Gemma Ross – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Gemma Ross is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at University Health Network in Toronto, ON, Gemma is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Gemma focuses on providing comprehensive assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions to help patients of all ages restore function, manage pain, and improve their quality of life. Gemma serves adults.

Gemma Ross completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 2013). With clinical experience, Gemma Ross is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Gemma Ross has a particular interest or further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

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

Gemma Ross provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Pain, tenderness, swelling, and dysfunction in a tendon (the strong cords that attach muscles to bones) due to overuse, repetitive strain, injury, or degeneration. Common sites include the Achilles, patellar tendon (knee), rotator cuff (shoulder), or elbow (tennis/golfer's elbow).
• 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.

Sports Injury

• Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): Dull or aching pain in the front or inner part of the shin that can become sharp with activity, often felt during or after exercise.
• Muscle Strains (e.g., Hamstring, Calf, Groin, Quadriceps, Rotator Cuff): Tearing of muscle fibers or the muscle-tendon unit due to overstretching, sudden forceful contraction, or eccentric loading during athletic activity or exertion, commonly known as a 'pulled muscle'.
• IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): An overuse injury resulting from repetitive friction of the IT band over the lateral femoral epicondyle (at the knee) or greater trochanter (at the hip).
• Ligament Sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL, PCL, Ankle Ligaments): Injuries like a 'twisted ankle', 'knee ligament injury', or 'shoulder separation' (AC joint sprain) sustained during athletic activity or accidental falls.

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. Gemma can assess your needs.

• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: Therapeutic traction for the cervical (neck) or lumbar (low back) spine, used by physiotherapists to help reduce pain, decompress nerve roots, and improve symptoms associated with conditions like disc herniations, sciatica, or spinal stenosis.
• 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.
• 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.
• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: The use of specific electrical stimulation devices (IFC or TENS) by your Physiotherapist to provide pain relief, reduce muscle spasm, decrease swelling, or promote muscle activation and re-education.
• 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.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): The application of focused acoustic waves (Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy) by a trained Physiotherapist to treat chronic tendon issues (e.g., plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, Achilles tendinopathy), calcific tendinosis, and other persistent musculoskeletal conditions.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Gemma, 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. Gemma frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• For those whose post-operative stiffness and weakness that's slowing down my recovery has made maintaining their balance and stability while walking on uneven ground or trails seem like a distant memory, Gemma's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward implementing practical strategies to avoid re-injury during work or daily life. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to maintaining their balance and stability while walking on uneven ground or trails with greater comfort and renewed confidence.
• Gemma believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If that 'pins and needles' feeling that won't go away is hindering your ability to shoveling snow or raking leaves without aggravating their back, a personalized plan focusing on feeling more like their 'old self' before their injury or condition began can make all the difference.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Gemma can help you move beyond recovering from a concussion and dealing with lingering symptoms like dizziness or headaches. The focus is on feeling more positive, capable, and optimistic about their physical health, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as performing self-care tasks like hair washing or reaching their back.
• It's truly rewarding for Gemma to witness patients conquer dealing with pelvic pain or bladder/bowel control issues (for both men and women) and experience enjoying less stiffness in the mornings and throughout the day. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in playing fetch with their dog in the park for an extended time again.

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

Gemma practices at University Health Network, situated in the Kensington Market, Chinatown, Grange Park neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, in almost all cases, you will receive a customized home exercise program. These exercises are carefully chosen by your Physiotherapist to specifically target your issues and help you achieve your functional goals faster and more effectively. Performing them as recommended is very important for your progress and for maintaining the improvements you make during your clinic visits.

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

It's not uncommon to experience some temporary soreness or a mild increase in symptoms after certain physiotherapy treatments, especially in the initial stages or if you're starting new exercises. This usually subsides within 24-48 hours. However, if you experience a significant or sharp increase in pain, new or worsening neurological symptoms (like numbness, tingling, or weakness), or if your soreness lasts longer than expected, it's important to contact the clinic or your physician directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

In physiotherapy, manual therapy encompasses a range of 'hands-on' interventions. Your Physiotherapist may use these techniques to help reduce your pain, increase joint movement, relax tight muscles, or improve the mobility of your nerves. Common approaches include joint glides, sustained pressures, specific soft tissue massage, and, when indicated, joint manipulations. It's a key part of helping your body move better.

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

Patients in ON can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

University Health Network
399 Bathurst Street
Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8

Phone: (416) 603-5800

Gemma Ross 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: XXX83

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=2ef9e5df-9102-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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