Kathy J. Jane Murphy – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Kathy J. Jane Murphy is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at University Health Network, TWH in Toronto, ON, Kathy is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Kathy focuses on 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. Kathy serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Kathy J. Jane Murphy completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 1991). With extensive clinical experience, Kathy is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Kathy has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Kathy's practice philosophy centers on empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results; Kathy promotes preventative care and long-term wellness for the Toronto community through proactive physiotherapy. Kathy offers consultations in English.

Kathy J. Jane Murphy provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Common Musculoskeletal

• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Painful neck conditions that can make head movements difficult, sometimes leading to headaches or radiating pain into the shoulders.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Pain, discomfort, or stiffness in the lumbar spine region, whether it's a sudden onset or a long-lasting issue affecting your daily life.

Sports Injury

• Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): Dull or aching pain in the front or inner part of the shin that can become sharp with activity, often felt during or after exercise.
• Muscle Strains (e.g., Hamstring, Calf, Groin, Quadriceps, Rotator Cuff): Damage to muscle tissue that can range from minor micro-tears to more significant partial or complete tears, impacting strength, power, and range of motion.
• IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): A common cause of lateral knee pain in athletes, often linked to training errors, muscle imbalances (e.g., weak hip abductors), or poor biomechanics, which physiotherapy aims to address.
• 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.

Back Neck Pain

• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Post-traumatic neck pain, restricted movement, and associated issues common after car accidents, which benefit from early and appropriate physiotherapy intervention.
• 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: 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.
• 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.

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. Kathy 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): A systematic screening process, such as FMS™ or SFMA™ (if your Physiotherapist is certified), to understand how you move and guide preventative or corrective exercise programs.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Customized strength training to address specific weaknesses identified in your assessment, helping to correct imbalances, improve movement efficiency, and achieve your physical objectives.
• 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.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Education on optimal body mechanics and corrective strategies to improve your posture during daily activities, work, and recreation.

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

• The journey to restoring normal movement patterns essential for everyday tasks when faced with persistent clicking, popping, or pain in my jaw (TMJ issues) when I eat or talk is made smoother and more effective with Kathy's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like shoveling snow or raking leaves without aggravating their back.
• When needing help to get moving again after a long period of illness or inactivity is limiting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing safely meeting the lifting requirements at their workplace, physiotherapy with Kathy can help you work towards a noticeable improvement in their gait and walking efficiency. The aim is to restore optimal function so you can comfortably and safely return to the things you love.
• Patients struggling with an awkward gait or limping when I walk can find dedicated and compassionate support from Kathy. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving increased flexibility throughout their body, particularly in their back and major joints, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as performing self-care tasks like hair washing or reaching their back.
• Are you finding that widespread muscle pain and fatigue that my doctor thinks might be fibromyalgia stops you from enjoying hitting the slopes for a full day of skiing or snowboarding in winter? Kathy is dedicated to helping patients like you achieve much better balance overall, reducing the risk of stumbles or falls through a hands-on, active approach to physiotherapy.

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

Kathy practices at University Health Network, TWH, located in the vibrant Kensington Market, Chinatown, Grange Park neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic enjoys a convenient location near Meridian Hall and is easily accessible via the TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

For your first visit, please bring your provincial health card (e.g., Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card, if applicable for any publicly funded programs or simply for identification), any relevant medical information such as a doctor's referral note (if you have one), reports from recent imaging (like X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound scans), and a list of your current medications. Also, if you plan to use private health insurance, bring your insurance card or policy details. Finally, wear or bring comfortable clothing suitable for assessment and movement.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Your first physiotherapy appointment, which includes a detailed assessment and the development of your initial treatment plan, usually takes about 60 minutes. Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled for 30 to 45 minutes. The exact duration of each session will depend on the nature of your treatment and what your Physiotherapist has planned for that specific visit to best help you progress.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

While some physiotherapy techniques might feel uncomfortable or cause a temporary increase in soreness (similar to muscle soreness after a new workout), especially when working on stiff joints or tight muscles, it should not be excessively or intolerably painful. Your Physiotherapist will discuss what sensations you might expect with different treatments and will always aim to adjust the intensity and techniques to ensure you are as comfortable as possible while still achieving therapeutic benefits. Constant communication about your comfort level is very important.

How can I book an appointment at University Health Network, TWH?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (416) 660-3509 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.

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

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (this is known as direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. It is strongly recommended that you check the specific requirements of your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

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 advised that you check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

University Health Network, TWH
399 Bathurst St
Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8

Phone: (416) 660-3509

Kathy J. Jane Murphy 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: XXX34

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=a73d74ba-8a02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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