Catherine Ann Stark – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Catherine Ann Stark is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Trillium Health Partners - Queensway Health Centre in Toronto, ON, Catherine Stark is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Catherine Stark focuses on providing comprehensive assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions to help patients of all ages restore function, manage pain, and improve their quality of life. Catherine Stark serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Catherine Ann Stark completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 1985). With extensive clinical experience, Catherine Stark is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Catherine Stark has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Catherine Stark maintains a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Catherine Stark employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Catherine Stark offers consultations in English.

Catherine Ann Stark provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Sports Injury

• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): Knee discomfort frequently experienced by runners, cyclists, and those involved in activities with repetitive knee bending, which physiotherapy can effectively manage through exercise and biomechanical correction.
• IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): Pain, typically sharp or burning, located on the outside (lateral aspect) of the knee, or sometimes the hip. Common in runners, cyclists, and other endurance athletes, caused by irritation or inflammation of the iliotibial (IT) band as it rubs over bony prominences.
• Stress Fractures (Activity-Related - Conservative Management/Rehab): Tiny cracks or severe bruising within a bone caused by repetitive force, overuse, or cumulative stress, common in weight-bearing bones of the lower leg (tibia, fibula), foot (metatarsals, navicular), or hip in athletes involved in high-impact sports.
• Muscle Strains (e.g., Hamstring, Calf, Groin, Quadriceps, Rotator Cuff): Tearing of muscle fibers or the muscle-tendon unit due to overstretching, sudden forceful contraction, or eccentric loading during athletic activity or exertion, commonly known as a 'pulled muscle'.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.
• 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.

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. Catherine Stark can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized programs incorporating various stretching techniques (e.g., static, dynamic, PNF) to alleviate stiffness, increase tissue extensibility, and promote better posture.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Development of a tailored therapeutic exercise program by your Physiotherapist, focused on your specific rehabilitation needs, strength goals, flexibility improvements, balance, and overall conditioning.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: Detailed physical assessment of your joints, muscles, nerves, and movement patterns to identify the root cause of your symptoms and guide your treatment.
• 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.
• 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 Catherine Stark, 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 Trillium Health Partners - Queensway Health Centre, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Catherine Stark frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• The path to recovery from my child complaining of 'growing pains' that keep them up at night and achieving more comfortable and efficient movement when transitioning between positions (e.g., sit to stand) for carrying a backpack or shoulder bag comfortably often starts with expert guidance. Catherine Stark, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• Physiotherapy with Catherine Stark can be a transformative turning point for those affected by facial weakness or drooping on one side (like Bell's Palsy). The shared goal is achieving greater ease with dressing, bathing, and other self-care activities, paving the way for you to enjoy playing actively and roughhousing with their young kids or grandkids and a more active, vibrant life.
• The journey to feeling more resilient and less vulnerable to minor strains or injuries when faced with persistent working on getting back to normal after a fracture or other surgery is made smoother and more effective with Catherine Stark's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like actively participating in family outings and vacations without holding others back.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of difficulty getting out of a chair or bed due to stiffness or pain? Catherine Stark works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of improved performance in work-related physical demands. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as taking energetic, long walks with their dog every day.

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

Catherine Stark practices at Trillium Health Partners - Queensway Health Centre, situated in the Eringate, Bloordale Gardens, Old Burnhamthorpe neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Nathan Phillips Square and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

Is there parking available at or near Trillium Health Partners - Queensway Health Centre?

Paid parking is available in the parkade adjacent to the building. Limited free street parking may also be found in the vicinity, but please check local signage for restrictions.

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.

How can I book an appointment at Trillium Health Partners - Queensway Health Centre?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (416) 521-4142 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.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not be an ordeal of pain. While you might feel some discomfort or a stretching sensation as you work to regain movement or strength, especially in the initial stages of treatment for an acute injury or chronic stiffness, it's rarely 'painful' in a distressing or harmful way. Your Physiotherapist will guide you through each step, modify treatments to suit your comfort and tolerance, and ensure that the overall experience is positive. The ultimate aim is to make you feel better, not worse.

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.

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. However, some private/extended health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

Trillium Health Partners - Queensway Health Centre
150 Sherway Dr.
Toronto, ON, M9C 1A5

Phone: (416) 521-4142

Catherine Ann Stark 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: XXX63

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=0f1671ef-8902-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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