Elizabeth Jane Farquharson – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Elizabeth Jane Farquharson is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, ON, Elizabeth is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Elizabeth's approach 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. Elizabeth serves adults.

Elizabeth Jane Farquharson completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Sheffield Hallam University (Graduating Class of 1983). With extensive clinical experience, Elizabeth is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Elizabeth has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Elizabeth's practice philosophy centers on a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Elizabeth offers consultations in English.

Elizabeth Jane Farquharson provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Post Surgical

• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Guiding your rehabilitation journey after ACL or other ligament surgery, from early post-operative care to advanced sport-specific training and return-to-play testing.
• Post-Fracture Fixation Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., ORIF): Helping you manage pain, improve scar mobility, and regain optimal strength and range of motion in a limb following fracture fixation surgery.
• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): Guidance on hip precautions (if applicable for your surgical approach), a progressive exercise program, and functional retraining after hip surgery to help you achieve your goals.

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Conservative physiotherapy management for trigger digit, which may include splinting to rest the tendon, specific tendon gliding exercises, activity modification advice, modalities to reduce inflammation, and education to prevent recurrence.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Focused physiotherapy care for complex hand and wrist problems, often involving custom splinting or orthosis fabrication, manual therapy (joint and soft tissue mobilization), specific exercises to restore dexterity, strength, and range of motion, scar management, and sensory re-education.

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. Elizabeth can assess your needs.

• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: A variety of hands-on methods such as therapeutic massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and active release style techniques to reduce muscle tension, break down scar tissue, improve circulation, and enhance tissue flexibility.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): A systematic screening process, such as FMS™ or SFMA™ (if your Physiotherapist is certified), to understand how you move and guide preventative or corrective exercise programs.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Teaching you essential strategies and exercises to manage your symptoms independently, accelerate recovery, and prevent future problems.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Gentle, active manual therapy techniques where you use your own specific muscle contractions against your therapist's controlled resistance to improve joint mobility, lengthen tight tissues, and reduce pain.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Hands-on physiotherapy focused on mobilizing restricted joints and soft tissues to promote healing, restore normal biomechanics, and alleviate pain.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Identifying and addressing habitual postures (e.g., from desk work, phone use) or ergonomic factors that may be contributing to your pain or dysfunction.

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

• Many individuals seek help from Elizabeth, their physiotherapist, when recovering my strength and energy after being very sick (like with pneumonia or Long COVID) starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve a smooth and confident transition back to their work duties, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like driving for longer periods without neck or back pain.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of numbness, tingling, or weakness in my hands, arms, feet, or legs? Elizabeth works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of the ability to sit for longer periods (e.g., at a desk, in a car) without significant discomfort. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as getting back to their regular, consistent gym workouts.
• If tendonitis pain flaring up in my shoulder, knee, elbow, or foot is preventing you from fully enjoying enduring their daily commute, whether driving or on public transit, without stiffness, Elizabeth offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining improved joint health and a slowing of degenerative processes through better biomechanics, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• Patients often come to Elizabeth feeling defeated by that grinding or crunching feeling in my knee or shoulder. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving understanding how to prevent future flare-ups and manage their condition long-term and resuming being able to perform deep cleaning tasks around the house becomes a realistic and attainable goal.

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

Elizabeth practices at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, situated in the Lawrence Park neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near the University of Toronto (St. George Campus south edge) and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiotherapist can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Initial assessment appointments are generally longer to allow for a thorough evaluation and discussion, typically lasting between 45 to 60 minutes. Subsequent follow-up treatment sessions are usually shorter, often ranging from 30 to 45 minutes. However, the duration can vary depending on your specific needs, the complexity of your condition, the type of treatment being provided, and the treatment plan designed by your Physiotherapist.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

While some physiotherapy techniques might feel uncomfortable or cause a temporary increase in soreness (similar to muscle soreness after a new workout), especially when working on stiff joints or tight muscles, it should not be excessively or intolerably painful. Your Physiotherapist will discuss what sensations you might expect with different treatments and will always aim to adjust the intensity and techniques to ensure you are as comfortable as possible while still achieving therapeutic benefits. Constant communication about your comfort level is very important.

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

The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services provided in private outpatient clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations, such as post-hospitalization for certain conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams. However, eligibility criteria are strict and there may be waitlists. It is essential to check your private insurance coverage as many plans offer significant coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
2075 Bayview Ave.
Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5

Phone: (416) 480-6100

Elizabeth Jane Farquharson 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: XXX85

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=ad823336-8a02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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