Katharine Fletcher – Physiotherapist | Etobicoke, ON

Katharine Fletcher is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at No Boundaries Health Services in Etobicoke, ON, Kate is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Kate'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. Kate serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Katharine Fletcher completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Mohawk College (Graduating Class of 1989). With extensive clinical experience, Katharine Fletcher is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Kate has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Kate employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Kate promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Etobicoke community through proactive physiotherapy and utilizes a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Katharine Fletcher offers consultations in English.

Katharine Fletcher provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Sports Injury

• 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.
• Stress Fractures (Activity-Related - Conservative Management/Rehab): A bone injury resulting from an imbalance between bone resorption and bone formation due to repetitive mechanical loading, often seen in runners or athletes who rapidly increase their training.
• IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): Pain, typically sharp or burning, located on the outside (lateral aspect) of the knee, or sometimes the hip. Common in runners, cyclists, and other endurance athletes, caused by irritation or inflammation of the iliotibial (IT) band as it rubs over bony prominences.

Back Neck Pain

• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Nerve compression symptoms due to a narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal or the small openings where nerves exit the spine (foramina), most commonly in the lumbar (lower back) or cervical (neck) regions.
• 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.
• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Discomfort, aching, stiffness, or muscle fatigue in the back or neck arising from sustained or awkward postures during daily activities, prolonged work (e.g., desk work, computer use), or sleep.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Pain, pins and needles, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg resulting from irritation or compression of a spinal nerve, often managed effectively with physiotherapy techniques like McKenzie method or neural mobilization.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Common shoulder problems such as rotator cuff issues (tendinopathy, small tears), impingement syndrome, or adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) significantly affecting arm function and daily comfort.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Discomfort, limited range of motion, and persistent tension in the cervical spine (neck), often related to posture, an injury, stress, or sleeping position.
• Hip Pain (e.g., Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Labral Issues - conservative): Pain affecting the hip joint and surrounding musculature, which can limit activities like walking, standing for long periods, rising from a chair, or lying on the affected side.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries (General - Tendinitis, Bursitis, Capsulitis, Sprains, Strains): Acute or chronic pain originating from various musculoskeletal sources, such as a pulled muscle (strain), inflamed tendon, or irritated bursa.

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. Kate can assess your needs.

• 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: Customized exercise plans designed to help you recover from injury, manage chronic conditions, improve physical performance, and achieve your functional goals safely and effectively.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Comprehensive exercise plans developed by your Physiotherapist to combat deconditioning, enhance overall physical well-being, and promote an active lifestyle.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Progressive resistance training programs designed by your Physiotherapist to improve muscle performance, support joint health, and enhance functional capacity for daily life or sport.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Gentle, specific movements and mobilizations designed to address nerve-related pain (like sciatica or carpal tunnel symptoms), tingling, numbness, or restrictions by improving the nerve's ability to glide freely and reducing irritation.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Kate, 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 No Boundaries Health Services, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Kate frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Many find that facial weakness or drooping on one side (like Bell's Palsy) significantly impacts their ability to resuming their weightlifting routine at the gym safely. Kate helps patients target sleeping more soundly through the night due to reduced pain and discomfort with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of dealing with pelvic pain or bladder/bowel control issues (for both men and women)? Kate works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of reduced swelling and inflammation in injured areas. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as being able to kneel or squat down to play with pets or children.
• Are you finding that managing stiffness, tremors, and movement challenges with Parkinson's disease stops you from enjoying attending and enjoying their children's or grandchildren's sporting events? Kate is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve improved balance and coordination, leading to safer and more confident mobility in seniors through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.
• Living with trouble with everyday tasks because of pain or weakness in my hands or grip doesn't have to be your norm. Kate applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards a significantly reduced risk of falling, enhancing safety and independence, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of comfortably cooking and meal prepping for their family.

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

Kate practices at No Boundaries Health Services, a physiotherapy clinic in the central Etobicoke neighborhood of Etobicoke. The clinic is conveniently located near nearby parks and community recreation facilities and is accessible via local public transit routes. Our clinic is accessible. 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 to see a physiotherapist, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for coverage 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?

During your first visit, the Physiotherapist will conduct a detailed evaluation to get a full picture of your condition. This usually involves a thorough discussion about your symptoms, how they impact your daily life, any relevant medical history, and your personal goals for therapy. A physical assessment will then be performed to help pinpoint the cause of your problem and assess your physical capabilities. Afterwards, your therapist will explain their findings, collaborate with you to set treatment goals, and outline a proposed plan of care. You'll likely receive some initial advice, exercises, or hands-on treatment to begin your recovery journey.

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

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services provided in private outpatient clinics. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in certain situations, such as post-hospitalization for specific conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams. Eligibility criteria are strict, and waitlists may exist. It's essential to check your private insurance plan for coverage, as many private insurers offer significant physiotherapy benefits for services in private clinics. Always verify your specific eligibility for any public coverage directly with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

Can physiotherapy help prevent injuries or recurring pain?

Yes, absolutely! Physiotherapy plays a significant role in injury prevention and managing recurring pain. Your Physiotherapist can identify underlying risk factors such as muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, postural issues, or biomechanical inefficiencies. By addressing these through targeted exercises, education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic advice, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce your risk of initial injury, prevent re-injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively, keeping you active and healthy.

Is there parking available at or near No Boundaries Health Services?

Ample free parking is available for patients directly in front of and beside the building. Look for the designated patient parking spots.

No Boundaries Health Services
80 N Queen St, Suite 101
Etobicoke, ON, M8Z 2C9

Phone: (416) 234-9990

Katharine Fletcher 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: XXX37

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=5054ef7e-8a02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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