Dr. Shannon Leigh MacDonald – Pain Management Specialist / Physical Therapist | Toronto, ON

Dr. Shannon Leigh MacDonald is a Physiatrist / Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist. Practicing at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, ON, Dr. MacDonald is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused care in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. Dr. MacDonald 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. MacDonald 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. Shannon Leigh MacDonald earned a Medical Degree in 2013. Subsequently, Dr. MacDonald completed advanced specialty training in Specialty Practice in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Physiatry). Dr. MacDonald brings valuable clinical experience to her practice. Dr. MacDonald's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Physiatry). Dr. MacDonald is dedicated to ongoing professional development and continuing medical education to provide up-to-date, evidence-based care.

Key aspects of Dr. MacDonald'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 holistic perspective, considering the physical, emotional, and social aspects of disability and recovery. Dr. MacDonald provides consultations in English.

As a Physiatrist, Dr. Shannon Leigh MacDonald addresses a variety of conditions related to physical function, pain, and rehabilitation, including but not limited to:

Post Surgical Rehab

• Post-Operative Rehabilitation (e.g., after joint replacement, spine surgery): Helping patients regain mobility, strength, and independence after major surgical interventions.

Sports Injuries Rehab

• Overuse Injuries in Athletes: Addressing the underlying biomechanical factors contributing to overuse injuries and implementing strategies for recovery and prevention.
• Sports-Related Musculoskeletal Injuries: Helping athletes recover from injury, regain strength and flexibility, and safely return to their sport.

Musculoskeletal Conditions

• Fibromyalgia & Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A multimodal approach to complex pain conditions involving muscles and connective tissues.
• Osteoarthritis & Other Arthritic Conditions: Helping patients manage the symptoms of various arthritic conditions affecting mobility and quality of life.
• Tendonitis & Bursitis: Care for conditions such as rotator cuff tendinopathy, tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, trochanteric bursitis, and Achilles tendonitis.
• Low Back Pain & Neck Pain (Non-Surgical): Comprehensive non-operative care for spinal pain, focusing on pain relief, functional restoration, and preventative strategies.

This list provides examples of conditions commonly managed. A comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan are always based on an individual assessment by Dr. MacDonald, 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: Rehabilitation programs for sprains, strains, tendon injuries, and other sports-related conditions.
• Coordination of Multidisciplinary Care: Leading a rehabilitation team to ensure all aspects of a patient's recovery are addressed cohesively.
• Medication Management for Pain & Spasticity: Expert prescription and monitoring of analgesic medications, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, and medications for neuropathic pain or spasticity.
• Musculoskeletal Ultrasound: Point-of-care ultrasound to diagnose soft tissue injuries, guide injections, and monitor treatment progress.
• Management of Neuromuscular Disorders (e.g., MS, Parkinson's): Optimizing function and quality of life for patients with progressive or chronic neurological conditions through tailored therapies and adaptive strategies.

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

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

• Are you struggling with feeling like they've lost a lot of strength after being bedridden? Dr. MacDonald partners with patients to target improved mobility and ability to walk further or more easily, making a comfortable and confident return to important activities such as simply moving through their day with less pain and more freedom a much more achievable reality.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. MacDonald to see patients who were troubled by needing guidance on exercises that are safe and effective for their condition successfully achieve learning techniques to prevent re-injury or a worsening of their condition. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like navigating their home environment safely and independently.
• Many people seek Dr. MacDonald's professional help and expertise when dealing with wanting to find non-surgical ways to manage their chronic joint pain. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently better understanding of how to adapt their environment to their needs, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to driving their car independently.
• Dr. MacDonald provides dedicated support for patients going through their neck pain giving them constant headaches, always aiming for positive outcomes like reduced frequency and intensity of headaches related to neck issues, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as attending social gatherings and community events with confidence.

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

Dr. MacDonald's practice is located at Mount Sinai Hospital in the Studio District (Leslieville) neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near the CN Tower and is accessible via the TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Accessible patient parking is typically available near our facility.

Are services provided by a Physiatrist like Dr. MacDonald 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. MacDonald are typically covered by provincial health plans such as the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON, provided the patient has a valid health card and an 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 Mount Sinai Hospital 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 does a Physiatrist / Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist like Dr. MacDonald do?

A Physiatrist like Dr. MacDonald 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 can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. MacDonald at Mount Sinai Hospital?

The first visit with Dr. MacDonald 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. MacDonald 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. MacDonald will discuss her 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. MacDonald?

Yes, in ON, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required to see a Physiatrist like Dr. MacDonald for consultations and treatments covered by provincial health plans like the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). This referral helps ensure the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. MacDonald 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. MacDonald treats?

Physiatrists like Dr. MacDonald treat a variety of conditions, including but not limited to: 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. MacDonald focuses on improving function, reducing pain, and enhancing quality of life related to these and other physical impairments.

Mount Sinai Hospital
1 Bridgepoint Drive, Special Pregnancy Program
Toronto, ON, M4M 2B5

Phone: (416) 461-8252

Dr. Shannon Leigh MacDonald 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: 101007

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/MacDonald-Shannon-Leigh/0288883-101007

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