About Us
Take care of your body. It’s the best place you have to live.
About the Founder
Polina is a graduate from the University of Toronto with a Master of Science in Physiotherapy. During her studies, Polina was involved in an extensive research project which evaluated exercise and education programs that successfully reduced falls and fractures in women with low bone mineral density (osteoporosis). Due to the success of the study, Polina continues to work on implementing such programs into her practice to address safe and effective exercise for individuals with osteoporosis and scoliosis. Polina also holds a specialized Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology with Honours from York University. Her academic background provides her with extensive knowledge of anatomy, exercise physiology, cognitive & mental health studies, nutrition, mindfulness practice and physical rehabilitation.
Polina began to broaden her pelvic health physiotherapist designation in 2014 and has since become certified in treating women’s, men’s and children’s pelvic health. Her interest for this sub-specialty peaked when she experienced her own personal need for pelvic health physio to combat pelvic pain. Her personal quest for healing has given her the opportunity to experience the field both as a patient and a professional, allowing for immense empathy (and gratitude!) for this largely under-serviced population. Her hope is to provide evidence-based and effective care that addresses the whole person in a gentle and mindful manner.
Life Long Learning
An avid believer in life-long learning, Polina continues to enrol in post-graduate courses. Using a blend of her various treatment tools from each sub-specialty, Polina finds that her clients can achieve powerful, long-lasting changes in their healing journey.
Polina’s credentials include:
Diploma of Advanced Manual and Manipulative Therapy – Orthopaedic Division: Levels I, II; III (lower)
McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis & Treatment; Therapy: Part A & B
McMaster University Contemporary Medical Acupuncture
Mulligan Mobilization with Movement Therapy – Upper & Lower
Neuro-Kinetic Therapy: Level I
Pelvic Health Solutions: Level I, II, III
Sport Taping
Vestibular Rehab Level I & Advanced Vestibular Rehab
Yoga for Scoliosis
Yoga for Osteoporosis
Spinning Babies Workshop
The Fascial Connection to Restore Movement
Pediatric Incontinence and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Treating Male Pelvic Pain: a Biopsychosocial Approach
Mobilization of the Visceral Fasica: the GI System
The Nuts & Bolts of Penile Rehabilitation & Sexual Health in Men’s Health Physiotherapy
The Nuts & Bolts of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training & Exercise in Prostate Cancer
The Nuts & Bolts of Peyronie’s Disease in Men’s Health Physiotherapy
The Use Of Pessaries For Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) In Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation
Cesarean Birth & Rehabilitation
RYT-200 (Registered Yoga Teacher Training)
Our Mission & Vision
Mindful Movement Physiotherapy – Pelvic Health – Yoga is a practice created with curiosity in the forefront; I believe there is always more than one way to solve a health challenge. My hope is to guide your mind and body to meet your goals. To attain general well-being is a complex construct: it involves the physical, mental and spiritual realms of the body. This is why my approach to your care is wholesome: it incorporates assessing the entire person, utilizing tools and principles from various schools of physiotherapy, osteopathy, acupuncture and exercise/movement (through the practice of yoga!). My intent is not to just treat the symptoms (or, what hurts) but to search for the cause and to address why the condition is occurring in the first place.
Located in the heart of Alliston, Mindful Movement proudly serves Alliston, Cookstown, Beeton, Tottenham, Thornton, Shelburne, New Lowell, Stayner, Colgan, Barrie, Baxter, Borden, Loretto, Angus and Bradford.
Mindful Movement recognized the need for a local clinic that could address the whole body but with extensive training and specialization for conditions related to the pelvis for men, women and children. As these conditions are largely not discussed and often underserviced; many individuals suffer in silence unaware that there is help available! My hope is to raise awareness and provide evidence-based, effective and empowering treatments to our community. My treatments are hands-on, one-on-one, without time constraints. Providing patients with the education and tools to manage their own health results in better outcomes. It is an honor and a privilege for me to join you along the path of your healing journey!
What We Do
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose Mindful Movement as your treatment provider?
MIndful Movement Physiotherapy was established to provide the Alliston community a patient-centered wellness clinic. Our focus is on your specific condition and needs. Polina acquires a multitude of advanced skills in assessment and treatment will ensure that all of your concerns and questions will be addressed (if she doesn’t know the answer, she will find you someone that does!). At Mindful Movement all of your appointments will be provided by your physiotherapist; we do not use assistants or aides. Your assessment and treatments will be one-on-one with as much time as necessary to address all of your concerns. Polina’s goal is to treat the “what” while solving and addressing your body’s “why” for each condition. Polina provides the sort of care that she would want for her family or helself.
Do I need a doctor's referral to begin physiotherapy?
No, we do not require a referral from your doctor or specialist for you to begin your physitherapy assessment or treatments. However, some insurance providers require a referral note from your doctor to reimburse you for your claim submission. Please call your extended health benefit provider to find out the rules of your plan.
Are your services covered by my extended health benefit plan?
If you have extended health coverage that includes physiotherapy services – then your assessment and treatments should be covered (in part or in full) by your insurance plan. Please call your provider to enquire about your coverage.
Do you direct bill to my insurance?
At this time we do not bill your insurance provider directly. Upon providing our physiotherapy service, we will ask you to pay for your appointment yourself via cash, e-transfer or credit card. We will then issue you a receipt which you will then submit to your insurance provider. Your receipt will contain all the necessary information for your successful submission.
What are my payment options?
We accept Visa, MasterCard, E-transfer and Cash payments. Upon payment we will offer you a printed or emailed (less paper!) receipt.
Military members do not need to pay upfront for their assessment or treatments as all payments will be processed through Blue Cross.
Do you treat Canadian Forces Members?
Absolutely! Polina used to work as a physiotherapist (and pelvic physiotherapist) at CAF Base Borden. She is well familiar with the emotional and physical demands placed on our Military members.
In order to access care at Mindful Movement, a referral must first be generated at your MIR followed by an authorization form from your base physiotherapy department. These documents will be sent via fax or email from your base directly to Mindful Movement. Once this step is complete, members are welcome to call, text or email our clinic to set up their first visit. All payments will be processed through Blue Cross. Military members do not need to pay upfront for their treatment services.
How much do your services cost?
Assessments:
Pelvic (Women’s/Men’s/Children’s) Health Physiotherapy Initial Assessment (60 -75 min) $115.00
Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Initial Assessment (60-75 min) $115.00
Treatments:
30 min follow-up treatment $70.00
45 min follow-up treatment $100.00
60 min follow-up treatment $130.00
How long is an appointment?
You intial visit will be at least 60 minutes long and as long as 90 minutes, depending on the complexity of the condition. The price for the assessment will not change.
Follow-up treatments will be either 30, 45 or 60 minutes long. The duration of your follow-up visit will be determined by you and your physiotherapist at your initial visit.
Do I need to bring anything with me to my first appointment?
Just yourself! If you have any medical lab results or findings, specialist letters or imaging summaries – please bring those with you to your first visit.
What does a pelvic physiotherapy initial assessment entail?
Your initial pelvic health physiotherapy visit will vary depending on your condition. All visits will begins with a thorough, in-depth subjective assessment (discussion of past medical history, current injury details, family history, social and work environments, etc) and objective assessment (muscle strength, joint range of movement, nerve tension testing, special joint/muscle testing, etc).
If it is relevant to your condition, the option to complete an internal vaginal, and/or rectal exam will be discussed with you in order to give us as much information about your condition as possible. This part of the assessment will only be conducted if the patient has given verbal and written consent to proceed. Internal exams are done with significant care and respect of your body, to ensure there is no discomfort to you (or the exam will not continue).
Following all of these investigations, your physiotherapist will provide you with treatment for your condition, which may include some or all of the following:
Manual therapy, physical/electrotherapeutic modalities (ie: ultrasound, muscle stim, TENS), medical acupuncture, education & advice regarding ergonomics, posture, alignment and body mechanics, taping, belt or brace use and exercise prescription.
Address
Unit 7 - 35 Victoria Street East
Alliston, ON, L9R 1T4
(entrance from the parking lot,
off Wellington St.)
*our office is located INSIDE the
Caring Hands Midwifery clinic
1-647-206-7650
Office Hours
Weekdays
Monday through Friday by appointment only
Weekends
Saturday & Sunday by appointment only
Mindful Movement Physiotherapy
* Located in Town Square, next to the Beach House Spa.
Entrance to the unit is from the PARKING lot, off of Wellington Street.
* Our physiotherapy clinic is located INSIDE the Caring Hands Midwifery office