of existing exercise programs 3) Screening of acute injuries to help you deal with new injuries in a timely manner and potential referral to other health care professionals Virtual ... Read More

Virtual care appointments are well suited to:
1) Education and discussion regarding pain management strategies, activity and lifestyle modification to address pain and prevent injury
2) Creation or progression of existing exercise programs
3) Screening of acute injuries to help you deal with new injuries in a timely manner and potential referral to other health care professionals

Virtual Care appointments can rule out any serious underlying cause and any issues that need to be investigated, in the same way as a face to face appointment would. The virtual care appointments require the same high level of adherence to safety and professional standards as our in person appointments do. However, virtual care appointments do have their limitations and there may be instances where your Physiotherapist will recommend you come in for a session so s/he can perform some additional hands on assessment to finalize the diagnosis, rule out serious pathology or provide hands on treatment (such as dry needling, soft tissue techniques and joint mobilization/manipulation) that when combined with your exercises, will help you get moving again.

Jennifer Costa RMT

Jennifer graduated with honours from the Massage Therapy program at ICT Kikkawa College. She is a member of the Ontario Massage Therapy Association and is a Registered Massage Therapist with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario since 2009.

She is an avid runner, participating in races from 5km up to 1/2 marathons. She has coached 5k running clinics with the Running Room, helping others realize their running goals.

Her massage therapy approach is to treat the body as a whole using myofascial and trigger point release techniques.

Jennifer graduated with honours from the Massage Therapy program at ICT Kikkawa College. She is a... Read More

Babs Aiyede
(He/Him/His) C Ped (C)

Babs Aiyede is a Canadian Certified Pedorthist specializing in lower limb biomechanics, orthotic therapy, running injuries, and therapeutic footwear. He holds an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from the University of Waterloo and is a member of both the College of Pedorthics of Canada and the Pedorthic Association of Canada.

With over 30 years of experience in the biomechanical management of musculoskeletal injuries and orthopaedic conditions of the lower limb, Babs has had the opportunity to work with a variety of clinicians in a number of pedorthic, physiotherapy, and sport medicine clinics. He has also been a guest lecturer for the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Toronto (2000 to 2018) and the School of Podiatry at the University of South Australia (1998).

Babs is currently the owner of Biomechanical Advantage and provides pedorthic services at a number of physiotherapy and sport medicine clinics in the Greater Toronto Area.

Babs Aiyede is a Canadian Certified Pedorthist specializing in lower limb biomechanics, orthotic ... Read More

Grace Underwood
(She/Her/Hers) PT

Grace completed her Master of Science in Physical Therapy at the University of Toronto. Before physiotherapy school she obtained a Bachelor of Computing with a specialization in biomedical applications and a Master of Science in Computing from Queen’s University. During her Physiotherapy education, Grace enjoyed clinical internships in amputee rehabilitation, paediatric neurosurgical rehabilitation, lung transplant rehabilitation, and several out-patient clinics working with patients following joint replacement and fracture, patients with Long COVID, and WSIB patients. Grace is passionate about orthopaedic Physiotherapy and plans to continue her post-graduate education by pursuing courses in manual therapy, dry needling, acupuncture, and concussion management. Grace has currently completed a Level 1 neuroproprioceptive taping course. Grace was an avid athlete competing in volleyball and soccer for much of her life. She is passing along her love of sports as she coaches a competitive boys volleyball team in Etobicoke. She enjoys coaching and teaching the team about proper skills and techniques and growing their love of the game. Grace’s passion for physiotherapy comes from growing up loving sports and maintaining an active lifestyle. Grace believes in a holistic patient-centred approach to treatment that combines manual therapy, exercise prescription, and education. She enjoys working with people of all ages and aims to work collaboratively with her patients to help them achieve their goals.

Grace completed her Master of Science in Physical Therapy at the University of Toronto. Before ph... Read More

Milena Roglic
(She/Her/Hers)

Milena began practicing Pilates in Montreal in 2001. Her interest in the method led her to acquire her certification with Polestar Pilates in 2008. Since then she has taught in various studios, health and fitness centres and corporate facilities. She has participated in workshops with distinguished instructors Brent Anderson, President and CEO of Polestar Pilates and Pilates Elder, Lolita San Miguel. Aside from continuing her Pilates education and practice, Milena is a visual artist and obtained her MFA from York University in 2014.

Milena began practicing Pilates in Montreal in 2001. Her interest in the method led her to acquir... Read More

Dr. Emily Tam
(She/Her/Hers)

At Strive, Dr. Emily Tam is a Physiatrist with a focus in Musculoskeletal and Sports Medicine. She sees a variety of patients with general rehabilitation, musculoskeletal, and stroke rehabilitation issues at her clinics and recognizes the importance of working closely with a rehabilitation team. Her primary clinical practice area is musculoskeletal/sports medicine, and she has a diverse interest and experience in sports injuries of all levels and ages. A referral to Dr. Tam from your family doctor is highly recommended, and in some circumstances, this requirement can be waived.

At Strive, Dr. Emily Tam is a Physiatrist with a focus in Musculoskeletal and Sports Medicine. Sh... Read More

Alex Ruth
(She/Her/Hers) PT

Alex completed her Master of Science in Physical Therapy at the University of Toronto. Prior to that, she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Guelph-Humber and a diploma in Fitness and Health Promotion from George Brown College. While completing her physiotherapy education, Alex enjoyed clinical internships in amputee rehabilitation and paediatric brain injury rehabilitation, before completing her final internship at Strive Physiotherapy and Sports Medicine. Alex is interested in paediatrics and 2SLGBTQIA+ health and is committed to furthering her post-graduate education by pursuing courses in advanced musculoskeletal manual therapy, integrated dry needling, and neurodevelopmental physiotherapy.

Alex is passionate about giving back to the community. Her most memorable volunteer experiences include assisting with spinal cord injury fitness classes at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute and working with Indigenous youth during the North American Indigenous Games as an emergency first responder. Alex also enjoys teaching and is a lecturer in the Physical Therapy department at U of T.

Alex developed her passion for physiotherapy and an active lifestyle after joining a roller derby league for adults in Toronto. More recently, Alex has taken up running and enjoys participating in events, such as the Toronto Women’s Run Series and the Pride and Remembrance Run.

Alex believes in an inclusive and holistic approach to physiotherapy treatment and enjoys working with people of all ages and abilities to support them in achieving their individual goals.

Alex completed her Master of Science in Physical Therapy at the University of Toronto. Prior to t... Read More

Stephanie Gardonio
(She/Her/Hers) PT, MScPT, MCPA, BPHE, BSc (Biology)

Stephanie completed her undergraduate degree at Queen’s University obtaining a Bachelors in Physical and Health Education and Bachelors of Science in Biology. She continued her education at Queen’s completing her Masters of Physiotherapy in 2009.

Since graduating Stephanie has completed a variety of courses to expand her Physiotherapy assessment and treatment techniques including acupuncture, neuro-proprioceptive and athletic taping, soft tissue release and McKenzie mechanical diagnosis and therapy.

Stephanie has also completed her Level 3 Musculoskeletal Manual Therapy courses through the Orthopaedic Division of the CPA and continues to broaden her musculoskeletal techniques with additional courses.

More recently, Stephanie has taken an interest in pelvic health and its role in rehabilitation. After having her two children and requiring the assistance of a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist, Stephanie has completed courses on internal assessment and treatment of pelvic floor conditions including, but not limited to, incontinence, pain, pelvic organ prolapse and diastasis rectus. She has also completed training through Stott Pilates in mat and reformer Pilates for rehabilitative purposes.

Stephanie begins with a thorough assessment and combines manual therapy, education and exercise prescription into her practice. She believes that empowering the client and ensuring their participation in their rehabilitation will help them reach their goals. Outside of the clinic

Stephanie has completed training in acupuncture from Acupuncture Canada.

Stephanie enjoys spending time with her family, going to the gym, practicing Pilates and reading.

Stephanie completed her undergraduate degree at Queen’s University obtaining a Bachelors in Physi... Read More

Melanie MacKinnon
(She/Her/Hers) PT, FCAMPT, CAFCI, CIDN, MClSc(Manip), MScPT, HBScKIN

Melanie MacKinnon graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology (HBScKIN) from Dalhousie University. She continued her studies at the University of Toronto where she received her Masters of Science in Physical Therapydegree, (MScPT). She advanced her Physical Therapy training by completing her Masters in Clinical Science Manipulative Therapy degree, (MClScManip) from the University of Western Ontario. She was extremely proud to become a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physical Therapists (FCAMPT) in 2009. Being a FCAMPT represents a commitment to ongoing learning, self-reflection and evidence based medicine. FCAMPTs are not only in Canada, but are part of an international organization, representing Physical Therapists from around the world. She is proud not only to be a Fellow of this association but to also have hired and mentored the other FCAMPT Physiotherapists who work at HPSM.

To complement the skills she learned in these programs, she chose to completed certification in acupuncture from Acupuncture Canada (AFCI), as well as dry needling from the Integrated Dry Needling (CIDN), programs. She has completed a variety of other complementary post-graduate physiotherapy courses relating to the diagnosis and treatment of movement impairment syndromes, mobilizations of joints with movement as well as the mobilization of the nervous and fascial system. She has also completed a number of population specific courses related to specific activities such as running and golf and others that address specific conditions such as osteoporosis.

She is passionate about Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and is deeply invested in teaching and mentoring at the entry level as well as post graduate level. She is currently the Co-coordinator and Lecturer for the Advanced Musculoskeletal Unit in the Masters of Science, Physical Therapy program, MScPT, in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Toronto. She also teaches and mentors within both the Orthopedic Divisions’ Advanced Manual and Manipulative Physical Therapy and Western University’s post-graduate Masters in Clinical Science Manipulative Therapy programs.

With a desire to become more involved within the National and InternationalPhysiotherapy community, Melanie is the Secretary and Treasurer for the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physical Therapists.

Melanie’s acupuncture training and certification is from Acupuncture Canada (AFCI). She is trained and certified in the use of dry needling from the Integrated Dry Needling (CIDN) program.

Melanie enjoys working with individuals of all ages, athletic or not, helping them to move better, with less pain, and get back to enjoying the activities that they want to do.

Melanie MacKinnon graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology (HBScKIN) f... Read More

Nicole Cesca
(She/Her/Hers) PT

As a past varsity golfer, Nicole is dedicated to assisting golfers recover from and prevent injury. Improving one’s body-swing connection and return to the course pain free is a focus of her management plan. Nicole is devoted to helping others improve their quality of life and being able to function as the healthiest version of themselves. Nicole believes in a patient-centred and holistic approach to physiotherapy treatment where she enjoys working collaboratively with her patients to assist them in reaching their physiotherapy goals. Nicole is passionate about orthopaedic and neurological physiotherapy and plans to advance her clinical practice by continuing to pursue courses in manual therapy, integrated dry needling and acupuncture. Nicole is dedicated to being a lifelong learner and is currently completing her PhD in Rehabilitation Science with a Collaborative Specialization in Neuroscience at the University of Toronto.

As a past varsity golfer, Nicole is dedicated to assisting golfers recover from and prevent injur... Read More

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Located at: 2300 Yonge Street , Suite 1604, Toronto
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Need Help? 416-486-4776 hello@striveto.ca