Description
About Kathleen
Kathleen Marie Marie Luckhart is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Geriatric Physiotherapy Focus / Seniors' Health). Practicing at Toronto District School Board in Toronto, ON, Kathleen is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Kathleen focuses on the unique health needs of older adults, aiming to improve and maintain mobility, strength, balance, manage age-related conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis, reduce fall risk, and enhance overall quality of life and independence. Kathleen also serves infants, children, and adolescents.
Kathleen Marie Marie Luckhart completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Queensland (Graduating Class of 2009). With clinical experience, Kathleen Marie Marie Luckhart is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Kathleen Marie Marie Luckhart has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.
Kathleen's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy; Kathleen employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Kathleen Marie Marie Luckhart offers consultations in English, French, Spanish.
Common Health Concerns Kathleen Marie Marie Luckhart Addresses
Kathleen Marie Marie Luckhart provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:
Joint Pain
- Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.
- 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.
Geriatric
- Mobility Issues & Gait Disturbances in Seniors: Physiotherapy aimed at improving safe and efficient movement, gait quality (e.g., step length, speed, pattern), balance, and confidence in mobility for seniors. May include assessment and prescription of appropriate mobility aids (e.g., cane, walker).
- Age-Related Deconditioning / Frailty / Sarcopenia Management: A decline in physical function, muscle mass and strength (sarcopenia), and endurance commonly associated with aging or inactivity, sometimes leading to frailty, increased fall risk, and reduced ability to perform daily tasks independently.
Neurological
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Symptom Management & Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy strategies to help manage common MS symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, spasticity, balance problems, walking difficulties, pain, and bladder dysfunction, aiming to maintain function, improve quality of life, and promote self-management.
- Parkinson's Disease Management & Movement Therapy: Movement therapy designed by a Neuro Physiotherapist to address common Parkinson's symptoms like bradykinesia (slowness of movement), rigidity (stiffness), postural instability (balance problems), freezing of gait, and tremors.
- Facial Palsy / Bell's Palsy Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy for weakness or paralysis of facial muscles, often affecting one side of the face (e.g., Bell's Palsy, Ramsay Hunt syndrome, post-surgical facial nerve injury).
- Stroke (CVA) Rehabilitation: Comprehensive neurological rehabilitation provided by a Neuro Physiotherapist to help individuals regain independence, maximize their recovery potential, and adapt to any residual impairments following a stroke.
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. Kathleen can assess your needs.
Kathleen Marie Marie Luckhart's Physiotherapy Services
- Fibromyalgia & Widespread Pain Management: A holistic and supportive physiotherapy approach to managing the diffuse pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and other symptoms commonly associated with fibromyalgia.
- 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.
- Muscle Energy Techniques (MET): A form of manual therapy that actively involves you in your treatment, utilizing your body's muscular effort to achieve specific therapeutic effects on restricted joints and shortened soft tissues.
- Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Specialized manual techniques aimed at restoring normal movement and function to peripheral nerves that may be compressed, adhered, or under tension.
- Chronic & Persistent Pain Management Programs: Comprehensive strategies developed with your Physiotherapist to help you understand and live better with chronic pain, focusing on improving function, reducing pain's impact, and enhancing self-efficacy rather than solely on pain elimination.
- Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Application of precise, passive movements to joints to decrease stiffness, relieve pain, and facilitate easier, more comfortable movement.
Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Kathleen, 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.
Achieving Your Health Goals with Physiotherapy Care
At Toronto District School Board, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Kathleen frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- If my child complaining of 'growing pains' that keep them up at night is preventing you from fully enjoying getting back to their regular, consistent gym workouts, Kathleen offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining a return to intimacy without the fear of pain or discomfort, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.
- Many patients have found lasting relief from feeling generally stiff, achy, and less mobile than I used to be and achieved a better understanding of ergonomics for their work and home environment under the skilled care of Kathleen. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as resuming their weightlifting routine at the gym safely with a new lease on life.
- Many find that hip pain when I walk, climb stairs, or try to sleep on my side significantly impacts their ability to travelling more comfortably on planes, trains, or in cars for longer durations. Kathleen helps patients target a safe and confident return to their favorite sport or recreational activity with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
- Through personalized physiotherapy at Kathleen's clinic, common concerns like that burning pain between my shoulder blades from too much computer work are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of achieving their specific mobility goals, whether big or small. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue or breathlessness.
Your personalized physiotherapy plan, developed with Kathleen, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.
Clinic Location & Accessibility
Kathleen practices at Toronto District School Board, situated in the Runnymede, The Junction North neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near US Consulate and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.
Frequently Asked Questions about Physiotherapy in Toronto
- 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.
- How can I book an appointment at Toronto District School Board?
- You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (416) 951-5085 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.
- Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?
- It's helpful to bring your health card, any referral letters from other healthcare providers if you were referred, and any reports or images from relevant medical tests (X-rays, MRIs, etc.) related to your condition. If you have private insurance coverage for physiotherapy, please bring your insurance card or policy details for billing purposes. Comfortable attire that allows for easy movement during the assessment is also recommended.
- What is Toronto District School Board's appointment cancellation policy?
- We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients who may be waiting for care. A fee may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.
- 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.
Clinic Contact & Licensing Information
Toronto District School Board
2 Trethewey Drive, 4th Floor
Toronto, ON, M6N 4A8
Phone: (416) 951-5085
Kathleen Marie Marie Luckhart 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: XXX01
Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=c51c369d-9002-e811-8136-480fcfeae051
Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.