Allison Kendall Drynan – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Allison Kendall Drynan is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Holland Orthopaedic & Arthritic Centre in Toronto, ON, Allison or Ali is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Allison or Ali focuses on addressing 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 or Ali serves adults.

Allison Kendall Drynan completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2005). With extensive clinical experience, Allison or Ali is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Allison or Ali has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Allison or Ali's practice philosophy centers on a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; Allison or Ali promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy. Allison or Ali offers consultations in English.

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

Post Surgical

• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): Physiotherapy rehabilitation after total or partial hip replacement surgery, aimed at restoring mobility, strength, balance, and improving your gait pattern, allowing you to perform daily activities safely and effectively.
• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): Comprehensive post-operative recovery guidance following knee replacement, including exercises, manual therapy, and education to ensure you achieve your best possible function.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Conditions like 'jumper's knee' (patellar tendinopathy), 'swimmer's shoulder' (rotator cuff tendinopathy), or 'tennis elbow' (lateral epicondylitis) caused by tendon issues that limit your ability to perform specific tasks.

Back Neck Pain

• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Neck, shoulder, and upper back discomfort, often accompanied by headaches or 'brain fog', after a sudden jerking motion of the head, such as in a rear-end collision.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Often age-related changes leading to pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs with walking (neurogenic claudication in lumbar stenosis) or in the arms/hands (cervical stenosis).
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Sharp, shooting, electric-like, or burning pain that travels along the path of a nerve due to issues with intervertebral discs or other spinal structures.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Muscular pain, trigger points, and tension headaches resulting from habitual poor posture, which can be addressed with postural re-education, exercises, and ergonomic advice.

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 or Ali can assess your needs.

• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Targeted therapy to alleviate symptoms such as shooting pain, pins and needles, or weakness arising from neural tension or entrapment.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Targeted manual methods performed by your Physiotherapist to release tight or overactive muscles, address fascial restrictions, and alleviate pain arising from soft tissue dysfunction.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Empowering you with a clear understanding of your condition, its causes, and practical tools for effective self-management and lasting relief.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Identifying and addressing habitual postures (e.g., from desk work, phone use) or ergonomic factors that may be contributing to your pain or dysfunction.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Identifying inefficient or compensatory movement patterns that could be contributing to your pain or hindering your physical performance.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Allison or Ali, 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 Holland Orthopaedic & Arthritic Centre, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Allison or Ali frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• If breathing difficulties and shortness of breath with COPD or asthma, especially during activity is preventing you from fully enjoying playing a full game of recreational hockey with their friends, Allison or Ali offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining waking up feeling more refreshed with considerably less pain and stiffness, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• Allison or Ali believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If frequent headaches that seem to start from tension in my neck or shoulders is hindering your ability to operating machinery or tools safely and efficiently at work, a personalized plan focusing on greater confidence when walking, standing, or navigating challenging environments can make all the difference.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from needing help to get moving again after a long period of illness or inactivity and achieved a better understanding of ergonomics for their work and home environment under the skilled care of Allison or Ali. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as playing fetch with their dog in the park for an extended time with a new lease on life.
• Rediscover your ability to playing their musical instrument (guitar, piano, violin, etc.) for extended periods without the constant burden of trouble with everyday tasks because of pain or weakness in my hands or grip. Allison or Ali focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to increased endurance for walking, allowing for longer and more enjoyable outings, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.

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

Allison or Ali practices at Holland Orthopaedic & Arthritic Centre, situated in the Church and Wellesley neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near the World's Biggest Bookstore site and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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 Holland Orthopaedic & Arthritic Centre 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.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves skilled, hands-on treatments performed by your Physiotherapist as part of your overall physiotherapy plan. These techniques are designed to assess and treat your joints, muscles, and nerves to decrease pain and improve your mobility and function. Examples include specific joint mobilizations to improve movement, soft tissue release techniques to address muscle tightness or scar tissue, and sometimes manipulations (adjustments) if indicated and appropriate for your condition and your therapist's qualifications.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Definitely. A key aspect of physiotherapy is not just treating current problems but also preventing future ones. A Physiotherapist can assess your movement, identify potential weaknesses or imbalances that could lead to injury, and provide you with a personalized program of exercises and strategies. This proactive approach is beneficial for athletes, individuals with physically demanding jobs, or anyone looking to maintain long-term musculoskeletal health and avoid recurring pain.

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

Patients in Ontario can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (this is known as direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans require a doctor's referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. Check your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

How can I book an appointment at Holland Orthopaedic & Arthritic Centre?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (416) 967-8500 during our business hours. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

Does Holland Orthopaedic & Arthritic Centre offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Please contact the clinic directly to inquire about direct billing options with your specific insurance provider.

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. Check your private insurance for private clinic coverage.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

Bring your health card, any doctor's referral letter (if applicable), results or reports of any imaging tests, a list of medications you are currently taking, and your extended health benefits information (insurance card/policy number) for direct billing if available at our clinic. Wear comfortable clothing.

Holland Orthopaedic & Arthritic Centre
43 Wellesley St. E.
Toronto, ON, M4Y 1H1

Phone: (416) 967-8500

Allison Kendall Drynan 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: XXX08

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=8552388f-5d16-e811-8141-480fcff40721

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