Elisabeth M. Kohan – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Elisabeth M. Kohan is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Beth Kohan Physiotherapy in Toronto, ON, Beth is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Beth's practice focuses on 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. Beth serves adults.

Elisabeth M. Kohan completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 1988). With extensive clinical experience, Elisabeth M. Kohan is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Beth has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Beth's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy. Beth adopts a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Elisabeth M. Kohan offers consultations in English.

Elisabeth M. Kohan provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Common Musculoskeletal

• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Aching, sharp, or persistent pain located in the lower back, which may sometimes extend into the buttocks or legs, limiting your comfort.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Pain affecting the hip joint and surrounding musculature, which can limit activities like walking, standing for long periods, rising from a chair, or lying on the affected side.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Aching, burning, sharp pain, or a 'pins and needles' sensation in the wrist, thumb, or hand region, sometimes waking you at night.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Damage to the body's movement system, including issues like joint inflammation, ligament tears, or muscle overstretching, often requiring physiotherapy for optimal recovery.

Back Neck Pain

• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Nerve compression symptoms due to a narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal or the small openings where nerves exit the spine (foramina), most commonly in the lumbar (lower back) or cervical (neck) regions.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Symptoms resulting from a whiplash injury, which can vary in severity (WAD Grades I-III) and duration, requiring a comprehensive physiotherapy approach for recovery.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: A common cause of persistent back and neck pain due to the cumulative strain of prolonged sitting, standing, or performing tasks in non-ideal positions.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Symptoms of nerve compression originating from the spine, such as a 'slipped disc' or 'pinched nerve', causing radiating pain, altered sensation, or muscle weakness in a limb.

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. Beth can assess your needs.

• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Assessing your fundamental movement patterns to identify limitations, asymmetries, and potential risk factors for injury or re-injury.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: A carefully selected set of exercises specific to your condition and abilities, aimed at restoring function, reducing pain, improving movement, and preventing future issues.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Providing clear guidance on self-care techniques, activity modifications, and beneficial lifestyle adjustments for long-term well-being and injury prevention.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Education on optimal body mechanics and corrective strategies to improve your posture during daily activities, work, and recreation.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: A progressive program designed to build a strong and stable core, improving your body's foundation for all movements and reducing strain on other structures.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A complete assessment of your musculoskeletal system to pinpoint issues, set clear rehabilitation goals, and get you started on the path to recovery.

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

• If my child complaining of 'growing pains' that keep them up at night is preventing you from fully enjoying attending concerts or theatre shows and sitting comfortably throughout, Beth offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining enjoying cycling or swimming regularly without pain or limitation, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• For those whose pain in my shins when I try to run or be active (shin splints) has made keeping up with their team during our weekly soccer match seem like a distant memory, Beth's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward sleeping more soundly through the night due to reduced pain and discomfort. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to keeping up with their team during our weekly soccer match with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from feeling like my posture is hunched or rounded, causing discomfort and achieved a deeper understanding of their condition and how to manage it proactively for long-term well-being under the skilled care of Beth. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as participating fully in their martial arts practice, including sparring with a new lease on life.
• Rediscover your ability to travelling more comfortably on planes, trains, or in cars for longer durations without the constant burden of recovering from a painful and limiting work-related injury (WCB/CNESST/WorkSafe claim). Beth focuses on evidence-based treatment plans that lead to improved circulation and tissue healing, integrating various therapeutic techniques for optimal and lasting results.

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

Beth Kohan Physiotherapy is conveniently located in the Glencairn neighborhood of Toronto, near Toronto Police HQ. The clinic is easily accessible via the TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Please inquire regarding specific accessibility needs for our clinic. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. We recommend you contact your insurance provider directly before your first appointment to understand the specifics of your plan. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If Beth Kohan Physiotherapy offers direct billing and your plan allows it, we can often bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance not covered by your plan at the time of service. Please bring your insurance card and all necessary policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt that you can submit to your insurer.

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

Patients in Ontario can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (this is known as direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans *do* require a doctor's referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It is strongly advised to check the specific requirements of your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Beth Kohan Physiotherapy treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain, joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), and sports injuries. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified), Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

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

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services in private outpatient clinics for most of the population. 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 advised to check your private insurance for private clinic coverage.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

Your initial physiotherapy appointment is a comprehensive assessment. Your Physiotherapist will start by discussing your medical history, the details of your current symptoms or injury, your concerns, and what you hope to achieve with physiotherapy (your functional goals). This is followed by a thorough physical examination, which may include evaluating your range of motion, strength, posture, balance, and specific movement patterns, as well as performing special tests relevant to your condition. Based on these findings, your therapist will provide a clinical impression or diagnosis, discuss a personalized treatment plan with you, and often begin some initial treatment or provide education and a home exercise program to get you started.

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 there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

For your first visit, please bring your provincial health card (e.g., Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card, if applicable for any publicly funded programs or simply for identification), any relevant medical information such as a doctor's referral note (if you have one), reports from recent imaging (like X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound scans), and a list of your current medications. Also, if you plan to use private health insurance, bring your insurance card or policy details. Finally, wear or bring comfortable clothing suitable for assessment and movement.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

This is very individual and depends on many factors. After your comprehensive initial assessment, your Physiotherapist will be able to give you a better idea of the anticipated number of sessions and the frequency of visits needed to achieve your specific goals. We believe in open communication and will regularly review your progress with you, adjusting the treatment plan as you improve and as needed.

Beth Kohan Physiotherapy
405 Ridelle Ave.
Toronto, ON, M6B 1K3

Phone: (416) 782-2191

Elisabeth M. Kohan 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: XXX48

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=5ca32a48-8a02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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