Dr. John Francis Flannery – Pain Management Specialist / Physical Therapist | Toronto, ON

Dr. John Francis Flannery is a Physiatrist / Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist. Practicing at PEEL MEMORIAL CENTRE in Toronto, ON, Dr. Flannery is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused care in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. Dr. Flannery 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. Flannery 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. John Francis Flannery earned a Medical Degree in 1989. Subsequently, Dr. Flannery completed advanced specialty training in Specialty Practice in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Physiatry). Dr. Flannery brings valuable clinical experience to their practice. Dr. Flannery's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Physiatry). Dr. Flannery is dedicated to ongoing professional development and continuing medical education to provide up-to-date, evidence-based care.

Key aspects of Dr. Flannery's medical practice philosophy include: a commitment to evidence-based medicine and utilizing the latest advancements in rehabilitation techniques; a holistic perspective, considering the physical, emotional, and social aspects of disability and recovery. Dr. Flannery serves patients of all ages, from children and adolescents through to adults and seniors, requiring functional restoration. Dr. Flannery is fluent in English and also offers consultations in French.

As a Physiatrist, Dr. John Francis Flannery addresses a variety of conditions related to physical function, pain, and rehabilitation, including but not limited to:

Debilitating Conditions Functional Improvement

• Debility & Deconditioning (e.g., post-illness, hospitalization): Helping patients regain strength, endurance, and mobility to improve their ability to perform daily tasks.
• Amputation Rehabilitation & Prosthetic Management: Comprehensive care for individuals with limb loss, including pre-prosthetic management, prosthetic prescription, gait training, and adjustment to life with a prosthesis.

Musculoskeletal Conditions

• Tendonitis & Bursitis: Diagnosing and treating inflammation of tendons (tendonitis/tendinopathy) and bursae (bursitis) in areas like the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, or ankle.
• Low Back Pain & Neck Pain (Non-Surgical): Managing acute or chronic pain in the lumbar, thoracic, or cervical spine due to disc issues, arthritis, muscle strain, or stenosis without surgery.

Neurological Conditions

• Peripheral Neuropathy: Diagnosing and managing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness caused by damage to peripheral nerves (e.g., diabetic neuropathy, chemotherapy-induced neuropathy).
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) & Concussion Rehabilitation: Helping patients recover and adapt after a TBI to return to daily life, work, or school.

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

• Sports Injury Rehabilitation: Helping athletes recover from injuries and optimize performance through targeted therapies.
• Therapeutic Injections (Joints, Soft Tissues, Nerves): Targeted injections to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and improve function in various musculoskeletal and neurological conditions.
• Stroke Rehabilitation: Comprehensive rehabilitation programs for individuals recovering from stroke to improve mobility, speech, cognition, and activities of daily living.
• Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation: Specialized rehabilitation to help patients with spinal cord injuries achieve their maximum potential for independence.
• Coordination of Multidisciplinary Care: Leading a rehabilitation team to ensure all aspects of a patient's recovery are addressed cohesively.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Flannery. 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. John Francis Flannery adhere to the scope of practice for Physiatrists in ON and the standards of The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).

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

• Through Dr. Flannery's skilled guidance and modern dental techniques, patients suffering from feeling like their body just isn't recovering properly after an accident often find they can readily achieve feeling more confident in their physical abilities and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like driving their car independently.
• The journey from their persistent low back pain making it hard to sit or stand for long to wellness often involves Dr. Flannery's dedicated care. The milestone is gaining the skills and support needed to live a more active and fulfilling life, which opens the door back to activities such as remembering appointments and managing daily schedules after a brain injury.
• For those affected by needing to learn how to use a prosthetic limb effectively, Dr. Flannery provides solutions that lead to reduced frequency and intensity of headaches related to neck issues. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to keeping up with friends or family during outings.
• A key objective when treating feeling unsteady on their feet and worrying about falls at Dr. Flannery's welcoming dental clinic is achieving better management of their chronic condition, leading to an improved quality of life. This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like performing household repairs or light maintenance tasks.

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

Dr. Flannery's practice, PEEL MEMORIAL CENTRE, is situated in the Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Accessible patient parking is typically available near our facility.

What are EMG and NCS tests, and why might Dr. Flannery 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. Flannery 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. Flannery 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. Flannery 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 for patients to inquire with PEEL MEMORIAL CENTRE about any potential out-of-pocket costs for recommended treatments and to check with their private insurance, if any, regarding coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Flannery at PEEL MEMORIAL CENTRE?

The first visit with Dr. Flannery 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. Flannery 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. Flannery 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.

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

Yes, in ON, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required to see a Physiatrist like Dr. Flannery 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. Flannery has the necessary background medical information. Speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor if you believe you need a physiatric assessment.

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

A Physiatrist like Dr. Flannery 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.

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

Physiatrists like Dr. Flannery treat diverse conditions, including the 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. Dr. Flannery focuses on improving function, reducing pain, and enhancing quality of life related to these and other physical impairments.

PEEL MEMORIAL CENTRE
Unit ADULT OUT PATIENT, 550 University Avenue, MENTAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Toronto, ON, M5G 2A2

Phone: (416) 597-3422

Dr. John Francis Flannery 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: 63328

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Flannery-John-Francis/0049350-63328

A referral from a family physician or another specialist may be required to see Dr. Flannery. Dr. Flannery 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.