David Hadley – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

David Hadley is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, ON, David Hadley is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. David Hadley 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. David Hadley serves adults.

David Hadley completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Queen's University (Graduating Class of 2002). With extensive clinical experience, David Hadley is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. David Hadley has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

David Hadley employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. David Hadley utilizes a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. David Hadley offers consultations in English.

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

Back Neck Pain

• 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.
• 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: Pain and muscle tension related to ergonomic factors at work or home, muscle imbalances, and suboptimal body mechanics or movement habits.

Sports Injury

• 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.
• Stress Fractures (Activity-Related - Conservative Management/Rehab): An overuse injury where the bone is unable to withstand repetitive mechanical loading, requiring a period of offloading and gradual rehabilitation guided by a physiotherapist for safe return to activity.
• Ligament Sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL, PCL, Ankle Ligaments): Common joint injuries in athletes affecting stability, causing immediate pain, swelling, bruising, and functional loss, often requiring a structured rehabilitation program.
• 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'.

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. David Hadley can assess your needs.

• Postural Assessment and Correction: Education on optimal body mechanics and corrective strategies to improve your posture during daily activities, work, and recreation.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A thorough evaluation by your Physiotherapist to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.

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

• Rediscover your ability to giving presentations or speaking publicly with confidence and good posture without the constant burden of difficulty moving one side of my body or walking easily after a stroke. David Hadley focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to learning specific exercises that provide ongoing relief and maintain their progress, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.
• Tired of sharp pain shooting down my leg, feeling a lot like sciatica interfering with operating machinery or tools safely and efficiently at work? David Hadley uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve developing better body awareness and understanding of healthy movement patterns and regain your freedom of movement.
• With David Hadley's help, managing feeling like my posture is hunched or rounded, causing discomfort to achieve greater confidence when walking, standing, or navigating challenging environments becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like taking group exercise classes at the community center.
• Discover how physiotherapy with David Hadley can help you move beyond recovering from a painful and limiting work-related injury (WCB/CNESST/WorkSafe claim). The focus is on a significant improvement in their overall quality of life and daily well-being, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as handling their job that involves frequent standing, walking, or bending.

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

David Hadley practices at St. Michael's Hospital, located in the St. James Town 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.

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, while a referral isn't legally required for an appointment, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for coverage. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements for physiotherapy coverage.

What are St. Michael's Hospital's operating hours?

St. Michael's Hospital is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Some practitioners may offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call the hospital directly or check their website for the most up-to-date information and specific practitioner availability.

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.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

The first physiotherapy session is primarily an in-depth assessment. Expect to spend time talking with your Physiotherapist about your specific issue, its history, and your overall health background. Your therapist will then perform various physical tests to assess your movement, strength, and any areas of concern. The main goal of this first visit is to understand your condition fully so that a tailored and effective treatment plan can be developed collaboratively with you. You might also receive your first set of home exercises or some initial hands-on care to start the healing process.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows the Physiotherapist to easily access and assess the area being treated, and permits you to move freely for any exercises or movements. For example, shorts are ideal for knee, hip, or ankle issues, while a tank top or loose t-shirt works well for shoulder, neck, or upper back problems. Athletic wear or gym attire is generally a good choice. You may also be provided with a gown if needed.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Definitely. A key aspect of physiotherapy is not just treating current problems but also preventing future ones. A Physiotherapist can assess your movement, identify potential weaknesses or imbalances that could lead to injury, and provide you with a personalized program of exercises and strategies. This proactive approach is beneficial for athletes, individuals with physically demanding jobs, or anyone looking to maintain long-term musculoskeletal health and avoid recurring pain.

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

Physiotherapy services in private clinics are generally not covered by OHIP. While publicly funded physiotherapy is available through certain programs (e.g., post-hospitalization for specific conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams), eligibility criteria are strict and there may be waitlists. It is essential to check your private insurance coverage for services in private clinics, as many plans offer significant physiotherapy coverage.

St. Michael's Hospital
61 Queen St E, 2nd Floor
Toronto, ON, M5C 2T2

Phone: (416) 864-5180

David Hadley 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=c03a4d41-8d02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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