Christiane Dawn Lefort – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Christiane Dawn Lefort is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Women's College Hospital in Toronto, ON, Christiane Dawn Lefort is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Christiane Dawn Lefort addresses a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. This includes everything from acute injuries like sprains and strains, to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. Christiane Dawn Lefort serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Christiane Dawn Lefort completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Queen's University (Graduating Class of 2020). With clinical experience, Christiane Dawn Lefort is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Christiane Dawn Lefort has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Christiane Dawn Lefort empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results; a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting; promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy. Christiane Dawn Lefort offers consultations in English, French.

Christiane Dawn Lefort provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Post Surgical

• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): A structured physiotherapy plan to help you recover full function, independence, and confidence in your new hip after replacement surgery.
• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: A structured, progressive, and goal-oriented physiotherapy rehabilitation program crucial for restoring knee stability, strength, range of motion, and proprioception (joint position sense) after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or other knee ligament (e.g., PCL, MCL, LCL) reconstructive surgery.

Joint Pain

• 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.
• 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.

Arthritis

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Helping you live well with rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory arthropathies through targeted physiotherapy interventions designed to manage symptoms, preserve function, and promote overall well-being.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A physiotherapy approach to address the unique challenges of AS, aiming to keep you as mobile and active as possible and support your spinal health and overall well-being.

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. Christiane Dawn Lefort can assess your needs.

• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Gentle, specific movements and mobilizations designed to address nerve-related pain (like sciatica or carpal tunnel symptoms), tingling, numbness, or restrictions by improving the nerve's ability to glide freely and reducing irritation.
• 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.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A thorough evaluation by your Physiotherapist to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Providing clear guidance on self-care techniques, activity modifications, and beneficial lifestyle adjustments for long-term well-being and injury prevention.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Evaluation of your body's basic movements (like squatting, lunging, reaching) to highlight areas for improvement in stability, mobility, and motor control.

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

• The path to recovery from dealing with pelvic pain or bladder/bowel control issues (for both men and women) and achieving feeling empowered to take control of their physical health journey for getting on and off the floor with ease often starts with expert guidance. Christiane Dawn Lefort, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.
• The journey to developing better body awareness and understanding of healthy movement patterns when faced with persistent feeling unsteady on my feet or experiencing dizziness and balance problems is made smoother and more effective with Christiane Dawn Lefort's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like safely meeting the lifting requirements at their workplace.
• Tired of trying to get back to my best after a frustrating sports injury interfering with pushing a stroller or shopping cart without difficulty? Christiane Dawn Lefort uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve seeing their child achieve developmental milestones with greater ease (for pediatric physio) and regain your freedom of movement.
• Patients often come to Christiane Dawn Lefort feeling defeated by experiencing discomfort, back pain, or pelvic girdle pain during or after pregnancy. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving more comfortable and efficient movement when transitioning between positions (e.g., sit to stand) and resuming managing shopping trips and carrying bags without excessive fatigue or pain becomes a realistic and attainable goal.

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

Christiane Dawn Lefort practices at Women's College Hospital, situated in the University of Toronto, Harbord neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Bay Adelaide Centre and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

To make your first appointment as smooth and productive as possible, please consider bringing: your health card, any doctor's referral letter (if applicable), results or reports of any imaging tests (X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs) related to your current condition, a list of any medications you are currently taking, and your extended health benefits information (insurance card/policy number) for direct billing if available at our clinic. Wearing comfortable clothes is also a good idea.

What is Women's College 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 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.

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. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, in almost all cases, you will receive a customized home exercise program. These exercises are carefully chosen by your Physiotherapist to specifically target your issues and help you achieve your functional goals faster and more effectively. Performing them as recommended is very important for your progress and for maintaining the improvements you make during your clinic visits.

What are Women's College Hospital's operating hours?

Women's College Hospital is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Hours can vary, so please call the office or check their website for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

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. Contact your insurer before your first appointment to understand your plan's specifics. Key things to check are: your annual maximum, per-visit limits, whether a doctor's referral is required, and if your plan allows direct billing. If direct billing is possible, we can bill your insurer directly. Otherwise, we will provide a receipt for you to submit to your insurer.

Women's College Hospital
76 Grenville Street, 4th Floor
Toronto, ON, M5S 1B2

Phone: (416) 323-6400

Christiane Dawn Lefort 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: XXX12

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=fa6dd34f-f332-ee11-bdf4-000d3a09c78c

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