Catherine Elizabeth Darling – Physiotherapist | London, ON

Catherine Elizabeth Darling is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at Parkwood Institute in London, ON, Kit is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Kit's focus is assisting individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life after neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Kit serves adults.

Catherine Elizabeth Darling completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2009). With clinical experience, Catherine Elizabeth Darling is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Catherine Elizabeth Darling has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Neurological Physiotherapy.

Kit employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Catherine Elizabeth Darling offers consultations in English, French.

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

Common Musculoskeletal

• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Aching, burning, sharp pain, or a 'pins and needles' sensation in the wrist, thumb, or hand region, sometimes waking you at night.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Damage or tearing of muscle fibers, ranging from a mild overstretch (Grade 1 strain) to a partial or complete rupture (Grade 2 or 3 tear), typically caused by sudden forceful contraction, excessive stretch, or direct trauma.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Weakness, a feeling of the ankle 'giving way' repeatedly, or persistent pain after an initial sprain, indicating a need for targeted physiotherapy to restore stability and function.

Vestibular Balance

• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): Vestibular rehabilitation therapy, including habituation exercises, sensory re-weighting, and balance training, often as part of a multidisciplinary approach (which may include medication or CBT), for managing the symptoms of PPPD/3PD.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Brief, often intense, episodes of dizziness or a spinning sensation (vertigo) triggered by specific changes in head position (e.g., rolling over in bed, looking up, bending down), caused by displaced inner ear crystals (otoconia).

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. Kit 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.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Manual treatments specifically designed to improve joint mechanics, alleviate discomfort, reduce stiffness, and enhance your range of motion in the spine or limbs.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: A variety of hands-on methods such as therapeutic massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and active release style techniques to reduce muscle tension, break down scar tissue, improve circulation, and enhance tissue flexibility.
• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: Comprehensive care for concussion recovery, including initial assessment of symptoms (headache, dizziness, etc.), management of associated neck pain or dysfunction, vestibular and oculomotor (eye movement) rehabilitation, and guided, gradual return-to-learn, work, and sport protocols.
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders: Customized exercise-based programs (e.g., gaze stabilization, habituation, balance retraining exercises) prescribed by a trained Vestibular Physiotherapist to reduce vestibular symptoms, improve functional balance, decrease fall risk, and enhance confidence in movement.

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

• Struggling with the frustration of clicking, popping, or pain in my jaw (TMJ issues) when I eat or talk? Kit develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving enjoying less stiffness in the mornings and throughout the day. This is key to helping you get back to doing performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and dexterity with ease with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• Tired of trouble performing repetitive tasks at work without pain interfering with attending their favorite yoga and pilates classes without limitation? Kit uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve getting back to enjoying life's simple pleasures without physical limitations and regain your freedom of movement.
• It's truly rewarding for Kit to witness patients conquer sharp pain shooting down my leg, feeling a lot like sciatica and experience improved circulation and tissue healing. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in sitting comfortably through a movie at the cinema or a play again.
• For those whose pain or weakness that's stopping me from enjoying my favorite hobbies has made feeling energetic enough to engage in social activities in the evenings seem like a distant memory, Kit's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward a better understanding of ergonomics for their work and home environment. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to feeling energetic enough to engage in social activities in the evenings with greater comfort and renewed confidence.

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

Kit practices at Parkwood Institute, situated in the Woodfield, Wortley Village neighborhood of London. The clinic is conveniently located near the Downtown Core and is accessible via the London Transit Commission (LTC). 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. It is strongly advised to check your private insurance for private clinic coverage and to verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with OHIP.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession dedicated to helping people of all ages improve their movement, function, and overall well-being. A registered Physiotherapist uses evidence-based techniques like targeted exercise, hands-on manual therapy, and personalized education to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of injuries, pain conditions, and physical impairments affecting your muscles, bones, joints, nerves, and even your cardiorespiratory system. It can help you reduce pain, increase mobility and strength, recover from surgery, prevent future injuries, and enhance your quality of life.

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.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiotherapist can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

Does Parkwood Institute offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

While we do not offer direct billing at this time, we provide detailed official receipts that you can easily submit to your insurer for reimbursement according to your plan. Please bring your insurance card/information and always confirm your specific coverage details with your provider. You are responsible for any portion not covered.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

It's difficult to say exactly how many sessions you'll need without a thorough assessment, as everyone's situation and recovery path is unique. Some acute conditions might resolve in just a few sessions, while more chronic, complex, or significant issues may require a longer period of care to achieve lasting results. Your Physiotherapist will provide an estimated treatment timeline and plan after your first visit, and this will be revisited as your treatment progresses.

Parkwood Institute
550 Wellington Road
London, ON, N6C 5J1

Phone: (519) 646-6100

Catherine Elizabeth Darling 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: XXX22

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=bc752713-9002-e811-813f-480fcff40721

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