Emily Catherine May – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Emily Catherine May is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at University Health Network in Toronto, ON, Emily May is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Emily May'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. Emily May serves adults.

Emily Catherine May completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Queen's University (Graduating Class of 2008). With extensive clinical experience, Emily May is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Emily May has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Emily May employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Emily May empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Emily May offers consultations in English.

Emily Catherine May provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A chronic condition causing joint discomfort, stiffness (especially in the morning or after inactivity), and impacting your ability to perform daily activities, walk, or engage in hobbies.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Inflammation (tendinitis) or, more commonly, degeneration (tendinosis/tendinopathy) of tendons, leading to localized pain that typically worsens with activity or loading of the tendon.

Arthritis

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Physiotherapy as an important part of a multidisciplinary team approach to managing rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis), helping to minimize disease impact and maximize quality of life.
• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Individualized exercise programs and pain management strategies tailored for psoriatic arthritis to help reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Back Neck Pain

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): A range of neck and related symptoms including pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and sometimes arm pain or cognitive difficulties, following a rapid acceleration-deceleration injury to the neck, most typically from a motor vehicle accident.

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. Emily May can assess your needs.

• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Utilizing electrophysical agents as an adjunct to your physiotherapy treatments to aid recovery, improve muscle function, manage pain, or reduce swelling, tailored to your specific condition.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: A non-invasive physiotherapy modality that uses sound energy to stimulate cellular activity, enhance circulation, and support tissue recovery from injury or inflammation.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: A comforting physiotherapy modality that helps to soothe tight muscles, decrease pain perception, and improve the flexibility of soft tissues.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): A common physiotherapy treatment for acute injuries, designed to help numb pain, decrease bleeding into the tissues, and minimize secondary hypoxic injury.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: The application of gentle, controlled mechanical or manual force to distract (stretch) spinal segments, aiming to alleviate pressure on intervertebral discs, nerves, and facet joints.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): Targeted shockwave application to promote tissue regeneration, modulate pain, and improve function in chronic injuries, often with lasting results.

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

• Don't let post-operative stiffness and weakness that's slowing down my recovery dictate what you can and cannot do. Emily May offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at better managing flare-ups with personalized strategies and feeling more in control of their symptoms, helping you reclaim participating in light recreational activities like bowling or mini-golf and enjoy a more functional life.
• If that grinding or crunching feeling in my knee or shoulder is preventing you from fully enjoying being able to kneel or squat down to play with pets or children, Emily May offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining successfully avoiding or delaying the need for more invasive treatments or surgery, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• Many find that needing to improve my breathing patterns or lung capacity significantly impacts their ability to easily carrying groceries in from the car in one or two trips. Emily May helps patients target feeling empowered to take control of their physical health journey with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of an awkward gait or limping when I walk? Emily May 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 participating fully in their martial arts practice, including sparring.

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

Emily May's practice at University Health Network is situated in the vibrant Kensington Market, Chinatown, Grange Park neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic enjoys a convenient location near Hospital Row (various hospitals) and is easily accessible via the TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Please inquire regarding specific accessibility needs for our clinic. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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

It's helpful to bring your health card, any referral letters from other healthcare providers if you were referred, and any reports or images from relevant medical tests (X-rays, MRIs, etc.) related to your condition. If you have private insurance coverage for physiotherapy, please bring your insurance card or policy details for billing purposes. Comfortable attire that allows for easy movement during the assessment is also recommended.

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.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

It's difficult to say exactly how many sessions you'll need without a thorough assessment, as everyone's situation and recovery path is unique. Some acute conditions might resolve in just a few sessions, while more chronic, complex, or significant issues may require a longer period of care to achieve lasting results. Your Physiotherapist will provide an estimated treatment timeline and plan after your first visit, and this will be revisited as your treatment progresses.

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, even though a referral isn't legally required to see a Physiotherapist, some private insurance plans may require one for reimbursement. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific coverage requirements.

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

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services provided in private clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available through certain programs, such as post-hospitalization for specific conditions or for certain demographics (children/youth, seniors) via Community Physiotherapy Clinics or Family Health Teams, but eligibility is restricted and there may be waitlists. Most Ontarians will need to rely on private insurance or pay out-of-pocket for physiotherapy in private clinics. It's essential to verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with OHIP and check your private insurance plan for coverage details.

University Health Network
399 Bathurst St., Toronto Western Hospital
Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8

Phone: (416) 603-5801

Emily Catherine May 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=e151b29b-8f02-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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