skip to content
Find a Physiotherapist
Member Marketplace
Contact Us
Search
Search close
Become a Member
menu close
Search
News & Events arrow_forward_ios
arrow_back
News & Events
close
Advocacy arrow_forward_ios
arrow_back
Advocacy
close
About arrow_forward_ios
arrow_back
About
close
Professional Development arrow_forward_ios
arrow_back
Professional Development
close
Resources arrow_forward_ios
arrow_back
Resources
close
For Patients arrow_forward_ios
arrow_back
For Patients
close
For Members arrow_forward_ios
arrow_back
For Members
close
Find a Physiotherapist
Member Marketplace
Contact Us
Become a Member

OPA Calls for Improvements in Integrating Physiotherapy into ICHSCs

OPA recently sent a letter to the Ministry of Health with important feedback about the integration of physiotherapy in the Call for Applications for Integrated Community Health Services Centres (ICHSCs). We thank members who provided feedback which helped inform our letter. 

The Impact

We recognize the impact that ICHSCs will have in all sectors where physiotherapists work, and in particular, the direct impact that will be imposed upon physiotherapists working in the private sector and those who currently operate within the Community Physiotherapy Clinic (CPC) Program.

Several significant points we made include: 

Insufficient Compensation 

Compensation for physiotherapists serving patients within the ICHSC model remains unclear. We are very concerned that insufficient funding that is not based on current market rates for physiotherapists will not result in a sustainable program.

OPA has previously expressed concerns with the existing Bundled Care program and the distribution of funds within the bundle that has resulted in underpayment of physiotherapy services. Given the Ministry’s goal of improving access to community-based surgery for hip and knee replacements, our concerns have escalated about the ability of the public to access rehabilitation before and after surgery if there are not appropriate resources and funding available for community physiotherapy partners. 

Complexity of Patients 

It is essential that funding for physiotherapy services reflects the rehabilitation complexity of the patient regardless of where they have surgery. Physiotherapy should NOT be discounted in the community because they are considered low risk from just a surgical perspective.

Navigation 

As noted in OPA’s ongoing communications with the Bundled Care team at the Ministry of Health, there have been increasing challenges in system navigation of services for patients as the hospital role in navigation has eroded over time. OPA maintains the position that patient choice continues to be a priority. Currently, patients who undergo surgery at a hospital can choose where they access post-operative physiotherapy services, and the hospital bundle-holder is responsible for reimbursing the clinic of choice. This model has not been presented as a feature of the ICHSC program and has the potential to adversely impact accessibility and care outcomes.

Communication 

OPA asks that the current communication issues be addressed that exist in the Bundled Care program prior to ICHSCs opening. Communication to and from bundled care holders to the patient and to physiotherapists are all needing to be addressed.  

Why this is Critical for our Profession

Insufficient Compensation Impacts all Physiotherapists 

A compensation model that is both underfunded and shifts the risk to physiotherapists for rehabilitation outcomes not only impacts physiotherapy clinics providing care for ICHSC patients but erodes the value and compensation of physiotherapists in all sectors.

Current Status

This is an important issue for the profession and we commit to communicating any response we receive from the Ministry that responds to the concerns we have identified.

Advocacy is Continuous

Advocating with the Ministry and government will be ongoing until we believe that needed program changes are in place and are communicated to the profession. We know that rehabilitation for patients is critical to support good surgical outcomes. The service model needs to be built on a fair and transparent framework so that our members can participate knowing that they will be equitably treated at fair market rates. Read more news related to ICHSCs linked below. 

We encourage all members of the physiotherapy community to email the Ministry of Health and share your concerns. Use content from our letter and contact us for any additional resources at physiomail@opa.on.ca. 

Read our letter

Physiotherapists Part of Team Improving Stroke Care in Sudbury 

August 5, 2025

Innovative Stroke Care Model Launched

Venkadesan Rajendran, District President of the Northern Ontario District of OPA, is the project lead for a new innovative stroke care model called MOTIVE in Sudbury. 

The project brings an expert team, which includes stroke neurologists/stroke physicians, an advanced practice physiotherapist, an occupational therapist, a stroke nurse, a speech-language pathologist and a reactivation worker, to the patients directly. They conduct an early assessment, coordinate treatment planning and streamline access to rehab. MOTIVE stands for MObile TIA and Stroke with AdaptiVE Workflow. 

“Health Science North (HSN) indicates that it allows for faster access to care and fewer hospital admissions for patients in the Sudbury area.” says Venkadesan Rajendran in Sudbury.com. 

Rajendran also said that HSN supported the initial development of Advanced Practice Physiotherapy in stroke care a few years ago. He is grateful to Dr. Ravinder-Jeet Singh, Stroke Neurologist, Lisa Zeman, Clinical Manager, and Lisa Smith, VP of Nursing services who supported the development of the role. 

Benefits to Interprofessional Care

MOTIVE demonstrates how including physiotherapy in interprofessional stroke care contributes to more effective care for patients in Ontario. As Venkadesan Rajendran remarks “Instead of waiting for patients to be transferred to the designated stroke unit, we bring the care to them. We’re reducing the time lost due to system inefficiencies.” 

Since its launch in February 2025, the program has seen 109 patients so far and saved roughly 70 inpatient bed days. Currently supported by one-time funding through the Ontario Ministry of Health’s Innovative Model of Care Fund, the aim is to sustain the model over time said Chantal Liddard, the Director of the Medicine Program at HSN.  

About Stroke in Canada

Stroke is a leading cause of adult disability with nearly 1 million people in Canada currently living with stroke. Furthermore, the number of people in Canada living with stroke has steadily increased over the past 20 years due to the aging population, and because younger people are having more strokes. 

Physiotherapist Leader, Advocate, and Award Winner

OPA applauds Venkadesan Rajendran for his commendable leadership in physiotherapy – as the Northern Ontario District President of OPA, through his research, and as the Project Lead for MOTIVE. Venkadesan also won OPA’s Innovation and Advancement Award in 2023.

Read HSN news release
Read Sudbury Star article
Read article on Sudbury.com

Special Welcome to PTs Trained Outside of Ontario! 

July 29, 2025

As an internationally educated physiotherapist (IEPT) beginning your journey in Canada, we would like to extend a warm welcome to you and the valuable expertise you bring to Ontario’s healthcare community. The Ontario Physiotherapy Association (OPA) is proud to support physiotherapists trained outside of Canada as they establish their careers here. 

To help you get started and become part of our professional community, we’re pleased to offer internationally educated physiotherapists a special  membership rate. Get 50% off your first year of OPA membership.

Note: The Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA) also offers a similar discount for new internationally educated members!

Supporting Your Transition to Practice in Ontario 

For physiotherapists who have not practiced in Ontario, we understand that establishing yourself here brings unique opportunities and challenges.  

For Canadians who traveled abroad to complete their physiotherapy education, stepping into the Ontario healthcare system after training abroad can still be a learning curve. 

That’s why OPA is committed to providing resources, support, and professional connections you need to thrive. 

Welcome Membership Pricing: 50% off your first year of OPA membership fees 

Note: This special pricing applies to the OPA portion of your conjoint membership with CPA. CPA offers comparable special pricing for internationally educated physiotherapists. 
 

What Your OPA Membership Includes 

Professional Support and Resources 

  • Access to compensation reports and fee guidelines to help you understand fair compensation standards in Ontario 
  • Professional development opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge for practicing in Ontario  
     

Timely Communications  

  • All OPA communications including member-only emails, social media updates, and webinars, to keep you informed and connected 
  • Local District Events for networking, professional development, and social connections with fellow physiotherapists in your area 
  • 50% discount on all OPA advertising rates 
  • Connection opportunities with other internationally educated physiotherapists and the broader physiotherapy community  

Professional Advocacy and Representation 

  • Representation in healthcare policy that affects physiotherapy practice and patient access across all practice sectors 
  • Advocacy for the profession at provincial and national levels 
  • Voice in decisions that impact physiotherapy practice in hospitals, primary care, home care, private practice, and beyond 
  • Support for equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility initiatives within the profession 

Part of a Vibrant Professional Community 

When you join OPA, you become part of Ontario’s 5,500+ and Canada’s 16,000+ community of physiotherapy professionals and students through the conjoint membership structure. You’ll be joining colleagues who share your commitment to providing excellent patient care and advancing the profession. 

Why OPA Membership Matters 

As part of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association, OPA is a professional organization dedicated to providing leadership, support, and advocacy for its members, enabling Ontarians to access quality physiotherapy services when and where they need them. 

We recognize the valuable experience and perspectives that internationally educated physiotherapists bring to our profession. OPA is committed to supporting you in understanding how to access and navigate the Canadian application and registration process. We’re here to help you succeed in your career transition. 

Your Professional Home in Ontario 

This welcome membership rate acknowledges that you’re building your career in a new environment while bringing valuable international experience to Ontario’s healthcare system. Your membership connects you with resources, colleagues, and opportunities that will help you establish a successful and fulfilling practice in our province. 

We’re excited to have you as part of our professional community and look forward to supporting your success as you contribute to physiotherapy care in Ontario. 

Ready to Join Our Community? 

This special welcome rate is available for internationally educated physiotherapists joining OPA as first-time members and applies to the OPA portion of your conjoint membership. 

We invite you to take this opportunity to join Ontario’s professional physiotherapy association and become part of a community that values your expertise and is committed to your professional success. 

Join and get the discounted OPA rate for the 2025-2026 year beginning on August 21, 2025 when OPA/CPA co-joint membership opens for the year.

Join Now

Join the Canadian Physiotherapy Association and as an Ontario member, you automatically become a member of OPA with access to all the benefits outlined above. 

Exclusive New Graduate Offer: Continue Your OPA Membership for Just $99

Congratulations on completing your physiotherapy program! As you transition from student to professional, the Ontario Physiotherapy Association is excited to offer you an exclusive membership deal designed specifically for new graduates. 

Special New Graduate Pricing 

We’re making it easier than ever for recent graduates to access all the benefits of OPA membership: 

Year 1 After Graduation: Just $99* for your OPA membership (regularly $270) 
Year 2 After Graduation: 50% Off* regular OPA membership fees 

*Note: This special pricing applies to the OPA portion of your conjoint membership with the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA). 

What Your OPA Membership Includes 

Professional Support and Resources 

  • Access to resources to help you understand your employment status and your rights 
  • Business and personal resources to help you run your own practice, or practice as an employee 

Professional Development and Community 

  • All OPA communications including member-only emails, social media, and webinars 
  • Local District Events including networking, social, and professional development opportunities 
  • Member-only resources and tools for your practice 

Strong Professional Advocacy 

  • Advocacy for scope of practice implementation and fair compensation  
  • Representation through engagement with the Ministry of Health and Ontario Health and submissions for legislative and policy changes 
  • Voice in healthcare policy through responses and submissions for legislative changes and representation on provincial advisory committees 

Part of a Larger Community 

When you join OPA, you become part of Ontario’s 5,500+ and Canada’s 16,000+ community of physiotherapy professionals and students through the conjoint membership structure. 

Why OPA Membership Matters 

As part of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association, OPA is a professional organization whose mission is to provide leadership, support, and advocacy for its members so that Ontarians can access quality physiotherapy services when and where they need it. 

As the professional association for physiotherapists, physiotherapist assistants, resident physiotherapists, and physiotherapy and physiotherapy assistant students living in Ontario, we support our members through advocacy, professional development, and career support. We influence and shape decisions that affect the profession and empower our members to provide the utmost in safe and high-quality care to all people and communities served. 

Perfect Timing for Your Career 

This special pricing recognizes that you’re building your career and gives you access to everything you need to succeed professionally at a price that fits your budget during this important transition period. 

Ready to Take Advantage of This Exclusive Offer? 

This special pricing is only available for recent graduates and applies to the OPA portion of your conjoint membership. 

Don’t miss this opportunity to join Ontario’s professional physiotherapy association at this special rate. Your professional future is worth the investment – and at just $99 for your first year, there’s never been a better time to become an OPA member. 

Join or renew your membership and get the discounted OPA rate for the 2025-2026 year beginning on August 21, 2025 when OPA/CPA co-joint membership opens for the year.

Join Now

Another Successful 2025 Donate Your Kicks Campaign! 

The Windsor District of OPA has organized a Donate Your Kicks Campaign in their district for several years during National Physiotherapy Month in May. The campaign involves collecting used, but in good shape, footwear, so that more patients get the footwear they need to support their mobility needs.  

Each year, Amy Doiron, PT and Windsor District Executive member, coordinates the campaign, ensuring the physiotherapy community in the area is aware of the initiative. She also facilitates the pick-up and delivery of donated shoes. 

On behalf of the Windsor District, Amy would like to thank all the staff, volunteers and donors who made the 2025 Donate you Kicks Campaign another successful year.  

150 pairs of running shoes were collected! 

These 150 shoes will be dispersed throughout Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare to patients in need of good footwear. Several physiotherapy clinics participated and we thank them for their support: 
 

  • Erie Shores Rehabilitation 
  • Loaring Physiotherapy 
  • Kristy Ireland manager from the Running Factory 

The Windsor District would also like to thank the Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare volunteers who helped clean and organize all of the shoes: 

  • Dominic, Simona and Olivia. Without you, this would not have been possible. 

The Impact of OPA District Volunteers 

District volunteers are essential to OPA’s advocacy, governance, and ability to build local community. We are grateful to amazing volunteers like Amy Doiron who continue to make an impact in their communities and demonstrate how much physiotherapists care about patients in their local areas.  

Interested in volunteering? Check out all the ways you can get involved.  

Volunteer today

OPA Campaign Wins Awards 

July 17, 2025

OPA currently partners with SalesLoop, a marketing agency, on projects that elevate the profession and the Association and to increase our reach. Based on our strategic plan, OPA determines each year what strategies may require the investment of valuable membership dollars into our campaigns. 

Silver from Telly Awards (2025) 

In 2024, we launched a campaign “New Voices, New Ideas & New Opportunities” highlighting our change in leadership with our new CEO, Sarah Hutchison, and President, Courtney Bean and how we continue to evolve to meet the needs of the physiotherapy community. We also showcased our Board of Directors and the value we continue to bring to our members. 

SalesLoop entered our campaign into the Telly Awards competition, and we won a Silver Award! By winning a Silver, our project was recognized as an exclusive group of work that meets higher than average standards. Watch the award winning video below.

Campaign Also Wins 3 Gold Healthcare Digital Marketing Awards (2024) 

This same campaign, “New Voices, New Ideas & New Opportunities” also won three gold Healthcare Digital Marketing Awards for our campaign emails, microsite and video.  

Why Does This Matter? 

Winning awards not only feels great but demonstrates that we are investing your membership dollars into campaigns that are effective in meeting our goals and elevating the profession. We have partnered with SalesLoop since 2016 and they continue to go above and beyond. They ensure that our objectives are thoughtfully considered so that we can determine together the best and most cost-effective ways to meet our goals.

About the Telly Awards (2025) 

The Tellys honour excellence in video and television across all screens. The Telly Awards recognize work in Branded Content, Commercials & Marketing, Immersive & Mixed Reality, Non-Broadcast, Online and Television Series, Shows & Segments, Social Video, and Film & Shorts. 

The competition received over 13,000 entries globally from six continents and all 50 U.S. states. 

Entries were judged by a council of over 250 industry experts from organizations such as Netflix, Adobe, PlutoTV, Gymnasium, RunwayML, and more 

  1. Gold Telly Award is the highest honour, awarded exclusively to the top 3% of winning entries, representing the highest marker of excellence. 
  1. Silver Telly Award is awarded to entries that meet a high standard of creative distinction but do not reach the Gold level. 
  1. Bronze Telly Award recognizes commendable work that meets the entry criteria but scores lower than Silver and Gold. 
Learn more

About the Healthcare Digital Marketing Awards (2024) 

The Healthcare Digital Marketing Awards recognizes the best healthcare websites, digital content, electronic communications, mobile media and social media. 

This national competition began its efforts to recognize the field of healthcare marketing and advertising in the pioneering area of digital marketing. 

  1. OPA was won 3 of the 190 awards issued in 2024 
  1. Gold (102), Silver (48), Bronze (24), and Merit (16) 
  1. A total of 62 institutions were awarded 
Learn more

Advocacy at OPA’s Summer Home Care Advisory Committee

July 16, 2025

OPA’s four clinical advisory committees meet quarterly, and in their recent June meetings, engaged in thoughtful and informative discussions around several advocacy items.

The Home Care Advisory Committee met on June 18, 2025 and focused its advocacy discussions on:

  • addressing compensation disparities within the sector—particularly between physiotherapists and occupational therapists
  • and addressing the need for public education on the role of physiotherapy in home care.

The committee also explored strategies to optimize service delivery through better role clarity, targeted recruitment for broader representation, and raised concerns about the exclusion of rehabilitation services in new healthcare infrastructure planning. 

Advocacy at OPA’s Summer Primary Care Advisory Committee

July 16, 2025

OPA’s four clinical advisory committees meet quarterly, and in their recent June meetings, engaged in thoughtful and informative discussions around several advocacy items.

The Primary Care Advisory Committee met on June 23, 2025 and focused its advocacy discussions on:

  • promoting fair compensation for physiotherapists across sectors
  • supporting the integration of physiotherapy into primary care through new and repurposed roles
  • preparing to influence future funding opportunities.
  • The committee also emphasized the importance of musculoskeletal care as a key advocacy message, explored opportunities for private-primary care partnerships, and discussed strategies to align physiotherapy roles with the goals of the new Primary Care Act. 

Advocacy at OPA’s Summer Hospital Advisory Committee

July 16, 2025

OPA’s four clinical advisory committees meet quarterly, and in their recent June meetings, engaged in thoughtful and informative discussions around several advocacy items.

The Hospital Advisory Committee met on June 17, 2025 and focused its advocacy discussions on addressing:

  • critical recruitment and retention challenges for physiotherapists and PTAs in hospitals
  • emphasizing the need for formal strategies, mentorship programs, and equitable incentives comparable to other health professions.
  • The committee also discussed the impact of the proposed removal of provisional practice on hospital hiring and highlighted rising patient acuity as a pressing issue requiring improved staffing models and coordinated discharge planning. 

Advocacy at OPA’s Summer Private Practice Advisory Committee

July 16, 2025

OPA’s four clinical advisory committees meet quarterly, and in their recent June meetings, engaged in thoughtful and informative discussions around several advocacy items.

The Private Practice Advisory Committee met on June 26, 2025 and focused its advocacy discussions on several key areas:

  • responding to the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario’s consultation on provisional registration
  • advancing a strong position on Jordan’s Principle in partnership with the Chiefs of Ontario
  • advocating for changes in the FSRA auto sector system
  • planning updates to the Fee Guideline to better support equitable and informed physiotherapy practice across the province