Dianne Lynne Merrick – Physiotherapist | Scarborough, ON

Dianne Lynne Merrick is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Home Physiotherapy Solutions in Scarborough, ON, Dianne Merrick is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Dianne Merrick's focus is 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. Dianne Merrick serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Dianne Lynne Merrick completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Queen's University (Graduating Class of 1976). With extensive clinical experience, Dianne Merrick is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Dianne Merrick has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Dianne Merrick employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Dianne Merrick has a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Dianne Merrick empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Dianne Merrick offers consultations in English.

Dianne Lynne Merrick provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Arthritis

• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Physiotherapy for ankylosing spondylitis focuses on maintaining spinal mobility and flexibility (especially extension), improving posture, strengthening core and back muscles, managing pain, and providing education on self-management and regular exercise.
• 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.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A chronic condition causing joint discomfort, stiffness (especially in the morning or after inactivity), and impacting your ability to perform daily activities, walk, or engage in hobbies.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Conditions like 'jumper's knee' (patellar tendinopathy), 'swimmer's shoulder' (rotator cuff tendinopathy), or 'tennis elbow' (lateral epicondylitis) caused by tendon issues that limit your ability to perform specific tasks.

Post Surgical

• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): A progressive rehabilitation program after surgery to fix a broken bone, helping you regain full use of your arm or leg and return to your normal activities.
• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): Physiotherapy rehabilitation after total or partial hip replacement surgery, aimed at restoring mobility, strength, balance, and improving your gait pattern, allowing you to perform daily activities safely and effectively.
• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Specialized physiotherapy following knee ligament reconstruction surgery to ensure a successful recovery, minimize complications (like stiffness or muscle atrophy), and facilitate a safe and confident return to activity and sport, preventing re-injury.

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. Dianne Merrick can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: An in-depth examination to fully understand your specific condition, allowing your Physiotherapist to create an effective and personalized rehabilitation plan.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Improving the mobility and health of your nervous system to reduce pain, restore sensation, and enhance overall function.
• 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.
• 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.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.

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

• With Dianne Merrick's help, managing pain and difficulty with overhead movements like reaching into a cupboard to achieve resuming gardening, hobbies, or household tasks without strain or discomfort becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and dexterity with ease.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of feeling like my joints are just 'wearing out' and getting harder to move? Dianne Merrick works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of feeling more resilient and less vulnerable to minor strains or injuries. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as playing in their competitive volleyball league again.
• Living with needing help to get moving again after a long period of illness or inactivity doesn't have to be your norm. Dianne Merrick applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards a renewed sense of vitality and enthusiasm for daily activities, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of actively participating in family outings and vacations without holding others back.
• Are you finding that an old ankle sprain that never seems to fully heal and still feels weak stops you from enjoying easily carrying groceries in from the car in one or two trips? Dianne Merrick is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve greater ease in performing overhead activities or reaching through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.

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

Dianne Merrick practices at Home Physiotherapy Solutions, a physiotherapy clinic in the central Scarborough neighborhood of Scarborough. The clinic is conveniently located near nearby parks and community recreation facilities and is accessible via local public transit routes. Please inquire regarding specific accessibility needs for our clinic. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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.

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 reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy refers to specialized hands-on techniques used by a Physiotherapist to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This can include joint mobilization (gentle, rhythmic gliding movements), joint manipulation (skilled, high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts, where appropriate and within the therapist's scope and with your consent), various soft tissue mobilization techniques (like massage, myofascial release, trigger point release), and neural mobilization (gentle techniques to improve nerve movement). The primary goals are to reduce pain, improve range of motion, restore optimal joint mechanics, reduce muscle tension, and enhance tissue repair and function.

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

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services provided in private outpatient clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available through specific programs (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 insurance coverage for physiotherapy services.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not be painful. While some discomfort or stretching sensation may be felt, especially initially, your Physiotherapist will adjust treatments to ensure your comfort. The goal is to make you feel better, not worse.

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

Wear comfortable clothing that allows for easy movement, similar to what you would wear to the gym. Shorts are helpful for lower-body treatments, and a tank top or loose t-shirt is suitable for upper-body treatments.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, you will usually receive a customized home exercise program to enhance your progress and maintain improvements.

Is there parking available at or near Home Physiotherapy Solutions?

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside our building. Look for the designated patient spots.

Home Physiotherapy Solutions
54 Maberley Cres.
Scarborough, ON, M1C 3K8

Phone: (416) 283-4963

Dianne Lynne Merrick 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: XXX01

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=2236610f-8902-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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