Amelie CameronAfter months of hobbling between general clinics and Google searches, I finally decided to dig deep for proper osteoarthritis care in Toronto. I needed specialists who actually understood joint pain and offered more than painkillers.
This review is the result of comparing clinics, asking around, and checking what’s covered by OHIP or worth paying for out-of-pocket. If you’re limping in circles, these are the places and names worth knowing.
How much do osteoarthritis specialists charge in Toronto?
Toronto’s osteoarthritis specialists typically charge CAD 100 to 300 for an initial consultation. Treatments like viscosupplementation cost around CAD 700 to 800 per injection, while PRP injections range from CAD 700 to 900.
Do note that these procedures are not covered by OHIP, though primary care visits may be. Additional therapies like physiotherapy or massage may also require out-of-pocket payment or private insurance.
How We Chose
1. Arthritis VIP
Services: Ultrasound-guided non-surgical procedures, VIP biohacking method, holistic team support, concierge services
Address: 2295 Bristol Cir Unit 105, Oakville
Contact: +16475404025
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 AM–4 PM
I appreciated that I didn’t need a doctor’s referral to get started at Arthritis VIP, and that the clinic scheduled my consultation quickly. That said, everything is private pay, with some treatment plans costing thousands and with no OHIP-covered financing.
What stood out to me was the clinic’s team approach. I had access to a chronic pain specialist, chiropractor, psychotherapist, and dietitian, all working together, which made the whole process feel coordinated and efficient.
Its use of ultrasound-guided injections gave me confidence in the procedures, and they even tracked my progress over time using a data registry. It wasn’t just guesswork; they showed me how my joint response changed session by session.
Another feature worth mentioning about Arthritis VIP is its VIP biohacking method. It connected the dots between my joint pain, gut health, and hormones, which no other clinic had ever mentioned.
The downside? It’s a private clinic with premium pricing, with some full programs costing around CAD 8,000 (though financing is offered). And if you prefer third-party validation, Arthritis VIP currently isn’t BBB-accredited.
Customer reviews
I was also able to reduce my painkillers by more than 50%
Before I met Dr Hawass, I was able to do daily activities, from taking care of myself and as simple as making my own bed. I couldn’t catch up walking with my husband. I had hip pain for 7 years. I get anxious, depressed and isolated. After receiving Dr Hawass’ treatments, now I can do my daily routine with ease. I can finally walk with my husband again. I was also able to reduce my painkillers by more than 50%. I am so happy and pleased with the results I got from Dr Hawass’ treatments. It definitely changed my life. I am happier now.
-Kim Parkinson, Google Review
His approach to my issues was unique
I deal with many different medical issues that subsequently cause a great deal of pain and suffering, both mentally and physically. I had the pleasure of meeting with Dr. Mark Hawass several times over the past decade that I’ve been a patient at the NeuPath Centre for Pain and Spine. His approach to my issues was unique in the sense that he took time to understand my concerns and existing conditions. Dr. Hawass’ treatment for me was therefore specifically tailored to me, not a generic platform. He also offered me suggestions to alter my eating habits to help with inflammation and pain. I cannot say enough about my experience with Dr. Hawass. An incredible doctor who clearly cares for his patients.
-Lisa, Google Review
2. Toronto Western Hospital
Services: Rheumatology clinic, hip and knee rapid access clinic, psoriatic arthritis clinic, hand program, Comprehensive Integrated Pain program
Address: 399 Bathurst Street
Contact: +14166032581
Hours: Open 24 hours
My mom had a smooth experience booking her first rheumatology appointment at Toronto Western Hospital, with no out-of-pocket fees, just her OHIP card and a referral.
She was impressed with its multidisciplinary team, which combines rheumatology, orthopedics, hand specialists, imaging, and rehab in one place. The clinic also uses ultrasound and MRI under OHIP, which gave her confidence in her diagnosis.
Her specialists crafted personalized care plans, incorporating both non-surgical strategies like physio, and if needed, referrals for surgery. This made my mother feel that the team truly considered her lifestyle and goals.
They also offer semi-urgent STAT appointments and a rapid-access clinic for hip and knee osteoarthritis, which meant she wasn’t stuck waiting when pain flared. That’s something she didn’t get elsewhere.
The only complaint she had was that wait times can be longer for non-urgent referrals, which can be frustrating. Also, being a major academic institution, it lacks BBB accreditation and private clinic polish, which might not sit well for those looking for concierge-style services.
Customer reviews
The system seemed to be running like a finely tuned oil machine
Had a visit to the ED here with my daughter. I had to leave a review because this was one of the best hospital experiences I’ve ever had in any country. All the staff were amazing from the front desk to triage, security, to treatment room nurses, x-ray and Doctors! Honestly, their system seemed to be running like a finely tuned oil machine! Great staff! Super friendly and efficient with so much care! Thank you!
-Jo Hunt, Google Review
I’m finally able to get proper care
Exceptional! I’ve spent two and a half years trying to find what was wrong with me. In total, I had 15 MRIs before coming here, and in one MRI, they were able to find what has been causing my problems. I’m finally able to get proper care. Staff were wonderful, compassionate, nice, and respectful! Great job, everyone.
-Melissa Tomlinson, Google Review
3. Back in Balance Clinic
Services: Osteopathy, chiropractic care, massage therapy, acupuncture, shockwave and laser therapy, custom orthotics, arthritis management, running and gait analysis
Address: 2 Carlton St. #1306
Contact: +14166609932
Hours:
Monday to Friday, 10 AM–8 PM
Saturday, 9 AM–6 PM
I didn’t need a referral at Back in Balance clinic and was able to book online quickly. The pricing was transparent, too: $140 for an initial chiropractic visit, though it’s important to note that it’s private-pay, with most services billed through insurance.
There’s an impressive multidisciplinary team here, as well. Chiropractors, RMTs, and an osteopath, plus acupuncture, laser, and shockwave therapies, meant everything was under one roof and highly coordinated.
The clinic uses solid diagnostic tools like gait analysis and soft-tissue assessments before tailoring my treatment plans. Further personalized care is shown in its osteoarthritis program and concussion support, with each visit adapting to my progress and goals.
Prices can add up quickly, though. Sessions start at $140, and therapies like shockwave ($100) are extra. It also lacks BBB accreditation, with a less polished ambience compared to boutique private clinics.
Customer reviews
The providers are very knowledgeable and very helpful
The staff at Back in Balance clinic is very friendly and professional. The clinic is very clean and sanitized after every patient. The providers are very knowledgeable and very helpful. The website is so easy to set an appointment, which always suits my crazy schedule. They have always been very accommodating. I would recommend this practice!
-Tyrel Wenzel, Google Review
Took his time with the assessment and the treatment for my muscle pain
Great clinic and very knowledgeable staff! I saw Dr. Serrick, who took his time with the assessment and the treatment for my muscle pain. Felt better right after the treatment, as well as over the long term, as he prescribed a bunch of home workouts that were great.
-Omar K, Google Review
4. Feet First Clinic
Services: Comprehensive foot assessment, video gait analysis, custom orthotics, orthopedic footwear fitting, medical foot care treatments
Address: 2481 Bloor St W
Contact: +14167693338
Hours:
Monday to Friday, 9 AM–6 PM
Saturday, 9 AM–4 PM
Sunday, 10 AM–4 PM
I went to Feet First Clinic when my foot pain started disrupting my daily walks. I liked that it offers a full-team approach under one roof, with licensed chiropodists for video gait analysis, custom orthotics, shockwave therapy, and even ingrown toenail care.
Its diagnostics were equally impressive. They run biomechanical assessments and on-site gait/video analysis before designing a treatment plan for me and my poor foot.
In the end, I got orthotics shaped specifically to my gait, shockwave therapy for tendon pain, and a follow-up plan tailored to my activity level. I never felt like any guesswork was involved in the entire process.
However, nothing is covered by OHIP, and everything is private-pay, so costs do stack up. The initial assessment was around $120, and shockwave was around $195 per session, which ended up costing me a pretty penny.
Customer reviews
Went through a full assessment
Very thankful. Went through a full assessment. They explained how to prevent foot pain and which types of running shoes I should be using. Even which pair of sandals I should have for lounging around the house. I’m very satisfied with the service.
-Chris Bugueno, Google Review
I couldn’t be more impressed with the experience
I recently visited Feet First Clinic, and I couldn’t be more impressed with the experience! From the moment I walked in, the staff was welcoming and professional. The clinic itself is clean, modern, and well-organized. I highly recommend this clinic.
-Cian Maguire, Google Review
5. Toronto Centre for Sports Medicine
Services: Sports medicine consultation, physiotherapy, aquatic therapy, massage therapy, acupuncture, arthritis regenerative medicine, custom foot orthotics and knee braces
Address: 5 Broadway Avenue
Contact: +14164801460
Hours:
Monday to Thursday, 7 AM–7 PM
Friday, 7 AM–2 PM
My athletic brother used OHIP for his initial sports medicine consultation at Toronto Centre, and he found the booking speedy.
He said the pricing was transparent, with therapies like physio, massage, acupuncture, orthotics, and PRP injections going through his extended health plan. He got it in time, too, as his joint pain was starting to affect his training.
From sports medicine doctors, physiotherapists, massage therapists, acupuncturists, and custom orthotic specialists, the multidisciplinary setup impressed my brother. Switching between services was seamless and well-coordinated.
He received personalized and non-surgical care at the clinic. His tailored rehab program involved exercise therapy, knee bracing, and PRP injections to manage osteoarthritis while he kept active. He was happy that it wasn’t generic and matched his sport and goals.
That said, while most therapies bill through insurance, there are still co-pays and one-time costs for OHIP-excluded services, which can quickly add up. Also, the clinic isn’t BBB-accredited, so there’s no independent validation for patients who prioritize that third-party trust metric.
Customer reviews
He is detail-oriented, prudent and very caring
I was referred to the clinic approximately 12 years ago by our family doctor, and have been seeing Dr. Hakoun and the physiotherapists whenever necessary ever since. During this period, I have referred my sons as well as other family and friends. We all agree that Dr. Hakoun is a great practitioner in that he is detail-oriented, prudent and very caring. Nick, as well as the other physiotherapists, are also fantastic in that they just want you to feel better as soon as possible, and they do not try to inundate you with tons of costly sessions. Overall, this clinic is genuinely a caring place!
-Sean Rottman, Google Review
He cares about his patients and is extremely knowledgeable
Dr. Hakoun is an amazing doctor. He cares about his patients and is extremely knowledgeable. Melanie at the front counter was very kind to me on the phone and went above and beyond to help me when I was in a desperate situation. This is a great team!
-Sarah Van, Google Review
