Karen Anne Montgomery – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Karen Anne Montgomery is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, ON, Karen Montgomery is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Karen Montgomery'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. Karen Montgomery serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Karen Anne Montgomery completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 2008). With extensive clinical experience, Karen Montgomery is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Karen Montgomery has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Neurological Physiotherapy.

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

Karen Anne Montgomery provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Common Musculoskeletal

• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Common knee complaints that can affect your ability to walk, climb stairs, squat, run, or participate in sports, addressed through a tailored physiotherapy program.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Hip problems that interfere with your mobility, sleep, and daily comfort, which can be effectively managed with physiotherapy interventions.
• 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.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Injuries to ankle ligaments, typically from twisting or 'rolling' motions, leading to pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. Can result in recurrent sprains and chronic instability if not properly rehabilitated.

Peripheral Nerve

• Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic, Chemotherapy-Induced, Idiopathic): Physiotherapy focuses on improving balance, strength, sensation (where possible), reducing fall risk, managing pain, and providing education on foot care (especially for diabetic neuropathy) and adaptive strategies.
• 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.

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Persistent tendon pain that can interfere with your sports, work, or daily activities, often requiring specific loading programs and advice from a physiotherapist for effective management.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Commonly known as 'wear-and-tear' arthritis, this condition affects various joints, often worsening with age, overuse, or previous injury, and can significantly impact daily function.

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. Karen Montgomery can assess your needs.

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Dizziness, Vertigo & Balance Disorders: Effective therapy for various inner ear and balance disorders, including BPPV, vestibular neuritis/labyrinthitis, unilateral or bilateral vestibular hypofunction, Meniere's disease (symptom management), and persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD).
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
• 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.
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): Active patient participation through guided, gentle muscle contractions to restore normal joint play, reduce muscle guarding, and improve tissue length.
• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Providing physiotherapy assessment, diagnosis, treatment guidance, education, exercise prescription, and self-management strategies remotely via secure video conferencing technology.
• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) Management & Rehabilitation: A structured and individualized rehabilitation approach to help you navigate your recovery after a concussion, promoting symptom resolution and safe resumption of activities.

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

• When a noticeable curve in my child's spine or uneven shoulders (scoliosis concerns) is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing getting back to golfing 18 holes without their back acting up, physiotherapy with Karen Montgomery can help you work towards reduced muscle tension and a feeling of greater physical ease. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Don't let trouble with a constantly stiff and sore neck, making turning my head a pain dictate what you can and cannot do. Karen Montgomery offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at feeling less fatigued during physical activities and throughout the day, helping you reclaim reading a good book for hours without experiencing neck pain or headaches and enjoy a more functional life.
• Patients often come to Karen Montgomery feeling defeated by dealing with ongoing pain and stiffness after a car accident, like whiplash. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving a more comfortable and physically manageable pregnancy experience and resuming engaging in volunteer work that might have physical demands becomes a realistic and attainable goal.
• Tired of wrist pain and tingling, possibly from carpal tunnel syndrome, especially at night interfering with operating machinery or tools safely and efficiently at work? Karen Montgomery uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve greater ease in performing overhead activities or reaching and regain your freedom of movement.

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

Karen Montgomery practices at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, located in the Lawrence Park neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Union Station 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 your appointment, some extended health insurance plans may require a physician's referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider to understand their specific requirements before your first appointment.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

The first physiotherapy session is primarily an in-depth assessment. Expect to spend time talking with your Physiotherapist about your specific issue, its history, and your overall health background. Your therapist will then perform various physical tests to assess your movement, strength, and any areas of concern. The main goal of this first visit is to understand your condition fully so that a tailored and effective treatment plan can be developed collaboratively with you. You might also receive your first set of home exercises or some initial hands-on care to start the healing process.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, a personalized home exercise program is a crucial and integral component of most physiotherapy treatment plans. Your Physiotherapist will prescribe specific exercises tailored to your condition, abilities, and goals. These exercises are designed to complement your in-clinic treatment, help you manage your symptoms effectively between sessions, accelerate your recovery, and empower you with tools for long-term self-management. Your active participation in your home program is key for optimal results.

How can I book an appointment at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (416) 480-6100 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.

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.

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

Physiotherapy services in private outpatient clinics are generally not covered by OHIP. 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's essential to check your private insurance coverage, as many plans offer significant reimbursement for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

Is there parking available at or near Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre?

Paid parking is available in the parkade adjacent to Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. Limited free street parking may also be found in the vicinity, but please check local signage for restrictions.

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
2075 Bayview Ave.
Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5

Phone: (416) 480-6100

Karen Anne Montgomery 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: XXX04

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=174ea7ad-8f02-e811-813f-480fcff40721

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