Colleen Danielle Dunphy – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Colleen Danielle Dunphy is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at University Health Network-Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto, ON, Colleen Dunphy is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Colleen Dunphy 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. Colleen Dunphy serves a diverse range of patients.

Colleen Danielle Dunphy completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Dalhousie University (Graduating Class of 2006). With extensive clinical experience, Colleen Dunphy is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Colleen Dunphy has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Colleen Dunphy employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Colleen Dunphy maintains a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care, empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Colleen Dunphy offers consultations in English.

Colleen Danielle Dunphy provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Back Neck Pain

• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Symptoms of nerve compression originating from the spine, such as a 'slipped disc' or 'pinched nerve', causing radiating pain, altered sensation, or muscle weakness in a limb.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Muscular pain, trigger points, and tension headaches resulting from habitual poor posture, which can be addressed with postural re-education, exercises, and ergonomic advice.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Aching, soreness, or sharp pain experienced in the neck, which may include muscle spasms, trigger points, or reduced flexibility.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Discomfort felt around the shoulder blade, at the top of the shoulder, or radiating down the arm, making simple tasks challenging.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Disorders affecting hand and wrist function, making daily tasks such as gripping objects, typing, writing, or fine motor activities difficult and painful.

Sports Injury

• IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): A common cause of lateral knee pain in athletes, often linked to training errors, muscle imbalances (e.g., weak hip abductors), or poor biomechanics, which physiotherapy aims to address.
• Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): Inflammation of the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue (periosteum) around the tibia, which requires rest, activity modification, and specific physiotherapy interventions for recovery.

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. Colleen Dunphy can assess your needs.

• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: A specialized physiotherapy treatment that uses a traction table or manual techniques to gently decompress spinal structures, relieve pressure, and promote healing.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: The use of specific electrical stimulation devices (IFC or TENS) by your Physiotherapist to provide pain relief, reduce muscle spasm, decrease swelling, or promote muscle activation and re-education.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Specialized manual techniques aimed at restoring normal movement and function to peripheral nerves that may be compressed, adhered, or under tension.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: Superficial heat application carefully monitored by your therapist to promote relaxation, pain relief, and enhance the effectiveness of other treatments.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Gentle, active manual therapy techniques where you use your own specific muscle contractions against your therapist's controlled resistance to improve joint mobility, lengthen tight tissues, and reduce pain.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): Targeted shockwave application to promote tissue regeneration, modulate pain, and improve function in chronic injuries, often with lasting results.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Colleen Dunphy, 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 University Health Network-Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Colleen Dunphy frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Rediscover your ability to participating in community events and social gatherings more actively without the constant burden of trying to get back to my best after a frustrating sports injury. Colleen Dunphy focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to achieving their specific mobility goals, whether big or small, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• At Colleen Dunphy's physiotherapy practice, individuals with soreness and tightness in my Achilles tendon, especially after exercise are guided towards improved balance and coordination, leading to safer and more confident mobility in seniors. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as sleeping soundly through the night without being woken by pain or discomfort.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Colleen Dunphy can help you move beyond recovering from surgery to my hand or wrist. 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 giving presentations or speaking publicly with confidence and good posture.
• Colleen Dunphy believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If feeling like my posture is hunched or rounded, causing discomfort is hindering your ability to performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and dexterity with ease, a personalized plan focusing on improved breathing mechanics and capacity through postural correction can make all the difference.

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

Colleen Dunphy practices at University Health Network-Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, situated in the Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Rogers Centre and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapist in ON?

In Ontario, you typically do not need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist. This is known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for coverage. It is crucial to check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements for physiotherapy reimbursement.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at University Health Network-Princess Margaret Cancer Centre treat?

Physiotherapists at the University Health Network-Princess Margaret Cancer Centre treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, back and neck pain, joint problems (arthritis, post-surgical recovery), sports injuries (ligament sprains), and nerve pain. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like general physiotherapy and pelvic health. Our treatments often involve manual therapy, electrical stimulation (IFC/TENS), and exercise prescription to help you achieve your functional goals.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

OHIP generally does not cover physiotherapy services in private outpatient clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations, such as post-hospitalization for certain conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams. Eligibility criteria are strict, and there may be waitlists. It's essential to check your private insurance coverage, as many plans offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

The first physiotherapy session is primarily an in-depth assessment. Expect to spend time discussing your specific issue, its history, and your overall health background with your physiotherapist. They will then perform various physical tests to assess your movement, strength, and areas of concern. The goal is to understand your condition fully to develop a tailored treatment plan. You might also receive your first set of home exercises or some initial hands-on care.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Your initial physiotherapy visit will be approximately one hour long for a comprehensive assessment and discussion of treatment goals. Follow-up sessions are generally 30-45 minutes, but this can vary based on your needs.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy helps people of all ages improve movement, function, and well-being. Registered physiotherapists use evidence-based techniques (exercise, manual therapy, education) to assess, diagnose, and treat injuries, pain, and physical impairments. It can reduce pain, increase mobility and strength, aid recovery from surgery, prevent future injuries, and enhance your quality of life.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans cover physiotherapy. Contact your insurer before your appointment to understand your plan's specifics: annual maximum, per-visit limits, co-payments, referral requirements, and direct billing options. If direct billing is available, we can bill your insurer; otherwise, we'll provide a receipt for you to submit. Bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment.

What is University Health Network-Princess Margaret Cancer Centre's appointment cancellation policy?

We request at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments may incur a fee. Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to change your appointment.

University Health Network-Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
610 University Ave.
Toronto, ON, M5G 2M9

Phone: (416) 946-2000

Colleen Danielle Dunphy 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: XXX41

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=51be56ee-8e02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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