Deirdre Louise Law – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Deirdre Louise Law is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy Focus). Practicing at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, ON, Deirdre Law is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Deirdre Law specializes in managing acute and chronic conditions affecting the heart and lungs, such as COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis, post-operative cardiac or respiratory recovery, and post-COVID symptoms. Deirdre Law's approach involves breathing exercises, airway clearance, exercise prescription, and education, serving patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Deirdre Louise Law completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 2008). With extensive clinical experience, Deirdre Law is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Deirdre Law has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy.

Deirdre Law employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Deirdre Law's patient-centered approach actively involves individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Deirdre Law offers consultations in English.

Deirdre Louise Law provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Cardioresp

• Post-Cardiac Event Rehabilitation (Supportive Care, e.g., after MI or CABG): Physiotherapy to help individuals safely return to physical activity, improve cardiovascular fitness and endurance, and enhance overall heart health after a cardiac incident or procedure, often in a supervised setting initially.
• Bronchiectasis Management (Airway Clearance): Teaching and supervising various airway clearance techniques (ACTs) and devices (e.g., PEP devices, Acapella, Flutter, postural drainage, active cycle of breathing techniques - ACBT) to help individuals with bronchiectasis clear lung secretions effectively, reduce infection risk, and improve breathing.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Management (e.g., Chronic Bronchitis, Emphysema): Physiotherapy interventions for individuals with chronic bronchitis or emphysema, focusing on improving lung function, reducing breathlessness, and increasing ability to perform daily activities.

Common Musculoskeletal

• 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.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Common knee complaints that can affect your ability to walk, climb stairs, squat, run, or participate in sports, addressed through a tailored physiotherapy program.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Common ankle injuries causing acute pain, persistent swelling, and instability, significantly affecting your ability to walk, run, or participate in sports.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Lower back issues that restrict your ability to bend, lift, sit for long periods, or enjoy your usual activities without discomfort.

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. Deirdre Law can assess your needs.

• Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs: Comprehensive, often multidisciplinary, programs for individuals with chronic lung conditions (e.g., COPD, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, interstitial lung disease), with a core physiotherapy component focusing on supervised exercise training (aerobic and strength), breathing techniques, education on managing the condition, and strategies for energy conservation.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Skilled hands-on techniques, including gentle joint mobilizations (smooth, rhythmic movements) and, where appropriate and authorized, joint manipulations (quick, precise thrusts) to restore optimal movement, reduce pain, and improve joint function.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Using controlled isometric and isotonic muscle contractions, as directed by your Physiotherapist, to address joint restrictions and muscle imbalances effectively.
• 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.
• Post-COVID-19 Condition / Long COVID Rehabilitation: A structured physiotherapy approach to address the diverse and often fluctuating symptoms of Long COVID, aiming to improve exercise tolerance gradually, manage fatigue, and support a return to meaningful activities.
• Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy (e.g., COPD, Asthma, Post-Pneumonia, Post-Cardiac Event Support): Physiotherapy management of conditions affecting the heart and lungs, including breathing exercises and retraining, airway clearance techniques (e.g., for mucus), education on self-management, and graded exercise programs to improve endurance, reduce breathlessness, and enhance quality of life.

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

• Many patients have found lasting relief from tendonitis pain flaring up in my shoulder, knee, elbow, or foot and achieved noticeable strength gains in their limbs, supporting more demanding tasks under the skilled care of Deirdre Law. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as enjoying long, challenging hikes on weekends again with a new lease on life.
• Are you finding that feeling like my posture is hunched or rounded, causing discomfort stops you from enjoying getting back to their regular, consistent gym workouts? Deirdre Law is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve restored joint function, leading to smoother and more coordinated movements through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• Many individuals seek help from Deirdre Law, their physiotherapist, when a noticeable curve in my child's spine or uneven shoulders (scoliosis concerns) starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve enhanced pelvic floor function and control (for relevant conditions), empowering them to joyfully return to activities like setting up and taking down equipment for hobbies or sports.
• Patients often come to Deirdre Law feeling defeated by feeling generally stiff, achy, and less mobile than I used to be. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving being active again without the constant worry of pain or re-injury and resuming getting on and off the floor with ease becomes a realistic and attainable goal.

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

Deirdre Law practices at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, located in the Lawrence Park neighbourhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Massey Hall and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a doctor's referral. This is known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral 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 is Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre'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 (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

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.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

You can expect your initial physiotherapy visit to be around an hour long. This extended time allows for a comprehensive assessment of your condition and a collaborative discussion about your treatment goals. Subsequent follow-up sessions are generally between 30 and 45 minutes, though this can be adjusted based on your individual requirements. Your Physiotherapist will advise on the appropriate appointment length for your specific care.

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 (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 recommended that you check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

Is there parking available at or near Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre?

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly on the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre grounds. Look for the designated patient parking spots.

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
2075 Bayview Ave.
Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5

Phone: (416) 480-6100

Deirdre Louise Law 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: XXX38

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=a011c17d-8f02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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