Christopher David Henderson – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Christopher David Henderson is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Physio First Lakeshore in Toronto, ON, Chris is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Chris focuses on addressing 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. Chris serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Christopher David Henderson completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Sydney (Graduating Class of 2008). With clinical experience, Christopher David Henderson is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Christopher David Henderson has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Chris maintains a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; Chris promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy; Chris employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Christopher David Henderson offers consultations in English.

Christopher David Henderson provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Arthritis

• 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.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: An autoimmune condition causing chronic inflammation, pain, stiffness, swelling, and potential deformity in multiple joints, often symmetrically. Physiotherapy aims to manage pain, maintain joint function and mobility, improve strength and endurance, provide joint protection strategies, and support self-management.
• 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.

Back Neck Pain

• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Back or neck pain that often radiates into an arm or leg, potentially with numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning sensations, due to a spinal disc problem (herniation, protrusion, or bulge) compressing or irritating a nearby nerve root (radiculopathy). Sciatica specifically refers to radicular pain down the leg.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Discomfort, aching, stiffness, or muscle fatigue in the back or neck arising from sustained or awkward postures during daily activities, prolonged work (e.g., desk work, computer use), or sleep.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Back or neck pain accompanied by associated limb symptoms (pain, sensory changes, weakness) due to a constricted spinal canal, which physiotherapy can help manage conservatively.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): A range of neck and related symptoms including pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and sometimes arm pain or cognitive difficulties, following a rapid acceleration-deceleration injury to the neck, most typically from a motor vehicle accident.

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. Chris can assess your needs.

• Therapeutic Heat Application: Application of therapeutic heat to prepare tissues for exercise, manual therapy, or stretching, or to manage chronic muscle soreness and joint stiffness.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): A form of manual therapy that actively involves you in your treatment, utilizing your body's muscular effort to achieve specific therapeutic effects on restricted joints and shortened soft tissues.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: Therapeutic traction for the cervical (neck) or lumbar (low back) spine, used by physiotherapists to help reduce pain, decompress nerve roots, and improve symptoms associated with conditions like disc herniations, sciatica, or spinal stenosis.
• 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.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): Targeted shockwave application to promote tissue regeneration, modulate pain, and improve function in chronic injuries, often with lasting results.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: A non-invasive electrotherapy modality aimed at reducing pain, muscle guarding, or swelling, and sometimes used for muscle strengthening, as part of your physiotherapy treatment.

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

• Patients often come to Chris feeling defeated by wrist pain and tingling, possibly from carpal tunnel syndrome, especially at night. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving being active again without the constant worry of pain or re-injury and resuming carrying a backpack or shoulder bag comfortably becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Rediscover your ability to playing a full game of recreational hockey with their friends without the constant burden of recovering my strength and mobility after a knee or hip replacement surgery. Chris focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to enjoying less stiffness in the mornings and throughout the day, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• It's truly rewarding for Chris to witness patients conquer experiencing discomfort, back pain, or pelvic girdle pain during or after pregnancy and experience building the necessary muscle support for their joints, reducing the risk of re-injury. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in tackling home renovation and DIY projects with confidence again.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from feeling generally stiff, achy, and less mobile than I used to be and achieved returning to their workout routine with greater confidence and better performance under the skilled care of Chris. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as getting in and out of the car smoothly and without wincing with a new lease on life.

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

Chris practices at Physio First Lakeshore, situated in the New Toronto, Mimico South, Humber Bay Shores neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Kensington Market and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Absolutely! Home exercises are a vital part of your rehabilitation journey and empower you to take an active role in your recovery process. Your Physiotherapist will carefully select and teach you exercises specific to your needs. These exercises help to reinforce what's done in the clinic, manage your condition effectively, and ensure you continue progressing towards your goals even when you're not in a session.

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 the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

Does Physio First Lakeshore 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 and policy details to your appointment. Always confirm your specific coverage details, including any annual maximums, per-visit limits, or deductible requirements, directly with your insurance provider, as plans vary significantly. You are responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.

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.

Physio First Lakeshore
2230 Lakeshore Blvd West
Toronto, ON, M8V 0B2

Phone: (647) 350-2230

Christopher David Henderson 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: XXX40

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=6ad4d865-8f02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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