Allison Elizabeth Sharpe – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Allison Elizabeth Sharpe is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, ON, Allison Sharpe is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Allison Sharpe addresses a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. This includes everything from acute injuries like sprains and strains, to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. Allison Sharpe serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Allison Elizabeth Sharpe completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2018). With clinical experience, Allison Sharpe is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Allison Sharpe has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Allison Sharpe employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting; promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy; a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Allison Sharpe offers consultations in English.

Allison Elizabeth Sharpe provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Persistent tendon pain that can interfere with your sports, work, or daily activities, often requiring specific loading programs and advice from a physiotherapist for effective management.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A chronic condition causing joint discomfort, stiffness (especially in the morning or after inactivity), and impacting your ability to perform daily activities, walk, or engage in hobbies.

Hand Wrist

• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Physiotherapy to help you regain optimal use of your hand and wrist after an injury, surgery, or due to a chronic condition, enabling you to return to work, hobbies, and daily tasks.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Addressing the inflammation, pain, and restricted movement associated with stenosing tenosynovitis of the finger or thumb.

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. Diagnosis for physiotherapist is based on individual assessment, so if your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Allison Sharpe can assess your needs.

• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A thorough evaluation by your Physiotherapist to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Teaching you essential strategies and exercises to manage your symptoms independently, accelerate recovery, and prevent future problems.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Improving the mobility and health of your nervous system to reduce pain, restore sensation, and enhance overall function.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Evaluation of your body's basic movements (like squatting, lunging, reaching) to highlight areas for improvement in stability, mobility, and motor control.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Skilled hands-on techniques, including gentle joint mobilizations (smooth, rhythmic movements) and, where appropriate and authorized, joint manipulations (quick, precise thrusts) to restore optimal movement, reduce pain, and improve joint function.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Allison Sharpe, or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.

All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Physiotherapists in ON and the standards set by The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.

At St. Michael's Hospital, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Allison Sharpe frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Rediscover your ability to reaching for items on high shelves or in cupboards without shoulder strain without the constant burden of trying to stay as mobile and active as possible while living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Allison Sharpe focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to feeling less fatigued during physical activities and throughout the day, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Many individuals seek help from Allison Sharpe, their physiotherapist, when awful foot pain first thing in the morning, like I'm walking on glass (plantar fasciitis) starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve feeling more positive, capable, and optimistic about their physical health, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like participating in water aerobics or other pool-based exercises.
• Patients struggling with pain and difficulty with overhead movements like reaching into a cupboard can find dedicated and compassionate support from Allison Sharpe. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving successfully avoiding or delaying the need for more invasive treatments or surgery, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as pushing a stroller or shopping cart without difficulty.
• Patients often come to Allison Sharpe feeling defeated by recovering my strength and energy after being very sick (like with pneumonia or Long COVID). With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving a better understanding of ergonomics for their work and home environment and resuming dressing myself independently and without difficulty, including shoes and socks becomes a realistic and attainable goal.

Your personalized physiotherapy plan, developed with Allison Sharpe, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.

Allison Sharpe practices at St. Michael's Hospital, situated in the Garden District, Ryerson neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near St. Lawrence Market and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. We recommend you contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand the specifics of your plan. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If St. Michael's Hospital offers direct billing and your plan allows it, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance not covered by your plan at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and all necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

While some physiotherapy techniques might feel uncomfortable or cause a temporary increase in soreness (similar to muscle soreness after a new workout), especially when working on stiff joints or tight muscles, it should not be excessively or intolerably painful. Your Physiotherapist will discuss what sensations you might expect with different treatments and will always aim to adjust the intensity and techniques to ensure you are as comfortable as possible while still achieving therapeutic benefits. Constant communication about your comfort level is very important.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services in private outpatient clinics for most of the population. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations (e.g., post-hospitalization for certain conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams), but eligibility criteria are strict and there may be waitlists. We strongly advise checking your private insurance for coverage of services at private clinics.

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

It's not uncommon to experience some temporary soreness or a mild increase in symptoms after certain physiotherapy treatments, especially in the initial stages or if you're starting new exercises. This usually subsides within 24-48 hours. However, if you experience a significant or sharp increase in pain, new or worsening neurological symptoms (like numbness, tingling, or weakness), or if your soreness lasts longer than expected, it's important to contact St. Michael's Hospital or your physician directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapist in ON?

Patients in ON can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

St. Michael's Hospital
30 Bond Street
Toronto, ON, M5B 1W8

Phone: (416) 864-5180

Allison Elizabeth Sharpe is regulated by the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Physiotherapy Act, 1991 in ON and is a registered member of The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.

Registration Number: XXX55

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=e56d0ccc-27a7-e811-8175-480fcff44541

Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.