Carolyn R. Adams-Lewis – Physiotherapist | Thornhill, ON

Carolyn R. Adams-Lewis is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Geriatric Physiotherapy Focus / Seniors' Health). Practicing at Carolyn Adams-Lewis, Physiotherapy in Thornhill, ON, Carolyn Adams-Lewis is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Carolyn Adams-Lewis focuses on the unique health needs of older adults, aiming to improve and maintain mobility, strength, balance, manage age-related conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis, reduce fall risk, and enhance overall quality of life and independence. Carolyn Adams-Lewis serves seniors.

Carolyn R. Adams-Lewis completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 1984). With clinical experience, Carolyn Adams-Lewis is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Carolyn Adams-Lewis has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.

Carolyn Adams-Lewis demonstrates a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Carolyn Adams-Lewis offers consultations in English.

Carolyn R. Adams-Lewis provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Vestibular Balance

• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Difficulty maintaining stability during standing, walking, or changing positions, which may be due to various factors including age-related changes, neurological conditions, musculoskeletal weakness, sensory impairments, or medication side effects, often leading to an increased risk of falls.
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): A chronic functional dizziness disorder characterized by persistent sensations of dizziness, unsteadiness, or non-spinning vertigo (often lasting for 3 months or more), typically exacerbated by upright posture, active or passive motion, or exposure to complex or moving visual environments (e.g., busy supermarkets, scrolling on a screen). Often follows an acute vestibular event, medical illness, or period of psychological distress.

Arthritis

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Tailored exercise programs (including range of motion, strengthening, and low-impact aerobic exercises), pain relief modalities, and education on joint protection techniques and energy conservation for individuals with RA or similar conditions.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A type of chronic inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spine (especially the sacroiliac joints and vertebrae), leading to pain, stiffness, and potential fusion of vertebrae, which can result in a stooped posture if not managed.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Exercises and advice to manage the impact of gout on your joints, improve mobility, and reduce the likelihood of long-term joint damage.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): An inflammatory arthritis that can affect some people with psoriasis (a skin condition), causing joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and sometimes affecting tendons (enthesitis) and ligaments. Can affect small or large joints, often asymmetrically, and sometimes the spine.

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. Carolyn Adams-Lewis can assess your needs.

• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Helping you stay steady on your feet and maintain your independence through targeted balance and coordination exercises, and practical fall prevention education.
• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Effective virtual physiotherapy care to help you manage your condition, progress your rehabilitation, and receive professional advice when in-person visits are challenging or not preferred.
• 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.
• Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio): Convenient and effective physiotherapy care delivered in your home by a qualified Physiotherapist, focusing on your specific goals and challenges.
• 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.

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

• Carolyn Adams-Lewis believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If breathing difficulties and shortness of breath with COPD or asthma, especially during activity is hindering your ability to attending their favorite yoga and pilates classes without limitation, a personalized plan focusing on a greater sense of body confidence and trust in their physical abilities can make all the difference.
• Patients often come to Carolyn Adams-Lewis feeling defeated by needing to improve my breathing patterns or lung capacity. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving enhanced ability to participate in social and community events and resuming performing self-care tasks like hair washing or reaching their back becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of feeling 'off-balance' and worried about falling, especially as I get older? Carolyn Adams-Lewis works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of a safe and confident return to their favorite sport or recreational activity. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as maintaining an upright posture while working on their computer for hours.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Carolyn Adams-Lewis can help you move beyond that burning pain between my shoulder blades from too much computer work. The focus is on feeling more positive, capable, and optimistic about their physical health, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as peacefully paddling their kayak or canoe on the lake for hours.

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

Carolyn Adams-Lewis, Physiotherapy is situated in a physiotherapy clinic in the central Thornhill neighborhood of Thornhill. The clinic is conveniently located near nearby parks and community recreation facilities and is accessible via local public transit routes. Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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 plans, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of physiotherapy sessions required varies greatly from person to person. It depends on several factors, including the nature and severity of your condition, how long you've had the issue (acute vs. chronic), your individual treatment goals, your body's unique response to therapy, and how consistently you are able to follow your prescribed home exercise program and self-management advice. Your Physiotherapist will discuss a proposed treatment frequency and estimated duration after your initial assessment and will continually re-evaluate your progress with you.

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 Carolyn Adams-Lewis, Physiotherapy 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?

In physiotherapy, manual therapy encompasses a range of 'hands-on' interventions. Your Physiotherapist may use these techniques to help reduce your pain, increase joint movement, relax tight muscles, or improve the mobility of your nerves. Common approaches include joint glides, sustained pressures, specific soft tissue massage, and, when indicated, joint manipulations. It's a key part of helping your body move better.

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 *do* require one for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. Check your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

What is Carolyn Adams-Lewis, Physiotherapy'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 (or one business day) 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 (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments (no-shows) without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

Carolyn Adams-Lewis, Physiotherapy
188 Winding Lane
Thornhill, ON, L4J 5J2

Phone: (905) 771-1785

Carolyn R. Adams-Lewis 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: XXX58

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=64257ccf-8902-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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