Joanne Elizabeth Mulligan – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Joanne Elizabeth Mulligan is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Lifemark in Toronto, ON, Joanne Mulligan is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Joanne Mulligan 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. Joanne Mulligan serves adults.

Joanne Elizabeth Mulligan completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2000). With extensive clinical experience, Joanne Mulligan is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Joanne Mulligan has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Joanne Mulligan's practice philosophy centers on empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Joanne Mulligan adopts a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Joanne Mulligan is also committed to promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy. Joanne Mulligan offers consultations in English.

Joanne Elizabeth Mulligan provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Back Neck Pain

• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Back or neck pain that often radiates into an arm or leg, potentially with numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning sensations, due to a spinal disc problem (herniation, protrusion, or bulge) compressing or irritating a nearby nerve root (radiculopathy). Sciatica specifically refers to radicular pain down the leg.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Symptoms resulting from a whiplash injury, which can vary in severity (WAD Grades I-III) and duration, requiring a comprehensive physiotherapy approach for recovery.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Back or neck pain accompanied by associated limb symptoms (pain, sensory changes, weakness) due to a constricted spinal canal, which physiotherapy can help manage conservatively.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: A common cause of persistent back and neck pain due to the cumulative strain of prolonged sitting, standing, or performing tasks in non-ideal positions.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Aching, sharp pain, a feeling of the knee 'giving way', or difficulty fully bending or straightening your knee.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Common back problems that can impact your posture, ability to perform daily activities, and overall mobility, addressed with targeted physiotherapy.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Common injuries related to physical activity, sports participation, accidental falls, or overuse from daily or work-related tasks.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Aching, burning, sharp pain, or a 'pins and needles' sensation in the wrist, thumb, or hand region, sometimes waking you at night.

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. Joanne Mulligan can assess your needs.

• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Comprehensive exercise plans developed by your Physiotherapist to combat deconditioning, enhance overall physical well-being, and promote an active lifestyle.
• 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: Targeted exercises using resistance (such as bodyweight, resistance bands, free weights, or gym equipment) to build muscle strength, power, and endurance, tailored to your specific rehabilitation needs or performance goals.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Development of a tailored therapeutic exercise program by your Physiotherapist, focused on your specific rehabilitation needs, strength goals, flexibility improvements, balance, and overall conditioning.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: A variety of hands-on methods such as therapeutic massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and active release style techniques to reduce muscle tension, break down scar tissue, improve circulation, and enhance tissue flexibility.
• 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.

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

• It's truly rewarding for Joanne Mulligan to witness patients conquer swelling in my arm or leg, possibly lymphedema, after surgery or treatment and experience greater ease in performing overhead activities or reaching. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in playing their musical instrument (guitar, piano, violin, etc.) for extended periods again.
• Many individuals seek help from Joanne Mulligan, their physiotherapist, when needing help to get moving again after a long period of illness or inactivity starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve getting back their independence with daily activities and personal care, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like managing their personal care routines independently.
• If an awkward gait or limping when I walk is preventing you from fully enjoying taking energetic, long walks with their dog every day, Joanne Mulligan offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining moving more freely and with greater agility than they have in years, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
• Many find that soreness and tightness in my Achilles tendon, especially after exercise significantly impacts their ability to resuming their weightlifting routine at the gym safely. Joanne Mulligan helps patients target a more comfortable and physically manageable pregnancy experience with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.

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

Joanne Mulligan's practice at Lifemark is situated in the Berczy Park (St. Lawrence Market area) neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Meridian Hall and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Please inquire regarding specific accessibility needs for our clinic. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

Does Lifemark offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Yes, Lifemark offers direct billing for most major private insurance companies such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, Blue Cross, etc. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. Always confirm your specific coverage details, including any annual maximums, per-visit limits, or deductible requirements, directly with your insurance provider, as plans vary significantly. You are responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.

What are Lifemark's operating hours?

Lifemark is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and some practitioners offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call our office at contact the clinic or check our website/online booking portal at for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

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 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. You should check your private insurance for coverage of services in private clinics.

Is there parking available at or near Lifemark?

Ample paid parking is available in the parkade adjacent to our building. Limited free street parking may also be found in the vicinity, but please check local signage for restrictions.

How can I book an appointment at Lifemark?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at contact the clinic during our business hours. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

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

No, you do not need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapist in Ontario. However, some private/extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services; check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

This is very individual and depends on many factors. After your comprehensive initial assessment, your Physiotherapist will be able to give you a better idea of the anticipated number of sessions and the frequency of visits needed to achieve your specific goals. We believe in open communication and will regularly review your progress with you, adjusting the treatment plan as you improve and as needed.

Lifemark
1 Yonge Street, Suite 402
Toronto, ON, M5E 1E6

Joanne Elizabeth Mulligan 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: XXX52

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=1821bcbc-8c02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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