Katherine Elizabeth Irvine – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Katherine Elizabeth Irvine is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Altum Health, Toronto Western Hospital in Toronto, ON, Katherine Irvine is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Katherine Irvine addresses a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. This includes everything from acute injuries like sprains and strains, to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. Katherine Irvine serves a diverse range of patients.

Katherine Elizabeth Irvine completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Queen's University (Graduating Class of 2008). With extensive clinical experience, Katherine Irvine is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Katherine Irvine has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Katherine Irvine empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Katherine Irvine employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Katherine Irvine offers consultations in English.

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

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Conditions like 'jumper's knee' (patellar tendinopathy), 'swimmer's shoulder' (rotator cuff tendinopathy), or 'tennis elbow' (lateral epicondylitis) caused by tendon issues that limit your ability to perform specific tasks.
• 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.

Arthritis

• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A physiotherapy approach to address the unique challenges of AS, aiming to keep you as mobile and active as possible and support your spinal health and overall well-being.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: Physiotherapy as an important part of a multidisciplinary team approach to managing rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis), helping to minimize disease impact and maximize quality of life.
• Gout (Management of Musculoskeletal Impairments): Helping you regain mobility, reduce discomfort, and improve function in affected joints after a gout episode, as part of your overall gout management plan.

Back Neck Pain

• 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.
• 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.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Sharp, shooting, electric-like, or burning pain that travels along the path of a nerve due to issues with intervertebral discs or other spinal structures.
• 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.

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. Katherine Irvine can assess your needs.

• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Education and instruction on effective and safe stretching techniques to help you maintain or improve your body's flexibility and joint mobility.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: An in-depth examination to fully understand your specific condition, allowing your Physiotherapist to create an effective and personalized rehabilitation plan.
• 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.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Graded exercise programs designed to improve your overall physical fitness, endurance, strength, and functional capacity, especially beneficial after illness, surgery, or periods of prolonged inactivity.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Providing clear guidance on self-care techniques, activity modifications, and beneficial lifestyle adjustments for long-term well-being and injury prevention.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Specialized workouts to enhance your core strength, stability, and endurance, which are crucial for injury prevention, back health, and efficient performance in daily activities and sports.

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

• Through personalized physiotherapy at Katherine Irvine's clinic, common concerns like tendonitis pain flaring up in my shoulder, knee, elbow, or foot 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 swimming laps at the pool for fitness and relaxation.
• Don't let recovering from a concussion and dealing with lingering symptoms like dizziness or headaches dictate what you can and cannot do. Katherine Irvine offers physiotherapy solutions aimed at feeling more positive, capable, and optimistic about their physical health, helping you reclaim engaging in volunteer work that might have physical demands and enjoy a more functional life.
• Tired of needing to improve my breathing patterns or lung capacity interfering with simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around their neighborhood for fresh air? Katherine Irvine uses a blend of physiotherapy techniques to help you achieve greater confidence when walking, standing, or navigating challenging environments and regain your freedom of movement.
• Physiotherapy with Katherine Irvine can be a transformative turning point for those affected by needing help to get moving again after a long period of illness or inactivity. The shared goal is achieving enhanced recovery from post-surgical procedures with fewer complications, paving the way for you to enjoy joining in on pickup basketball games at the local court and a more active, vibrant life.

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

Katherine Irvine practices at Altum Health, Toronto Western Hospital, situated in the Kensington Market, Chinatown, Grange Park neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Toronto City Hall and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

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

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a doctor's referral. This is known as direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand their specific requirements.

Approximately how many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of physiotherapy sessions required varies greatly from person to person. It depends on several factors, including the nature and severity of your condition, how long you've had the issue (acute vs. chronic), your individual treatment goals, your body's unique response to therapy, and how consistently you are able to follow your prescribed home exercise program and self-management advice. Your Physiotherapist will discuss a proposed treatment frequency and estimated duration after your initial assessment and will continually re-evaluate your progress with you.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

Physiotherapy should not be painful. While you might feel some discomfort or a stretching sensation as you work to regain movement or strength, especially in the initial stages of treatment for an acute injury or chronic stiffness, it's rarely 'painful' in a distressing or harmful way. Your Physiotherapist will guide you through each step, modify treatments to suit your comfort and tolerance, and ensure that the overall experience is positive. The ultimate aim is to make you feel better, not worse.

What are Altum Health, Toronto Western Hospital's operating hours?

Altum Health, Toronto Western Hospital 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 the clinic or check their website for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

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 Altum Health, Toronto Western Hospital or your physician directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

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 recommended that you check your private insurance coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Absolutely! Home exercises are a vital part of your rehabilitation journey and empower you to take an active role in your recovery process. Your Physiotherapist will carefully select and teach you exercises specific to your needs. These exercises help to reinforce what's done in the clinic, manage your condition effectively, and ensure you continue progressing towards your goals even when you're not in a session.

Altum Health, Toronto Western Hospital
399 Bathurst Street, Krembil Discovery Tower, 3rd Floor
Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8

Phone: (416) 603-5185

Katherine Elizabeth Irvine 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: XXX09

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=dc12c17d-8f02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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