Heather Margaret Flett – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Heather Margaret Flett is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at Toronto Rehabilitation Institute-UHN: The Lyndhurst Centre in Toronto, ON, Heather is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Heather'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. Heather serves a diverse range of patients, tailoring treatment plans to meet each individual's unique needs and goals.

Heather Margaret Flett completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 1998). With extensive clinical experience, Heather is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Heather has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Neurological Physiotherapy, ensuring that Heather's patients receive the most up-to-date and effective care.

Heather's practice philosophy centers on a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Heather empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Heather offers consultations in English.

Heather Margaret Flett provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: A structured and individualized rehabilitation approach for individuals recovering from a mild traumatic brain injury, guiding a safe and gradual return to school, work, and sport activities.

Peripheral Nerve

• Nerve Entrapments / Compressions (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Sciatica, Meralgia Paresthetica): Alleviating symptoms and improving function for individuals with entrapped nerves through conservative physiotherapy management, helping to avoid more invasive interventions.
• Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic, Chemotherapy-Induced, Idiopathic): Improving safety, function, and quality of life for those with impaired sensation or strength due to various types of peripheral neuropathy.

Neurological

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) / Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Rehabilitation: Comprehensive neurorehabilitation provided by a Physiotherapist to support functional recovery, improve independence in daily activities, and facilitate community reintegration after a head injury.
• Parkinson's Disease Management & Movement Therapy: Specialized physiotherapy exercises and movement strategies (e.g., LSVT BIG® principles, amplitude-based training, cueing techniques) to improve balance, gait (walking), posture, flexibility, coordination, and overall motor function in individuals with Parkinson's Disease.

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. Heather can assess your needs.

• Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio): Convenient and effective physiotherapy care delivered in your home by a qualified Physiotherapist, focusing on your specific goals and challenges.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Identifying and addressing habitual postures (e.g., from desk work, phone use) or ergonomic factors that may be contributing to your pain or dysfunction.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A thorough evaluation by your Physiotherapist to accurately diagnose movement dysfunctions, injuries, and the underlying sources of your pain.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Empowering you with a clear understanding of your condition, its causes, and practical tools for effective self-management and lasting relief.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Identifying inefficient or compensatory movement patterns that could be contributing to your pain or hindering your physical performance.
• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Providing physiotherapy assessment, diagnosis, treatment guidance, education, exercise prescription, and self-management strategies remotely via secure video conferencing technology.

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

• If a 'frozen shoulder' feeling, where my shoulder feels completely stuck is preventing you from fully enjoying doing household chores like vacuuming, mopping, or laundry without pain, Heather offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining being able to travel more comfortably and with less planning around physical limitations, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• With Heather's help, managing difficulty moving one side of my body or walking easily after a stroke to achieve sleeping more soundly through the night due to reduced pain and discomfort becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like taking energetic, long walks with their dog every day.
• Tired of sharp pain shooting down my leg, feeling a lot like sciatica interfering with playing actively and roughhousing with their young kids or grandkids? Heather uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve feeling more energetic and less weighed down by physical discomfort and regain your freedom of movement.
• For those whose numbness, tingling, or weakness in my hands, arms, feet, or legs has made joining in on pickup basketball games at the local court seem like a distant memory, Heather's physiotherapy care offers a clear path toward restoring normal movement patterns essential for everyday tasks. Effective, evidence-based treatments can be instrumental in helping you get back to joining in on pickup basketball games at the local court with greater comfort and renewed confidence.

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

Heather practices at Toronto Rehabilitation Institute-UHN: The Lyndhurst Centre, located in the Leaside neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic enjoys a convenient location near the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and is easily accessible via the TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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.

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 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 to check your private insurance for coverage of physiotherapy services in private clinics.

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

Yes, there is ample free patient parking available directly in front of and beside the building. Look for the designated patient spots.

What is physiotherapy and how can it help me?

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession dedicated to helping people of all ages improve their movement, function, and overall well-being. A registered Physiotherapist uses evidence-based techniques like targeted exercise, hands-on manual therapy, and personalized education to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of injuries, pain conditions, and physical impairments affecting your muscles, bones, joints, nerves, and even your cardiorespiratory system. It can help you reduce pain, increase mobility and strength, recover from surgery, prevent future injuries, and enhance your quality of life.

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.

Toronto Rehabilitation Institute-UHN: The Lyndhurst Centre
520 Sutherland Dr.
Toronto, ON, M4G 3V9

Phone: (416) 597-3422

Heather Margaret Flett 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=892bb927-8c02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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