Dr. Geoffrey Peter King Hartin – Pain Management Specialist / Physical Therapist | Toronto, ON

Dr. Geoffrey Peter King Hartin is a Physiatrist / Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist. Practicing at Postgraduate Medical Education in Toronto, ON, Dr. Hartin is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused care in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. Dr. Hartin is licensed by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of the medical profession in ON. As a certified specialist in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (also known as a Physiatrist), Dr. Hartin focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of patients with a wide range of conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. The goal is to enhance and restore functional ability and quality of life to those with physical impairments or disabilities.

Dr. Geoffrey Peter King Hartin earned a Medical Degree in 2019. Subsequently, Dr. Hartin completed advanced specialty training in Specialty Practice in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Physiatry). Dr. Hartin brings valuable clinical experience to their practice. Dr. Hartin's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Physiatry). Dr. Hartin is dedicated to ongoing professional development and continuing medical education to provide up-to-date, evidence-based care.

Key aspects of Dr. Hartin's medical practice philosophy include: a commitment to evidence-based medicine and utilizing the latest advancements in rehabilitation techniques; empowering patients through education about their condition and active participation in their treatment plan; a patient-centered approach, focusing on individual goals and maximizing functional independence. Dr. Hartin provides consultations in English.

As a Physiatrist, Dr. Geoffrey Peter King Hartin addresses a variety of conditions related to physical function, pain, and rehabilitation, including but not limited to:

Chronic Pain Syndromes

• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): Treatment aimed at reducing severe pain, swelling, skin changes, and functional impairment associated with CRPS.
• Neuropathic Pain (Nerve Pain): Managing pain arising from damage or dysfunction of the nervous system, such as diabetic neuropathy, post-herpetic neuralgia, or radicular pain.
• Chronic Widespread Pain: A comprehensive approach to managing complex and diffuse pain that significantly impacts daily life.

Post Surgical Rehab

• Post-Operative Rehabilitation (e.g., after joint replacement, spine surgery): Developing rehabilitation plans to optimize outcomes following surgeries like total knee/hip replacement, rotator cuff repair, or spinal fusion.

Sports Injuries Rehab

• Overuse Injuries in Athletes: Managing conditions caused by repetitive stress and overuse, such as tendinopathies, shin splints, or stress reactions.
• Sports-Related Musculoskeletal Injuries: Non-operative treatment and rehabilitation for common sports injuries like ligament sprains, muscle strains, tendon injuries, and stress fractures.

Musculoskeletal Conditions

• Fibromyalgia & Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A multimodal approach to complex pain conditions involving muscles and connective tissues.
• Osteoarthritis & Other Arthritic Conditions: Treating joint pain and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory or degenerative joint diseases.

This list provides examples of conditions commonly managed. A comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan are always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Hartin, typically following referral. If your specific concern isn't listed, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic for more information.

• Comprehensive Physiatric Assessment: Thorough evaluation of musculoskeletal, neurological, and functional status, including detailed history, physical examination, and review of imaging/diagnostic tests.
• Management of Back & Neck Pain: Expert diagnosis and management of axial and radicular pain originating from the spine.
• Medication Management for Pain & Spasticity: Expert prescription and monitoring of analgesic medications, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, and medications for neuropathic pain or spasticity.
• Coordination of Multidisciplinary Care: Facilitating communication and collaboration among various therapists and specialists involved in a patient's care.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Rehabilitation: Helping individuals with TBI improve cognitive function, physical abilities, and psychosocial adjustment.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Hartin. Not all services may be listed, and the suitability of any treatment depends on individual assessment and referral where appropriate. For a comprehensive understanding or to discuss your specific medical needs, please schedule a consultation or speak with your referring physician.

All services by Dr. Geoffrey Peter King Hartin adhere to the scope of practice for Physiatrists in ON and the standards of The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).

At Postgraduate Medical Education, the focus is on partnering with you to maximize your functional abilities, manage your condition effectively, and improve your overall quality of life. Dr. Hartin frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• The journey from needing guidance on exercises that are safe and effective for their condition to wellness often involves Dr. Hartin's dedicated care. The milestone is a significant reduction in their daily pain levels, which opens the door back to activities such as traveling and going on vacations.
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Hartin about their pain making it difficult to focus or concentrate is to attain gaining the skills and support needed to live a more active and fulfilling life. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like managing their personal errands and appointments independently.
• Patients experiencing needing support to navigate the complexities of their rehabilitation journey often express a desire to improve their oral health and function. At Dr. Hartin's practice, a key objective is better understanding of how to adapt their environment to their needs, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in going up and down stairs without significant difficulty or pain.
• Effectively addressing feeling unsteady on their feet and worrying about falls with Dr. Hartin's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of enhanced ability to manage spasticity or muscle stiffness, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in cooking their own meals and managing household chores and social interactions.

Your personalized rehabilitation plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Hartin, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional goals. Dr. Hartin is committed to empowering patients with the expertise and support needed to achieve their highest possible level of independence and well-being.

Dr. Hartin's practice, Postgraduate Medical Education, is situated in the Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Toronto City Hall and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Designated accessible parking spots are often located close to the entrance.

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Hartin at Postgraduate Medical Education?

The first visit with Dr. Hartin will typically involve a comprehensive assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of the patient's medical history, the nature and timeline of their current symptoms, how these symptoms impact their daily activities and quality of life, and any previous treatments. Dr. Hartin will then perform a thorough physical examination, which may focus on the musculoskeletal system (joints, muscles, spine) and/or neurological system depending on the presenting problem. Any prior imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT) or test results will be reviewed. Based on this comprehensive evaluation, Dr. Hartin will discuss their diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations if needed, and will outline potential treatment and rehabilitation options, working with the patient to establish functional goals.

What does a Physiatrist / Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist like Dr. Hartin do?

A Physiatrist like Dr. Hartin is a medical doctor (physician) who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing a wide range of conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. Their primary goal is to enhance and restore functional ability, reduce pain, and improve the quality of life for people with physical impairments or disabilities resulting from injury (e.g., sports injuries, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury), illness (e.g., stroke, multiple sclerosis, arthritis), or chronic pain. They use non-surgical treatments including medication, therapeutic exercise programs, targeted injections (if applicable), and coordinate comprehensive rehabilitation plans often involving a team of therapists.

Do I typically need a referral to see a Physiatrist (Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist) like Dr. Hartin?

Yes, in ON, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required to see a Physiatrist like Dr. Hartin for consultations and treatments covered by provincial health plans like Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). This referral helps ensure the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Hartin has the necessary background medical information. Speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor if you believe you need a physiatric assessment.

What are some common conditions a Physiatrist like Dr. Hartin treats?

Physiatrists like Dr. Hartin treat diverse conditions, including consequences of stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury (including concussion), sports injuries, arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid), chronic low back and neck pain, peripheral neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and conditions requiring amputation rehabilitation. The focus is on improving function, reducing pain, and enhancing quality of life related to these and other physical impairments.

What are EMG and NCS tests, and why might Dr. Hartin recommend them?

Electromyography (EMG) evaluates the electrical activity produced by skeletal muscles, and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) measure how quickly and well electrical signals travel along nerves. Dr. Hartin might recommend these electrodiagnostic tests to help diagnose conditions such as pinched nerves (radiculopathy), carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage), muscular dystrophy, or other neuromuscular disorders. These tests help pinpoint the location and severity of nerve or muscle problems, guiding further treatment.

Are services provided by a Physiatrist like Dr. Hartin covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP))?

Most physician consultations and medically necessary assessments by a registered specialist Physiatrist like Dr. Hartin are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON, provided the patient has a valid health card and appropriate referral if required by the plan or clinic. However, some specific treatments or procedures (e.g., certain types of injections, assistive devices, comprehensive multidisciplinary programs) may not be fully covered or may have associated fees for materials or facility use. It's always best to inquire with Postgraduate Medical Education about any potential out-of-pocket costs for recommended treatments and to check with your private insurance, if any, regarding coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.

Postgraduate Medical Education
Unit Room M106 Medical Science Building, 550 University Ave, University of Western Ontario Schulich School of Medicine
Toronto, ON, M5G 2A2

Phone: (416) 597-3422

Dr. Geoffrey Peter King Hartin is a licensed Physiatrist in ON, regulated by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 & Medicine Act, 1991 (Ontario).

License Number: 118855

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Hartin-Geoffrey-Peter-King/0328610-118855

A referral from a family physician or another specialist may be required to see Dr. Hartin. Dr. Hartin and the team are committed to providing comprehensive care. If you have a medical emergency, please proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911.