Square One Physiotherapy

In progress of being treated for rotor cuff. Every treatment I leave much in much better condition from excruciating pain. Entire staff is truly amazing, Caring and very pleasant. I’m so grateful and very fortunate to have found this place.

To the poster An N
In Ontario physiotherapists have to be registered with an organization (called a College) in order to practice as a physiotherapist. The College ensures that individuals are qualified to practice and that they remain competent. The College has a complaints process which is available to members of the public who wish to file a complaint. You can learn more about the complaints process by contacting the College at 416 591 ³⁸²⁸⁄₈₀₀ 583 5885 ext 223. Complaints can be filed online as well.
College of Physiotherapists of Ontario
* please ignore the rating. This message could not be posted without a rating. The one star is a reflection of An N’s experience

This clinic is a JACKPOT for anyone looking for a clinic. I went here because I had mediocre results with other clinics, and saw on their website that they have a decompression machine (this was criteria in my searching) and was very happy with what I experienced there.
Following are specific details to qualify why this clinic is good:
— Skills — Skilled physiotherapists! These therapists are skilled with different techniques and years of experience. Now when I say ‘skilled’, I’m a layman, and this is what I mean: the techniques used on me work, I’ve seen lots of different techniques and approaches tried in order to identify which ones best suit me and would best improve my condition — some techniques work, some didn’t, and the ones that do work get used again. This is important because every patient is different, and there is no single best way to cure all conditions.
— Low cost — Great value when compared to other clinics. At other clinics, I have paid $ 75 per 45 minute session to get mediocre at other clinics, compared to $ 50/​session here for — see next point for the details of what a session is both at other clinics and at this clinic.
— Session content — A session at this clinic will likely be different for everyone. Different injuries and conditions require different treatment, but I’ve seen the following used in treatment: decompression, manual physio, exercises, TENS, interdifferential (IDF), laser therapy, ultraand there’s likely more. In my case, it’s 20 mins decompression, 20 mins manual physio, 20 mins TENS. That’s an hour of actual treatment — at other physio clinics, I’ve seen sessions that were called «an hour long session» composed of 10 mins of discussion, 10 mins of directed (but not assisted) stretching, 5 mins of traction (can’t even really call it manual because it was only traction), 10 minutes of laying down with a heating pad, 10 minutes of exercising and then rounded up to the nearest hour to call it 60 mins.
— Decompression machine — I’ve mentioned this already, but if this applies to your treatment, this speeds up your recovery greatly. At other clinics, I’ve had therapists perform traction on me in lieu of having a decompression machine. However, there is no comparison — a human can simply not continually apply pressure for 20 minutes.
— Facilities — The building/​unit itself is nothing special but all the necessities are here, which includes a bed that raises up and down (important for people with severe injuries — not everyone can get on those high beds), exercise area (albeit smaller than I’ve seen at other clinics), waiting area with seats, water cooler.
— Cleanliness — The beds are always clean with clean towels over pillows, so you’re not putting your face/​hair in someone else’s germs.
— Evaluation — The evaluation session was a longer session and cost a bit more (standard for physio) but was thorough and included treatment as well. By the end of the session, I had a better understanding of my condition.
— Explanation — My condition and its changing state is always explained to me in ways that I understand. This is important to me! Things such as how to walk to best reduce stress of my back, or how to lift things are explained. I had a few bad habits in the way I move, lift items, walk, etc, that could in some circumstances contribute to my condition, and he was able spot these, explain how this is harmful to me.
— Memory — When I come in for sessions, the therapist knows my current state, he remembers the history of my injury and treatment. I have had to recap this for therapists at other clinics before, and it’s very annoying. I’ve never had this issue here, and this goes to show the care and respect patients are given.
— Exercises — The set of exercises I’m provided changes as my condition improves over time. Additional exercises are added to the set (or replace existing ones) to optimize my exercise routine at home to ensure my recovery continues even outside of the clinic.
Negative points:
— Wait time — Between components of the sessions, there can be a bit of wait time — a few minutes here and there. So for a 60 minute session, you might actually be there for 80 minutes on a slow day, mind you this includes the time to prepare the decompression machine and strap in and out, and setting up of TENS contacts which takes some time.
— Exercise room — I’ve seen other clinics with larger exercise rooms, actually more like gyms with gym equipment (stationary bikes, lifting machines, rowing machines, treadmills, etc). There’s nothing fancy here, just a small area of a room with some exercise devices present, although it does have key tools for specific physio related exercises tools like balance boards, balance balls, weights, specific tools for spinal exercises and a few other tools. But if you’re hoping to get access to a gym, you won’t find it here.