Jo-Anne Victoria Marcuz – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Jo-Anne Victoria Marcuz is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, ON, Jo-Anne Marcuz is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Jo-Anne Marcuz's focus is 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. Jo-Anne Marcuz serves infants, children, and adolescents.

Jo-Anne Victoria Marcuz completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2003). With extensive clinical experience, Jo-Anne Marcuz is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Jo-Anne Marcuz has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Jo-Anne Marcuz's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy; a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care. Jo-Anne Marcuz offers consultations in English.

Jo-Anne Victoria Marcuz provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Sports Injury

• Stress Fractures (Activity-Related - Conservative Management/Rehab): Tiny cracks or severe bruising within a bone caused by repetitive force, overuse, or cumulative stress, common in weight-bearing bones of the lower leg (tibia, fibula), foot (metatarsals, navicular), or hip in athletes involved in high-impact sports.
• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): A common overuse injury in active individuals and athletes, sometimes referred to as 'runner's knee' or 'anterior knee pain', often related to biomechanical issues in how the kneecap tracks.
• Muscle Strains (e.g., Hamstring, Calf, Groin, Quadriceps, Rotator Cuff): Acute pain, swelling, bruising, localized tenderness, and weakness in a muscle, often occurring during activities like sprinting, jumping, lifting, or throwing.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Neck problems that interfere with your sleep quality, ability to work comfortably (especially at a desk), or perform everyday tasks without pain.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Knee problems that limit your ability to stay active, perform daily tasks, or enjoy your hobbies, for which physiotherapy offers effective solutions.
• Muscle Strains and Tears: Injury to muscle tissue that limits your strength, range of motion, and ability to perform specific movements or activities, requiring careful rehabilitation.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.
• 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.

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. Jo-Anne Marcuz can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: A progressive program designed to build a strong and stable core, improving your body's foundation for all movements and reducing strain on other structures.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Targeted manual methods performed by your Physiotherapist to release tight or overactive muscles, address fascial restrictions, and alleviate pain arising from soft tissue dysfunction.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Personalized programs incorporating various stretching techniques (e.g., static, dynamic, PNF) to alleviate stiffness, increase tissue extensibility, and promote better posture.
• 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.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): A form of manual therapy that actively involves you in your treatment, utilizing your body's muscular effort to achieve specific therapeutic effects on restricted joints and shortened soft tissues.

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

• Don't let trouble with everyday tasks because of pain or weakness in my hands or grip dictate what you can and cannot do. Jo-Anne Marcuz offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at a better understanding of ergonomics for their work and home environment, helping you reclaim pushing a stroller or shopping cart without difficulty and enjoy a more functional life.
• With Jo-Anne Marcuz's help, managing numbness, tingling, or weakness in my hands, arms, feet, or legs to achieve getting their strength back after surgery or a period of inactivity becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like taking group exercise classes at the community center.
• Patients struggling with recovering from surgery to my hand or wrist can find dedicated and compassionate support from Jo-Anne Marcuz. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving being active again without the constant worry of pain or re-injury, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as enduring their daily commute, whether driving or on public transit, without stiffness.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Jo-Anne Marcuz's clinic, common concerns like feeling like my joints are just 'wearing out' and getting harder to move are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of restoring normal movement patterns essential for everyday tasks. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like competing effectively in their curling league games.

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

Jo-Anne Marcuz's practice at Hospital for Sick Children is located 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). Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible 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.

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

For your first visit, please bring your provincial health card (e.g., Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card, if applicable for any publicly funded programs or simply for identification), any relevant medical information such as a doctor's referral note (if you have one), reports from recent imaging (like X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound scans), and a list of your current medications. Also, if you plan to use private health insurance, bring your insurance card or policy details. Finally, wear or bring comfortable clothing suitable for assessment and movement.

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 advised to check your private insurance for private clinic coverage.

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 Jo-Anne Marcuz's clinic or your physician directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

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.

Is there parking available at or near Hospital for Sick Children?

Paid parking is available in the parkade adjacent to the Hospital for Sick Children. Limited free street parking may also be found in the vicinity, but please check local signage for restrictions.

Hospital for Sick Children
555 University Ave.
Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8

Phone: (416) 813-6755

Jo-Anne Victoria Marcuz 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: XXX90

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=e124fab5-8d02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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