Elizabeth K.C. Crawford – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Elizabeth K.C. Crawford is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Vestibular Health in Toronto, ON, Elizabeth Crawford is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Elizabeth Crawford's focus is 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 Crawford also offers specialized assessment and treatment for dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders caused by inner ear or central vestibular system issues. Elizabeth Crawford aims to reduce symptoms, improve stability, and reduce fall risk, serving patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Elizabeth K.C. Crawford completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2008). With extensive clinical experience, Elizabeth Crawford is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Elizabeth Crawford has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Vestibular and Balance Rehabilitation and Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Elizabeth Crawford's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy. Elizabeth Crawford has a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Elizabeth Crawford offers consultations in English.

Elizabeth K.C. Crawford provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Back Neck Pain

• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Pain, pins and needles, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg resulting from irritation or compression of a spinal nerve, often managed effectively with physiotherapy techniques like McKenzie method or neural mobilization.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Back or neck pain accompanied by associated limb symptoms (pain, sensory changes, weakness) due to a constricted spinal canal, which physiotherapy can help manage conservatively.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Muscular pain, trigger points, and tension headaches resulting from habitual poor posture, which can be addressed with postural re-education, exercises, and ergonomic advice.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Common injuries related to physical activity, sports participation, accidental falls, or overuse from daily or work-related tasks.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Symptoms in your hand or wrist that impact your ability to perform your job, hobbies, or essential self-care tasks, addressed by specialized hand physiotherapy.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Aching, sharp pain, a feeling of the knee 'giving way', or difficulty fully bending or straightening your knee.

Hand Wrist

• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Managing a variety of acute and chronic conditions of the hand and wrist, aiming to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent long-term disability.
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Helping to alleviate the symptoms of a catching, locking, or painful finger/thumb through targeted physiotherapy interventions, potentially avoiding the need for injections or surgery in some cases.

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 Crawford can assess your needs.

• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Developing muscular strength and endurance to aid in injury recovery, support affected joints, improve biomechanics, and enhance athletic performance or demanding physical tasks.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Specialized workouts to enhance your core strength, stability, and endurance, which are crucial for injury prevention, back health, and efficient performance in daily activities and sports.
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders: Helping you overcome dizziness, vertigo, and unsteadiness with targeted vestibular exercises and strategies, enabling you to return to daily activities with greater stability and comfort.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Specific stretches designed by your therapist to target tight muscle groups relevant to your condition, helping to improve your flexibility and reduce your risk of injury.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Structured physical activities and exercises aimed at helping you safely regain strength, stamina, and confidence in your body's abilities, tailored to your current level.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Development of a tailored therapeutic exercise program by your Physiotherapist, focused on your specific rehabilitation needs, strength goals, flexibility improvements, balance, and overall conditioning.

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

• Living with difficulty getting out of a chair or bed due to stiffness or pain doesn't have to be your norm. Elizabeth Crawford applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards reduced muscle tension and a feeling of greater physical ease, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of sitting comfortably through a movie at the cinema or a play.
• With Elizabeth Crawford's help, managing recovering from a burn and needing help with scar mobility and movement to achieve returning to their workout routine with greater confidence and better performance becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like using garden tools effectively and without pain.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of recovering from a concussion and dealing with lingering symptoms like dizziness or headaches? Elizabeth Crawford works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of building the necessary muscle support for their joints, reducing the risk of re-injury. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as walking their children to school or the park.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Elizabeth Crawford's clinic, common concerns like needing help to get moving again after a long period of illness or inactivity are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of greater ease in performing overhead activities or reaching. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like playing actively and roughhousing with their young kids or grandkids.

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

Elizabeth Crawford practices at Vestibular Health, situated in the Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Spadina House and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves skilled, hands-on treatments performed by your Physiotherapist as part of your overall physiotherapy plan. These techniques are designed to assess and treat your joints, muscles, and nerves to decrease pain and improve your mobility and function. Examples include specific joint mobilizations to improve movement, soft tissue release techniques to address muscle tightness or scar tissue, and sometimes manipulations (adjustments) if indicated and appropriate for your condition and your therapist's qualifications.

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/extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider to understand their specific requirements before your first appointment.

What is Vestibular Health's appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients who may be waiting for care. A fee may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

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.

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 Vestibular Health 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.

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Definitely. A key aspect of physiotherapy is not just treating current problems but also preventing future ones. A Physiotherapist can assess your movement, identify potential weaknesses or imbalances that could lead to injury, and provide you with a personalized program of exercises and strategies. This proactive approach is beneficial for athletes, individuals with physically demanding jobs, or anyone looking to maintain long-term musculoskeletal health and avoid recurring pain.

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 recommended that you check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

Vestibular Health
200 Elizabeth Street, 7th Floor
Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4

Phone: (416) 697-1002

Elizabeth K.C. Crawford 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: XXX89

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=e8e88fbf-8f02-e811-813f-480fcff40721

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