Gillian Victoria Johnston – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Gillian Victoria Johnston is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - Lyndhurst Centre in Toronto, ON, Gillian is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Gillian's focus is assisting individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life after neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Gillian serves adults.

Gillian Victoria Johnston completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 2005). With extensive clinical experience, Gillian is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Gillian has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Neurological Physiotherapy.

Gillian's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy. Gillian employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Gillian adopts a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Gillian offers consultations in English.

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

Peripheral Nerve

• Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic, Chemotherapy-Induced, Idiopathic): Addressing the physical consequences of nerve damage in the limbs through targeted exercises (e.g., for balance, strength, desensitization), sensory re-education, and advice on appropriate footwear or assistive devices.
• Nerve Entrapments / Compressions (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Sciatica, Meralgia Paresthetica): Physiotherapy for common nerve compression syndromes, including Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (wrist), Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (neck/shoulder), Sciatica (low back/buttock), or Meralgia Paresthetica (outer thigh). Treatment often includes manual therapy, nerve gliding exercises (neural mobilization), postural correction, ergonomic advice, and activity modification.

Vestibular Balance

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Brief, often intense, episodes of dizziness or a spinning sensation (vertigo) triggered by specific changes in head position (e.g., rolling over in bed, looking up, bending down), caused by displaced inner ear crystals (otoconia).
• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Comprehensive balance assessment by a Physiotherapist to identify underlying causes of unsteadiness, followed by targeted exercise programs and strategies to help you stay steady on your feet.

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: Physiotherapy for concussion recovery, focusing on symptom management, restoring normal function, and preventing long-term complications through evidence-based interventions.

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 can assess your needs.

• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Evidence-based exercise programs designed by your physiotherapist, including instruction and progression, to optimize your recovery and enhance your physical well-being.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.
• 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.
• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Specific training programs to enhance your sense of body position, improve your reaction times to unexpected balance disturbances, and build confidence in your ability to move safely in various environments.
• 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.

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

• Discover how physiotherapy with Gillian can help you move beyond sharp pain shooting down my leg, feeling a lot like sciatica. The focus is on feeling less fatigued during physical activities and throughout the day, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as taking energetic, long walks with their dog every day.
• Gillian frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of dealing with pelvic pain or bladder/bowel control issues (for both men and women). A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets enhanced pelvic floor function and control (for relevant conditions) and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like keeping up with their team during our weekly soccer match.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Gillian's clinic, common concerns like working on getting back to normal after a fracture or other surgery are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of implementing practical strategies to avoid re-injury during work or daily life. 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.
• Many find that post-operative stiffness and weakness that's slowing down my recovery significantly impacts their ability to playing their musical instrument (guitar, piano, violin, etc.) for extended periods. Gillian helps patients target a better understanding of ergonomics for their work and home environment with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.

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

Gillian practices at Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - Lyndhurst Centre, located in the Leaside neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Ontario Place 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 typically do not need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist. This is known as direct access. However, while a referral isn't legally required for an appointment, some extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider to understand their specific coverage requirements before your first appointment.

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

It's recommended to wear or bring clothing that allows unrestricted movement and provides easy access for your physiotherapist to examine the body part being assessed or treated. For instance, if you have a knee problem, please wear or bring shorts. For shoulder issues, a sleeveless top or a top with loose armholes is often helpful. The goal is to make the assessment and treatment as effective as possible.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - Lyndhurst Centre treat?

Physiotherapists at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - Lyndhurst Centre treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain, joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, and nerve pain. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like general physiotherapy and Neurological Physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription, Core Stability & Strengthening Training, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of physiotherapy sessions required varies greatly from person to person. It depends on several factors, including the nature and severity of your condition, how long you've had the issue (acute vs. chronic), your individual treatment goals, your body's unique response to therapy, and how consistently you are able to follow your prescribed home exercise program and self-management advice. Your Physiotherapist will discuss a proposed treatment frequency and estimated duration after your initial assessment and will continually re-evaluate your progress with you.

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?

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, but eligibility criteria are strict and there may be waitlists. It is strongly recommended that you check your private insurance coverage as many plans offer significant coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

Is there parking available at or near Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - Lyndhurst Centre?

Ample parking is generally available close to the clinic entrance.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy refers to specialized hands-on techniques used by a Physiotherapist to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This can include joint mobilization (gentle, rhythmic gliding movements), joint manipulation (skilled, high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts, where appropriate and within the therapist's scope and with your consent), various soft tissue mobilization techniques (like massage, myofascial release, trigger point release), and neural mobilization (gentle techniques to improve nerve movement). The primary goals are to reduce pain, improve range of motion, restore optimal joint mechanics, reduce muscle tension, and enhance tissue repair and function.

Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - Lyndhurst Centre
520 Sutherland Drive
Toronto, ON, M4G 3V9

Phone: (416) 597-3422

Gillian Victoria Johnston 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: XXX14

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=e96c312e-8e02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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