Blythe Owen – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Blythe Owen is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy Focus). Practicing at Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, ON, Blythe Owen is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Blythe Owen specializes in managing acute and chronic conditions affecting the heart and lungs, such as COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis, post-operative cardiac or respiratory recovery, and post-COVID symptoms. Blythe Owen's practice involves breathing exercises, airway clearance techniques, exercise prescription, and comprehensive patient education, serving infants, children, and adolescents.

Blythe Owen completed their degree in Physiotherapy from the University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2004). With extensive clinical experience, Blythe Owen is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Blythe Owen has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy.

Blythe Owen's philosophy centers on a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Blythe Owen employs a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Blythe Owen empowers patients through clear education about their condition and provides practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Blythe Owen offers consultations in English.

Blythe Owen provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Joint Pain

• 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.
• 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.

Post Surgical

• Post-Knee Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Knee Arthroplasty - TKA/PKA): A structured physiotherapy program to manage post-operative pain and swelling, improve knee flexibility and strength, and re-educate your gait pattern after a TKA or PKA.
• Post-Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Rotator Cuff Repair, Labral Repair, Stabilization, Replacement): Comprehensive shoulder rehabilitation after surgical intervention, following surgeon-specific protocols, to ensure optimal healing, manage pain and swelling, and restore your arm's functional capacity.

Long Covid

• Post-COVID-19 Condition / Long COVID Symptom Management: Tailored physiotherapy rehabilitation programs focusing on symptom-guided activity management (pacing), gentle graded exercise (carefully monitored to avoid post-exertional malaise - PEM), breathing retraining exercises, strategies for fatigue and 'brain fog', and functional retraining to help individuals manage the debilitating effects of Long COVID.

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. Blythe Owen can assess your needs.

• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Customized strength training to address specific weaknesses identified in your assessment, helping to correct imbalances, improve movement efficiency, and achieve your physical objectives.
• Post-COVID-19 Condition / Long COVID Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy support to help individuals with Post-COVID-19 Condition improve their physical function, manage debilitating symptoms, and enhance their quality of life through a personalized and cautious approach.
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs: Enhancing daily function, reducing symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue, and improving the quality of life for people with ongoing lung disease through tailored exercise and education.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Evidence-based exercise programs designed by your physiotherapist, including instruction and progression, to optimize your recovery and enhance your physical well-being.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Education and instruction on effective and safe stretching techniques to help you maintain or improve your body's flexibility and joint mobility.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.

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

• The path to recovery from that 'arthritic' pain in my hands, hips, or knees and achieving better managing flare-ups with personalized strategies and feeling more in control of their symptoms for dancing the night away at social events and family celebrations often starts with expert guidance. Blythe Owen, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• Many individuals seek help from Blythe Owen, their physiotherapist, when my baby/child having trouble with their motor skills, like delayed rolling, sitting or walking starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve decreased frequency and intensity of headaches related to neck or postural issues, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like sitting comfortably through a movie at the cinema or a play.
• Many find that trouble with a constantly stiff and sore neck, making turning my head a pain significantly impacts their ability to participating fully in their martial arts practice, including sparring. Blythe Owen helps patients target getting their strength back after surgery or a period of inactivity with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Living with trouble performing repetitive tasks at work without pain doesn't have to be your norm. Blythe Owen applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards enjoying cycling or swimming regularly without pain or limitation, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of getting on and off the floor with ease.

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

Blythe Owen practices at the Hospital for Sick Children, located in the Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Trillium Park and is easily accessible via the TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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. Always check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

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.

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.

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

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows the Physiotherapist to easily access and assess the area being treated, and permits you to move freely for any exercises or movements. For example, shorts are ideal for knee, hip, or ankle issues, while a tank top or loose t-shirt works well for shoulder, neck, or upper back problems. Athletic wear or gym attire is generally a good choice. You may also be provided with a gown if needed.

Hospital for Sick Children
555 University Ave.
Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8

Phone: (416) 813-6755

Blythe Owen 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: XXX83

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=9e484d04-8e02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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