Gillian Marie Lim – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Gillian Marie Lim is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, ON, Gillian Lim is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Gillian Lim'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. Gillian Lim serves infants, children, and adolescents.

Gillian Marie Lim completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2016). With clinical experience, Gillian Lim is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Gillian Lim has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Gillian Lim empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results; a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Gillian Lim offers consultations in English, French.

Gillian Marie Lim provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Arthritis

• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): An inflammatory arthritis that can affect some people with psoriasis (a skin condition), causing joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and sometimes affecting tendons (enthesitis) and ligaments. Can affect small or large joints, often asymmetrically, and sometimes the spine.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Tailored exercise programs (including range of motion, strengthening, and low-impact aerobic exercises), pain relief modalities, and education on joint protection techniques and energy conservation for individuals with RA or similar conditions.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A physiotherapy approach to address the unique challenges of AS, aiming to keep you as mobile and active as possible and support your spinal health and overall well-being.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Physiotherapy to address residual joint stiffness, pain, swelling, and functional loss after an acute gout attack has subsided, or to help manage musculoskeletal impairments and tophi-related issues associated with chronic gout, always in conjunction with appropriate medical management for urate control.

Post Surgical

• Post-ACL or Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Comprehensive physiotherapy for knee ligament injuries post-operatively, focusing on restoring full knee function, power, and agility to meet your specific athletic or lifestyle demands.
• Post-Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g., Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion - with surgeon clearance): Restoring spinal function, core stability, and body mechanics post-operatively, ensuring a safe progression back to work, hobbies, and an active lifestyle.
• Post-Hip Replacement Rehabilitation (Total or Partial Hip Arthroplasty - THA/PHA): A tailored physiotherapy program following hip joint replacement to optimize your recovery, manage pain, ensure adherence to any precautions, and facilitate a return to an active lifestyle.
• 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.

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. Gillian Lim can assess your needs.

• Therapeutic Heat Application: Superficial heat application carefully monitored by your therapist to promote relaxation, pain relief, and enhance the effectiveness of other treatments.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: LLLT or 'cold laser' therapy to stimulate your body's natural healing processes, provide pain relief, and improve function in conditions like tendinopathies, arthritis, or soft tissue injuries.
• Cryotherapy Application (Cold Therapy): Using therapeutic cold to manage the initial stages of an injury (e.g., sprains, strains) and control inflammatory responses, helping to limit tissue damage.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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

• Physiotherapy with Gillian Lim can be a transformative turning point for those affected by feeling like my joints are just 'wearing out' and getting harder to move. The shared goal is achieving reduced swelling and inflammation in injured areas, paving the way for you to enjoy standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event and a more active, vibrant life.
• Many individuals seek help from Gillian Lim, their physiotherapist, when my child walking on their toes most of the time starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve improved core stability and control, leading to better posture and reduced strain, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like travelling more comfortably on planes, trains, or in cars for longer durations.
• Struggling with the frustration of recovering from a painful and limiting work-related injury (WCB/CNESST/WorkSafe claim)? Gillian Lim develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving reduced muscle tension and a feeling of greater physical ease. This is key to helping you get back to doing taking energetic, long walks with their dog every day with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• Don't let tendonitis pain flaring up in my shoulder, knee, elbow, or foot dictate what you can and cannot do. Gillian Lim offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at getting back to hiking, running, or cycling pain-free and with renewed vigor, helping you reclaim taking long photography walks to capture nature or cityscapes and enjoy a more functional life.

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

Gillian Lim practices at The Hospital for Sick Children, situated in the Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Toronto Eaton Centre and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

What are The Hospital for Sick Children's operating hours?

The Hospital for Sick Children is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call the hospital or check their website for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

What kind of clothing should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement is best for your physiotherapy appointment – think about what you might wear to a gym or for light exercise. If you're being treated for a lower-body issue (like hip or knee pain), shorts are very helpful. For upper-body issues (like shoulder or neck pain), a tank top or loose t-shirt is suitable so the Physiotherapist can properly examine and treat the area.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not be an ordeal of pain. While you might feel some discomfort or a stretching sensation as you work to regain movement or strength, especially in the initial stages of treatment for an acute injury or chronic stiffness, it's rarely 'painful' in a distressing or harmful way. Your Physiotherapist will guide you through each step, modify treatments to suit your comfort and tolerance, and ensure that the overall experience is positive. The ultimate aim is to make you feel better, not worse.

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

In Ontario, you 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.

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

Bring your health card, any doctor's referral letter (if applicable), imaging test results (X-rays, etc.), a medication list, and your extended health benefits information for direct billing if available. Wear comfortable clothing.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

This depends on many factors. After your initial assessment, Gillian Lim will give you a better idea of the anticipated number of sessions and frequency of visits needed to achieve your goals. Your progress will be regularly reviewed, and the treatment plan adjusted as needed.

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

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services in private outpatient clinics. 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. Check your private insurance for coverage.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at The Hospital for Sick Children treat?

Physiotherapists at The Hospital for Sick Children treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including back and neck pain, joint problems (arthritis, post-surgical recovery), and sports injuries. They also offer manual therapy, electrotherapy, and exercise prescription.

The Hospital for Sick Children
555 University Avenue
Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8

Phone: (416) 813-1500

Gillian Marie Lim 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: XXX10

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=0944975e-9302-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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