Karen G. Klar – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

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

Karen G. Klar completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 1983). With extensive clinical experience, Karen Klar is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Karen Klar has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Karen Klar employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Karen Klar utilizes a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Karen Klar offers consultations in English.

Karen G. Klar provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Back Neck Pain

• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Muscular pain, trigger points, and tension headaches resulting from habitual poor posture, which can be addressed with postural re-education, exercises, and ergonomic advice.
• 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.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): A range of neck and related symptoms including pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and sometimes arm pain or cognitive difficulties, following a rapid acceleration-deceleration injury to the neck, most typically from a motor vehicle accident.

Joint Pain

• 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.
• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A chronic condition causing joint discomfort, stiffness (especially in the morning or after inactivity), and impacting your ability to perform daily activities, walk, or engage in hobbies.

Sports Injury

• Stress Fractures (Activity-Related - Conservative Management/Rehab): Localized bone pain that typically worsens with activity and is relieved by rest, often accompanied by tenderness to touch over the affected bone.
• Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): Pain and tenderness along the inner edge of the shinbone (tibia), often resulting from running, jumping, or other repetitive impact activities, especially with sudden increases in training intensity or volume.

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 Klar can assess your needs.

• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: A progressive approach to rebuilding your physical condition, allowing for a safe return to daily activities, work demands, and hobbies you enjoy.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Karen Klar, 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. Karen Klar frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Physiotherapy with Karen Klar can be a transformative turning point for those affected by recurrent dislocations or a feeling of instability in my shoulder or knee. The shared goal is achieving feeling empowered to take control of their physical health journey, paving the way for you to enjoy being able to perform deep cleaning tasks around the house and a more active, vibrant life.
• Struggling with the frustration of that persistent ache in my lower back that just won't quit? Karen Klar develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving enjoying family vacations and outings with more energy and less pain. This is key to helping you get back to doing enduring their daily commute, whether driving or on public transit, without stiffness with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• Many individuals seek help from Karen Klar, their physiotherapist, when recovering from a painful and limiting work-related injury (WCB/CNESST/WorkSafe claim) starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve enjoying less stiffness in the mornings and throughout the day, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like managing shopping trips and carrying bags without excessive fatigue or pain.
• When needing to improve my breathing patterns or lung capacity is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing dressing myself independently and without difficulty, including shoes and socks, physiotherapy with Karen Klar can help you work towards improved breathing mechanics and capacity through postural correction. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.

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

Karen Klar'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 Rogers Centre and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Hospital for Sick Children treat?

Our Physiotherapists 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 Practice and general physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve manual therapy, exercise prescription, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

You can expect your initial physiotherapy visit to be around an hour long. This extended time allows for a comprehensive assessment of your condition and a collaborative discussion about your treatment goals. Subsequent follow-up sessions are generally between 30 and 45 minutes, though this can be adjusted based on your individual requirements. Your Physiotherapist will advise on the appropriate appointment length for your specific care.

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. Always check your private/extended health insurance plans, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

Manual therapy involves skilled, hands-on treatments performed by your Physiotherapist as part of your overall physiotherapy plan. These techniques are designed to assess and treat your joints, muscles, and nerves to decrease pain and improve your mobility and function. Examples include specific joint mobilizations to improve movement, soft tissue release techniques to address muscle tightness or scar tissue, and sometimes manipulations (adjustments) if indicated and appropriate for your condition and your therapist's qualifications.

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.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. Contact your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand your plan's specifics. Key things to check are: your annual maximum for physiotherapy, any per-visit limits or co-payments, whether a doctor's referral is required for reimbursement, and if your plan allows for direct billing by the clinic. If direct billing is possible, we can bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You would then be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance. Bring your insurance card and policy details to your first appointment. If direct billing is not possible, we will provide you with an official receipt to submit to your insurer.

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

Phone: (416) 813-6755

Karen G. Klar 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: XXX85

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=551ea4b3-8902-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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