Kathy Mach

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

Arthritis

• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A type of chronic inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spine (especially the sacroiliac joints and vertebrae), leading to pain, stiffness, and potential fusion of vertebrae, which can result in a stooped posture if not managed.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Other Inflammatory Arthropathies: An autoimmune condition causing chronic inflammation, pain, stiffness, swelling, and potential deformity in multiple joints, often symmetrically. Physiotherapy aims to manage pain, maintain joint function and mobility, improve strength and endurance, provide joint protection strategies, and support self-management.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Discomfort felt around the shoulder blade, at the top of the shoulder, or radiating down the arm, making simple tasks challenging.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Pain, swelling, clicking, locking, or instability in or around the knee joint from various causes like ligament sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL), meniscal tears (managed conservatively), or patellofemoral (kneecap) pain.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: A 'rolled' or twisted ankle with subsequent swelling, tenderness, and difficulty putting your full weight on the foot.
• 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.

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. Kat Mach can assess your needs.

• 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.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: Superficial heat application carefully monitored by your therapist to promote relaxation, pain relief, and enhance the effectiveness of other treatments.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: LLLT or 'cold laser' therapy to stimulate your body's natural healing processes, provide pain relief, and improve function in conditions like tendinopathies, arthritis, or soft tissue injuries.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): Employing different types of electrotherapy to support your rehabilitation goals, including promoting tissue healing or improving motor control.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: A specialized physiotherapy treatment that uses a traction table or manual techniques to gently decompress spinal structures, relieve pressure, and promote healing.
• 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.

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

• Struggling with the frustration of pain in my shins when I try to run or be active (shin splints)? Kat Mach develops individualized physiotherapy programs specifically aimed at achieving enjoying less stiffness in the mornings and throughout the day. This is key to helping you get back to doing attending concerts or theatre shows and sitting comfortably throughout with confidence and significantly reduced discomfort.
• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of general muscle strains and pulls from overdoing it at the gym or in the garden? Kat Mach works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of a better ability to cope with the physical stresses of daily life. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as playing their musical instrument (guitar, piano, violin, etc.) for extended periods.
• Living with that 'pins and needles' feeling that won't go away doesn't have to be your norm. Kat Mach applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards being able to travel more comfortably and with less planning around physical limitations, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of peacefully paddling their kayak or canoe on the lake for hours.
• The journey to greater ease with dressing, bathing, and other self-care activities when faced with persistent needing to improve my breathing patterns or lung capacity is made smoother and more effective with Kat Mach's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like using garden tools effectively and without pain.

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

Kat Mach's practice at GRIT Athletics is situated in a physiotherapy clinic in the central East York neighborhood of East York. The clinic is conveniently located near nearby parks and community recreation facilities and is accessible via local public transit routes. Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

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.

Does GRIT Athletics offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

While we do not offer direct billing at this time, we provide detailed official receipts that you can easily submit to your insurer for reimbursement according to your plan. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. Always confirm your specific coverage details, including any annual maximums, per-visit limits, or deductible requirements, directly with your insurance provider, as plans vary significantly. You are responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.

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

Patients in Ontario 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 of physiotherapy services. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

What is GRIT Athletics'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. A fee may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your 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. Check your private insurance for private clinic coverage.

GRIT Athletics
53 Laird Drive
East York, ON, M4G 3T4

Phone: (647) 512-8998

Kathy Mach 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: XXX78

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=b496079e-9702-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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