Kandice VincentMy friend’s grandmother, who I lovingly call Nana, is moving to the 6ix, so she asked me where the best osteoarthritis treatment clinics are in the city.
Of course, I had to give her only the best—she’s like my own grandmother after all! After researching countless clinics, reading reviews, and even consulting with some medical professionals, I came up with the perfect list.
I’m so happy that Nana loved the recommendations and is now all set for her move! For those in search of the best care for osteoarthritis in Toronto, here are the top clinics to consider.
How much does osteoarthritis treatment cost in Toronto?
In Toronto, initial consultations for osteoarthritis treatment typically range from $100 to $300.
Ongoing treatments, such as physiotherapy, can cost between $75 to $150 per session, while more advanced treatments like injections or specialized therapies can range from $200 to $1,000 per treatment.
How We Chose the Best Osteoarthritis Treatment Clinics
1. Back in Balance Clinic
Back in Balance Clinic is a chiropractic and osteoarthritis treatment center conveniently located just outside College Station.
Their approach to diagnosing osteoarthritis is unique—unlike other places that rely heavily on X-rays, they believe in looking at the whole picture. They’ll consider your symptoms, how your body is moving, and your overall health.
To help you manage osteoarthritis, they offer the GLA:D program—a boot camp created by research from Denmark just for your joints!
Here, you’ll learn all about osteoarthritis. Then, you’ll get moving with neuromuscular exercises designed to strengthen your muscles and improve your balance.
Beyond the GLA:D program, they offer other treatments like massage, laser therapy, and acupuncture to help ease your pain and improve your mobility.
While there have been isolated reports of the clinic being late to appointments, the overall quality of care seems to outweigh these occasional delays.
Pros
- Convenient location with parking
- Unique way of diagnosing osteoarthritis
- Offers the GLA:D program
- Specially designed neuromuscular exercises
- Wide range of other therapies
Cons
- Isolated reports of not being punctual
I always leave there feeling AMAZING!
“I LOVE this location! I have been a repeat client for many years now. The staff are friendly and very attentive. The waiting area is warm and cozy and with perfect lighting. Booking an appointment is easy and they are competitively priced. I always leave there feeling AMAZING!”
Jack Ireland, Google Review
Provided excellent treatment for my neck issues
“I had an amazing experience at the Back in Balance Clinic with Dr. Matthew Serrick. The staff is incredibly friendly and made me feel welcome from the moment I arrived. They provided excellent treatment for my neck issues, addressing my concerns with expertise. I feel relief from the muscle tightness. The clinic’s convenient location is an added bonus. I highly recommend this clinic.”
Victor Tung, Google Review
2. Rebalance Sports Medicine
Rebalance Sports Medicine is another spot that will help you deal with osteoarthritis. They’ve got a team of experienced physiotherapists who know their stuff when it comes to managing arthritis pain.
They create a personalized plan for each patient. Their goal is to help you manage your pain, move better, and get back to doing the things you love.
One of the programs they offer is the GLA:D Canada program. This program is all about building strength and confidence and helping you manage your osteoarthritis on your own.
A bonus is that most extended health benefit plans cover their services—that’s always a good thing!
In addition to osteoarthritis, they offer a wide range of services, from physiotherapy and chiropractic care to acupuncture and Pilates.
However, we heard about their telephone service—long wait times and not-so-friendly staff. So, be prepared for that if you decide to call.
Pros
- Has a team of experienced physiotherapists
- Creates a personalized plan
- Offers the GLA:D Canada program
- Covered by most insurance
- Also offers physiotherapy and chiropractic care
Cons
- Reports of long wait times and unfriendly staff
Some of the best therapists in all of Toronto work here
“Some of the best therapists in all of Toronto work here.”
Mark Cheung, Google Review
One of the best chiropractors I have ever seen
“I have been dealing with chronic neck and lower back pain for over twenty years due to a horse riding injury, and I can confidently say that Dr. Phoenix Wong is one of the best chiropractors I have ever seen. Despite her busy schedule, she kindly fitted me in after hearing about my acute situation.”
wilson yu, Google Review
3. Unity Health Toronto
Unity Health Toronto has been a trusted healthcare provider since its founding by the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1921. Now, it’s one of Canada’s largest Catholic healthcare networks, offering everything from primary care to long-term care.
For osteoarthritis treatment, they bring together a team of rheumatologists and rehab professionals with advanced arthritis care training. Their focus is on non-surgical treatments tailored to each patient’s needs to reduce pain.
They also offer the GLA:D Clinic, a program designed to help you build strength and confidence while living with osteoarthritis. Patients receive 12 exercise classes at the Ortho-Amp Clinic and two education sessions at the Scotiabank Learning Centre.
Now, here’s a heads up—we heard that their receptionists could be a bit abrupt and unhelpful, so that’s something to watch out for.
Pros
- Over 100 years of experience
- One of Canada’s largest Catholic healthcare networks
- Team of rheumatologists and rehab professionals
- Focuses on non-surgical treatments
- Offers the GLA:D Clinic
Cons
- Receptionists not checking insurance balances
Very caring and supportive
“The staff is truly amazing. They are very caring and supportive of all your health and mental well-being.”
ANGEL DAVENPORT, Google Review
They are so kind and patient
“The lab downstairs has such incredible staff. They are so kind and patient. I had multiple blood samples taken over 3 hours and watched the level of dumb they had to deal with and it was incredible. I think most of the poor reviews on this place are just dumb people coming to the wrong location or not listening for their number to be called. It is a very very busy place, but wait is often not long or equivalent to other waiting rooms in Toronto. Give staff a little more grace, they deal with a lot at this location. And they need a raise!!!!!!”
Amanda Costelloe, Google Review
4. Dr. Jihad Abouali
Dr. Jihad Abouali is a top-notch orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine. He’s even worked as the lead medical physician for the Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games!
Instead of jumping straight to surgery, Dr. Abouali believes in harnessing your body’s own healing powers to treat osteoarthritis. That’s where his love for regenerative medicine comes in.
For instance, he uses special treatments like PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) injections to boost your body’s natural repair process. Imagine your blood helping to heal your joints!
Another treatment he offers is nSTRIDE, which uses specific cells from your blood to fight inflammation and encourage healing. He can even inject hyaluronic acid into your joints to act as a cushion and reduce pain.
To make sure these injections are super accurate, Dr. Abouali uses ultrasound guidance.
On the other hand, some patients have reported dealing with grumpy staff, which can be a bit of a downside.
Pros
- Specializes in sports medicine
- Offers Platelet-Rich Plasma injections
- Also offers nSTRIDE and hyaluronic acid
- Uses ultrasound guidance
Cons
- Reports of grumpy staff
I can’t thank him enough!
“As a practicing physician I would assume I get used to witnessing pain and suffering. It’s part of the job. But when it’s your Mom, it takes on a whole new dimension. When my Mom had severe osteoarthritis of both knees and needed help, Dr. Abouali was who I turned to. After administering several treatments that helped her buy some functional time, he then navigated her through joint replacement surgeries. 1 year later, she is back to running her household and playing with her grandchildren which she could not do before we met Dr. Abouali. I can’t thank him enough!”
Khalil Sivjee, Google Review
Dr. Abouali is definitely one of the best!
“Dr. Abouali is definitely one of the best! Very thankful to have come across him after tearing my ACL. Had a great surgery and was super helpful with the after process and getting into rehab to return to sports. Thank you again!”
Pascale Sam-Foh, Google Review
5. Cornerstone Physiotherapy
Cornerstone Physiotherapy, founded in 2008 by Adam Brown and Joon Nah, combines top-notch care with friendly service. In fact, they’ve been voted the top physiotherapy clinic in the Greater Toronto Area for four consecutive years.
Their approach to osteoarthritis is all about strengthening the muscles around your joints to take some of the pressure off. They’ll work with you to create a personalized plan that fits your lifestyle and goals.
You can also expect to chat about what you want to achieve and learn how to keep up the good work at home. And for the busy bees, they offer virtual appointments, which we think is super convenient.
One thing to keep in mind is that a few people have mentioned the treatment rooms being a bit chilly. So, maybe bring a sweater!
Pros
- Over a decade of experience
- Received industry awards
- Creates a personalized plan
- Offers virtual appointments
Cons
- Treatment rooms can be a bit chilly
Instrumental in helping me get over an injury
“James at Cornerstone Physiotherapy was instrumental in helping me get over an injury that has been building up over the last decade. He was able to quickly diagnosis what my issue was and to come up with a treatment plan that helped me get back to my goals. Throughout the entire process, James was very clear with the plan and made sure I was comfortable with the exercises. This was a welcome change as my family doctor had brushed off my concerns for years. Visiting a physiotherapist for the first time was a life changing decision for the positive.”
Barry Choi, Google Review
AMAZING to work with, really responsive and personable
“I was referred to Cornerstone Clinic by a work colleague who raved about a different PT here. I went to see James for a few months after I sustained a foot injury, and he was AMAZING to work with, really responsive and personable, as well as professional. The home regime he set up (online link works really well!) was easy to keep up, even if challenging, and the results were what I hoped for, reaching my goal. I “graduated” out of needing him this past week, and I am looking forward to maintaining my exercises for the foot and calf, as well as later going back to address a different back issue. I would unreservedly recommend this clinic and James in particular to anyone who needs physiotherapy!!!”
Bubba Bri, Google Review
