Arwen Christine Atkinson

Arwen Christine Atkinson provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Sports Injury

• Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): An overuse injury affecting the lower leg, common in athletes, dancers, and military recruits, characterized by diffuse pain along the tibia.
• Stress Fractures (Activity-Related - Conservative Management/Rehab): A bone injury resulting from an imbalance between bone resorption and bone formation due to repetitive mechanical loading, often seen in runners or athletes who rapidly increase their training.
• Ligament Sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL, PCL, Ankle Ligaments): Injuries like a 'twisted ankle', 'knee ligament injury', or 'shoulder separation' (AC joint sprain) sustained during athletic activity or accidental falls.
• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): A common overuse injury in active individuals and athletes, sometimes referred to as 'runner's knee' or 'anterior knee pain', often related to biomechanical issues in how the kneecap tracks.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Pain, tenderness, swelling, and dysfunction in a tendon (the strong cords that attach muscles to bones) due to overuse, repetitive strain, injury, or degeneration. Common sites include the Achilles, patellar tendon (knee), rotator cuff (shoulder), or elbow (tennis/golfer's elbow).
• 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.

Back Neck Pain

• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Pain and muscle tension related to ergonomic factors at work or home, muscle imbalances, and suboptimal body mechanics or movement habits.
• 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.

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. Arwen can assess your needs.

• 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): A systematic screening process, such as FMS™ or SFMA™ (if your Physiotherapist is certified), to understand how you move and guide preventative or corrective exercise programs.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: An in-depth examination to fully understand your specific condition, allowing your Physiotherapist to create an effective and personalized rehabilitation plan.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Helping you understand how your posture impacts your musculoskeletal health and providing you with tools for lasting postural improvement and pain relief.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Arwen, 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 Michael Garron Hospital, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Arwen frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• At Arwen's physiotherapy practice, individuals with pain in my shins when I try to run or be active (shin splints) are guided towards greater ease in performing overhead activities or reaching. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as taking group exercise classes at the community center.
• If experiencing discomfort, back pain, or pelvic girdle pain during or after pregnancy is preventing you from fully enjoying maintaining an upright posture while working on their computer for hours, Arwen offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining noticeable strength gains in their limbs, supporting more demanding tasks, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• Patients often come to Arwen 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 waking up feeling more refreshed with considerably less pain and stiffness and resuming working on detailed woodworking projects in their shop without hand pain becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Are you finding that that nagging tennis elbow (or golfer's elbow) that flares up with activity stops you from enjoying running their usual 5k route without knee pain? Arwen is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve greater ease with dressing, bathing, and other self-care activities through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.

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

Arwen practices at Michael Garron Hospital, situated in the Woodbine Heights neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near St. Lawrence Market and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial physiotherapy appointment is a comprehensive assessment. Your Physiotherapist will start by discussing your medical history, the details of your current symptoms or injury, your concerns, and what you hope to achieve with physiotherapy (your functional goals). This is followed by a thorough physical examination, which may include evaluating your range of motion, strength, posture, balance, and specific movement patterns, as well as performing special tests relevant to your condition. Based on these findings, your therapist will provide a clinical impression or diagnosis, discuss a personalized treatment plan with you, and often begin some initial treatment or provide education and a home exercise program to get you started.

Does Michael Garron Hospital offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

While Michael Garron Hospital does not offer direct billing, they provide detailed official receipts that you can submit to your insurer for reimbursement. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. Always confirm your specific coverage details, including any annual maximums, per-visit limits, or deductible requirements, directly with your insurance provider, as plans vary significantly. You are responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Initial assessment appointments are generally longer to allow for a thorough evaluation and discussion, typically lasting between 45 to 60 minutes. Subsequent follow-up treatment sessions are usually shorter, often ranging from 30 to 45 minutes. However, the duration can vary depending on your specific needs, the complexity of your condition, the type of treatment being provided, and the treatment plan designed by your Physiotherapist.

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

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a doctor's referral. This is known as direct access. However, some private/extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

The primary goal of physiotherapy is generally to reduce pain and improve function, not to cause significant or lasting pain. Some assessment techniques or specific treatments (like deep soft tissue work, joint mobilization, or certain exercises) might cause mild, temporary discomfort or soreness, especially if the tissues being treated are sensitive, inflamed, or very stiff. However, your Physiotherapist will always work within your tolerance levels, communicate clearly about what to expect, and encourage open feedback. If you experience notable or unacceptable pain during treatment, please inform your therapist immediately so adjustments can be made to ensure your comfort.

What is Michael Garron Hospital's appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients who may be waiting for care. A fee may be charged for late cancellations or missed appointments without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

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

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services in private outpatient clinics. 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 coverage.

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 Michael Garron Hospital or your physician directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

Michael Garron Hospital
825 Coxwell Ave.
Toronto, ON, M4C 3E7

Phone: (416) 461-8272

Arwen Christine Atkinson 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=90021955-8a02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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