How To Get Fit Faster After Surgery with Our Equipment - Physio for Surgery

Voted The Diamond Award Best Physiotherapy Clinic and Massage Therapy Clinic in Markham 2022 & 2023 by Economist & Sun

Voted The Platinum Award Best Physiotherapists and Rehab Clinics In Markham 2024

How To Get Fit Faster After Surgery

With Futuristic Therapy

Except, it's not futuristic at all – it's available at Physio For Surgery now, and it's a no-brainer. I mean. Why wait months (hypothetically speaking: “on the bench”) when you can cut that time in half using cutting edge rehab equipment and modern physiotherapy techniques?

The techniques and technology we use originated in professional sport, but every body can benefit from the service we offer.

Whoever you are - Canadian football player, crazy golf champion or couch potato: “Aint nobody got time to sit on the sidelines and let life pass by, eh?”

Let’s get it done.


Anti-Gravity Treadmill

What is Anti-Gravity Treadmill?

Whenever you see football players and athletes working with a physiotherapist after an injury or surgery, you're likely to see them on an anti-gravity treadmill. But what does it do? Well, the clue is in the name "anti-gravity."

NASA initially developed the technology behind the system to help astronauts avoid the inevitable loss of muscle and bone mass when they're in space in a 'microgravity" environment.

Now, imagine you're running in space. Yes, that's precisely the sensation the anti-gravity treadmill delivers and allows you to do – to run without putting weight (or gravity) through your injured leg, foot, or ankle. So, the beauty of this machine is that when you're still at an early stage in recovery - only able to partially weight-bare, you can start working on your fitness and mobility. It also helps reduce the amount of pain you feel when exercising so soon after surgery.

As well as being revolutionary for post-surgery healing, it's an extraordinary experience. So if you’ve ever fancied yourself as an astronaut, now is your chance.

Game Ready Machine

What is the Game Ready Machine?

The Game Ready machine is a clever bit of kit that automates applying compression and cold therapy at the same time. So forget frozen peas and compression bandages. The Game Ready machine is the real deal. It’s great for injuries and aiding recovery after surgery. There's no mess from melting ice – and you don't have to waste endless bags of store-bought peas either. Instead, the Game Ready machine – designed in consultation with orthopedic doctors and surgeons - uses NASA spacesuit technology to control intermittent cold and compression therapy expertly.

The machine simultaneously uses cold water to remove heat from the treatment site and inflates with air to activate the compression element and apply pressure exactly where needed. These two things in tandem help reduce and prevent inflammation and swelling. In addition, they lower pain levels, and we can apply cold therapy and compression around the entire circumference of your leg, back, shoulder, or any other injured area which enables super-fast healing. It reduces pain and swelling, increases blood flow and oxygen delivery, improves lymphatic drainage, prevents edema and speeds up recovery.

Our game ready unit also has rapid contrast (hot and cold) so there are more benefits than just from the cold side.
Throw away your microwavable heat packs and peas, the heat is great for soothing muscles in your sore back. The contrast is the best part of this unit, the ability to expand (heat) and contract (cold) helps to get rid of swelling and ease aching joints, especially when you can't move them yourself.

Moving your joints creates a natural pump (which is why when you are healthy there is no swelling) but
when you can't move through a full range of motion you lose this ability so this contrast can help by reducing swelling or easing the aching joints even when you cant move them.

It's a game-changer.

BFR Therapy

What Is Blood Flow Restriction Therapy?

You might have overheard guys in the gym talking about blood flow restriction training (or vascular occlusion training). Walking around with strange “cuffs” on their arms or legs as their veins pop while they're grunting through heavyweight sets.

Don’t worry. We’re not going to have you do that.

In a professional physiotherapy setting, blood flow restriction therapy is a highly effective clinical rehabilitation – carried out under intense supervision. At Physio For Surgery, we use this technique to allow you to perform therapeutic exercises. At the same time, the pressure from a pneumonic cuff reduces the amount of blood flowing out of the relevant muscle. This reduction has significant benefits for you after surgery. First, it fools the body into thinking it is working hard – without putting pressure or stress on the tissues that are still recovering and unable to "load." Second, this technique increases your heart rate, activates fast-twitch muscle fibres and the body's release of exercise-induced growth hormone and lactate.

In essence, you can maintain and sometimes even build muscle mass and fitness levels. But, at the same time, you're unable to do high-intensity cardio training or "train legs."

With blood flow restriction training, a bodyweight squat is like squatting with a fully loaded bar. It’s great for arthritis, injuries, and post-surgery.

It’s another game changer - previously only available to athletes and pro sports players. Now available to every body at Physio For Surgery.

Alex is a good physiotherapist who is interested in getting his patients to return to optimal health.
A T
A T
17:39 29 Oct 24
Physio for Surgery was the very first place I called after having emergency knee surgery and I never looked back! About 3 minutes into my assessment with Nick, I knew I had found the best team of professionals to help me with my recovery. I dislocated my knee, tearing my ACL, PCL and LCL, and the severity of the injury made me believe I was never going to be the same again. Not only did I want someone experienced, but I needed someone I could trust to care for me when I was most vulnerable, and I got more than I could have asked for from Nick, Alex and Brandon. They took time to get to know me as a person and gave me reassurance, confidence, tough love and a lot of laughs. I truly believe my recovery would not have been so smooth without them and for that, I am forever grateful. There are so many positive things I can say but the one thing I can bet on is that you will always leave feeling better than when you walked in and to me, that’s a sign of excellent health care.Thank you guys for being the best! 🙂
Thurcya A.
Thurcya A.
21:02 17 Oct 24
I have had the pleasure of pain management services with Nick Halkidis (Pain/Athletic Therapist) and I can’t express how impressed I was with Nick and his staff deserving a special thank-you for the courteous, professional and efficient services rendered to me. Nick told me that surgery was not an option for me. The state of the art equipment; Anti Gravity Treadmill and the Game Ready Met was beyond my expectations including hands-on manipulation. Nick is honest and offers a free consultation.I will rate them 100 % +Excellent physiotherapy avoiding surgery.Yasmin Peter
Yasmin Leila
Yasmin Leila
19:02 17 Oct 24
Onescripter
Onescripter
16:28 27 Sep 24
Nick and Brandon are very good at what they do. Highly recommended
Sanjay Rana
Sanjay Rana
17:14 19 Sep 24
I've had lower back pain for a very long time to the point where I paid a visit to my family doctor about it and after x-rays show that I have a collapsed disc on left side of lower back and in neck area. He told me there was nothing I could do about it and just take advil to ease the pain. Well, for years I accepted this but it reached a point where my lower back just gives way every few months and I just couldn't move. My neck was also constantly sore. I could not sit for more than 1/2 hour without getting a sore neck and lower back. I was worried in lifting anything remotely heavy as I fear I will hurt my back. This is not living. Something had to be done, so I did a google search and found Nick from Physio for Surgery. I read the information on his website and he sounded like he could help me so I got in touch with him and explained my problem. Nick was very knowledgable and convinced me to come in and see Alex Chan, a physiotherapist who specializes in lower back and neck pain. This turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life. Alex read my report but I explained my issues in detail to him on my lower back and neck issues. He did an assessment on me and devised a plan suited for me by promptly showing me a set of exercises to start on for my lower back and neck. He continued to work with me on each session twice a week. He is so knowledgable and answered all my questions at each session. My lower back and neck continued to improve each week as Alex gave me the confidence to go back and do the things I enjoy like pickleball, tennis, biking, etc without worrying about hurting my back again. I worked hard on all the exercises he told me to do every day and the results are tremendous. I'm simply amazed, elated and so impressed with Alex. I highly recommend Alex if you have any back, neck or whatever bodily ailments you may have. Thank-you so much Alex, Nick and Catherine at the front desk. The staff is so friendly and professional.
Tony F.
Tony F.
16:10 19 Sep 24
I'm your stereotypical man who leaves ailments until they get better themselves but had a neck issue that was affecting sleep so was recommended Physio For Surgery and it's been a great experience.The staff are very professional and equally personable. Understanding that anything overly hassle creating I'd have probably stopped doing but the understanding and communication was just right and the flow of information in whatever format works for you makes it easy.Each element is explained in simple terms so there's no jargon or fluff. They get right to the challenge and use their skills to repair, rebuild and set you up for longevity for success.If there's something affecting your quality of life and you think they can help, go. It will be worth it.
David Ellis
David Ellis
22:38 17 Sep 24
Physio for Surgery is an excellent facility. The physiotherapists are highly skilled and very knowledgeable. I suffered an elbow injury playing competitive baseball and both Brandon and Nick helped me recover and get back to playing. They use many techniques and sports-injury tools that are highly effective. They are also really accommodating with appointments. I would definitely recommend Physio to Surgery if you’re looking to recover quickly and completely.
Wiliam Stewart
Wiliam Stewart
17:08 06 Sep 24
Alejandra Alvarez
Alejandra Alvarez
19:30 05 Sep 24
Nick and his team provide the best level of care I know. They are very honest and optimistic with recoveries and I have seen great results seeing Nick!
JUSTIN PLANE
JUSTIN PLANE
18:21 05 Sep 24
Nick is the best
Soccerbro1527
Soccerbro1527
21:12 04 Sep 24
Nick and his team are extremely knowledgeable when dealing with injuries and I am very happy with the outcome after receiving treatment at Physio for Surgery. I’m a baseball pitcher and have dealt with shoulder and elbow pain for years. It got to a point where I wasn’t able to pitch anymore and it stayed that way for a long time. I’ve seen many physio therapist over the years and they all gave the same treatment which ended up not helping much. When I went to see Nick this past winter he seemed to have a great understanding for pitching injuries and the treatment methods he described were different from other physios i’ve seen in the past.After a few months of treatment my arm feels great and I’m now back to pitching at the age of 35 in a competitive baseball league. I no longer have should pain when throwing thanks to Nick. I highly recommend the Physio for Surgery team for sports injuries. Thanks again Nick!
Brian Woodhouse Art
Brian Woodhouse Art
03:22 04 Sep 24
Nick and his team are incredible. Was dealing with a work injury in my arm for months before I went to see him and wish I had gone sooner. Absolute pro, extremely knowledgeable and the facilities are incredibly equipped. If anything hurts, go see Nick!
Alessandro Lanzillotta
Alessandro Lanzillotta
21:19 29 Aug 24
James Yantsis
James Yantsis
17:51 29 Aug 24
I have been coming to physio for surgery for over 4 months and in that time they have helped me greatly addressing my osteoarthritis in both of my knees.Living in a basement apartment makes stairs difficult let alone walking but with the exercise portal and the sessions with Alex and Brandon it is much easier and I can see and feel the progress I have made.The reminders and confirmation for appointments is helpful as well.Everyone is very pleasant and easy to work with. I highly recommend them if you need help managing your pain.
Deborah Tonita
Deborah Tonita
15:35 29 Aug 24
Great clinic for treatment
neophytos ioannou
neophytos ioannou
12:17 29 Aug 24
I met Nick back when he was working at Apple Creek Sports Medicine Clinic. Although I was never treated by Nick himself there I would often watch and listen to how he dealt with his clients. He was very welcoming, knowledgeable and funny. I've recommended many family members to go see Nick especially my husband Paul who currently has ACL/MCL issues with both knees due to intense wear and tear from playing sports. We have followed Nick wherever he has relocated as we know exactly what we get from him- honesty, education/self-care about our injuries and lots and lots of jokes and laughs. We currently brought our 11-year old daughter Mia, who has extremely anxiety, in for her Osgood-Schlatter disease and she was able to trust and was comfortable with both Nick and Brandon providing her treatment. Nick and Brandon explained to Mia what exactly she is dealing with and how to prevent/maintain any flare ups including self care stretching routines, icing and to rest as she is like her mother and father super into sports/track and needs the reminder to take a break.I myself have been seeing Brandon for literally everything in the last 3-4 months. I am a walking, broken, hurting mess. I started seeing Brandon for my Big Toe joint pain that I've had the last 10+ years, lower stiff back pain, a severely irritated hamstring injury, heel spur/planter fasciitis, ankle sprain-to name a couple of things. Each time I see Brandon I feel better every time. Brandon had to tell me Mid May I would be out for my outdoor season due to my hamstring. I was frustrated. Brandon made me realize the importance of my all around health and that this will be more of a life long journey of healing past injuries and to try to give myself credit of taking the time now to feel better. Just hearing that made me be more self-compassionate. I was able to get back to soccer 2 weeks ago and the Hamstring is feeling good!I like how both Nick and Brandon make you feel like YOU are in the driver seat and they are just there for the ride and to help direct you when and if needed. I've seen Alex once and I was also impressed with how knowledgeable and funny he was.This is a great environment with professionals who truly care about their clients overall well-being. From respectful and polite administrators, clean and welcoming environment, this is the place to go to becoming and feeling like a better version of yourself!Thanks Nick, Brandon and the rest of the team for everything you do!!!From Paul, Mia and Irene Loughrey
Irene Molto
Irene Molto
16:38 23 Aug 24
Physio for Surgery is fantastic! I injured my knee running and had on and off pain for over a year until I injured it badly. I saw Brandon and he used a wide array of techniques and equipment during therapy. I could hardly walk when I first saw him, and within 6 weeks I was running again! Now, several months later, I am running regularly with no pain at all. Brandon is an excellent physiotherapist with a vast knowledge of the human body and skills to fix it! He has also worked with my children to heal their sports related injuries. I highly recommend Physio for Surgery!
Maureen Stewart
Maureen Stewart
22:41 22 Aug 24
Nick has been treating my daughter on and off now for a couple of years. She is an elite softball pitcher and wouldn't be able to do what she does without Nick. A few months ago, I hurt my neck. I wasn't able to work or go to the gym. I tried massage, chiro and acupuncture...nothing worked. Every day I was in tears. Then my daughter said to see Nick. She said "he's magic Mom, he can fix anything". Within 2 weeks I was feeling significantly better. Nick does appear to be a magician but he's also kind, funny and extremely knowledgeable.
Kim Nicholson-Aquanno
Kim Nicholson-Aquanno
15:28 22 Aug 24
The staff at" Physio For Surgery" were very helpful and accommodating when I injured my knee. Chantal was very thorough during my assessment and understood my pain. This resulted in creating a detailed plan for my recovery. Chantal helped me get my strength back in my knee. Her knowledge and dedication is what made this happen. I also recommend having a massage. It helped me relax and deal with the pain. Thank you Physio For Surgery!
Sophia Khan
Sophia Khan
14:03 22 Aug 24
Alex Tsang
Alex Tsang
12:23 22 Aug 24
Both myself and my daughter have been here. Great results and would not hesitate to recommend Nick and his team. They get you back to your old self and help you get stronger so as to prevent injuries in the future.
J Schiralli
J Schiralli
11:39 19 Aug 24
My husband has been a patient with Physio for Surgery since it opened. He recommended them to me to treat an issue I am dealing with. I would highly recommend them to family and friends
Diana Chai-Chong
Diana Chai-Chong
19:48 16 Aug 24
Nick has helped me recover from a variety of injuries, particularly his treatment of my ankle injuries has enabled me to maintain an active, pain-free lifestyle. I have been treated by both Nick and Alex in the clinic, both of whom I would recommend to anyone.
Elias Boussoulas
Elias Boussoulas
14:11 13 Jun 24
Nice place nice people
Mollygonwon
Mollygonwon
12:18 06 Jun 24
Nick was literally the best physio I could ask for while rehabbing my knee post-ACL surgery 🙂 You will be in good hands with the combination of his knowledge and equipment (anti G treadmill, BFR & game ready). He was also able to correct other injuries I had that came up along the way (back pain & ankle pain) by providing me with exercise programs. He was one of the most important aspects of my rehab and I could not recommend him enough!
Evelyn
Evelyn
20:14 05 Jun 24
Physio For Surgery has a team of highly skilled and knowledgeable professionals. Staff and management are really friendly and the clinic has a super positive vibe which makes your experience smooth. I can definitely attest that I saw gradual improvement in my condition over the course of my treatment until I was back to normal. I highly recommend this place to anyone who is looking for results.
fariba gohari
fariba gohari
01:14 03 Jun 24
I am grateful for the exceptional care I received from Nick/Brandon at Physio For Surgery. From my first chat, they demonstrated genuine care, expertise, and professionalism.The personalized treatment plan have improved the pain for both of my elbows through each session, however; I have decided to try a different therapeutic method in order to further treat my pain, which has nothing to do with the service that was provided at Physio For Surgery.The clinic is welcoming, and the staff is friendly and efficient. I highly recommend Physio For Surgery for their dedication and outstanding care.Nick, Brandon and Team will be my go to if I ever need any kind of physio treatment for pain management, thank you all!Eddie
Eddie L
Eddie L
19:14 30 May 24
Brandon is confident , knowledgeable and always have a solution to address one’s issue / concern. Excellent service in this category.
Priscilla Pang
Priscilla Pang
15:58 30 May 24
Kimiko Leanne Maikawa
Kimiko Leanne Maikawa
13:02 30 May 24
Lalit Gupta
Lalit Gupta
12:14 30 May 24
I seperated my shoulder and was referred to Nick by another athetlic. He did not disapoint and went the extra mile to get me back on the ice as soon as possible. The treatments were awesome, and they have some very cool equipment that they would use on my shoulder after the session.I highly recommend this clinic!! Great team here!!
Adam Brown
Adam Brown
13:43 24 May 24
Sam Vig
Sam Vig
13:20 23 May 24
If you are an athlete or live an active life style, you would need to know a good physio closeby.. sports injuries are par for the course. physio for surgery’s contact should be saved in your phone. Nick is absolutely a great guy ! He is very knowledgeable, honest and would set the expectations right! He wouldn’t sugar coat things and would tell you what to expect during the process. He is competed, kind and very approachable! Give him a shout & u would not be disappointed!
Farheen imtiaz
Farheen imtiaz
04:23 22 May 24
I had plateaued in my recovery from a back injury and decided to try out this clinic. My physiotherapist, Alex has helped me better understand my issue and the road to recovery. It was a mindset shift but he was patient and informative and has gone above and beyond to find ways to help me. I am feeling better overall and I’m able to move better; however, the fact that I am no longer afraid to move my body and I’m now hopeful that I’ll be able to live life more fully again is invaluable. I feel empowered and that’s a gift. The staff are all very friendly and professional, there’s plenty of parking, and the clinic is easy to get to. Highly recommend!
Mary Malek
Mary Malek
16:07 17 May 24
Nick treats our entire family, my sons are athletes and when injured they are able to get back to competitive sports fast. From concussion treatment to osgood schlatter knees to sprains. I was so impressed with the concussion knowledge and treatment for my eldest who I thought due to the extent of the injury that he was going to be out for months was back within weeks. On top of it he’s a cool guy.
Melanie Jay Janmohamed
Melanie Jay Janmohamed
21:38 16 May 24
Great experience, my knee was completely back to normal after just a few sessions !
Christian Santos
Christian Santos
15:13 16 May 24
Extremely pleased with their work. Nick and Alex were very attentive to my 11yo's injury from overworking one leg more than the other from playing rep hockey. Alex was very patient with my son and was able to get a lot more out of his mouth than I could. We went through with the recovery program that they have designed and before you know it my son's now feeling better and stronger than before.
Ronny Pau
Ronny Pau
18:41 30 Apr 24
I highly recommend Physio for Surgery for your next physiotherapy visit! What a professional and welcoming environment. Alex Chan is very knowledgeable and provided me with the necessary rehab, paired with a variety of daily exercises to nurse my shoulder back to health earlier than anticipated.
Alex Newman
Alex Newman
12:21 17 Apr 24
Brandon is a fantastic physiotherapist! Very knowledgeable and great at explaining the underlying cause of my injury. His treatments were very effective, and he cleared my foot pain only after a few visits. Thank you Brandon! I'll be back for the next injury.
Jessica
Jessica
02:32 26 Mar 24
The day of my knee injury I could barely stand up on my own. I was able to come here the same day. Everyone at the clinic has been so friendly and helpful. Brandon has been great. He was able to help me get walking with the use of crutches on the first appointment. I know my injury may take time to heal. Brandon has helped me regain my independence as I continue to recover from my injury.
Jillian Chang
Jillian Chang
14:01 14 Feb 24
I attended Physio For Surgery to rehab my grade 2 MCL tear. Nick and his team were awesome in aiding my recovery. Extremely friendly and profession. I was able to get back to sports in a few short weeks. Highly recommend Physio For Surgery for any athletic therapy or physiotherapy.
Anth Luch
Anth Luch
13:46 13 Feb 24
Fantastic service by knowledgeable, professional staff. Nick himself has extensive experience with many national team athletes, and is able to quickly diagnose and fix problems through another body area inexperienced people wouldn't think of connecting. Alex is also fantastic, professional, and dedicated, always providing consistently high service
Mark Huang
Mark Huang
19:50 08 Feb 24
I had a great experience in this Clinic after my knee surgery. Nick, Brandon and Alexi has been awesome. Thank you everyone !
Jawed Afandi
Jawed Afandi
18:56 08 Feb 24
Josephine Karpouzis
Josephine Karpouzis
02:50 31 Jan 24
Wonderful experience!A warm welcoming when you enter, followed by exceptional service from the staff. I highly recommend this place, that’s why we keep coming back! Keep up the amazing work❤️
Christina Thomaidis
Christina Thomaidis
13:04 30 Jan 24
Nick and his team are by far the most professional therapists I have ever delt with from fixing minor problems to extreme problems they are the go to people
brad gay
brad gay
15:29 25 Jan 24
Morgan Petrov
Morgan Petrov
01:01 24 Jan 24
My treatment experience with Physio for Surgery has been very efficient and effective. The booking and follow-up by Alexis is top-notch and very personable. Nick is punctual, very decisive and clear with his diagnosis. His treatments have been very effective for my elbow and knee issues and his treatment equipment looks state-of-the art. Thanks team!
John Wieser
John Wieser
00:39 24 Jan 24
I enjoy my visits with Branden. Very professional and helpful which added to my speed y recovery. Thank you
Rose Tunzi
Rose Tunzi
20:24 23 Jan 24